WO2021206366A1 - Electronic device including antenna and method for controlling output associated with antenna in electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments related to an electronic device including an antenna are disclosed. An electronic device, according to one embodiment, comprises: a foldable housing comprising a hinge structure, a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and a second housing structure connected to the hinge structure and folded or unfolded with the first housing structure with respect to the hinge structure; a flexible display disposed on the first and second housing structures; first and second antenna arrays including a plurality of first and second antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure; and a director including a plurality of director elements disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure, wherein the plurality of director elements face the plurality of second antenna elements in a state where the first and second housing structures are folded, and may be coupled to at least some antenna elements of the plurality of second antenna elements. In addition, various other embodiments are also possible.

Description

An electronic device including an antenna and a method for controlling an output associated with the antenna in the electronic device

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including an antenna.

In a wireless communication system, an electronic device (eg, user equipment (UE) or mobile device) accesses a wireless communication network to access a wireless communication network, and as voice communication or data communication technology develops, information and communication technologies develop while moving or moving. Various functions are being integrated into one electronic device. For example, a smart phone includes a function of a sound reproducing device, an imaging device, or an electronic notebook as well as a communication function, and more various functions may be implemented in the smart phone through additional installation of an application.

The user is not limited to functions (eg, applications) or information installed in the electronic device itself, and may search, select, and obtain more information by accessing a network. In accessing a network, a direct access method (eg, wired communication) may provide fast and stable communication establishment, but the utilization area may be limited to a fixed location or a certain amount of space. In accessing the network, the wireless communication method has few restrictions on location or space, and the transmission speed and stability of the wireless communication method are gradually reaching the same level as the direct access method. expected to provide

As the use of personal and portable electronic devices such as smart phones has become common, demands for portability and usability are increasing. For example, an electronic device having a foldable structure may provide an improved multimedia environment through a wider screen while being easy to carry.

In a miniaturized electronic device or a foldable electronic device, it may be difficult to secure a communication environment in different frequency bands. For example, an operating environment independent of each other (eg, sufficient spacing) should be provided for antennas, but it may be difficult to secure such an environment in a miniaturized electronic device or a foldable structure electronic device. Moreover, in the electronic device of the foldable structure, a structure or space in which an antenna can be disposed may be further narrowed. For example, in order to have flexibility, a structure such as a housing may be thinner, so that it may be more difficult to secure an antenna arrangement space. In an embodiment, in an electronic device having a foldable structure, in a state in which the structure of the electronic device is folded, the transmit/receive signal of the antenna may be distorted or blocked due to the structure. As a result, the performance of the antenna may be deteriorated, and the operating environment of the antenna may be changed.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device including an antenna that exhibits stable operating performance even in a folded state of structures, and an output control method associated with the antenna in the electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device including an antenna capable of exhibiting stable operating performance in structures in an unfolded state, a folded state, or a hand grip, and an antenna in an electronic device It is possible to provide an output control method associated with the .

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a foldable housing, comprising: a hinge structure; a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure; the foldable housing connected to the hinge structure and including a second housing structure that is folded or unfolded with the first housing structure around the hinge structure; a flexible display disposed on the first and second housing structures; first and second antenna arrays including a plurality of first and second antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure; and a director including a plurality of director elements disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure, wherein the plurality of director elements are disposed in the plurality of second housing structures when the first and second housing structures are folded. It faces the antenna elements and may be coupled with at least some of the plurality of second antenna elements.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an output associated with an antenna in an electronic device includes: checking whether first and second housing structures of the electronic device are in a folded state using at least one sensor; at least some of the plurality of first antennas disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure and at least a portion of the second housing structure disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure based on whether the first and second housing structures are in a folded state or an unfolded state checking whether the plurality of second antennas are coupled; checking first control information or second control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements based on whether at least some of the plurality of first antennas and the plurality of second antennas are coupled; and controlling an output associated with the plurality of first antenna elements through a communication circuit of the electronic device based on the confirmation of the first control information or the second control information.

In the storage medium storing instructions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the instructions are executed by at least one processor, the at least one processor is configured to perform at least one operation, and the at least one operation checking whether the first and second housing structures of the electronic device are in a folded state using at least one sensor; at least some of the plurality of first antennas disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure and at least a portion of the second housing structure disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure based on whether the first and second housing structures are in a folded state or an unfolded state checking whether the plurality of second antennas are coupled; checking first control information or second control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements based on whether at least some of the plurality of first antennas and the plurality of second antennas are coupled; and controlling an output associated with the plurality of first antenna elements through a communication circuit of the electronic device based on the confirmation of the first control information or the second control information.

An electronic device including an antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, faces a plurality of second antenna elements included in a second antenna array in a folded state of the electronic device, and the plurality of The plurality of first and second antenna elements and the plurality of director elements are coupled to at least some of the second antenna elements of It is possible to prevent deterioration of the radiation performance of the antenna that may occur in the folded state of the electronic device, thereby stably transmitting and receiving signals of the antenna.

In addition, in an electronic device including an antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of first and second antenna elements and the plurality of director elements have structures in an unfolded state, a folded state, and reception strength. By controlling the output associated with the antenna element according to each state in a state or a hand grip state, it is possible to maintain stable operating performance of the antenna.

Other aspects, features and benefits as described above of certain preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

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

2 is a block diagram of an electronic device for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

3A is a view showing an embodiment of the structure of the third antenna module described with reference to FIG. 2, (a) of FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the third antenna module viewed from one side, b) is a perspective view of the third antenna module viewed from the other side, and (c) of FIG. 3A is a cross-section taken along X-X' of the third antenna module.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-section along the line Y-Y' of the third antenna module shown in FIG. 3A (a).

4 is a diagram illustrating a director including first and second antenna arrays including a plurality of first and second antenna elements and a plurality of director elements in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; am.

5A illustrates third and fourth antenna arrays including a plurality of third and fourth antenna elements, a director including a plurality of director elements, and a flexible display in an unfolded state of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is the drawing shown.

5B illustrates a third and fourth antenna array including a plurality of third and fourth antenna elements, a director including a plurality of director elements, and a flexible display in an unfolded state of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is the drawing shown.

6A is a diagram illustrating a plurality of third and fourth antenna elements and a flexible display in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

6B is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of first and second antenna elements are coupled in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

7A is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of first and second antenna arrays and a director in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

7B is a side view illustrating another embodiment of first and second antenna arrays and a director in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

8A is a diagram illustrating first and second antenna modules in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure;

8B is a diagram illustrating first and second antenna modules and a flexible display in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure;

8C is a diagram illustrating first and second antenna modules and a flexible display in a folded state of an electronic device according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8D is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 8C .

8E is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection between a second antenna module and a communication circuit according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure;

9A is a diagram illustrating radiation patterns of a plurality of first, second, third, and fourth antenna elements in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

9B is a diagram illustrating radiation patterns of a plurality of first, second, third, and fourth antenna elements in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

10A is a diagram illustrating first and second antenna arrays including a plurality of first and second antenna elements, a director including a plurality of director elements, and a flexible display in an unfolded state of an electronic device, according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is a drawing.

10B is a diagram illustrating first and second antenna arrays including a plurality of first and second antenna elements, a director including a plurality of director elements, and a flexible display in an unfolded state of an electronic device, according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is a drawing.

11 is a diagram illustrating a first and second antenna array including a plurality of first and second antenna elements and a director including a plurality of director elements in a folded state of an electronic device, according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure;

12A is a diagram illustrating an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements and a director including a plurality of director elements in a state in which the flexible display of the electronic device is unfolded, according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure;

12B is a diagram illustrating an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements and a director including a plurality of director elements in a state in which the flexible display of the electronic device is accommodated, according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure;

13 is a diagram illustrating a director and a flexible display including an antenna array included in a plurality of first antenna elements and a plurality of second antenna elements in an unfolded state of an electronic device, according to still other various embodiments of the present disclosure; am.

14 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of first antenna elements and a plurality of second antenna elements in a folded state of an electronic device according to still other various embodiments of the present disclosure;

15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

16 is a diagram illustrating a communication module and an antenna module of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating an example of a first antenna module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

18A to 18D are diagrams illustrating an example of a plurality of second antenna elements according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

19A to 19D are diagrams illustrating examples in which some of a plurality of first antenna elements and a plurality of second antenna elements are coupled according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of controlling an output associated with an antenna in an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of controlling an output associated with an antenna based on a folded state and a received signal strength in an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of controlling an output associated with an antenna based on detection of a folded state and a grip in an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

According to various embodiments of FIG. 1 , it is a block diagram of the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 .

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 a single 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 non-volatile 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 graphic processing unit, an image signal processor) that can operate 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 auxiliary processor 123 may be, for example, 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 coprocessor 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 by 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, or a keyboard.

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, 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 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 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 infrared data association (IrDA)) 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 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 197 may include one or more antennas, from which at least one suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 . An antenna of may be selected by, for example, the communication module 190 . 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.

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.

2 is a block diagram 200 of an electronic device 101 for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the electronic device 101 includes a first communication processor 212 , a second communication processor 214 , a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 222 , a second RFIC 224 , and a third RFIC 226 , a fourth RFIC 228 , a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) 232 , a second RFFE 234 , a first antenna module 242 , a second antenna module 244 , and an antenna (248). The electronic device 101 may further include a processor 120 and a memory 130 . The network 199 may include a first network 292 and a second network 294 . According to another embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include at least one component among the components illustrated in FIG. 1 , and the network 199 may further include at least one other network. According to an embodiment, a first communication processor 212 , a second communication processor 214 , a first RFIC 222 , a second RFIC 224 , a fourth RFIC 228 , a first RFFE 232 , and the second RFFE 234 may form at least a part of the wireless communication module 192 . According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC 228 may be omitted or may be included as a part of the third RFIC 226 .

The first communication processor 212 may support establishment of a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with the first network 292 and legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first network may be a legacy network including a second generation (2G), 3G, 4G, or long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor 214 establishes a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (eg, about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network 294 , and 5G network communication through the established communication channel can support According to various embodiments, the second network 294 may be a 5G network defined by 3GPP. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor 212 or the second communication processor 214 is configured to correspond to another designated band (eg, about 6 GHz or less) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network 294 . It is possible to support the establishment of a communication channel, and 5G network communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the first communication processor 212 and the second communication processor 214 may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor 212 or the second communication processor 214 may be formed in a single chip or a single package with the processor 120 , the coprocessor 123 , or the communication module 190 . have.

The first RFIC 222, when transmitting, transmits a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor 212 to about 700 MHz to about 3 GHz used in the first network 292 (eg, a legacy network). can be converted to a radio frequency (RF) signal of Upon reception, an RF signal is obtained from a first network 292 (eg, a legacy network) via an antenna (eg, a first antenna module 242 ), and via an RFFE (eg, a first RFFE 232 ). It can be preprocessed. The first RFIC 222 may convert the preprocessed RF signal into a baseband signal to be processed by the first communication processor 212 .

The second RFIC 224, when transmitting, transmits the baseband signal generated by the first communication processor 212 or the second communication processor 214 to the second network 294 (eg, a 5G network). It can be converted into an RF signal (hereinafter, 5G Sub6 RF signal) of the Sub6 band (eg, about 6 GHz or less). Upon reception, a 5G Sub6 RF signal is obtained from the second network 294 (eg, 5G network) via an antenna (eg, second antenna module 244 ), and RFFE (eg, second RFFE 234 ) can be pre-processed. The second RFIC 224 may convert the preprocessed 5G Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal to be processed by a corresponding one of the first communication processor 212 or the second communication processor 214 .

The third RFIC 226 transmits the baseband signal generated by the second communication processor 214 to the RF of the 5G Above6 band (eg, about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) to be used in the second network 294 (eg, 5G network). It can be converted into a signal (hereinafter referred to as 5G Above6 RF signal). Upon reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second network 294 (eg, 5G network) via an antenna (eg, antenna 248 ) and pre-processed via a third RFFE 236 . The third RFIC 226 may convert the preprocessed 5G Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal to be processed by the second communication processor 214 . According to one embodiment, the third RFFE 236 may be formed as part of the third RFIC 226 .

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include the fourth RFIC 228 separately from or as at least a part of the third RFIC 226 . In this case, the fourth RFIC 228 converts the baseband signal generated by the second communication processor 214 into an RF signal (hereinafter, IF signal) of an intermediate frequency band (eg, about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz). After conversion, the IF signal may be transmitted to the third RFIC 226 . The third RFIC 226 may convert the IF signal into a 5G Above6 RF signal. Upon reception, a 5G Above6 RF signal may be received from a second network 294 (eg, 5G network) via an antenna (eg, antenna 248 ) and converted into an IF signal by a third RFIC 226 . . The fourth RFIC 228 may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal for processing by the second communication processor 214 .

According to one embodiment, the first RFIC 222 and the second RFIC 224 may be implemented as a single chip or at least a part of a single package. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE 232 and the second RFFE 234 may be implemented as at least a part of a single chip or a single package. According to an example, at least one antenna module of the first antenna module 242 or the second antenna module 244 may be omitted or may be combined with another antenna module to process RF signals of a plurality of corresponding bands.

According to an embodiment, the third RFIC 226 and the antenna 248 may be disposed on the same substrate to form the third antenna module 246 . For example, the wireless communication module 192 or the processor 120 may be disposed on the first substrate (eg, main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC 226 is located in a partial area (eg, bottom) of the second substrate (eg, sub PCB) separate from the first substrate, and the antenna 248 is located in another partial region (eg, top). is disposed, the third antenna module 246 may be formed. By disposing the third RFIC 226 and the antenna 248 on the same substrate, it is possible to reduce the length of the transmission line therebetween. This, for example, can reduce loss (eg, attenuation) of a signal in a high-frequency band (eg, about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) used for 5G network communication by a transmission line. Accordingly, the electronic device 101 may improve the quality or speed of communication with the second network 294 (eg, a 5G network).

According to an example, the antenna 248 may be formed as an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements that can be used for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC 226 may include, for example, as a part of the third RFFE 236 , a plurality of phase shifters 238 corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements. During transmission, each of the plurality of phase shifters 238 may transform the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a base station of a 5G network) through a corresponding antenna element. . Upon reception, each of the plurality of phase shifters 238 may convert the phase of the 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside through a corresponding antenna element into the same or substantially the same phase. This enables transmission or reception through beamforming between the electronic device 101 and the outside.

The second network 294 (eg, 5G network) may be operated independently (eg, Stand-Alone (SA)) or connected to the first network 292 (eg, legacy network) (eg: Non-Stand Alone (NSA)). For example, the 5G network may have only an access network (eg, 5G radio access network (RAN) or next generation RAN (NG RAN)) and no core network (eg, next generation core (NGC)). In this case, after accessing the access network of the 5G network, the electronic device 101 may access an external network (eg, the Internet) under the control of a core network (eg, evolved packed core (EPC)) of the legacy network. Protocol information for communication with a legacy network (eg, LTE protocol information) or protocol information for communication with a 5G network (eg, New Radio (NR) protocol information) is stored in the memory 130 , and other components (eg, processor 120 , the first communication processor 212 , or the second communication processor 214 ).

FIG. 3A shows, for example, one embodiment of the structure of the third antenna module 246 described with reference to FIG. 2 . 3A (a) is a perspective view of the third antenna module 246 viewed from one side, and FIG. 3A (b) is a perspective view of the third antenna module 246 viewed from the other side. 3A (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along X-X′ of the third antenna module 246 .

Referring to FIG. 3A , in one embodiment, the third antenna module 246 is a printed circuit board 310 , an antenna array 330 , a radio frequency integrate circuit (RFIC) 352 , or a power manage integrate circuit (PMIC). ) (354). Optionally, the third antenna module 346 may further include a shielding member 390 . In other embodiments, at least one of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or at least two of the above-mentioned components may be integrally formed.

The printed circuit board 310 may include a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of non-conductive layers alternately stacked with the conductive layers. The printed circuit board 310 may provide an electrical connection between the printed circuit board 310 and/or various electronic components disposed outside by using wires and conductive vias formed in the conductive layer.

Antenna array 330 (eg, 248 of FIG. 2 ) may include a plurality of antenna elements 332 , 334 , 336 , or 338 arranged to form a directional beam. The antenna elements 332 , 334 , 336 , or 338 may be formed on the first surface of the printed circuit board 310 as shown. According to another embodiment, the antenna array 330 may be formed inside the printed circuit board 310 . According to embodiments, the antenna array 330 may include a plurality of antenna arrays (eg, a dipole antenna array and/or a patch antenna array) of the same or different shape or type.

The RFIC 352 (eg, 226 in FIG. 2 ) may be disposed in another area of the printed circuit board 310 (eg, a second side opposite the first side) that is spaced apart from the antenna array. have. The RFIC is configured to process a signal of a selected frequency band, which is transmitted/received through the antenna array 330 . According to an embodiment, the RFIC 352 may convert a baseband signal obtained from a communication processor (not shown) into an RF signal of a designated band during transmission. Upon reception, the RFIC 352 may convert the RF signal received through the antenna array 330 into a baseband signal and transmit it to the communication processor.

According to another embodiment, the RFIC 352, at the time of transmission, an IF signal (eg, about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz) obtained from an intermediate frequency integrate circuit (IFIC) (eg, 228 in FIG. 2 ) in a selected band It can be up-converted to an RF signal of Upon reception, the RFIC 352 may down-convert the RF signal obtained through the antenna array 330, convert it into an IF signal, and transmit it to the IFIC.

The PMIC 354 may be disposed in another partial area (eg, the second surface) of the printed circuit board 310 spaced apart from the antenna array 330 . The PMIC may receive a voltage from a main PCB (not shown) to provide power required for various components (eg, the RFIC 352 ) on the antenna module.

A shielding member 390 may be disposed on a portion (eg, the second side) of the printed circuit board 310 to electromagnetically shield at least one of the RFIC 352 or the PMIC 354 . According to an embodiment, the shielding member 390 may include a shield can.

Although not shown, in various embodiments, the third antenna module 246 may be electrically connected to another printed circuit board (eg, a main circuit board) through a module interface. The module interface may include a connection member, for example, a coaxial cable connector, a board to board connector, an interposer, or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The RFIC 352 and/or the PMIC 354 of the antenna module may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board through the connection member.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-section along the line Y-Y' of the third antenna module 246 shown in FIG. 3A (a). The printed circuit board 310 of the illustrated embodiment may include an antenna layer 311 and a network layer 313 .

Referring to FIG. 3B , the antenna layer 311 includes at least one dielectric layer 337 - 1 , and an antenna element 336 and/or a feeder 325 formed on or inside the outer surface of the dielectric layer. may include The feeding unit 325 may include a feeding point 327 and/or a feeding line 329 .

The network layer 313 includes at least one dielectric layer 337 - 2 , and at least one ground layer 333 formed on or inside the outer surface of the dielectric layer, at least one conductive via 335 , and a transmission line. 323 , and/or a signal line 328 .

In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the RFIC 352 (eg, the third RFIC 226 in FIG. 2 ) of FIG. It may be electrically connected to the network layer 413 through 340 - 1 and 340 - 2 . In other embodiments, various connection structures (eg, solder or BGA) may be used instead of connections. The RFIC 352 may be electrically connected to the antenna element 336 through a first connection unit 340 - 1 , a transmission line 323 , and a power supply unit 325 . The RFIC 352 may also be electrically connected to the ground layer 333 through the second connection part 340 - 2 and the conductive via 335 . Although not shown, the RFIC 352 may also be electrically connected to the above-mentioned module interface through the signal line 328 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating first and second antenna arrays 471 and 472 and a director 480 in an unfolded state of the electronic device 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5A is a diagram of the present disclosure. It is a diagram illustrating the third and fourth antenna arrays 471 and 472 , the director 480 , and the flexible display 430 in an unfolded state of the electronic device 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating the director 480 and the flexible display 430 in an unfolded state of the electronic device 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

4 to 5A and 5B , the electronic device 400 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , or may include another embodiment of the electronic device 400 . For example, the electronic device 400 may include a foldable housing 400a , a first housing structure 410 , a second housing structure 420 , and a flexible display 430 .

The electronic device 400 includes the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 and the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 that are rotatably coupled through a hinge structure 460 to be folded with respect to each other. It may include a flexible display 430 disposed in the space formed by the . In one embodiment, the electronic device 400 includes the foldable housing 400a in which the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 are rotatably coupled from a folded position facing each other to a position parallel to each other. may include In this document, the surface on which the flexible display 430 is disposed may be defined as the front surface of the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 , and opposite surfaces of the front surface are the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 . can be defined as the back side of Also, a surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 .

The electronic device 400 may change to a folded status or an unfolded status. In the electronic device 400 , when viewed in the hinge axis direction (eg, in a direction parallel to the Z axis), the front surface of the first housing structure 410 and the front surface of the second housing structure 420 are in the hinge axis direction. 'In-folding', which is rotated and folded to face each other, and the rear surface of the first housing structure 410 and the rear surface of the second housing structure 420 are rotated about the hinge axis direction. It can be folded in two types: 'out-folding' that folds face to face. For example, the foldable housing 400a of the electronic device may include an in-folding type foldable housing or an out-folding type foldable housing. For example, the in-folding type foldable housing may mean a state in which the flexible display 400 is not exposed to the outside in a fully folded state. The out-folding type foldable housing 400a may mean a state in which the flexible display 430 is exposed to the outside in a fully folded state.

Hereinafter, for convenience, the out-folding type foldable housing 400a will be mainly described.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 above, the foldable housing 400a includes a first housing structure 410 , a second housing structure 420 , a first rear cover 440 , and a second rear surface including a sensor area. A cover 450 may be included.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 are disposed on both sides about a first axis, for example, a folding axis A, and with respect to the folding axis A It may have an overall symmetrical shape. In some embodiments, the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 may rotate with respect to the hinge structure 460 about different folding axes A. As shown in FIG. For example, the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge structure 460 , respectively, with respect to the folding axis A or on different folding axes. By respectively rotating with respect to each other, it is possible to rotate from a folded position to a position inclined with respect to each other or a position side by side with respect to each other.

In an embodiment, the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 may be in an unfolded state, a flat state, or an open state, or a folded state of the electronic device 400 . ), the angle or distance between each other may vary. According to one embodiment, the first housing structure 410 is different from the second housing structure 420 , the protrusion ( 401) may be included. The protrusion 401 may have a mutually symmetrical shape in other regions. In another embodiment, the protrusion 402 including the sensor arrangement area 401 may be additionally disposed or replaced in at least a partial area of the second housing structure 420 .

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 5A and B above, the first housing structure 410 is connected to the hinge structure 460 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 400 , and the electronic device 400 . of the space between the first surface 411, the second surface 412 facing the opposite direction of the first surface 411, and the first surface 411 and the second surface 412 It may include a first side 413 surrounding at least a portion.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 5A and B, the second housing structure 420 is connected to the hinge structure and faces the front of the electronic device 400 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 400 . The disposed third surface 421 , the fourth surface 422 facing the opposite direction of the third surface 421 , and at least a portion of the space between the third surface 421 and the fourth surface 422 surrounds A second side 423 may be included. In some embodiments, although there are some differences in specific shapes, the second side surface 423 may be made of substantially the same shape or material as the first side surface 413 .

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure 410 is first and second antenna arrays including a plurality of first and second antenna elements 471a and 472a, as shown in FIGS. 471 and 472 may be disposed, and a director 480 including a plurality of director elements 481 may be disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure 420 . The first antenna elements 471a may be patch antennas. For example, the plurality of first antenna elements 471a may be disposed on a first circuit board 470a, and at least a portion of the first circuit board 470a has a plurality of director elements included in the director 480 . Second antenna elements 472a included in 472 may be included in a second antenna array coupled to 481 . The second antenna elements 472a may be dipole antennas. The first circuit board 470a may electrically connect the plurality of first antenna elements 471a and the second antenna element 472a and a communication circuit to each other.

According to an embodiment, the director 480 including the plurality of director elements 481 may be disposed on a second circuit board 480a, and the second circuit board 481a on which the director 480 is disposed. ) may be disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure 420 .

According to an embodiment, the second circuit board 481a may be formed of a conductor, a conductive tape, or a conductive adhesive. For example, the director 480 including the plurality of director elements 481 may be disposed on the conductor, and the conductor on which the director 480 is disposed is attached to the second housing structure 420 and disposed. can be Here, for the second circuit board 481a, the conductor, the conductive tape, or the conductive adhesive will be exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second circuit board 481a may be variously applied as long as it has a configuration that can be disposed by attaching the director to the second housing structure 420 in addition to the conductor, the conductive tape, or the conductive adhesive.

According to an embodiment, the first circuit board 470a and the second circuit board 480a may include a flexible part. For example, a portion of the first circuit board 470a on which the second antenna array 472 is disposed may be a flexible printed circuit board, and a portion on which the first antenna array 471 is disposed may be a rigid printed circuit board. can be

4 , the first and second antenna arrays 471 and 472 may be disposed on at least a portion of the protrusion 401 formed on the rear surface of the first housing structure 410 .

In this way, the processor or the communication circuit may perform wireless communication using the plurality of first and second antenna elements 471 and 472 electrically connected by the first and second circuit boards 470a and 480a. The processor or the communication circuit may be electrically connected to the plurality of first and second antenna elements 471 and 481 by conductive elements (eg, conductive patterns, connectors, pogo pins, cclips, etc.).

In an embodiment, when the out-folding type foldable housing 400a of the electronic device 400 is in an unfolded state (eg, the state of FIGS. 4 to 5A and B) , the plurality of first antenna elements 471 of the first housing structure 410 may be used as antennas. For example, the plurality of first antenna elements 471 of the first housing structure 410 are supplied with current and are electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit, and the plurality of first antenna elements 471 are An antenna radiation pattern may be formed according to the flow of current.

In addition, as previously shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , at least a portion of the first housing structure 410 is a third and fourth antenna array 471 including a plurality of third and fourth antenna element elements 471a-1 and 472a-1. -1, 472-1) may be disposed. For example, the third and fourth antenna arrays 471-1 and 472-1 may be disposed on the front surface of the first housing structure. The plurality of third and fourth antenna elements 471a - 1 and 472a - 1 may be disposed on a third circuit board 470a - 1 . For example, the processor or the communication circuit may perform wireless communication using the plurality of third and fourth antenna elements 471-1 and 472-1 electrically connected by the third circuit board 470a-1. can Accordingly, the plurality of third antenna elements 471-1a of the first housing structure 410 may be used as antennas. For example, the plurality of third antenna elements 471-1a of the first housing structure 410 are supplied with a current, and are electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit, and the plurality of third antenna elements 471 -1a) may form an antenna radiation pattern according to the flow of current.

6A is a diagram illustrating a plurality of first antenna elements and a flexible display in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6B is an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is a view showing a state in which a plurality of first and second antenna elements are coupled in a folded state.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , when the out-folding type foldable housing of the electronic device 400 is in a folded state, the rear surface of the first housing structure 410 and the The rear surfaces of the second housing structure 420 may be disposed to face each other. In this case, the plurality of first and second antenna elements 471 and 472 included in the antenna array 470 of the first housing structure 410 and the director 480 of the second housing structure 420 are provided. The included plurality of director elements 481 may also be disposed to face each other. For example, the plurality of first and second antenna elements 471 and 472 and the plurality of director elements 481 may include the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 as the hinge structure. When folded by 460 , they may face each other. For example, the plurality of first and second antenna elements 471 , 472 may be positioned anywhere in the first housing structure 410 to face the plurality of director elements 481 . Likewise, the plurality of director elements 481 may also be positioned anywhere in the second housing structure 420 to face the plurality of first and second antenna elements 471 , 472 .

In a state in which the plurality of second antenna elements 472 and the plurality of director elements 481 face each other, the plurality of director elements 481 may be coupled to the plurality of second antenna elements 472 . can When the plurality of director elements 481 are coupled in this way, the plurality of second antenna elements 472 may be electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit. In this case, an antenna radiation pattern may be formed in the plurality of director elements 481 according to the flow of current. Accordingly, the plurality of director elements 481 may be coupled with the plurality of second antenna elements 472 in a folded state of the electronic device to be used as a director, and the plurality of director elements may be used as a director. (481) can prevent the degradation of the radiation performance of the antenna, thereby stably transmitting and receiving the signal of the antenna.

According to an embodiment, the director 480 including the plurality of director elements 481 may increase the sensitivity to the signal of the antenna and also the directivity in order to prevent deterioration of the radiation performance of the antenna. In addition, the director 480 may guide antenna radiation in the direction of the director 480 disposed in the second housing structure 420 (eg, the X direction of FIG. 6B ).

In one embodiment, the antenna array 470 may include an active antenna array, and the director 480 may include a passive antenna array. The second antenna element 472 may include a patch antenna element, a dipole antenna element, or a director element.

In one embodiment, the first and second antenna arrays or the director may include a patch antenna array and a dipole antenna array. In the present embodiment, the first and second antenna arrays or the director will be described as examples of a patch antenna array and a dipole antenna array, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first and second antenna arrays or the director may be variously applied as long as the first and second antenna arrays are antenna arrays capable of performing wireless communication.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of first and second antenna elements 471 and 472 and the plurality of director elements 481 may include a patch antenna element or a dipole antenna element.

7A is a three-dimensional view illustrating another embodiment of the first and second antenna arrays 570a and 570b and the directors 580 in a folded state of the electronic device 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 7b is a side view illustrating another embodiment of the first and second antenna arrays 570a and 570b and the directors 580 in the folded state of the electronic device 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , the first antenna array 570a includes a first circuit board 571 and a plurality of first antenna elements 572 , and the second antenna array 570b includes a second circuit board 571 . It may include a substrate 573 , a plurality of second antenna elements 574 , and a plurality of first coupling elements 575 , and a first flexible space is provided between the first and second circuit boards 571 and 573 . A circuit board (FPCB) 576 may be included. For example, the first circuit board 571 may be disposed on the first surface 411 of the first housing structure 410 facing the first direction, and in this state, the first circuit board 571 ) may be disposed on the upper surface of the plurality of first antenna elements 572 . The second circuit board 573 may be disposed on the first side surface 413 that at least partially surrounds the space between the first surface 411 and the second surface 412 . In this state, the plurality of second antenna elements 574 and the plurality of first coupling elements 575 may be disposed on at least a portion of the second circuit board 573 .

In this case, the first circuit board 571 may be electrically connected to the plurality of first antenna elements 572 , and the second circuit board 573 includes the plurality of second antenna elements 574 and It may be electrically connected to the plurality of first coupling elements 575 .

The first flexible circuit board 576 may be disposed between the first and second circuit boards 571 and 573 and electrically connect the first and second circuit boards 571 and 573 to the plurality of circuit boards. The first and second antenna elements 572 and 574 and the plurality of first coupling elements 575 may be electrically connected. The plurality of first and second antenna elements 572 and 574 and the plurality of first coupling elements 575 may be supplied with a current, and the plurality of first and second antenna elements 572 and 574 may be connected to each other. And the plurality of first coupling elements 575 may be formed with an antenna radiation pattern according to the flow of current.

In one embodiment, the first and second antenna arrays 570a and 570b may include a patch antenna array or a dipole antenna array, and the plurality of first antenna elements 572 may include a patch antenna element or a dipole antenna element. may include, and the plurality of second antenna elements 574 may include a patch antenna element or a dipole antenna element. The plurality of first coupling elements 575 may include a patch antenna element, a dipole antenna element, or a director element.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , the director 580 may include first and second directors 580a and 580b and a second flexible circuit board (FPCB) 586 . For example, the first director 580a includes a third circuit board 581 and a plurality of first director elements 582 , and the second director 580b includes a fourth circuit board 583 and a plurality of first director elements 582 . It may include two director elements 584 , and a plurality of second coupling elements 585 . For example, the third circuit board 581 may be disposed on the third surface 421 of the second housing structure 420 facing the third direction, and in this state, the third circuit board 581 is ) may be disposed on the upper surface of the plurality of second director elements 582 . The fourth circuit board 583 may be disposed on the second side surface 425 that at least partially surrounds the space between the third surface 421 and the fourth surface 322 . In this state, the plurality of second director elements 584 may be disposed on at least a portion of the fourth circuit board 583 .

In this case, the third circuit board 581 may be electrically connected to the plurality of second director elements 582 , and the fourth circuit board 585 may include the plurality of second director elements 584 and It may be electrically connected to the second coupling element 585 .

The second flexible circuit board 586 may be disposed between the third and fourth circuit boards 581 and 583 and electrically connect the third and fourth circuit boards 581 and 585 to the plurality of circuit boards. The first and second director elements 582 and 584 and the second coupling element 585 may be electrically connected. The first and second director elements 582 and 584 and the second coupling element 585 are energized, and the first and second director elements 582 and 584 and the second coupling element 585 ( 585), an antenna radiation pattern may be formed according to the flow of current.

In this state, in a state in which the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 are unfolded by the hinge structure 260 , a plurality of first antenna elements disposed on the first housing structure 410 . 572 and a plurality of director elements 582 disposed on the second housing structure 420 may each be used as antennas. For example, the plurality of first antenna elements 572 and the plurality of first director elements 582 of the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 are energized and electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit. , and the plurality of first antenna elements 572 and the plurality of first director elements 582 may form an antenna radiation pattern according to the flow of current.

According to various embodiments, the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 are folded by a hinge structure 260 , and when the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 are in a folded state, the A plurality of second antenna elements 574 and the plurality of second director elements 584 may face each other. In this case, at least a portion of the second antenna array 570b may include a plurality of first coupling elements 575 coupled to the plurality of second coupling elements 585 . At least a portion of the second director 580b may include a plurality of second coupling elements 585 coupled to the plurality of first coupling elements 575 . Accordingly, when the second antenna array 570b and the second director 580b face each other, the plurality of second antenna elements 574 and the plurality of second director elements 584 face each other, and the plurality of second antenna elements 574 and the second director elements 584 face each other. The first and second coupling elements 575 and 585 of the may be coupled. When the plurality of second antenna elements 574 and the plurality of second director elements 584 are coupled by the plurality of first and second coupling elements 575 and 585, the processor or the communication The circuit may be electrically connected, and an antenna radiation pattern may be formed in the plurality of second antenna elements 574 and the plurality of second director elements 584 according to the flow of current.

In one embodiment, the plurality of first director elements 582 may include a patch antenna element or a dipole antenna element, and the plurality of second director elements 584 may include a patch antenna element or a dipole antenna element. can The first and second coupling elements 575 and 585 may include a patch antenna element, a dipole antenna element, or a director element.

As such, in the first antenna array 570a, a plurality of first antenna elements 572 are disposed on the first surface 411 of the first housing structure 410, and the second antenna array 570b is Disposing the first coupling element 575 and a plurality of second antenna elements 574 on the first side surface 413 of the first housing structure 410, similarly, the first director 580a is also A plurality of first director elements 582 are disposed on a third side of the second housing structure 420 , and the second director 580b is also on the second side 423 of the second housing structure 420 . By disposing the second coupling element 585 and the plurality of second director elements 584 , the first and second antennas are in the folded state of the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 . Arrays 570a and 570b and the first and second directors 580a and 580b may enhance coupling by the first and second coupling elements 575 and 585, thereby providing the first and second antennas. A plurality of first and second antenna elements 572 and 574 included in the arrays 570a and 570b, and a plurality of first and second director elements 582 and 584 included in the first and second directors 580a and 580b. of course, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the radiation performance of the antenna, and it is possible to stably transmit and receive signals of the plurality of first and second antenna elements 572 and 574 and the plurality of first and second director elements 582 and 584 . .

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a first antenna module (eg, a passive antenna module) 670 and a second antenna module 680 in an unfolded state of an electronic device, according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 8B is a view illustrating a first antenna module (eg, a passive antenna module) 670 and a flexible display in an unfolded state of the electronic device according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8C is another various embodiments of the present disclosure It is a view showing the first and second antenna modules 670 and 680 and the flexible display 430 in the folded state of the electronic device according to examples, FIG. 8D is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 8C, and FIG. 8E is the present disclosure It is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection between a second antenna module and a communication circuit according to other various embodiments of the present invention.

8A to 8E , the electronic device 400 is an in-folding type foldable housing or out-folding according to a folded status or an unfolded status. ) type foldable housing. Among them, the out-folding type foldable housing will be described for convenience.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 above, the out-folding type foldable housing 400a includes a first housing structure 410 including a sensor arrangement area 402, a second housing structure ( 420), a first rear cover 440, a second rear cover 450, and a flexible display 430 may be included, and the foldable housing 400a includes the first and second antenna modules 670, 680) may be included.

The first antenna module 670 (eg, a passive antenna module) includes a first circuit board 671 disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure 410 , and at least a portion of the first circuit board 670 . The first antenna array 672 including a plurality of first antenna elements 672a and at least a portion of the first circuit board 671 are disposed in the second antenna module 680 to be described later. It may include a plurality of coupling elements 673 coupled to the plurality of third antenna elements 683 .

The second antenna module 680 is a second circuit board 681 disposed on at least a part of the second housing structure 420 , a second circuit board 681 disposed on at least a part of the second circuit board 681 , and a plurality of second The second antenna array 682 including antenna elements 682a and the plurality of third antenna elements 683 disposed on the second circuit board 420 and coupled with the plurality of coupling elements 673 ) may include

For example, the first antenna module (eg, passive antenna module) 670 may include the first circuit board 671 , a first antenna array 672 including a plurality of first antenna elements 672a , and a plurality of couplings. element 673 , wherein the second antenna module (eg, active antenna module) includes a second circuit board 681 , a second antenna array 682 including a plurality of second antenna elements 682a , and a plurality of It may include third antenna elements 683 .

The third antenna element 683 may be used for coupling such that the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 are coupled with the plurality of coupling elements 673 in a folded state, The third antenna element 683 may be used as an antenna in an unfolded state of the first and second housing structures. For example, the third antenna element 683 may operate as a dipole antenna array.

In one embodiment, the plurality of first, second and third antenna elements 672a, 682a, 683 or the plurality of coupling elements 673 may include a patch antenna element or a dipole antenna element.

In an embodiment, the processor of the electronic device 400 may be operatively connected to the flexible display 430 , the communication circuit 601 , and at least one sensor. The processor or the communication circuit 601 may be electrically connected to the plurality of second antenna element elements 682a and the third antenna elements 683 by the second circuit board 681 .

In an embodiment, the first circuit board 671 may electrically connect the plurality of first antenna elements 672a and the plurality of coupling elements 673 to each other.

In one embodiment, as previously shown in FIG. 8E , the second circuit board 681 includes a plurality of first feeding units that electrically connect the plurality of second antenna elements 682a and the communication circuit 601 to each other 691) may be included. The plurality of first feeding units 691 may include a horizontal feeding unit 619a and a vertical feeding unit 691b. For example, the plurality of second antenna elements 682 receive the horizontal feed from the horizontal feeder 691a and the vertical feed from the vertical feeder 691b from the communication circuit 601 to perform polarization MIMO. can support The plurality of second and third antenna elements 682a and 683 may be disposed on one side or inner layer of the second circuit board 681, and the communication circuit ( 601) may be mounted.

In an embodiment, the second circuit board 682 includes a plurality of second feeding units 692 electrically connecting at least a portion of the plurality of third antenna elements 683 and the communication circuit 601 to each other. may include. The plurality of second feeding units 692 may include a “+” feeding unit 692a and a “−” feeding unit 692b. Each pole (not shown) of the plurality of third antenna elements 683 may be electrically connected to a separate port (not shown) of the communication circuit 601 . In this state, when the plurality of third antenna elements 683 are coupled with the coupling element 673 , the “+” feeding of the “+” feeding unit 692a from the communication circuit 601 and The "-" of the "-" feeding unit 692b may receive the power and operate as an antenna.

In one embodiment, the processor or the communication circuit 601 may perform wireless communication using the plurality of second and third antenna elements 682a and 683 electrically connected by the second circuit board 681 . can The plurality of second and third antenna elements 682a and 683 may be electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit 601 by a conductive element (eg, a conductive pattern, a conductive via, a connector, a pogo pin, a cclip, etc.). can

In an embodiment, when an out-folding type foldable housing of the electronic device 400 is in an unfolded state (eg, the state of FIGS. 8A and 8B ), the second housing structure The plurality of second antenna elements 682 and the plurality of third antenna elements 683 included in the second antenna module 680 disposed at 420 may also be used as antennas. For example, the plurality of second and third antenna elements 682a and 683 are powered and electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit 601 , and the plurality of second and third antenna elements 682a and 683 are An antenna radiation pattern may be formed according to the flow of current. For example, the second antenna elements 682a may radiate in a lateral direction of the terminal, and the third antenna elements 683 may radiate in a direction perpendicular to the display 430 .

As such, in the unfolded state of the foldable housing 400a, the plurality of second and third antenna elements 682a and 683 of the second housing structure 420 may be used as antennas, respectively.

In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 8C and 8D , when an out-folding type foldable housing 400a of the electronic device 400 is in a folded state, the first housing The rear surface of the structure 410 and the rear surface of the second housing structure 420 may be disposed to face each other. In this case, a first antenna array 672 including the plurality of first antenna elements 672a included in the first antenna module (eg, passive antenna module) 670 of the first housing structure 410 , and the plurality of coupling elements (673) and the plurality of second antenna elements (682a) included in the second antenna module (eg, active antenna module) (680) of the second housing structure (420); The second antenna array 682 and the third antenna array 683 may also be disposed to face each other. For example, in the plurality of coupling elements 673 and the plurality of third antenna elements 683 , the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 are connected to the hinge structure 460 . When folded by the side, they may face each other.

In a state where the plurality of coupling elements 673 and the plurality of third antenna elements 683 face each other, the plurality of coupling elements 673 are connected to the plurality of third antenna elements 683 and can be coupled. In this way, the plurality of coupling elements 673 may be electrically connected to the communication circuit 601 through coupling between the plurality of third antenna elements 683 . The plurality of coupling elements 673 may supply power to the first antenna array 672 through a conductive connection line 674 .

For example, when the plurality of third antenna elements 683 are coupled to the plurality of coupling elements 673 , the plurality of second feeding units 692 of the second circuit board 681 may 3 At least a portion of the antenna element 683 and the communication circuit 601 are electrically connected to each other, and the plurality of second feeding units 692 are connected from the communication circuit 601 to the “+” feeding unit 692a. The vertically polarized signal may be fed to the ?-" and the horizontally polarized signal may be fed to the feeding unit 692b to transmit the horizontally polarized signal to the plurality of third antenna elements 683 . Through coupling, the plurality of third antenna elements 683 may electrically transmit the vertical polarization signal and the horizontal polarization signal to the plurality of coupling elements 673 . The coupled plurality of coupling elements 673 may supply power to the plurality of first antenna elements 672a through a conductive connection line 674 . For example, a vertically polarized signal is transmitted to one pole of the plurality of coupling elements 673 and vertically polarized to the vertically polarized feed portion of the plurality of first antenna elements 672a through a conductive connection line 674 . A signal may be fed, and a horizontally polarized signal may be transmitted to the other pole to feed the horizontally polarized signal to the horizontally polarized power supply of the plurality of first antenna elements 672a through the conductive connection line 674 . .

Accordingly, in the folded state of the electronic device 400 , it is connected to the plurality of first antenna elements 672a through the plurality of third antenna elements 683 and the plurality of coupling elements 673 . Can be radiated by double polarization feeding

9A illustrates a plurality of first antenna elements included in first and second antenna arrays and a plurality of third and fourth antenna arrays in an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is a view showing the radiation pattern of the 3rd and 4th antenna elements.

As shown in FIG. 9A , in an unfolded state of the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 of an out-folding type foldable housing of the electronic device 400, the first and second antennas A plurality of first and second antenna elements (not shown) included in the arrays 471 and 472 and a plurality of third and fourth antenna elements (not shown) included in the third and fourth antenna arrays (not shown) A stable antenna radiation pattern may be formed according to the flow. In addition,

9B is a view illustrating a plurality of first and second antenna elements (not shown) included in the first and second antenna arrays in a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is a diagram illustrating radiation patterns of a plurality of third and fourth antenna elements (not shown) included in the 4 antenna array and a plurality of director elements included in the director 480 .

As shown in FIG. 9B , the first housing structure is in a folded state in which the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 of the out-folding type foldable housing of the electronic device 400 are in a folded state. 410 and the second housing structure 420 may be disposed to face each other. In this case, the plurality of first and second antenna elements of the first and second antenna arrays 471 and 472 disposed in the first housing structure 410 and the director 480 disposed in the second housing structure 420 . ) of the plurality of director elements (not shown) may also be disposed to face each other. In a state in which the plurality of first and second antenna elements 471 and 472 and the plurality of director elements (not shown) face each other, the plurality of second director elements (not shown) are connected to the second antenna array It may be coupled with a plurality of second antenna elements (not shown) included in 472 . In this case, the plurality of coupled director elements (not shown) may form a stable antenna radiation pattern according to the flow of current. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B above, the out-folding type foldable housing 400a of the electronic device 400 has the first and second housing structures 410 and 420 in a folded state. Also, it can be seen that a stable antenna radiation pattern is formed by the plurality of director elements (not shown).

10A illustrates first and second antenna arrays 771 and 772 including a plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a in an unfolded state of the electronic device 700 according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is a view showing a flexible display 730, and FIG. 10B is a director 780 including a plurality of director elements 781 in an unfolded state of the electronic device 700 according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is a view showing a flexible display 730, and FIG. 11 is a plurality of first and second antenna elements 771 and 772 and a plurality of first and second antenna elements 771 and 772 in a folded state of the electronic device 700 according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure. A diagram illustrating a director element 781 of

10A and 10B to 11 , the electronic device 700 may include a foldable housing 700a , a first housing structure 710 , a second housing structure 720 , and a flexible display 730 . . For example, the foldable housing 700a of the electronic device may include an in-folding type foldable housing or an out-folding type foldable housing. The type foldable housing 700a will be mainly described. For example, the in-folding type foldable housing may mean a state in which the flexible display 700 is not exposed to the outside in a fully folded state.

At least one of the components of the electronic device 700 may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device 400 of FIGS. 2 to 7 , and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

10A and 10B to 11 , the electronic device 700 includes first and second housing structures 710 and 720 rotatably coupled to each other through a hinge structure 760 to be folded with respect to each other, the first , 2 may include a flexible display 730 disposed in a space formed by the housing structures 710 and 720 . In one embodiment, the electronic device 700 includes a foldable housing 700a in which the first and second housing structures 710 and 720 are rotatably coupled from a folded position facing each other to a position parallel to each other. can do.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 11 , the foldable housing 700a includes a first housing structure 710 including a sensor arrangement area, a second housing structure 720 , and a first rear cover ( 740 ) and a second rear cover 750 .

In an embodiment, the first housing structure 710 and the second housing structure 720 may be in an unfolded state, a flat state, or an open state, or a folded state of the electronic device 700 . ), the angle or distance between each other may vary. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure 710 further includes a sensor arrangement area in which various sensors and cameras are disposed, unlike the second housing structure 720 , but in other areas, the shape is symmetrical to each other. can have In another embodiment, the sensor arrangement area may be additionally disposed or replaced with at least a partial area of the second housing structure 720 .

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the first housing structure 710 is connected to the hinge structure 760 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 700 , and faces the front surface of the electronic device 700 . At least a portion of the space between the first surface 711 disposed to face, the second surface 712 facing the opposite direction of the first surface 711, and the first surface 711 and the second surface 712 It may include an enclosing first side 713 .

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the second housing structure 720 is connected to the hinge structure 760 and faces the front of the electronic device 700 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200 . A third surface 721 disposed to be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the space between the third surface 721 , the fourth surface 722 facing the opposite direction of the third surface 721 , and the third surface 721 and the fourth surface 722 . may include a second side 723 . In some embodiments, although there are some differences in specific shape, the second side surface 723 may be made of substantially the same shape or material as the first side surface 713 .

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure 710 may have first and second antenna arrays 771 and 772 including a plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a disposed therein, the A director 780 including a plurality of director elements 781 may be disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure 720 . For example, the plurality of first antenna elements 771a may be disposed on a first circuit board 770a, and at least a portion of the first circuit board 770a has a plurality of director elements included in the director 780 . A plurality of second antenna elements 772a coupled to the 781 may be included. The first circuit board 770a may electrically connect the plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a and a communication circuit to each other. Also, the plurality of director elements 781 may be disposed on a second circuit board 780a, and the second circuit board 780a electrically connects the plurality of director elements 781 and a communication circuit to each other. can be connected

For example, the processor of the electronic device 700 may be operatively connected to the flexible display 730 , a communication circuit, and at least one sensor. For example, the processor or the communication circuit may be electrically connected to the plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a by the first circuit board 770a, and the processor or the communication circuit may be The second circuit board 780a may be electrically connected to the plurality of director elements 781 .

In this way, the processor or the communication circuit is configured by using the plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a and the plurality of director elements 781 electrically connected by the first and second circuit boards 770a and 780a. Wireless communication can be performed. For example, the processor or the communication circuit may include the plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a and the plurality of director elements 781 and a conductive element (eg, a conductive pattern, a connector, a pogo pin, a cclip, etc.). ) can be electrically connected by

In an embodiment, when the in-folding type foldable housing of the electronic device 700 is in an unfolded state (eg, the state of FIGS. 10A and 10B ), the first housing structure The plurality of first antenna elements 771a of 710 may be used as antennas. For example, the plurality of first antenna elements 771a of the first housing structure 710 may be supplied with current and may be electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit. An antenna radiation pattern may be formed in the plurality of first antenna elements 771a according to the flow of current.

In an embodiment, when the in-folding type foldable housing of the electronic device 700 is in a folded state (eg, the state of FIG. 11 ), the first housing structure 710 ) and the front surface of the second housing structure 720 may be disposed to face each other. At this time, the plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a included in the first and second antenna arrays 771 and 772 of the first housing structure 410 and the second housing structure 420 are The plurality of director elements 781 included in the director 780 may also be disposed to face each other. In this case, the plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a of the first housing structure 210 and the plurality of director elements 781 of the second housing structure 720 also face each other to face each other. can be placed to see. For example, the plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a and the plurality of director elements 780 may include the first housing structure 710 and the second housing structure 720 in the hinge structure. When folded by 760 , they may face each other. In a state in which the plurality of first and second antenna elements 771a and 772a and the plurality of director elements 781 face each other, the plurality of director elements 781 are connected to the plurality of second antenna elements 772a. can be coupled with When the plurality of director elements 780 are coupled in this way, the plurality of director elements 780 may be electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit. In this case, an antenna radiation pattern may be formed in the plurality of director elements 781 according to the flow of current. Accordingly, the plurality of director elements 781 are coupled to the plurality of second antenna elements 772a in a folded state of the electronic device to be used as antennas, thereby preventing deterioration of the radiation performance of the antenna. This allows stable transmission and reception of signals from the antenna.

12A illustrates an antenna array 870 including a plurality of antenna elements 871 and a plurality of director elements 881 in a state in which the flexible display 830 of the electronic device 800 is unfolded, according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure. ) is a diagram showing a director 880 including a, and FIG. 12B illustrates a plurality of antenna elements 871 in a state in which the flexible display 830 of the electronic device 800 is accommodated according to other various embodiments of the present disclosure. It is a diagram illustrating an antenna array 870 including the director 880 and a director 880 including a plurality of director elements 881 .

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B , the electronic device 800 may include a rollable type housing 800a in which the flexible display is unfolded or accommodated. The rollable type housing 400a may include first and second housing structures 810 and 820 and a flexible display 830 . For example, the first housing structure 810 may include a first plate (eg, a rear cover) 811 and a printed circuit board 812 . The second housing structure 820 may include a second plate (eg, a rear window) 821 and a roller 822 .

The first and second housing structures 810 and 820 or the first plate 811 may include, for example, a metallic material and/or a non-metallic (eg, polymer) material. The first housing structure 810 may be coupled to one end of the flexible display 830 . The roller 822 may be coupled to a tile end of the flexible display 830 .

According to an embodiment, the second plate 811 may include a material that does not transmit light when there is no need to display information of the flexible display 830 . In addition, the second plate 880 may include a material that transmits light so as to display information of the flexible display 830 . For example, the second plate 821 may include a glass material.

The roller 822 may guide the flexible display 830 to be unfolded or wound to a predetermined radius according to rotation.

According to an embodiment, the rollable type housing 400a may include the first housing structure 810 and the second housing structure 820 movably disposed in the first housing structure 810 . have. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure 810 may be arranged to reciprocate by a predetermined distance in the illustrated direction with respect to the second housing structure 820 . In addition, on the contrary, the second housing structure 820 may be arranged to reciprocate by a predetermined distance in the illustrated direction with respect to the first housing structure 810 .

For convenience, the first plate 811 of the first housing structure 810 is separated from the second plate 821 of the second housing structure 820 in first and second parallel directions (eg, the ① direction and the ② direction). The contents of the moved unfolded state or the stored state will be mainly described.

For example, when the first and second plates 811 and 822 are in an unfolded state, the first plate 811 of the first housing structure 810 is the second plate 821 of the second housing structure 820 . The first and second plates 811 and 821 may be placed in an open state by sliding in the first direction (eg, direction ①). In this case, the flexible display 830 may be unfolded while being rotated by the roller 822 while being wound, and at the same time, the display area of the flexible display 830 may be expanded.

When the first plate 811 of the first housing structure 810 is accommodated in the second plate 821 of the second housing structure 820 , the first plate 811 is the second plate The lower surface of 821 may be placed in an overlapping state by sliding in the second direction (eg, direction ②). In this case, the flexible display 830 may be rotated and wound by the roller 822 and simultaneously reduce the display area of the unfolded flexible display 830 .

In an embodiment, an antenna array 870 including a plurality of antenna elements 871 may be disposed on at least a portion of the first plate 811 of the first housing structure 410 as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B above. A director 880 including a plurality of director elements 881 may be disposed on at least a portion of the second plate 821 of the second housing structure 820 . The plurality of antenna elements 871 may be patch antenna elements. For example, the plurality of antenna elements 871 may be disposed on the first circuit board 870a , and at least some of the plurality of antenna elements 871 may include a plurality of director elements 881 included in the director 880 . ) can be coupled with The first circuit board 870a may electrically connect the plurality of antenna elements 871 and a communication circuit to each other. According to an embodiment, the director 880 including the plurality of director elements 881 may be disposed on a second circuit board 880a, and the second circuit board 880a on which the director 880 is disposed. ) may be disposed on at least a portion of the second plate 821 of the second housing structure 820 .

In one embodiment, when the rollable type housing 800a of the electronic device 800 is in an unfolded state (eg, the state of FIG. 12A ), for example, the first housing structure 810 is the second housing structure ( 820 ), the first and second plates 811 and 821 may be placed in an open state by sliding in a first direction (eg, direction ①). In this state, the plurality of antenna elements 871 of the first plate 811 may be used as antennas. For example, the plurality of antenna elements 871 of the first plate 811 are supplied with current and are electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit, and the plurality of antenna elements 871 are connected to each other according to the flow of current. An antenna radiation pattern may be formed.

According to an embodiment, when the rollable type housing 400a of the electronic device 400 is in a storage state (eg, the state of FIG. 12B ), for example, the first The plate 811 may slide to the lower surface of the second plate 821 of the second housing structure 820 in the second direction (eg, direction ②) to be placed in an overlapping state. In this state, the first plate 811 of the first housing structure 810 and the second plate 821 of the second housing structure 820 may be disposed to face each other. In this case, at least some of the plurality of antenna elements 871 included in the antenna array 870 of the first plate 821 and the plurality of antenna elements included in the director 880 of the second plate 821 are included. The director elements 881 may be disposed to face each other and face each other. For example, at least some of the plurality of antenna elements 871 and the plurality of director elements 881 may face each other when the first and second plates 811 and 821 overlap. For example, the plurality of antenna elements 871 may be positioned anywhere on the first plate 811 to face the plurality of director elements 881 . Likewise, the plurality of director elements 881 may be positioned anywhere on the second plate 821 to face the plurality of antenna elements 871 .

12B , in a state in which at least some of the plurality of antenna elements 871 and the plurality of director elements 881 face each other, the plurality of director elements 881 are formed of the plurality of antenna elements 871 . ) may be coupled with at least some of them. When the plurality of director elements 881 are coupled in this way, the plurality of antenna elements 871 may be electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit. In this case, an antenna radiation pattern may be formed in the plurality of director elements 881 according to the flow of current. Accordingly, the plurality of director elements 881 may be coupled with at least some of the plurality of antenna elements 871 in a state in which the first and second plates 811 and 821 are overlapped to be used as a director, and , it is possible to prevent deterioration of the radiation performance of the antenna, thereby improving the radiation performance (eg, radiation characteristics) of the antenna. Accordingly, the plurality of director elements 881 may stably transmit/receive an antenna signal.

According to an embodiment, the director 880 including the plurality of director elements 881 may increase the sensitivity to the signal of the antenna and also the directivity in order to prevent deterioration of the radiation performance of the antenna.

According to an embodiment, the antenna array 870 may include an active antenna array, and the director 880 may include a passive antenna array. The antenna element 871 may include a patch antenna element, a dipole antenna element, or a director element. The director element 881 may include a patch antenna element and a dipole antenna element.

In one embodiment, the antenna array 870 or the director 880 may include a patch antenna array and a dipole antenna array.

13 illustrates a plurality of first and second antenna elements 1370-1 and 1370-2 and a director included in an antenna array in an unfolded state of the electronic device 1300 according to still other various embodiments of the present disclosure; It is a view showing a plurality of director elements 1380-1 and 1380-2 and a flexible display 1630 included in the , and FIG. 14 is a diagram of an electronic device 1300 according to still other various embodiments of the present disclosure. A diagram illustrating a plurality of first and second antenna elements 1370-1 and 1370-2 and a plurality of director elements 1380-1 and 1380-2 in a folded state.

13 and 14 , the electronic device 1300 may include a foldable housing 1300a , a first housing structure 1310 , a second housing structure 1320 , and a flexible display 1330 . For example, the foldable housing 1300a of the electronic device may be an in-folding type of an in-folding or out-folding type of housing. The foldable housing 1300a will be mainly described. For example, the in-folding type foldable housing may mean a state in which the flexible display 1300 is not exposed to the outside in a fully folded state.

At least one of the components of the electronic device 1300 is the same as at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 , the electronic device 400 , or the electronic device 700 of FIGS. 1 to 12 , or They may be similar, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

13 and 14 , the electronic device 1300 includes first and second housing structures 1310 and 1320 that are rotatably coupled through a hinge structure 1360 to be folded with respect to each other, and the first and second A flexible display 1330 disposed in a space formed by the housing structures 1310 and 1320 may be included. In one embodiment, the electronic device 1300 includes a foldable housing 1300a in which the first and second housing structures 1310 and 1320 are rotatably coupled from a folded position facing each other to a position parallel to each other. can do.

In one embodiment, the foldable housing 1300a includes a first housing structure 1310 including a sensor arrangement area, a second housing structure 1320 , a first rear cover 1340 , and a second rear cover 1350 . may include

The first housing structure 1310 is connected to the hinge structure 1360 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 1300 and includes a first surface 1311 and a first surface 1311 disposed to face the front of the electronic device 1300 . a fourth surface 1312 facing in a direction opposite to the surface 1311 , and a first side surface 1313 surrounding at least a portion of the space between the first surface 1311 and the second surface 1312 . . The second housing structure 1320 is connected to the hinge structure 1360, and a third surface 1321 and a third surface ( A fourth surface 1322 facing in a direction opposite to that of 1321 may include a second side 1323 surrounding at least a portion of the space between the third surface 1321 and the fourth surface 1322 . In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure 1310 includes a first antenna array including a plurality of first antenna elements 1370-1 and a first antenna array including a plurality of first director elements 1380-1. A director may be disposed, and a second antenna array including a plurality of second antenna elements 1370 - 2 and a plurality of second director elements 1380 - 2 are included in at least a part of the second housing structure 1320 . A second director may be disposed.

In an embodiment, when the in-folding type foldable housing of the electronic device 1300 is in an unfolded state (eg, the state of FIG. 13 ), the first housing structure 1310 ) of the plurality of first antenna elements 1370-1 and at least one of the plurality of second antenna elements 1370-2 of the second housing structure 1320 may be used for communication. For example, when current is supplied to the plurality of first antenna elements 1370-1 of the first housing structure 1310 and electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit, the plurality of first antenna elements ( 1370-1) may form an antenna radiation pattern according to the flow of current. In addition, current is supplied to the plurality of second antenna elements 1370 - 2 of the second housing structure 1320 , and when electrically connected to the processor or the communication circuit, the plurality of second antenna elements 1370 - 2) The antenna radiation pattern may be formed according to the flow of current.

In an embodiment, when the in-folding type foldable housing of the electronic device 1300 is in a folded state (eg, the state of FIG. 14 ), the first housing structure 1310 ) and the second housing structure 1320 may be disposed to face each other. In this case, when the plurality of first antenna elements 1370-1 of the first housing structure 1310 and the plurality of second director elements 1380-1 of the second housing structure 1320 face each other The plurality of first antenna elements 1370 - 2 of the first housing structure 1310 and the plurality of second director elements 1380 of the second housing structure 1320 may be disposed to face each other. -2) may be arranged to face each other and face each other.

In a state in which the plurality of first antenna elements 1370-1 and the plurality of first director elements 1380-1 face each other, the plurality of first director elements are connected to the plurality of first antenna elements 1370- 1) may be coupled to at least some of the antenna elements. For example, when the plurality of second antenna elements 1370 - 2 and the plurality of second director elements 1380 - 2 face each other, antenna elements included in the plurality of second antenna elements 1370 - 2 At least some of the antenna elements 1371 and 1372 operate as a coupling element to couple with at least some 1381 of the elements 1381 and 1382 included in the plurality of second director elements 1380 - 2 . can be a ring

For example, when the plurality of first or second director elements 1380-1 or 1380-2 are coupled, the plurality of first or second director elements 1380-1 or 1380-2 are coupled to each other. It may be electrically coupled to the processor or the communication circuit. In this case, an antenna radiation pattern may be formed in the plurality of first or second director elements 1380-1 or 1380-2 according to the flow of current. Accordingly, the plurality of second or second director elements 1380-1 or 1380-2 are coupled to a coupling element included in the antenna array in a folded state of the electronic device and used as an antenna. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the radiation performance of the antenna, thereby stably transmitting and receiving signals from the antenna.

15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device 1501 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

15 , an electronic device 1501 (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIGS. 1 and 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , according to various embodiments of the present disclosure) Alternatively, the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 or the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 has a hinge structure 1501-1 (eg, the hinge structure 460 of FIG. 4 ) and a first housing structure 1501- as a foldable housing. 2) (eg, first housing structure 410 of FIG. 4 , or first housing structure 710 of FIG. 10 ), second housing structure 1501-3 (eg, second housing structure 420 of FIG. 4 ) ), or the second housing structure 720 of FIG. 10 ).

The hinge structure 1501-1 according to various embodiments may be connected to the first housing structure 1501-2 and the second housing structure 1501-3, and the first housing structure 1501-1 is the center of the hinge structure 1501-1. The structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 may be folded or unfolded. The hinge structure 1501-1 supports the display 1560 or provides an electrical connection between components included (or mounted) in all or part of the first housing structure 1501-2 and the second housing structure 1502-3. It may have a space in which circuits for connection can be mounted.

The electronic device 1501 according to various embodiments includes all (or part) of the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1501-3 or/and the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and Electrical components may be included in a mounting space within the second housing structure 1501-3. For example, the electrical components may include at least one printed board assembly (PBA) (or flexible printed board assembly (FPBA) 1505 and various electrical components (or electrical modules) of the electronic device 1501 . .

The electronic device 1501 according to various embodiments has the flexible structure instead of the folding or unfolding structure using the hinge structure 1501-1, the first housing structure 1501-2, and the second housing structure 1502-3. The display 1530 may have a structure including a rollable type housing (eg, the housing 800 of FIG. 12A ) that is moved and unfolded or accommodated.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 1560 (or dual display) as various electrical components (or electrical modules) of the electronic device 1501 (eg, the display device of FIG. 1 , the flexible display 430 of FIG. 4 ) ) or the flexible display 730 of FIG. 10 ), the first and second antenna modules 1597-1 and 1597-2 (eg, the antenna module 197 of FIG. 1 , the plurality of first antenna elements of FIG. 4 ) 470 , or a plurality of first antenna elements 770 of FIG. 10 ), first and second director modules 1598 - 1 and 1598 - 2 (eg, the antenna module 197 of FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 ) director 480 of (or director 780 of FIG. 10 ), communication circuitry 1590 (eg, communication circuitry 190 of FIG. 1 ), and at least one sensor 1576-1, 1576-2 (eg: The sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ), a processor 1520 (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ), and a memory 1530 (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ) may be included. In addition, additional electrical components may be further included.

At least one sensor 1576 - 1 or 1576 - 2 according to various embodiments may detect an operating state of the electronic device 1501 and convert the sensed information into an electrical signal. According to an embodiment, the at least one sensor 1576 - 1 and 1576 - 2 may include a folding sensor and/or a grip sensor (or a proximity sensor). According to an embodiment, the at least one sensor 1576 - 1 and 1576 - 2 may further include at least one other sensor capable of detecting the rotation (horizontal or vertical) of the electronic device 1501 , a placed state or an ambient state, etc. may include

According to an embodiment, the folding detection sensor determines whether the first housing structure 1502 - 2 and the second housing structure 1503 - 3 are folded (or unfolded or accommodated according to the rolling of the flexible display 1530 in the rollable housing structure). ) can be detected. According to one embodiment, the folding detection sensor is a periphery of the first housing structure 1502-2 and the hinge structure 1501 - 1 associated with the folding of the first housing structure 1502-2 and the second housing structure 1503-3 or the first housing structure 1502-2. ) and the second housing structure 1503 - 3 . According to an embodiment, the folding detection sensor may be disposed on a rollable type housing (eg, the housing 800 of FIG. 12A ) at a position associated with detection of unfolding or receiving of the flexible display 1530 . According to an embodiment, the grip sensor may sense a contact by a grip operation (eg, gripping) of gripping or grabbing the electronic device 1501 through an external object (eg, a user's finger). For example, the grip sensor may include at least a portion of the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1501-3 (eg, the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1501 ). -3) disposed in at least one of the left and right side surfaces, the upper and lower side surfaces, and the rear surface), or first and second among the areas of the first housing structure 1501-2 and the second housing structure 1501-3 It may be disposed in an area associated with the antenna elements and the first and second director elements. According to an embodiment, when the user's body comes into contact with the electronic device 200 , the grip sensor detects the user's body contact by detecting a change in the capacitance (capacitor) value of the electronic device 1501 . can do. For example, a separate sensor for detecting a user's body contact may be mounted on the electronic device 200 , and may include a first housing structure 1501 - 2 or a second housing structure 1501 of the electronic device 1501 . 3) (eg, a metal housing) may be implemented by sensing a change in a capacitance (capacitor) value, and may be implemented by detecting changes in the first and second antenna elements and the first and second director elements of the electronic device 1501 . It can also be implemented by detecting a change in the capacitance (capacitor) value.

The communication circuit 1590 according to various embodiments is connected to the first and second antenna modules 1597-1 and 1597-2, or the first and second antenna modules 1597-1 and 1597-2 and the first , may be electrically connected to the second director modules 1598-1 and 1598-2, and may transmit/receive a wireless signal (eg, a 4G communication signal, a 5G communication signal, or an mmWave signal). The communication circuit 1590 according to various embodiments includes at least a first, based on a control signal received from a communication state (eg, received signal strength intensity (RSSI)) and a processor 1520 (eg, an application processor (AP)). Transmission through the second antenna modules 1597-1 and 1597-2 or the first and second antenna modules 1597-1 and 1597-2 and the second and second director modules 1598-1 and 1598-2 It is possible to control the output signal to be The communication circuit 1590 according to various embodiments may include a communication processor and an intermediate frequency integrated chip (IFIC), and a front end module (FEM) associated with the first and second director modules 1598 - 1 and 1598 - 2 . ) may or may not be included.

Each of the first and second antenna modules 1597-1 and 1597-2 according to various embodiments includes a radio frequency integrated chip (RFIC) and a plurality of first and second antenna elements (eg, 1370-1, 1370-2) may include an antenna array including a. The plurality of first antenna elements may be a plurality of first antenna elements, a plurality of first antenna patterns, a plurality of first conductors, or a plurality of first radiators. The first and second antenna modules 1597 - 1 and 1597 - 2 according to various embodiments may be active mmWave antenna modules. According to various embodiments, each of the first and second director modules 1598 - 1 and 1598 - 2 may include a director including first and second director elements (eg, 1380-1 and 1380 - 2 ). and may or may not further include a front end module (FEM) connected to each of the first and second director modules 1598 - 1 and 1598 - 2 . The first and second director elements may be patterns for the first and second directors, conductors for the first and second directors, or radiators for the first and second directors. The first and second director modules 1598 - 1 and 1598 - 2 according to various embodiments may be passive mmWave antenna modules. According to various embodiments, when the first housing structure 1501-1 and the second housing structure 1501-2 are in a folded state so that the first antenna elements and the first director elements face each other, at least one of the first antenna elements Some antenna element may be coupled with at least some of the first director elements. For example, when at least some of the first antenna elements are coupled with at least some of the first director elements an output signal from the communication circuit 1590 may be coupled to the first antenna elements and the first director element. may be transmitted (or radio-radiated) through

The processor 1520 according to various embodiments may control the overall operation of the electronic device 1501 . According to various embodiments, the processor 1520 may determine whether the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 are in a folded state. For example, the processor 1520 may use the at least one sensor 1576 - 1 or 1576 - 2 to obtain the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 in an unfolded state. Alternatively, it is possible to check whether the state is in a folded state, a change from an unfolded state to a folded state, or a change from a folded state to an unfolded state, etc. According to another embodiment, the processor 1520 may include a rollable type housing (eg, the housing of FIG. 12A ). (800)), whether the flexible display 1530 is unfolded or accommodated may be checked.

The processor 1520 according to various embodiments may check a communication state (eg, received signal strength intensity (RSSI)) through the first and second antenna elements or the first and second director elements through the communication circuit 1590 . can The processor 1520 according to various embodiments may use at least one sensor 1576-1 or 1576-2 to configure the first housing structure 1501-2 or the second housing structure 1501-3 (eg, a metal housing). ) may be checked, and whether grips associated with the first and second antenna elements and the first and second director elements may be checked.

The processor 1520 according to various embodiments receives whether the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 are in a folded state or an unfolded state (or whether the flexible display is in an unfolded state in a rollable type housing). state), the first control information or the second control information associated with the first and second antenna elements may be checked. The first control information and the second control information may be different from each other as beam book information or RFIC control information. For example, the first control information may be transmitted to the first and second antenna elements in a state in which the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 are folded (hereinafter also referred to as a 'folded state'). It may include associated first beam book information and/or first RFIC control information. For example, the first beam book information includes information related to a beamforming shape, a phase, or an amplitude during signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) through a plurality of first antenna elements in a folded state. can do. For example, the first RFIC control information includes power amplifier (PA) or low noise amplifier (LNA) gain information in the RFIC for signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) through the first and second antenna elements in the folded state. may include For example, the second control information may include the first housing structure 1501-2 and the second housing structure 1502-3 in an unfolded state (hereinafter also referred to as an 'unfolded state') (or a flexible display in a rollable type housing). in the unfolded state) may include second beam book information and/or second RFIC control information associated with the first and second antenna elements. For example, the second beam book information includes information related to a beamforming shape, a phase, or an amplitude during signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) through the first and second antenna elements in an unfolded state. may include For example, the second RFIC control information is transmitted through the first and second antenna elements in an unfolded state (or in a state in which the flexible display is unfolded in a rollable type housing) through a signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) in the RFIC (power amplifier) or It may include low noise amplifier (LNA) gain information. For example, the first beambook information and the second beambook information may be stored in the memory 1530 in the form of data (eg, a table). The first beambook information and the second beambook information may include different beam indexes, respectively. Each beam index may include information for adjusting the phase and amplitude or gain of each element of the first and second antenna elements, according to the first beam index in the folded state. The coverage or radiation pattern of the first and second antenna elements may have the first coverage or the first radiation pattern, and in the unfolded state, the coverage or radiation pattern of the first and second antenna elements is the second according to the second beam index. coverage or a second radiation pattern.

The processor 1520 according to various embodiments may determine the first and second antenna elements based on the first control information associated with the first and second antenna elements or the second control information associated with the first and second antenna elements. You can control the output associated with them. For example, the processor 1520 selects a beamforming shape, phase, or amplitude according to the first beam book information in a folded state (or a state in which the flexible display is accommodated in a rollable type housing). to control a signal output to the first and second antenna elements by adjusting, or by adjusting a gain of a power amplifier (PA) or a low noise amplifier (LNA) in the RFIC according to the first RFIC control information to control the first and second antenna elements It is possible to control a signal output to the two antenna elements.

The processor 1520 according to various embodiments may determine whether a signal strength received through the first and second antenna elements is equal to or less than a specified signal strength in a folded state (or a state in which the flexible display having a rollable type housing structure is accommodated). When the signal strength received through the first and second antenna elements in the folded state is equal to or less than the specified signal strength, the processor 1520 may generate first control information associated with the first and second antenna elements, for example, first beam book information. Alternatively, the output associated with the first and second antenna elements may be controlled based on the first RFIC control information.

The processor 1520 according to various embodiments may determine whether the grip is associated with the first and second antenna elements in the folded state. When a grip associated with the first antenna elements is detected in the folded state, the processor 1520 may control first control information associated with the first and second antenna elements, for example, first beam book information or/and a first RFIC control. An output associated with the first and second antenna elements may be controlled based on the information.

In the processor 1520 according to various embodiments, in a folded state (or a state in which a flexible display is accommodated in a rollable type housing), the received signal strength through the first and second antenna elements is less than or equal to a specified signal strength, and the first and second If the grip associated with the two antenna elements is detected, the first and second control information associated with the first and second antenna elements, for example, first and second based on first beam book information or/and first RFIC control information It is also possible to control the output associated with the antenna elements.

The processor 1520 according to various embodiments is connected to the first and second director elements when controlling the output associated with the first and second antenna elements according to the first control information associated with the first and second antenna elements. When the FEM is present, outputs associated with the first and second director elements coupled to at least some of the first and second antenna elements may be further controlled according to the third control information. For example, the third control information may include front end module (FEM) control information associated with the first and second director elements.

The memory 1530 according to various embodiments may include first and second antenna elements or/and first, A program and data (or information) for controlling an output associated with the second director elements may be stored, for example, the memory 1530 may include instructions and first control information associated with an operation of the processor 1520 , The second control information may be stored, and if there is an FEM connected to the first and second director elements, the third control information may be further stored.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , and the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 ) ), the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 , or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ) includes a foldable housing (eg, the foldable housing structure 400a of FIG. 4 , the foldable housing structure 700a of FIG. 10 ). ) as a hinge structure (eg, the hinge structure 460 of FIG. 4 , the hinge structure 760 of FIG. 10 , or the hinge structure 1501-3 of FIG. 15 ); a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure (eg, first housing structure 410 in FIG. 4 , first housing structure 410 in FIG. 10 , or first housing structure 1501-1 in FIG. 15 ); A second housing structure connected to the hinge structure and folded or unfolded with the first housing structure around the hinge structure (eg, the fourth housing structure 220 of FIG. 4 , the second housing structure 720 of FIG. 10 ) ), or the second housing structure 1501-2 of FIG. 15), the foldable housing including; A flexible display disposed in the first and second housing structures (eg, the display device 160 of FIG. 1 , the flexible display 430 of FIGS. 5A and 5B , the flexible display 730 of FIG. 10 , or the flexible display of FIG. 15 ) (1560)); an antenna array (eg, antenna array 470 in FIG. 4 , antenna array 470 in FIG. 10 ) including a plurality of first antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure; and a director (eg, a director 480 of FIG. 4 and a director 780 of FIG. 10 ) including a plurality of second antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure, wherein the plurality of second antennas include: The elements may face the plurality of first antenna elements in a state in which the first and second housing structures are folded, and may be coupled to at least some of the antennas of the plurality of first antenna elements.

The plurality of first antenna elements (eg, the plurality of first antenna elements 471 of FIG. 4 ) may be disposed on a first circuit board (eg, the first circuit board 470a of FIG. 4 ), and At least a portion of the first circuit board 470a has a coupling element (eg, a plurality of second antenna elements (eg, a plurality of second antenna elements 481 of FIG. 4 ) included in the director 480 ) coupled with the coupling element (eg, a plurality of second antenna elements 481 of FIG. 4 ). : may include the coupling element 472 of Fig. 4. The first circuit board 470a includes the plurality of first antenna elements 471 and the coupling element (eg, the coupling element of Fig. 4 ). 472) and a communication circuit may be electrically connected to each other, and the plurality of second antenna elements 481 may also be disposed on a second circuit board 480a, and the second circuit board 480a may be disposed on the second circuit board 480a. ) may electrically connect the plurality of second antenna elements 481 and a communication circuit to each other.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a communication circuit (eg, the communication circuit of FIG. 1 , or the communication circuit 1590 of FIG. 15 ); at least one sensor (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 , or the at least one sensor 1576 - 1 , 1576 - 2 of FIG. 15 ); at least one processor (eg, processor 120 of FIG. 1 , or processor 1520 of FIG. 15 ) operatively coupled to the display, the communication circuitry, and the at least one sensor; and a memory (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 , or the memory 1530 of FIG. 15 ), wherein the memory, when executed, is configured by the at least one processor using the at least one sensor. It is checked whether the first and second housing structures are in a folded state, and if the first and second housings are in a folded state, the plurality of second housings are configured through the communication circuit based on first control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements. Control an output associated with one antenna element, and when the first and second housing structures are in an unfolded state, the plurality of first antenna elements are transmitted through the communication circuit based on second control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements. may store instructions for controlling an output associated with the antenna elements.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a front-end module electrically connected to the plurality of second antenna elements, and the instructions are configured such that the at least one processor includes the first and second housing structures. In the folded state, the output associated with the plurality of second antenna elements may be controlled through the communication circuit and the front end module based on third control information associated with the plurality of second antenna elements.

In the instructions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one processor checks the received signal strength through the plurality of first antenna elements in a state in which the first and second housing structures are folded, and the plurality of second If the signal strength received through the first antenna elements is equal to or less than the specified signal strength, the output associated with the plurality of first antenna elements may be controlled based on the first control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements.

The instructions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure include whether the at least one processor grips the plurality of first antenna elements using the at least one sensor in a folded state of the first and second housing structures. to control an output associated with the plurality of first antenna elements based on first control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements when the grip associated with the plurality of first antenna elements is detected. can do.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device includes an in-folding type foldable housing in which the flexible display is folded or unfolded or an out-folding type foldable housing, The electronic device may include a rollable-type housing that moves the flexible display to unfold or accommodate it.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna array may include a first circuit board disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure; the plurality of first antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first circuit board; and a coupling element disposed on at least a portion of the first circuit board and coupled to a plurality of second antenna elements included in the director, wherein the director is disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure a second circuit board; and the plurality of second antenna elements disposed on the second circuit board and coupled to the coupling element.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the coupling element may include a patch antenna array, a dipole antenna array, or a director.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna array may include an active antenna array.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the director may include a passive antenna array.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna array may include: a first circuit board disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure; a plurality of first antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first circuit board; and a first coupling element disposed on at least a portion of the first circuit board and coupled to a plurality of second antenna elements included in the director, wherein the director includes at least a portion of the second housing structure. a second circuit board disposed on the; the plurality of second antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the second circuit board; and a second coupling element disposed on the second circuit board and coupled to the first coupling element.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of first and second antenna elements or the first and second coupling elements may include a patch antenna or a dipole antenna.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of first antenna elements (eg, the plurality of first antenna elements 570 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ) may include a first surface of the first housing structure facing in a first direction. or a first circuit board (eg, a plurality of first circuit boards 571 in FIGS. 7A and 7B ) disposed on a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first antenna element disposed on the first circuit board (eg, the first antenna element 572 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ); a second circuit board (eg, a second circuit board 573 in FIGS. 7A and 7B ) disposed on a first side that at least partially surrounds a space between the first surface and the second surface; a second antenna element disposed on at least a portion of the second circuit board (eg, the second antenna element 574 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ); a first coupling element disposed on at least a portion of the second circuit board (eg, the first coupling element 575 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ); and a first flexible circuit board (FPCB) electrically connecting the first and second circuit boards and electrically connecting the first and second antenna elements; (eg, the plurality of first flexible circuit boards 576 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ).

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first antenna element or the second antenna element may include a patch antenna or a dipole antenna.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first coupling element may include a patch antenna or a dipole antenna.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of second antenna elements (eg, the plurality of second antenna elements 580 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ) may include a third surface of the second housing structure facing in a third direction. or a third circuit board (eg, the third circuit board 581 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ) disposed on a fourth surface facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction; a third antenna element disposed on the third circuit board (eg, the third antenna element 582 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ); a fourth circuit board (eg, a fourth circuit board 583 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ) disposed on a second side surface that at least partially surrounds the space between the third surface and the fourth surface; a fourth antenna element disposed on at least a portion of the fourth circuit board (eg, the fourth antenna element 584 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ); a second coupling element disposed on at least a portion of the fourth circuit board and coupled to the first coupling element (eg, the second coupling element 585 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ); and a second flexible circuit board (FPCB) electrically connecting the third and fourth circuit boards and electrically connecting the third and fourth antenna elements (eg, the second flexible circuit board 586 of FIGS. 7A and 7B ). ); may be included.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the third antenna element or the fourth antenna element may include a patch antenna or a dipole antenna.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second coupling element may include a patch antenna or a dipole antenna.

16 is a diagram illustrating a communication circuit and an antenna module of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 16 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 , The electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ) includes a communication circuit 1690 (eg, the communication circuit 190 of FIG. 1 , or the communication circuit 1590 of FIG. 15 ), an antenna module 1697 (eg, the antenna module 197 of FIG. 1 , or the first and second antenna modules 1597-1 or 1597-2 of FIG. 15 ).

According to various embodiments, the communication circuit 1690 may include a communication processor (CP) 1610 and an IFIC 1620 . The communications processor 1610 may include a Tx I/Q DAC 1612 , a modem 1613 , or an Rx I/Q ADC 1614 . The communication processor 1610 may convert the digital signal modulated by the modem 1613 through the Tx I/Q DAC 1612 into a balanced Tx I/Q signal, which is a transmission signal, and transmit it to the IFIC 1620 , and the Rx I/Q signal A balanced Rx I/Q signal that is a transmission signal may be received from the IFIC 1620 through the Q ADC 1614 and converted into a digital signal, and the converted digital signal may be transmitted to the modem 1613 . According to various embodiments, the communication processor 1610 may be a separate communication processor or a processor integrated with another processor (eg, an application processor (AP)) capable of processing functions other than communication. According to various embodiments, the communication processor 1610 controls an output associated with a plurality of antenna elements based on first beam book information and/or first RFIC control information or a second beam book (beam book) information. ) information and/or the second RFIC control information to control the output associated with the plurality of antenna elements, or to control the FEM based on the third control information to control the output associated with the plurality of antenna elements.

According to various embodiments, the IFIC 1620 may include a receive IF processing circuit 1620 - 1 and a transmit IF processing circuit 1620 - 2 . The receive IF processing circuit 1620-1 may include a mixer 1622-1, at least one Rx VGA 1624-1, an LPF 1626-1, and a buffer 1628-1. The mixer 1622-1 may down-convert the down-converted IF signal into a received IF signal to generate a balanced Rx I/Q signal. The LPF 1626 - 1 may serve as a channel filter by setting the bandwidth of the balanced Rx I/Q signal to a cutoff frequency. At least one Rx VGA 1624 - 1 may perform automatic gain control (AGC) on the balanced Rx I/Q signal. The buffer 1628 - 1 may temporarily store the Balanced Rx I/Q signal so that the Balanced Rx I/Q signal is stably transmitted to the Rx I/O DAC 1614 of the communication processor 1610 . The balanced Rx I/Q signal transmitted to the Rx I/O DAC 1614 may be demodulated by a modem to process the received signal. According to various embodiments, the transmit IF processing circuit 1620-2 may include a buffer 1628-2, a TX variable gain amplifier (VGA) 1624-2, a low pass filter (LPF) 1626-2, or a mixer ( mixer) 1622-2. The buffer 1628-2 may temporarily store the received Balanced Tx I/Q signal to enable stable signal processing. The TX VGA 1624 - 2 may include one or more VGAs and may perform automatic gain control (AGC) on a transmission signal. The LPF 1626 - 2 may perform an operation of a channel filter operating the bandwidth of the balanced Tx I/Q signal as a cutoff frequency, and the cutoff frequency may be variable. The mixer 1622 - 2 may receive a signal from the oscillator 1629 and upconvert the balanced Tx I/Q signal into a transmit IF signal. The upconverted transmit IF signal may be transferred to and processed by the transmit RF processing unit 1630 - 2 through the switch 1625 .

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 1697 may include an RFIC 1630 and a plurality of antenna elements 1640 . The RFIC 1630 may include a receive RF processing circuit 1630 - 1 and a transmit RF processing circuit 1630 - 2 . The receive RF processing circuit 1630-1 may include n receive circuits (n receive chains or n sources). According to various embodiments, the receive RF processing circuit 1630-1 is a plurality of receive RF through first to n-th low noise amplifiers 1635-1 to 1635-n, and antenna elements 1640 . signal can be received. According to an embodiment, the reception RF processing circuit 1630-1 may convert a plurality of reception RF signals into a plurality of IF signals. According to various embodiments, the plurality of RF signals may be phase-shifted beamforming signals. According to an embodiment, the reception RF processing circuit 1630-1 includes first to n-th phase shifters 1632-1 to 1632-n, and first to n-th RX VGAs 1634-1 to 1634-1 to 1634-n), or a combination (n way Rx combination) 1636 . The first to n-th phase shifters 1632-1 to 1632-n shift the phases of a plurality of received RF signals, for example, the first to n-th received RF signals, according to the beamforming angle to form in-phase It is possible to output a plurality of received RF signals. The first to nth RX VGAs 1634-1 to 1634-n may include one or more VGAs and may perform automatic gain control (AGC) on each of a plurality of received RF signals. The combination (n way Rx combination) 1636 may combine a plurality of received RF signals out of phase. The combined received RF signal may be delivered to a mixer 1638 . Before the combined received RF signal is transmitted to the mixer 1638 , automatic gain control (AGC) may be performed by the VGA 1639 . The mixer 738 may perform down-converting the combined received RF signal from the RF band to the IF band by using the signal from the internal or external oscillator 1631 . The down-converted IF signal may be transferred to and processed by the receiving IF processing circuit 162-1 through the switch 1625 . According to various embodiments, the reception IF processing circuit 162-1 may convert the down-converted IF signal into a digital signal and transmit it to the communication processor 1610 . According to various embodiments, the transmit RF processing circuit 1630 - 2 may receive an IF signal and convert it into a plurality of RF signals. The transmit RF processing circuit 1630-2 may include n transmit circuits (n transmit chains or n sources) 1671-1 through 1671-n. According to various embodiments, the plurality of RF signals may be phase-shifted beamforming signals. According to an embodiment, the transmit RF processing circuit unit 1630-2 includes a mixer 1642, a splitter 1644, and first to nth TX VGAs 1646-1 to 1646-n. ), or first to n-th phase shifters 1648-1 to 1648-n. The mixer 1642 may up-convert the transmit IF signal into a signal of the RF band using the signal from the oscillator 1631 . The splitter (n way tx spliter) 1644 may separate and generate the transmit RF signal upconverted by the mixer 1642 into n transmit RF signals. The first to nth TX VGAs 1646 - 1 to 1646-n may perform an Auto Gain Control (AGC) operation on n transmit RF signals according to a control signal of the communication processor 1610 . According to an embodiment, the number of VGAs may increase or decrease depending on the case. The first to n-th phase shifters 1648-1 to 1648-n may shift the phases of n transmit RF signals according to a beamforming angle according to a control signal of the communication processor 1610. can Based on the phase shift, n transmission RF signals may be output as beamforming signals having different phases. According to various embodiments, the first to n-th power amplifiers 1655-1 to 1655-n may amplify the first to n-th transmission signals and output them to the plurality of antenna elements 1640 . .

According to various embodiments, in a folded state, at least some antennas among the plurality of antenna elements 1640 may be coupled to at least some antennas among the plurality of director elements 1650 . For example, when at least some of the plurality of antenna elements 1640 are coupled with at least some of the plurality of director elements 1650 , the output signal from the RFIC 1630 is transmitted to the plurality of antenna elements ( 1640 and the plurality of director elements 1650 may be transmitted (or radio-radiated). According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of antenna elements 1640 and the plurality of director elements 1650 may include a phase array antenna. According to various embodiments, the plurality of antenna elements 1640 and the plurality of director elements 1650 may have various shapes, such as a patch antenna or a dipole antenna. The communication processor 1610 provides first beam book information and/or first RFIC control information according to the control of the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 , the processor 1520 of FIG. 15 ) or by itself. to control a signal output to the plurality of antennas 1640 based on can be controlled When there is an FEM associated with the plurality of director elements 1650 , the communication processor 1610 may further control an output associated with the plurality of director elements 1650 by controlling the FEM based on the third control information.

17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating an example of an antenna module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 17A , the antenna module 1741 (eg, 1597-1 or 1597-2 of FIG. 15 ) according to an embodiment may include an RFIC 1731 and a plurality of antenna elements 1711 and 1712 . have. The plurality of antenna elements 1711 and 1712 may include two patch antennas or a patch antenna and a dipole antenna. At least some of the plurality of antenna elements 1711 and 1712 may operate as a coupling element coupled to the plurality of director elements.

Referring to FIG. 17B , an antenna module 1742 (eg, 1597-1 or 1597-2 of FIG. 15 ) according to an embodiment includes an RFIC 1732 and a plurality of antenna elements 1721 , 1722 , and 1723 . can do. The plurality of antenna elements 1721 , 1722 , and 1723 may include three patch antennas, or two patch antennas and one dipole antenna. At least some antenna 1723 of the plurality of antenna elements 1721 , 1722 , and 1723 may operate as a coupling element coupled to the plurality of director elements.

Referring to FIG. 17C , the antenna module 1743 (eg, 1597-1 or 1597-2 of FIG. 15 ) according to an embodiment includes an RFIC 1733 and a plurality of antenna elements 1731 , 1732 , and 1733 . can do. The plurality of antenna elements 1731 , 1732 , and 1733 may include three patch antennas, two patch antennas and one dipole antenna, and one of the two patch antennas 1731 and 1732 is optional. A switch 1735 may be provided to be used as a . At least some of the plurality of antenna elements 1721 , 1722 , and 1723 may operate as a coupling element coupled to the plurality of director elements.

18A to 18D are diagrams illustrating an example of a director module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 18A , a director module 1851 (eg, 1598 - 1 or 1598 - 2 of FIG. 15 ) according to an embodiment may include a plurality of director elements 1811 and 1812 . The plurality of director elements 1811 and 1812 may include two patch antennas or a patch antenna and a dipole antenna. At least some of the plurality of director elements 1811 and 1812 may operate as a coupling element coupled to at least some of the plurality of antenna elements.

Referring to FIG. 18B , a director module 1852 (eg, 1598-1 or 1598-2 of FIG. 15 ) according to an embodiment includes a plurality of director elements 1821 , 1822 , 1823 , and a switch 1825 . can do. The plurality of director elements 1821 , 1822 , and 1823 may include three patch antennas, or two patch antennas and a dipole antenna. The switch 1825 may select one of the two patch antennas 1822 and 1823 to be used according to a control signal. At least some of the director elements 1821 , 1822 , and 1823 of the plurality of director elements 1821 may operate as coupling elements coupled to the plurality of antenna elements.

Referring to FIG. 18C , a director module 1853 (eg, 1598 - 1 or 1598 - 2 of FIG. 15 ) according to an embodiment may include a plurality of director elements 1831 and 1832 and an FEM 1836 . have. The plurality of director elements 1831 and 1832 may include two patch antennas or a patch antenna and a dipole antenna. At least some of the plurality of director elements 1831 and 1832 may operate as a coupling element coupled to at least some of the plurality of antenna elements. The FEM 1836 may control an output signal for each of the plurality of director elements 1831 and 1832 according to a control signal. For example, the FEM 1836 may be configured to associate a plurality of antenna elements with output signals of the plurality of antenna elements when at least some antenna 1831 of the plurality of director elements 1831 , 1832 is coupled with at least a portion of the plurality of antenna elements. It is possible to control an output signal for each of the director elements 1831 and 1832 of the .

Referring to FIG. 18D , a director module 1854 (eg, 1598-1 or 1598-2 of FIG. 15 ) according to an embodiment includes a plurality of director elements 1841 , 1842 , 1843 , a switch 1845 , and a FEM. (1846). The plurality of director elements 1841 , 1842 , and 1843 may include three patch antennas, or two patch antennas and a dipole antenna. The switch 1845 may select one of the two patch antennas 1842 and 1843 to be used according to a control signal. At least some antenna 1841 of the plurality of second antenna elements 1841 , 1842 , and 1843 may operate as a coupling element coupled to at least a portion of the plurality of antenna elements. The FEM 1846 may control output signals for the plurality of director elements 1841 , 1842 , and 1843 according to the control signal. For example, the FEM 1846 may be configured to associate with an output signal of the plurality of antenna elements when at least some antenna 1841 of the plurality of director elements 1841 , 1842 , 1843 is coupled with at least a portion of the plurality of antenna elements. Output signals for the plurality of director elements 1841 , 1842 , and 1843 may be controlled.

19A to 19D are diagrams illustrating examples in which some of a plurality of antenna elements and a plurality of director elements are coupled according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 19A , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 , The plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 of the antenna module 1910 and the plurality of director elements of the director module 1920 are in the folded state of the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ). The fields 1921 and 1922 may face each other. As the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and the plurality of director elements 1921 and 1922 face each other, at least some of the antenna elements 1912 of the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and the plurality of director elements ( 1921 , 1922 (or at least some director element 1921 of the plurality of director elements 1921 , 1922 ) may be coupled. Upon coupling, an output signal from the RFIC 1915 controlled according to the first control information is transmitted through at least some of the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and at least some of the plurality of director elements 1921 and 1922 . (or radio-radiated).

Referring to FIG. 19B , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 , The plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 of the antenna module 1910 and the plurality of director elements of the director module 1930 are in the folded state of the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ). The fields 1321 , 1932 , and 1933 may face each other. As the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and the plurality of director elements 1931 , 1932 and 1933 face each other, at least some antennas 1912 of the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and the plurality of director elements 1931 , 1932 , 1933 (or at least some director element 1931 of the plurality of director elements 1931 , 1932 , 1933 ) may be coupled. At the time of coupling, an output signal from the RFIC 1915 controlled according to the first control information transmits at least a portion of the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and at least a portion of the plurality of director elements 1931 , 1932 and 1933 . may be transmitted (or radio-radiated) through According to an embodiment, the director module 1930 includes a switch 1935 , and is used among the director elements 1932 and 1933 included in the plurality of director elements 1931 , 1932 , and 1933 through the switch 1935 . The director element 1932 may be selected.

Referring to FIG. 19C , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 , The plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 of the antenna module 1910 and the plurality of director elements of the director module 1940 are in the folded state of the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ). The fields 1941 and 1942 may face each other. As the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and the plurality of directors 1941 and 1942 face each other, at least some of the antenna elements 1912 and the plurality of director elements 1941 of the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 face each other. , 1942 may be coupled to at least some of the directors 1941 . Upon coupling, an output signal from the RFIC 1915 controlled according to the first control information is transmitted through at least some of the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and at least some of the plurality of director elements 1941 and 1942 . (or radio-radiated). According to an embodiment, the director module 1940 includes the FEM 1946, and during coupling, the output associated with the plurality of director elements 1941 and 1942 is controlled through the FEM 1946 according to the third control information. can

Referring to FIG. 19D , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 , The plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 of the antenna module 1910 and the plurality of director elements of the director module 1950 are in the folded state of the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ). The fields 1951 , 1952 , and 1953 may face each other. As the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and the plurality of director elements 1951 , 1952 and 1953 face each other, at least some of the antenna elements 1912 of the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and the plurality of director elements The members 1951 , 1952 , and 1953 (or at least some of the plurality of director elements 1951 , 1952 , 1953 ) may be coupled. At the time of coupling, an output signal from the RFIC 1915 controlled according to the first control information transmits at least a portion of the plurality of antenna elements 1911 and 1912 and at least a portion of the plurality of director elements 1951 , 1952 and 1953 . may be transmitted (or radio-radiated) through The director module 1950 includes the FEM 1956 , and upon coupling, may control outputs associated with the plurality of director elements 1951 , 1952 , and 1953 through the FEM 1956 according to third control information. In addition, the director module 1950 includes a switch 1955 , and a director element 1952 to be used among the director elements 1952 and 1953 included in the plurality of director elements 1951 , 1952 , and 1953 through the switch 1955 . ) can also be selected.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 10 , the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 , The method for controlling an output associated with an antenna in the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ) includes at least one sensor (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 , or at least one of the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ). The first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 , the first housing structure 410 of FIG. 10 , or the first housing structure of FIG. 15 ) using the sensors 1576 - 1 and 1576 - 2 first housing structure 1501-1) and a second housing structure (eg, second housing structure 220 of FIG. 2 , second housing structure 420 of FIG. 10 , or second housing structure 1501 of FIG. 15 ) -2)) in the folded state; Checking whether the element and a plurality of director elements disposed on at least a part of the second housing structure are coupled; First control information or first control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements (eg, the first antenna 471 of FIG. 4 , the first antenna elements 770 of FIG. 10 ) of the electronic device based on whether or not the coupling is performed 2 checking control information; and through the communication circuit (eg, the communication circuit of FIG. 1 or the communication circuit 1590 of FIG. 15 ) of the electronic device based on the confirmation of the first control information or the second control information, the plurality of antenna elements ( Example: It may include an operation of controlling an output associated with the second antenna element 281 of FIG. 4 and the second antenna elements 781 of FIG. 10 ).

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first control information may include first beam book information or/and a first RFIC associated with the plurality of antenna elements in a state in which the first and second housing structures are folded. Control information may be included.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes the communication circuit and the plurality of directors based on third control information associated with a plurality of director elements of the electronic device in a state in which the first and second housing structures are folded. The method may further include controlling an output associated with the plurality of director elements through a front end module connected to the elements.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may further include checking received signal strength through the plurality of antenna elements in a state in which the first and second housing structures are folded, and the electronic device When the strength of a received signal through the antenna element is equal to or less than a specified signal strength, the output associated with the plurality of antenna elements may be controlled based on the first control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may further include detecting whether a grip is associated with the plurality of antenna elements using the at least one sensor in a state in which the first and second housing structures are folded. If the grip associated with the plurality of antenna elements is detected, the electronic device may control an output associated with the plurality of antenna elements based on first control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements.

20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of controlling an output associated with an antenna in an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 20 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 , The processor of the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ) (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 , the processor 1520 of FIG. 15 ) (hereinafter, the processor 1520 , for example) described) may perform some or all of operations 2010 to 2030.

In operation 2010, the processor 1520 according to an embodiment uses at least one sensor (eg, 1576 - 1 or 1576 - 2 ) to generate the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 . ) is an unfolded state or a folded state (or a state in which the flexible display is unfolded or accommodated in a rollable type housing).

In operation 2020, the processor 1520 according to an embodiment determines whether the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 are in a folded state or an unfolded state (or in a rollable type housing in which the flexible display is unfolded). state), the first control information or the second control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements may be acquired. For example, the processor 1520 may configure at least some of the antennas and the second among a plurality of antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure based on whether the first and second housing structures are in a folded state or an unfolded state. It is checked whether a plurality of director elements disposed on at least a part of the housing structure are coupled, and based on whether at least some of the plurality of antenna elements are coupled to at least some of the director elements of the plurality of director elements. First control information or second control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements may be checked. According to various embodiments, the first control information and the second control information may include beambook information or RFIC control information, respectively, and may include different beambook information or RFIC control information. For example, the first control information may include first beam book information and/or first RFIC control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements in the folded state. For example, the first beam book information may include information related to a beamforming form, a phase, or an amplitude during signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) through a plurality of antenna elements in a folded state. have. For example, the first RFIC control information may include power amplifier (PA) or low noise amplifier (LNA) gain information in RFIC for signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) through a plurality of antenna elements in a folded state. have. For example, the second control information may include second beam book information and/or second RFIC control information associated with a plurality of antenna elements in an unfolded state. For example, the second beam book information may include information related to a beamforming form, a phase, or an amplitude during signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) through a plurality of antenna elements in an unfolded state. have. For example, the second RFIC control information may include power amplifier (PA) or low noise amplifier (LNA) gain information in RFIC during signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) through a plurality of antenna elements in an unfolded state. . For example, the processor 1520 may obtain the first beambook information and the second beambook information from the table-type beambook information stored in the memory 1530 . The first beambook information and the second beambook information may include different beam indexes, respectively. Each beam index may include information for adjusting the phase and amplitude or gain of each element of the plurality of antenna elements. In the accommodated state), the first beam index may include information such that the coverage or radiation pattern of the plurality of antenna elements has the first coverage or the first radiation pattern, and in an unfolded state (or a flexible display in a rollable type housing) in the unfolded state), the second beam index may include information such that the coverage or radiation pattern of the plurality of antenna elements has the second coverage or the second radiation pattern.

In operation 2030 , the processor 1520 according to an embodiment controls the output associated with the plurality of antenna elements based on the first control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements or the second control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements can do. For example, the processor 1520 selects a beamforming shape, phase, or amplitude according to the first beam book information in a folded state (or a state in which the flexible display is accommodated in a rollable type housing). A gain of an RFIC (eg, a power amplifier (PA) or a low noise amplifier (LNA) in the RFIC 1630 of FIG. 16 ) according to the first RFIC control information or to control a signal output to the plurality of first antenna elements by adjusting A signal output to a plurality of antenna elements may be controlled by adjusting (gain). The processor 1520 according to various embodiments performs coupling with at least a portion of the plurality of antenna elements according to the third control information when controlling the output associated with the plurality of antenna elements according to the first control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements. It is possible to further control the output associated with the plurality of director elements. For example, the third control information may include front end module (FEM) control information associated with a plurality of director elements.

21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of controlling an output associated with an antenna based on a folded state and a received signal strength in an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 21 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 , The processor of the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ) (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 , the processor 1520 of FIG. 15 ) (hereinafter, the processor 1520 , for example) described) may perform some or all of operations 2110 to 2140.

In operation 2110 , the processor 1520 according to an embodiment uses at least one sensor (eg, 1576 - 1 or 1576 - 2 ) to configure the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 . ) is an unfolded state or a folded state (or a state in which the flexible display is unfolded or accommodated in a rollable type housing). For example, the processor 1520 may include the first and second housing structures. Whether at least some antennas among a plurality of antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure and a plurality of director elements disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure are coupled based on whether is in a folded state or an unfolded state can be checked.

In operation 2120 , the processor 1520 according to an embodiment may check the strength of a received signal through the plurality of antenna elements in a state in which the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 are folded. .

In operation 2130 , the processor 1520 according to an exemplary embodiment sets the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 in a folded state (or in a state in which the flexible display is accommodated in the rollable type housing). The first control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements may be obtained based on the fact that the strength of the received signal through the plurality of antenna elements is equal to or less than the specified signal strength. For example, the first control information may include first beam book information and/or first RFIC control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements in the folded state. For example, the first beam book information may include information of at least some of the plurality of antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure and a plurality of director elements disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure in a folded state. When a signal is transmitted (or radio-radiated) through a plurality of antenna elements determined (or changed) according to coupling, information related to a beamforming type, phase, or amplitude may be included. . For example, the first RFIC control information may include at least some of the plurality of antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure and a plurality of director elements disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure in a folded state. A power amplifier (PA) or low noise amplifier (LNA) gain in RFIC (when transmitting a signal through a plurality of antenna elements determined (or changed) according to coupling of at least some of the director elements (or during radio wave radiation)) may contain information.

In operation 2140 , the processor 1520 according to an embodiment may control outputs associated with the plurality of antenna elements based on the first control information. For example, the processor 1520 is in a folded state and in a state where signal reception strength through a plurality of antenna elements is equal to or less than a specified signal strength, a beamforming shape, phase, or amplitude according to first beam book information ) to control a signal output to a plurality of antenna elements or gain of an RFIC (eg, a power amplifier (PA) or a low noise amplifier (LNA) in the RFIC 1630 of FIG. 16 ) according to the first RFIC control information) A signal output to a plurality of antenna elements may be controlled by adjusting (gain). The processor 1520 according to various embodiments performs coupling with at least a portion of the plurality of antenna elements according to the third control information when controlling the output associated with the plurality of antenna elements according to the first control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements. It is possible to further control the output associated with the plurality of director elements. For example, the third control information may include front end module (FEM) control information associated with the plurality of director elements.

22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of controlling an output associated with an antenna based on detection of a folded state and a grip in an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 22 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or 2 , the electronic device 400 of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 700 of FIG. 10 , the electronic device 1300 of FIG. 13 , The processor of the electronic device 1400 of FIG. 14 or the electronic device 1501 of FIG. 15 ) (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 , the processor 1520 of FIG. 15 ) (hereinafter, the processor 1520 , for example) described) may perform some or all of operations 2210 to 2240.

In operation 2210 , the processor 1520 according to an embodiment uses at least one sensor (eg, 1576 - 1 or 1576 - 2 ) to configure the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 . ) is in an unfolded state or a folded state (or in a rollable type housing, in an unfolded or stored state).

In operation 2220 , the processor 1520 according to an exemplary embodiment performs the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 in a folded state (or in a state in which the flexible display is unfolded or accommodated in a rollable type housing). state), it is possible to check whether the grip is associated with the plurality of first antenna elements using at least one sensor.

In operation 2230 , the processor 1520 according to an exemplary embodiment performs the first housing structure 1501 - 2 and the second housing structure 1502 - 3 in a folded state (or in a state in which the flexible display is accommodated in the rollable type housing). may acquire first control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements based on the detection of the grip associated with the plurality of antenna elements. For example, the first control information may include information about at least some of the plurality of antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure and a plurality of director elements disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure in a collapsed state. It may include first beam book information and/or first RFIC control information associated with a plurality of antenna elements determined (or changed) as they are coupled. For example, the first beam book information includes information related to a beamforming shape, a phase, or an amplitude during signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) through a plurality of first antenna elements in a folded state. can do. For example, the first RFIC control information may include power amplifier (PA) or low noise amplifier (LNA) gain information in RFIC for signal transmission (or radio wave radiation) through a plurality of antenna elements in a folded state. have.

In operation 2140 , the processor 1520 according to an embodiment may control outputs associated with the plurality of antenna elements based on the first control information. For example, the processor 1520 adjusts a beamforming shape, a phase, or an amplitude according to the first beam book information in a folded state and a grip associated with a plurality of antenna elements is detected. to control a signal output to the plurality of antenna elements or gain of an RFIC (eg, a power amplifier (PA) or a low noise amplifier (LNA) in the RFIC 1630 of FIG. 16 ) according to the first RFIC control information can be adjusted to control signals output to the plurality of antenna elements. The processor 1520 according to various embodiments performs coupling with at least a portion of the plurality of antenna elements according to the third control information when controlling the output associated with the plurality of antenna elements according to the first control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements. It is possible to further control the output associated with the plurality of director elements. For example, the third control information may include front end module (FEM) control information associated with the plurality of director elements.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be devices of various types. 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 all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases. Terms such as “first”, “second”, or “first” or “second” may simply be used to distinguish that component from other such components, and may refer to those components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order) is not limited. It is said that one (eg, first) component is “coupled” or “connected” to another (eg, 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 contain 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 an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be included in a computer program product and provided. 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 through 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, in the storage medium storing instructions, the instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to perform at least one operation when executed by the at least one processor, the at least one operation comprising: checking whether the first and second housing structures of the electronic device are in a folded state using at least one sensor; at least some of the plurality of first antennas disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure and at least a portion of the second housing structure disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure based on whether the first and second housing structures are in a folded state or an unfolded state checking whether the plurality of second antennas are coupled; checking first control information or second control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements based on whether at least some of the plurality of first antennas and the plurality of second antennas are coupled; and controlling an output associated with the plurality of first antenna elements through a communication circuit of the electronic device based on the confirmation of the first control information or the second control information.

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, omitted, or , or one or more other operations may be added.

The electronic device including the antenna of the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above and the method for controlling the output associated with the antenna are not limited by the above-described embodiments and drawings, and various substitutions, modifications and changes within the technical scope of the present disclosure This possibility will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

Claims (15)

In an electronic device, A foldable housing comprising: hinge structure; a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure; the foldable housing connected to the hinge structure and including a second housing structure that is folded or unfolded with the first housing structure around the hinge structure; a flexible display disposed on the first and second housing structures; first and second antenna arrays including a plurality of first and second antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure; and a director including a plurality of director elements disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure; The plurality of director elements face the plurality of second antenna elements when the first and second housing structures are folded, and are coupled to at least some of the plurality of second antenna elements. According to claim 1, communication circuit; at least one sensor; at least one processor operatively coupled to the display, the communication module, and the at least one sensor; and including memory, The memory, when executed, the at least one processor Checking whether the first and second housing structures are in a folded state using the at least one sensor, when the first and second housings are in a folded state, control an output associated with the plurality of first antenna elements through the communication circuit based on first control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements; an instruction to control an output associated with the plurality of first antenna elements through the communication circuit based on second control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements when the first and second housing structures are in an unfolded state Electronic devices that store them. 3. The method of claim 2, Further comprising a front end module electrically connected to the plurality of director elements, The instructions are the at least one processor, control an output associated with the plurality of director elements through the communication circuit and the front end module based on third control information associated with the plurality of director elements when the first and second housing structures are in a folded state electronic device. 3. The method of claim 2, The instructions, the at least one processor, In a state in which the first and second housing structures are folded, the received signal strength through the plurality of first antenna elements is checked, and when the received signal strength through the plurality of first antenna elements is less than or equal to a specified signal strength, the plurality of first An electronic device to control an output associated with the plurality of first antenna elements based on first control information associated with the antenna elements. 3. The method of claim 2, The instructions, the at least one processor, In a state in which the first and second housing structures are folded, whether the grips associated with the plurality of first antenna elements are detected using the at least one sensor, and when the grips associated with the plurality of first antenna elements are detected, An electronic device to control an output associated with the plurality of first antenna elements based on first control information associated with the plurality of first antenna elements. According to claim 1, The electronic device may include an in-folding type foldable housing or an out-folding type foldable housing in which the flexible display is folded or unfolded, or the electronic device moves the flexible display Electronic device including a rollable (rollable) type housing to be unfolded or accommodated. According to claim 1, wherein the first antenna array, a first circuit board disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure; and comprising; the plurality of first antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first circuit board; The second antenna array, a plurality of second antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first circuit board and coupled to a plurality of director elements included in the director; The director is a second circuit board disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure; and and the plurality of director elements disposed on the second circuit board and coupled to the plurality of second antenna elements. The electronic device of claim 7 , wherein the plurality of second antenna elements comprises a patch antenna element, a dipole antenna element, or a director element. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the first antenna array comprises an active antenna array and the director comprises a passive antenna array. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second antenna arrays or the director includes a patch antenna array and a dipole antenna array. The method according to claim 1, wherein the foldable housing includes first and second antenna modules; The first antenna module, a first circuit board disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure; a first antenna array including a plurality of first antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first circuit board; and a plurality of coupling elements disposed on at least a portion of the first circuit board and coupled to a plurality of third antenna elements included in the second antenna array; The second antenna module, a second circuit board disposed on at least a portion of the second housing structure; a second antenna array disposed on at least a portion of the second circuit board and including the plurality of second antenna elements; and and a plurality of third antenna elements disposed on the second circuit board and coupled to the plurality of coupling elements. The electronic device of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of first, second and third antenna elements or the coupling element comprises a patch antenna element or a dipole antenna element. A method for controlling an output associated with an antenna in an electronic device, the method comprising: checking whether the first and second housing structures of the electronic device are in a folded state using at least one sensor; at least some of the plurality of antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure and at least a portion of the second housing structure disposed in at least a portion of the second housing structure based on whether the first and second housing structures are in a folded state or an unfolded state checking whether at least some of the plurality of director elements are coupled; Checking first control information or second control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements based on whether at least some of the plurality of antenna elements and at least some of the plurality of director elements are coupled to each other movement; and and controlling an output associated with the plurality of antenna elements through a communication circuit of the electronic device based on the checking of the first control information or the second control information. 14. The method of claim 13, The first control information includes first beam book information and/or first RFIC control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements in the folded state of the first and second housing structures. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to perform at least one operation when executed by the at least one processor, the at least one operation comprising: checking whether the first and second housing structures of the electronic device are in a folded state using at least one sensor; at least some of the plurality of antenna elements disposed on at least a portion of the first housing structure and at least a portion of the second housing structure disposed in at least a portion of the second housing structure based on whether the first and second housing structures are in a folded state or an unfolded state checking whether at least some of the plurality of director elements are coupled; Checking first control information or second control information associated with the plurality of antenna elements based on whether at least some of the plurality of antenna elements and at least some of the plurality of director elements are coupled to each other movement; and and controlling an output associated with the plurality of antenna elements through a communication circuit of the electronic device based on checking the first control information or the second control information.

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