Wireless devices with coexisting antenna structures

Abstract

An electronic device is provided, which may include a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna, as well as a docking station flexible member. A first feed terminal for the first antenna is connected via a first path to a second feed terminal for the second antenna. The first path is grounded via a second path. A tuning component may be inserted into the first path and the second path. The third antenna may be patterned on a first portion of the docking station flexible member. A front end component for the first antenna may be mounted to a second portion of the docking station flexible member. The first portion and the second portion may extend from a rear portion of the docking station flexible member. The rear portion may wrap around a plastic support block to hold the second portion above the first portion. The plastic support block may have snap hook clips for holding the second portion in place.

Description

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 222,557, filed April 5, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 077,419, filed September 11, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more specifically to electronic devices with wireless communication capabilities.

[0003] Electronic devices such as laptops and cellular phones typically possess wireless communication capabilities. To meet consumer demand for small-form-factor wireless devices, manufacturers have been continuously striving to achieve wireless communication circuitry using compact structures, such as antenna components. Simultaneously, there is a growing expectation that wireless devices will cover an increasing number of communication frequency bands.

[0004] Because antennas can interfere with each other and with components in wireless devices, extra care must be taken when integrating antennas into electronic devices. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the antennas and wireless circuitry within the device exhibit satisfactory performance and have satisfactory efficiency bandwidth across a range of operating frequencies.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide improved wireless communication circuits for wireless electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The electronic device may include wireless circuitry and a housing with an external conductive housing structure and a conductive support plate. This external conductive housing structure may include a first section and a second section located at the lower end of the device. The first and second sections may be separated from the conductive support plate by a slot. The first section may form a first antenna resonant element arm for a first antenna. The second section may form part of an open-slot antenna resonant element for a second antenna.

[0007] The first antenna can be fed using the first positive antenna feed terminal on the first segment and the first RF transmission line connected to the first positive antenna feed terminal. The second antenna can be fed using the second positive antenna feed terminal on the second segment and the second RF transmission line connected to the second positive antenna feed terminal. A first conductive path connects the first positive antenna feed terminal to the second positive antenna feed terminal. A second conductive path connects a node on the first conductive path to a conductive support plate. The return path of the first antenna connects the first segment to the conductive support plate. A first antenna tuning component for the first antenna can be inserted into the first conductive path. A second antenna tuning component for the first antenna can be inserted into the second conductive path. A third antenna tuning component for the first antenna can be inserted into the return path.

[0008] A flexible printed circuit can be mounted to a conductive support plate and an outer conductive housing structure. The flexible printed circuit may have a docking station portion. The docking station can be mounted to this docking station portion. The flexible printed circuit may have a first tail and a second tail extending from a first side of the docking station portion. The flexible printed circuit may have a third tail extending from a second side of the docking station portion. The flexible printed circuit may have a first portion at the end of the third tail and a second portion extending from one side of the third tail. A third antenna may be formed on the second portion and can be fed using a third RF transmission line. A first RF transmission line can be connected to a first positive antenna feed terminal via the first portion, the third tail, and the docking station portion. A second RF transmission line can be connected to a second positive antenna feed terminal via a portion of the third tail and the docking station portion.

[0009] A plastic support block can be mounted to the third tail section. The third tail section may have a folded portion. The folded portion of the third tail section and the first portion of the flexible printed circuit can be wrapped around the plastic support block. The plastic support block may have a snap-on hook clip that holds the first portion of the flexible printed circuit in place above the second portion of the flexible printed circuit. A bridging clip can connect the first portion to the feed clip of the second antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device based on some implementation schemes.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary circuit in an electronic device according to some implementation schemes.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless circuit based on some implementation schemes.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device having a housing structure that can be used to form an antenna structure, according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a top interior view of an exemplary electronic device having gaps and sections in a peripheral conductive housing structure for forming multiple antennas, according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating how an exemplary electronic device, according to some embodiments, may include multiple antennas at different ends of the electronic device.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a diagram of exemplary frequency bands that can be covered by antennas in electronic devices according to some implementation schemes.

[0017] Figure 8This is a top interior view of a corner of an exemplary electronic device with a coexisting antenna, according to some implementation schemes.

[0018] Figure 9 It is a graph showing how antenna performance (antenna efficiency) varies with the frequency of an exemplary antenna, based on some implementation schemes.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of an exemplary flexible printed circuit with a structure for coexisting antennas, based on some implementation schemes.

[0020] Figure 11 This illustrates some implementation schemes. Figure 10 A 3D view illustrating how an exemplary flexible printed circuit of the type shown can be folded for integration into a device.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing how a portion of an exemplary flexible printed circuit, according to some embodiments, can be folded around a plastic support block.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a perspective view illustrating how a portion of an exemplary flexible printed circuit, according to some embodiments, can be folded around a plastic support block and integrated into a device.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of an exemplary clip structure, based on some implementation schemes, that can be used to connect a folded flexible printed circuit to an antenna grounding portion.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a top interior view illustrating how an exemplary flexible printed circuit can be threaded into a device according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Electronic devices such as Figure 1 The electronic device 10 may be equipped with wireless circuitry including an antenna. The antenna can be used to transmit and / or receive wireless radio frequency signals.

[0026] Device 10 may be a portable electronic device or other suitable electronic device. For example, device 10 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, smaller devices (such as wristwatches, wall-mounted devices, headphones, handsets, or other wearable or micro-devices), handheld devices (such as cellular phones), media players, or other small portable devices. Device 10 may also be a set-top box, desktop computer, display with integrated computer or other processing circuitry, display without integrated computer, wireless access point, wireless base station, electronic equipment integrated into a newsstand, building, or vehicle, or other suitable electronic equipment.

[0027] Device 10 may include a housing such as housing 12. Housing 12 (sometimes referred to as a shell) may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite material, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or combinations of these materials. In some cases, components of housing 12 may be formed of dielectric or other low-conductivity materials (e.g., glass, ceramic, plastic, sapphire, etc.). In other cases, housing 12 or at least some of the structures constituting housing 12 may be formed of metallic elements.

[0028] If desired, device 10 may have a display such as display 14. Display 14 may be mounted on the front of device 10. Display 14 may be a capacitive touch electrode or a touchscreen that is not sensitive to touch. The back of housing 12 (i.e., the side of device 10 opposite to the front of device 10) may have a substantially flat housing wall, such as a rear housing wall 12R (e.g., a planar housing wall). The rear housing wall 12R may have a gap that extends completely through the rear housing wall, thus separating portions of housing 12 from each other. The rear housing wall 12R may include conductive and / or dielectric portions. If desired, the rear housing wall 12R may include a planar metal layer covered by a thin layer or dielectric coating such as glass, plastic, sapphire, or ceramic (e.g., a dielectric overlay). Housing 12 may also have shallow grooves that do not extend completely through housing 12. The gaps or grooves may be filled with plastic or other dielectric materials. If necessary, the portions of the housing 12 that are separated from each other (e.g., by means of through slots) can be joined by internal conductive structures (e.g., metal sheets or other metal components bridging the slots).

[0029] The housing 12 may include peripheral housing structures such as peripheral structure 12W. The conductive portions of peripheral structure 12W and the conductive portions of the rear housing wall 12R are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the conductive structure of housing 12. Peripheral structure 12W may extend around the periphery of device 10 and display 14. In a configuration where device 10 and display 14 have a rectangular shape with four edges, peripheral structure 12W may be implemented using a peripheral housing structure having a rectangular ring shape with four corresponding edges and extending from the rear housing wall 12R to the front of device 10 (by way of example). In other words, device 10 may have a length (e.g., measured parallel to the Y-axis), a width less than the length (e.g., measured parallel to the X-axis), and a height less than the width (e.g., measured parallel to the Z-axis). If desired, peripheral structure 12W or a portion thereof may serve as a frame for display 14 (e.g., surrounding all four sides of display 14 and / or decorative embellishments that help hold display 14 to device 10). If necessary, the peripheral structure 12W can form the sidewall structure of the device 10 (e.g., by forming a metal strip with vertical sidewalls, curved sidewalls, etc.).

[0030] The peripheral structure 12W may be formed of a conductive material (such as a metal) and is therefore sometimes referred to as a peripheral conductive shell structure, conductive shell structure, peripheral metal structure, peripheral conductive sidewall, peripheral conductive sidewall structure, conductive shell sidewall, peripheral conductive shell sidewall, sidewall, sidewall structure, or peripheral conductive shell member (by way of example). The peripheral conductive shell structure 12W may be formed of a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, alloy, or other suitable material. One, two, or more than two separate structures may be used to form the peripheral conductive shell structure 12W.

[0031] The peripheral conductive housing structure 12W does not necessarily have a uniform cross-section. For example, if desired, the top of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may have an inwardly projecting flange that helps hold the display 14 in place. The bottom of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may also have an enlarged lip (e.g., in the plane of the back of the device 10). The peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may have substantially straight vertical sidewalls, may have curved sidewalls, or may have other suitable shapes. In some configurations (e.g., when the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W is used as the frame of the display 14), the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may extend around the lip of the housing 12 (i.e., the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may only cover the edge of the housing 12 surrounding the display 14 and not the remaining sidewalls of the housing 12).

[0032] The rear housing wall 12R may be located in a plane parallel to the display 14. In the configuration of device 10, where some or all of the rear housing wall 12R is formed of metal, it may be necessary to form a portion of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W as an integrated part of the housing structure forming the rear housing wall 12R. For example, the rear housing wall 12R of device 10 may include a planar metal structure, and a portion of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W on the side of housing 12 may be formed as a flat or curved vertically extending integrated metal portion of the planar metal structure (e.g., housing structures 12R and 12W may be formed from a continuous sheet of metal in a monolithic configuration). If desired, housing structures such as these housing structures may be machined from a block of metal, and / or may include multiple metal pieces assembled together to form housing 12. The rear housing wall 12R may have one or more, two or more, or three or more parts. The conductive portions of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W and / or the rear housing wall 12R may form one or more outer surfaces of the device 10 (e.g., user-visible surfaces of the device 10), and / or may be implemented using internal structures that do not form outer surfaces of the device 10 (e.g., conductive housing structures not visible to the user of the device 10, such as conductive structures covered with layers (e.g., thin decorative layers, protective coatings, and / or other coatings that may include dielectric materials such as glass, ceramics, and plastics) or other structures that form outer surfaces of the device 10 and / or serve to conceal the conductive portions of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W and / or the rear housing wall 12R from being seen by the user).

[0033] Display 14 may have a pixel array forming an effective area AA, which displays an image of the user of device 10. For example, the effective area AA may include a display pixel array. The pixel array may be formed from liquid crystal display (LCD) components, electrophoretic pixel arrays, plasma display pixel arrays, organic light-emitting diode display pixels or other light-emitting diode pixel arrays, electrowetting display pixel arrays, or display pixels based on other display technologies. If desired, the effective area AA may include a touch sensor, such as a touch sensor capacitive electrode, a force sensor, or other sensors for collecting user input.

[0034] Display 14 may have invalid boundary regions extending along one or more edges of the active region AA. The invalid region IA of display 14 may lack pixels for displaying images and may overlap with circuitry and other internal device structures within housing 12. To prevent these structures from being viewed by the user of device 10, an opaque masking layer may be applied to the underside of the display overlay or to other layers in display 14 that overlap with the invalid region IA. The opaque masking layer may have any suitable color. The invalid region IA may include recessed areas, such as notches 24 extending into the active region AA. The active region AA may be defined, for example, by a lateral region of a display module of display 14 (e.g., a display module including pixel circuitry, touch sensor circuitry, etc.). The display module may have recesses or notches in the upper region 20 of device 10 that lack active display circuitry (i.e., notches 24 forming the invalid region IA). The notch 24 may be a substantially rectangular region surrounded (defined) by the active region AA on three sides and surrounded by the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W on the fourth side.

[0035] A display cover can be used to protect the display 14. The display cover may be made of a layer of clear glass, transparent plastic, clear ceramic, sapphire, or other clear crystalline material, or one or more other transparent layers. The display cover may have a planar shape, a convex curved profile, a shape with planar and curved portions, a layout including a planar main area surrounding one or more edges (part of which is bent out of the plane of the planar main area), or other suitable shapes. The display cover may cover the entire front of the device 10. In another suitable arrangement, the display cover may substantially cover all of the front of the device 10 or only a portion of the front of the device 10. Openings may be formed in the display cover. For example, openings may be formed in the display cover to accommodate buttons. Openings may also be formed in the display cover to accommodate ports such as speaker port 16 or microphone port in recess 24. If desired, openings may be formed in the housing 12 to form communication ports (e.g., audio jack ports, digital data ports, etc.) and / or audio ports for audio components, such as speakers and / or microphones.

[0036] Display 14 may include conductive structures such as capacitive electrode arrays for touch sensors, conductive lines for addressing pixels, driver circuitry, etc. Housing 12 may include internal conductive structures such as metal frame members and planar conductive housing members (sometimes referred to as conductive support plates or back plates) spanning the walls of housing 12 (e.g., a substantially rectangular sheet formed by welding or otherwise connecting one or more metal portions between opposing sides of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W). The conductive support plate may form the outer rear surface of device 10, or may be covered by a dielectric overlay (such as a thin decorative layer, protective coating, and / or other coatings that may include dielectric materials such as glass, ceramic, or plastic) or other structures that form the outer surface of device 10 and / or serve to conceal the conductive support plate from being seen by the user (e.g., the conductive support plate may form part of the rear housing wall 12R). Device 10 may also include conductive structures such as printed circuit boards, components mounted on the printed circuit boards, and other internal conductive structures. For example, these conductive structures, which may be used to form a ground plane in device 10, may extend under the effective area AA of display 14.

[0037] In regions 22 and 20, openings may be formed within the conductive structures of device 10 (e.g., between the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W and the opposing conductive grounding structure (such as the conductive portion of the rear housing wall 12R, conductive traces on a printed circuit board, conductive electronic components in display 14, etc.)). If desired, these openings, sometimes referred to as gaps, may be filled with air, plastic, and / or other dielectrics and may be used to form slot antenna resonant elements for one or more antennas in device 10.

[0038] The conductive housing structure and other conductive structures in device 10 can be used as a ground plane for the antenna in device 10. The openings in regions 22 and 20 can be used as slots in open or closed slot antennas, as central dielectric regions surrounded by conductive paths of material in loop antennas, as spaces separating antenna resonant elements (such as strip antenna resonant elements or inverted F-shaped antenna resonant elements) from the ground plane, to aid in the performance of parasitic antenna resonant elements, or otherwise as part of the antenna structures formed in regions 22 and 20. If desired, the ground plane under the effective area AA of the display 14 and / or other metallic structures in device 10 may have a portion extending into a portion of the end of device 10 (e.g., the ground portion may extend toward the dielectric-filled openings in regions 22 and 20), thereby narrowing the slots in regions 22 and 20. Region 22 may sometimes be referred to herein as the lower region 22 or lower end 22 of device 10. Region 20 may sometimes be referred herein as the upper region 20 or upper end 20 of device 10.

[0039] Generally, device 10 may include any suitable number of antennas (e.g., one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, etc.). The antennas in device 10 may be located along one or more edges of the device housing at opposite first and second ends of the elongated device housing (e.g., at...). Figure 1 The device 10 may be located in the lower region 22 and / or upper region 20, in the center of the device housing, in other suitable locations, or in one or more of these locations. Figure 1 The arrangement is only illustrative.

[0040] The outer conductive shell structure 12W may include an outer gap structure. For example, the outer conductive shell structure 12W may have one or more dielectric-filled gaps, such as... Figure 1 The gap 18 is shown. Gaps in the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W can be filled using dielectrics such as polymers, ceramics, glass, air, other dielectric materials, or combinations thereof. Gaps 18 divide the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W into one or more peripheral conductive segments. If desired, conductive segments formed in this way can form a portion of an antenna in device 10. Other dielectric openings can be formed in the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., dielectric openings other than gap 18) and can serve as dielectric antenna windows for antennas mounted inside device 10. Antennas within device 10 can be aligned with dielectric antenna windows for transmitting radio frequency signals through the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W. Antennas within device 10 can also be aligned with inactive areas IA of display 14 for transmitting radio frequency signals through display 14.

[0041] To provide the end user of device 10 with the largest possible display (e.g., maximizing the area of ​​the device used for displaying media, running applications, etc.), it is desirable to increase the amount of area covered by the effective area AA of display 14 on the front of device 10. Increasing the size of the effective area AA can reduce the size of the ineffective area IA within device 10. This reduces the area behind display 14 available for antennas within device 10. For example, the effective area AA of display 14 may include conductive structures to prevent radio frequency signals processed by an antenna mounted behind the effective area AA from radiating through the front of device 10. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an antenna that occupies a small amount of space within device 10 (e.g., allowing the largest possible effective display area AA) while still allowing the antenna to communicate with wireless equipment outside device 10 with satisfactory efficiency bandwidth.

[0042] In a typical scenario, device 10 may have one or more upper antennas and one or more lower antennas. For example, an upper antenna may be formed in the upper region 20 of device 10. A lower antenna may be formed in the lower region 22 of device 10. If desired, additional antennas may be formed along the edge of the housing 12 extending between region 22 and region 20. Examples of device 10 including three or four upper antennas and five lower antennas are described herein as examples. Antennas may be used individually to cover the same communication band, overlapping communication bands, or separate communication bands. The antenna may be used to implement an antenna diversity scheme or a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna scheme. Additional antennas for covering any other desired frequencies may also be mounted within device 10 at any desired location. Figure 1 The examples provided are merely illustrative. If desired, the housing 12 may have other shapes (e.g., square, cylindrical, spherical, combinations of these shapes, and / or different shapes, etc.).

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary component that can be used in device 10 is shown. Figure 2 As shown, device 10 may include control circuitry 38. Control circuitry 38 may include storage devices such as storage circuitry 30. Storage circuitry 30 may include hard disk drive storage devices, non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically programmable read-only memory configured to form a solid-state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random access memory), etc.

[0044] Control circuitry 38 may include processing circuitry such as processing circuitry 32. Processing circuitry 32 may be used to control the operation of device 10. Processing circuitry 32 may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, host processors, baseband processor integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits, central processing units (CPUs), etc. Control circuitry 38 may be configured to perform operations in device 10 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuitry), firmware, and / or software. Software code for performing operations in device 10 may be stored on storage circuitry 30 (e.g., storage circuitry 30 may include a non-transitory (tangible) computer-readable storage medium storing software code). This software code may sometimes be referred to as program instructions, software, data, commands, or code. The software code stored on storage circuitry 30 may be executed by processing circuitry 32.

[0045] Control circuitry 38 can be used to run software on device 10, such as internet browsing applications, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone calling applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, etc. To support interaction with external equipment, control circuitry 38 can be used to implement communication protocols. Communication protocols that can be implemented using control circuitry 38 include Internet Protocol, wireless LAN protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol—sometimes referred to as...). Protocols for other short-range wireless communication links, such as This includes protocols such as WPAN protocols, IEEE 802.11ad protocols, cellular phone protocols, MIMO protocols, antenna diversity protocols, satellite navigation system protocols, antenna-based spatial ranging protocols (e.g., Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) protocols or other desired distance detection protocols for signals transmitted at millimeter-wave and centimeter-wave frequencies), etc. Each communication protocol may be associated with a corresponding radio access technology (RAT) that specifies the physical connection method used to implement the protocol.

[0046] Device 10 may include input-output circuitry 26. Input-output circuitry 26 may include input-output devices 28. Input-output devices 28 may be used to allow data to be supplied to device 10 and to allow data to be provided from device 10 to external devices. Input-output devices 28 may include user interface devices, data port devices, sensors, and other input-output components. For example, input-output devices may include touchscreens, displays without touch sensor capabilities, buttons, joysticks, scroll wheels, touchpads, keypads, keyboards, microphones, cameras, speakers, status indicators, light sources, audio jacks, and other audio port components, digital data port devices, light sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, or other components capable of detecting motion and device orientation relative to the earth, capacitive sensors, proximity sensors (e.g., capacitive proximity sensors and / or infrared proximity sensors), magnetic sensors, and other sensors and input-output components.

[0047] Input-output circuitry 26 may include wireless circuitry, such as wireless circuitry 34 for wireless transmission of radio frequency signals. Although for clarity... Figure 2 In the example, control circuitry 38 is shown separately from wireless circuitry 34, but wireless circuitry 34 may include processing circuitry forming part of processing circuitry 32 and / or storage circuitry forming part of storage circuitry 30 forming part of control circuitry 38 (e.g., a portion of control circuitry 38 that may be implemented on wireless circuitry 34). For example, control circuitry 38 may include baseband processor circuitry or other control components forming part of wireless circuitry 34.

[0048] Wireless circuit 34 may include radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry comprising one or more integrated circuits, power amplifier circuitry, low-noise input amplifiers, passive radio frequency (RF) components, one or more antennas, transmission lines, and other circuitry for processing RF wireless signals. Light (e.g., infrared communication) may also be used to transmit wireless signals.

[0049] Wireless circuit 34 may include radio frequency transceiver circuitry 36 for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals in various radio frequency communication bands. For example, radio frequency transceiver circuitry 36 may handle wireless local area network (WLAN) communication bands such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. (IEEE 802.11) bands, Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) communication bands such as 2.4 GHz Communication frequency bands, cellular telephone communication frequency bands such as the cellular low frequency band (LB) (e.g., 600MHz to 960MHz), the cellular low intermediate frequency band (LMB) (e.g., 1400MHz to 1550MHz), the cellular intermediate frequency band (MB) (e.g., 1700MHz to 2200MHz), the cellular high frequency band (HB) (e.g., 2300MHz to 2700MHz), the cellular ultra-high frequency band (UHB) (e.g., 3300MHz to 5000MHz), or other cellular communication frequency bands between approximately 600MHz and approximately 5000MHz (e.g., 3G bands, 4G bands). The communication bands include LTE bands, the 5G New Radio Frequency Range 1 (FR1) band below 10 GHz, the 5G New Radio Frequency Range 2 (FR2) band with millimeter and centimeter wavelengths between 20 GHz and 60 GHz, etc., near field communication (NFC) bands (e.g., 13.56 MHz), satellite navigation bands (e.g., the L1 Global Positioning System (GPS) band at 1575 MHz, the L5 GPS band at 1176 MHz, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) band, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) band, etc.), ultra-wideband (UWB) communication bands supported by the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol and / or other UWB communication protocols (e.g., a first UWB communication band at 6.5 GHz and / or a second UWB communication band at 8.0 GHz), and / or any other desired communication bands. The communication bands processed by the RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​may be referred to herein as frequency bands or simply "bands" and may span corresponding frequency ranges.

[0050] In a suitable arrangement described herein as an example, the UHB band processed by the RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​may include 4G bands such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) bands B42 (e.g., 3400MHz-3600MHz), B46 (e.g., 5150MHz-5925MHz), and / or B48 (e.g., 3500MHz-3700MHz) between 3300MHz and 5000MHz, and 5G bands below 6GHz (e.g., 5G NR FR1 bands), such as 5G bands N77 (e.g., 3300MHz-4200MHz), N78 (e.g., 3300MHz-3800MHz), and / or N79 (e.g., 4400MHz-5000MHz). The UWB communication band processed by the RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​may be based on a pulse radio signaling scheme using band-limited data pulses. Radio frequency signals in the UWB frequency band can have any desired bandwidth, such as bandwidth between 499MHz and 1331MHz, bandwidth greater than 500MHz, etc. The existence of lower frequencies in the baseband can sometimes allow ultra-wideband signals to penetrate objects such as walls. For example, in an IEEE 802.15.4 system, a pair of electronic devices can exchange wireless timestamp messages. The timestamps in the messages can be analyzed to determine the time of flight of the messages, thereby determining the distance (range) between the devices and / or the angle between the devices (e.g., the angle of arrival of the incoming radio frequency signal).

[0051] The RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​may include a corresponding transceiver (e.g., a transceiver integrated circuit or chip) for processing each of these frequency bands, or any desired number of transceivers for processing two or more of these frequency bands. In scenarios where different transceivers are coupled to the same antenna, filter circuitry (e.g., duplexer circuitry, dual-signal circuitry, low-pass filter circuitry, high-pass filter circuitry, band-pass filter circuitry, band-stop filter circuitry, etc.), switching circuitry, multiplexing circuitry, or any other desired circuitry may be used to isolate the RF signals transmitted by each transceiver through the same antenna (e.g., filter circuitry or multiplexing circuitry may be inserted on the RF transmission line shared by the transceivers). The radio frequency transceiver circuit 36 ​​may include one or more integrated circuits (chips), integrated circuit packages (e.g., multiple integrated circuits mounted on a common printed circuit in a system-in-package device, one or more integrated circuits mounted on different substrates, etc.), power amplifier circuits, up-conversion circuits, down-conversion circuits, low-noise input amplifiers, passive radio frequency components, switching circuits, transmission line structures, and other circuits for processing radio frequency signals and / or for converting signals between radio frequency, intermediate frequency, and / or baseband frequencies.

[0052] Generally speaking, the RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​can cover (process) any desired frequency band. For example... Figure 2As shown, wireless circuitry 34 may include antenna 40. Radio frequency transceiver circuitry 36 may use one or more antennas 40 to transmit radio frequency signals (e.g., antenna 40 may transmit radio frequency signals for transceiver circuitry). As used herein, the term "transmit radio frequency signals" means the transmission and / or reception of radio frequency signals (e.g., for performing one-way and / or two-way wireless communication with external wireless communication equipment). Antenna 40 may transmit radio frequency signals by radiating them (or through an intermediary device structure such as a dielectric overlay) into free space. Alternatively or additionally, antenna 40 may receive radio frequency signals from free space (e.g., through an intermediary device structure such as a dielectric overlay). The transmission and reception of radio frequency signals by antenna 40 each involve the excitation or resonance of antenna currents on antenna resonant elements in the antenna by radio frequency signals within the antenna's operating frequency band.

[0053] The antenna 40 in the wireless circuit 34 can be formed using any suitable antenna type. For example, the antenna 40 may include an antenna with a resonant element, formed from a stacked patch antenna structure, a loop antenna structure, a patch antenna structure, an inverted F-shaped antenna structure, a slot antenna structure, a planar inverted F-shaped antenna structure, a waveguide structure, a monopole antenna structure, a dipole antenna structure, a helical antenna structure, a Yagi-Uda antenna structure, a mixture of these designs, etc. In another suitable arrangement, the antenna 40 may include an antenna with a dielectric resonant element, such as a dielectric resonant antenna. If desired, one or more antennas 40 may be cavity-backed antennas. If desired, two or more antennas 40 may be arranged as a phased antenna array (e.g., for transmitting centimeter and / or millimeter-wave signals). Different types of antennas may be used for different frequency bands and combinations of frequency bands.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a given antenna 40 can be fed by the radio frequency transceiver circuit 36. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 As shown, antenna 40 may have a corresponding antenna feed section 50. Antenna 40 may include an antenna resonant element and an antenna ground section. Antenna feed section 50 may have a positive antenna feed terminal 52 connected to the antenna resonant element and a ground antenna feed terminal 44 connected to the ground section.

[0055] The RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​can be coupled to the antenna feed section 50 using an RF transmission line path 42 (sometimes referred to herein as transmission line path 42). Transmission line path 42 may include signal conductors, such as signal conductor 46 (e.g., a positive signal conductor). Transmission line path 42 may include ground conductors, such as ground conductor 48. Ground conductor 48 may be coupled to the ground antenna feed terminal 44 of the antenna feed section 50. Signal conductor 46 may be coupled to the positive antenna feed terminal 52 of the antenna feed section 50.

[0056] Transmission line path 42 may include one or more radio frequency (RF) transmission lines. RF transmission lines in RF transmission line path 42 may include stripline transmission lines (sometimes simply referred to as striplines herein), coaxial cables, coaxial probes implemented with metallized vias, microstrip transmission lines, edge-connected microstrip transmission lines, edge-connected stripline transmission lines, waveguide structures, combinations of these structures, etc. Various types of RF transmission lines can be used to form transmission line path 42. If desired, filter circuits, switching circuits, impedance matching circuits, phase shifter circuits, amplifier circuits, and / or other circuits may be interposed on transmission line path 42. One or more antenna tuning components for adjusting the frequency response of antenna 40 in one or more frequency bands may be interposed on transmission line path 42 and / or integrated within antenna 40 (e.g., connected between antenna ground and antenna resonant elements of antenna 40, connected between different portions of antenna resonant elements of antenna 40, etc.).

[0057] If desired, one or more RF transmission lines in transmission line path 42 may be integrated into a ceramic substrate, a rigid printed circuit board, and / or a flexible printed circuit. In a suitable arrangement, the RF transmission lines may be integrated within a multilayer laminate (e.g., layers of conductive material (such as copper) and dielectric material (such as resin) laminated together without the intervention of an adhesive), which may be folded or bent in multiple dimensions (e.g., two-dimensional or three-dimensional) and retain its bent or folded shape after bending (e.g., the multilayer laminate may be folded into a specific three-dimensional shape to wire around other device components and may have sufficient rigidity to retain its shape after folding without being held in place by reinforcements or other structures). All the multiple layers of the laminate may be laminated together in batches without adhesive (e.g., in a single pressing process) (e.g., in contrast to performing multiple pressing processes to laminate multiple layers together with adhesive).

[0058] If necessary, conductive electronic device structures such as the conductive portion of housing 12 ( Figure 1 It can be used to form at least a portion of one or more antennas in antenna 40 of device 10. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional side view of device 10, which shows an exemplary conductive electronic device structure that can be used to form one or more antennas of antenna 40 in device 10.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W can extend around the lateral periphery of the device 10 (e.g., as in...). Figure 1(Measured in the XY plane). The peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may extend from the rear housing wall 12R (e.g., at the rear of the device 10) to the display 14 (e.g., at the front of the device 10). In other words, the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may form conductive sidewalls of the device 10, wherein a first conductive sidewall of these conductive sidewalls (e.g., a given sidewall extending along the edge of the device 10 and across the width or length of the device 10) is in Figure 4 It is shown in the cross-sectional side view.

[0060] Display 14 may have a display module such as display module 62 (sometimes referred to as a display panel). Display module 62 may include pixel circuitry, touch sensor circuitry, force sensor circuitry, and / or any other desired circuitry for forming the active area AA of display 14. Display 14 may include a dielectric overlay, such as display overlay 64 overlapping display module 62. Display overlay 64 may include plastic, glass, sapphire, ceramic, and / or any other desired dielectric material. Display module 62 may emit image light and may receive sensor input (e.g., touch and / or force sensor input) through display overlay 64. Display overlay 64 and display 14 may be mounted to an external conductive housing structure 12W. Lateral areas of display 14 that do not overlap with display module 62 may form the inactive area IA of display 14.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the rear housing wall 12R can be mounted to the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., opposite to the display 14). The rear housing wall 12R may include a conductive layer, such as a conductive support plate 58. The conductive support plate 58 may span the entire width of the device 10 (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 1 As shown, it extends between the left and right edges of device 10. The conductive support plate 58 may have an edge 54 separated from the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W by a dielectric-filled gap 60 (sometimes referred to herein as opening 60, gap 60, or hole 60). The gap 60 may be filled using air, plastic, ceramic, and / or other dielectric materials. If desired, the conductive support plate 58 may provide structural and mechanical support for device 10.

[0062] If desired, the rear housing wall 12R may include a dielectric overlay, such as dielectric overlay 56. Dielectric overlay 56 may include glass, plastic, sapphire, ceramic, one or more dielectric coatings, or other dielectric materials. Dielectric overlay 56 may be stacked beneath conductive support plate 58 (e.g., conductive support plate 58 may be coupled to the inner surface of dielectric overlay 56). If desired, dielectric overlay 56 may extend across the entire width and / or length of device 10. Dielectric overlay 56 may overlap with slot 60. If desired, dielectric overlay 56 may be provided with a colored and / or opaque masking layer (e.g., ink layer) to help conceal the interior of device 10 from view. In another suitable arrangement, dielectric overlay 56 may be omitted, and slot 60 may be filled using a solid dielectric material.

[0063] Conductive housing structures such as conductive support plate 58 and / or peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., the portion of peripheral conductive housing structure 12W opposite to conductive support plate 58 at slot 60) can be used to form antenna structures for one or more antennas in antennas 40 of device 10. For example, conductive support plate 58 can be used to form a ground layer for one or more antennas in antennas 40 of device 10 and / or form one or more edges of slot antenna resonant elements (e.g., slot antenna resonant elements formed by slot 60) for antennas 40 of device 10. Peripheral conductive housing structure 12W can form antenna resonant element arms (e.g., inverted F-shaped antenna resonant element arms) for one or more antennas in antennas 40 of device 10. If desired, a portion of peripheral conductive housing structure 12W and / or a portion of conductive support plate 58 (e.g., at edge 54 of slot 60) can form part of a conductive loop for forming a loop antenna resonant element of antenna 40 that transmits radio frequency signals in the NFC band.

[0064] If desired, device 10 may include a plurality of slits 60, and the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may include a plurality of dielectric gaps (e.g., ) that divide the peripheral conductive housing structure into segments. Figure 1 Dielectric gap 18). Figure 5 This is a top inner view illustrating how device 10 may include a plurality of slits 60 and may include a plurality of dielectric gaps dividing the peripheral conductive housing structure into segments. For clarity, [the image is] shown below. Figure 5 The view shown has removed display 14 and other internal components.

[0065] like Figure 5As shown, the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may include a first conductive sidewall located at the left edge of the device 10, a second conductive sidewall located at the top edge of the device 10, a third conductive sidewall located at the right edge of the device 10, and a fourth conductive sidewall located at the bottom edge of the device 10 (e.g., in an example where the device 10 has a substantially rectangular lateral shape). The peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may be segmented by dielectric-filled gaps 18 (such as first gap 18-1, second gap 18-2, third gap 18-3, fourth gap 18-4, fifth gap 18-5, and sixth gap 18-6). Gap 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, 18-4, 18-5, and 18-6 may be filled with plastic, ceramic, sapphire, glass, epoxy resin, or other dielectric materials. If desired, the dielectric material in the gaps may be flush with the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W at the outer surface of the device 10.

[0066] Gap 18-1 divides the first conductive sidewall to separate segment 76 of the outer conductive shell structure 12W from segment 66 of the outer conductive shell structure 12W. Gap 18-2 divides the second conductive sidewall to separate segment 66 from segment 68 of the outer conductive shell structure 12W. Gap 18-3 divides the third conductive sidewall to separate segment 68 from segment 70 of the outer conductive shell structure 12W. Gap 18-4 divides the third conductive sidewall to separate segment 70 from segment 72 of the outer conductive shell structure 12W. Gap 18-5 divides the fourth conductive sidewall to separate segment 72 from segment 74 of the outer conductive shell structure 12W. Gap 18-6 divides the first conductive sidewall to separate segment 74 from segment 76.

[0067] In this example, segment 66 forms the upper left corner of device 10 (e.g., segment 66 may have a bend at the corner) and is formed by the first and second conductive sidewalls of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., in the upper region 20 of device 10). Segment 68 forms the upper right corner of device 10 (e.g., segment 68 may have a bend at the corner) and is formed by the second and third conductive sidewalls of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., in the upper region 20 of device 10). Segment 72 forms the lower right corner of device 10 and is formed by the third and fourth conductive sidewalls of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., in the lower region 22 of device 10). Segment 74 forms the lower left corner of device 10 and is formed by the fourth and first conductive sidewalls of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., in the lower region 22 of device 10).

[0068] Conductive support plate 58 may extend between opposing sidewalls of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W. For example, conductive support plate 58 may extend from segment 76 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., extending parallel to the X-axis across the width of device 10) to segment 70. Conductive support plate 58 may be welded or otherwise attached to segments 76 and 70. In another suitable arrangement, conductive support plate 58, segment 76, and segment 70 may be formed from a single integral (continuous) machined metal piece (e.g., in a monolithic configuration).

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, device 10 may include a plurality of slits 60 ( Figure 4 Examples include the upper slit 60U in the upper region 20 and the lower slit 60L in the lower region 22. The lower edge of the upper slit 60U may be formed by the upper edge 54U of the conductive support plate 58 (e.g., the edge of the conductive support plate 58, such as...). Figure 4 The upper edge of the upper slit 60U may be defined by segments 66 and 68 (e.g., the upper slit 60U may be inserted between segments 66 and 68 of the conductive support plate 58 and the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W). The upper edge of the lower slit 60L may be defined by the lower edge 54L of the conductive support plate 58 (e.g., the edge of the conductive support plate 58, such as...). Figure 4 The lower edge of the lower slit 60L is defined by segments 74 and 72 (e.g., the lower slit 60L can be inserted between the conductive support plate 58 and segments 74 and 72 of the outer conductive housing structure 12W).

[0070] The upper slit 60U may have an elongated shape extending from a first end at gap 18-2 to a corresponding second end at gap 18-3 (e.g., the upper slit 60U may span the width of device 10). Similarly, the lower slit 60L may have an elongated shape extending from a first end at gap 18-6 to a corresponding second end at gap 18-4 (e.g., the lower slit 60L may span the width of device 10). Slits 60U and 60L may be filled with air, plastic, glass, sapphire, epoxy, ceramic, or other dielectric materials. If desired, the upper slit 60U may be connected to gaps 18-1, 18-2, and 18-3 in the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., a single piece of dielectric material may be used to fill the upper slit 60U as well as gaps 18-1, 18-2, and 18-3). Similarly, if necessary, the lower gap 60L can be connected to gaps 18-6, 18-5 and 18-4 (e.g., a single piece of dielectric material can be used to fill the lower gap 60L as well as gaps 18-6, 18-5 and 18-4).

[0071] The conductive support plate 58, sections 66, 68, and portions of the upper slot 60U can be used to form a plurality of antennas 40 (sometimes referred to herein as upper antennas) in the upper region 20 of the device 10. The conductive support plate 58, portions of the lower slot 60L, sections 74, and 72 can be used to form a plurality of antennas 40 (sometimes referred to herein as lower antennas) in the lower region 22 of the device 10. If desired, one or more phased antenna arrays for transmitting millimeter-wave and centimeter-wave signals may at least partially overlap with the upper slot 60L, the conductive support plate 58, and / or the lower slot 60L (for clarity, in...). Figure 5 (Not shown in the image). The phased antenna array can radiate through... Figure 4 The display overlay 64, through Figure 4 The dielectric overlay 56, and / or through one or more holes in the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating how device 10 can include multiple antennas 40 in the upper region 20 and the lower region 22. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 6 As shown, device 10 may include four antennas 40 in the upper region 20, such as antennas 40-2, 40-4, 40-8, and 40-6. Device 10 may also include five antennas 40 in the lower region 22, such as antennas 40-1, 40-3, 40-5, 40-7, and 40-9. Each antenna may include a corresponding antenna feed section 50 (e.g., antenna 40-1 may have antenna feed section 50-1, antenna 40-2 may have antenna feed section 50-2, antenna 40-3 may have antenna feed section 50-3, etc.). This example is merely illustrative, and in general, device 10 may include any desired number of antennas 40.

[0073] If desired, the volume of antenna 40-6 may at least partially overlap with the volume of antenna 40-2 and / or antenna 40-8. If desired, the volume of antenna 40-8 may at least partially overlap with the volume of antenna 40-2 and / or antenna 40-6. In another suitable arrangement, antenna 40-8 may be omitted, and antenna 40-6 may cover frequencies otherwise covered by antenna 40-8. If desired, the volume of antenna 40-5 may at least partially overlap with the volume of antenna 40-1 and / or 40-3. Antennas 40-9, 40-3, 40-1, 40-7, 40-4, 40-2, and optionally antennas 40-8 and 40-6 may each be free from the outer conductive housing structure 12W and the conductive support plate 58. Figure 5 () is part of the formation.

[0074] like Figure 6As shown, the wireless circuitry in device 10 may include one or more input-output ports, such as those for communication with digital data circuitry in storage and processing circuitry (e.g., Figure 2 Port 82 is used for interaction with the control circuitry 38. Wireless circuitry 34 may include baseband circuitry, such as a baseband (BB) processor 80 connected between port 82 and the radio frequency transceiver (TX / RX) circuitry 36. Port 82 can receive digital data (e.g., uplink data) from the control circuitry, which will be transmitted by the radio frequency transceiver circuitry 36. Incoming data (e.g., downlink data) already received by the radio frequency transceiver circuitry 36 and the baseband processor 80 can be provided to the control circuitry via port 82.

[0075] The radio frequency transceiver circuit 36 ​​may include multiple transceiver ports 84, each connected to a corresponding transmission line path 42 (e.g., first transmission line path 42-1, second transmission line path 42-2, third transmission line path 42-3, etc.). Transmission line path 42-1 can connect the first transceiver port 84 of the radio frequency transceiver circuit 36 ​​to the antenna feed section 50-1 of the antenna 40-1. Transmission line path 42-2 can connect the second transceiver port 84 to the antenna feed section 50-2 of the antenna 40-2. Similarly, transmission line paths 42-3, 42-4, 42-5, 42-6, 42-7, 42-8, and 42-9 can each connect their respective transceiver ports 84 to the antenna feed section 50-3 of antenna 40-3, the antenna feed section 50-4 of antenna 40-4, the antenna feed section 50-5 of antenna 40-5, the antenna feed section 50-6 of antenna 40-6, the antenna feed section 50-7 of antenna 40-7, the antenna feed section 50-8 of antenna 40-8, and the antenna feed section 50-9 of antenna 40-9.

[0076] The RF front-end circuitry 78 can be inserted into each transmission line path 42 (e.g., a first front-end circuitry 78-1 can be inserted into transmission line path 42-1, a second front-end circuitry 78-2 can be inserted into transmission line path 42-2, a third front-end circuitry 78-3 can be inserted into transmission line path 42-3, etc.). Each front-end circuitry 78 may include switching circuitry, filter circuitry (e.g., duplexer and / or dual-channel circuitry, notch filter circuitry, low-pass filter circuitry, high-pass filter circuitry, band-pass filter circuitry, etc.), impedance matching circuitry for matching the impedance of the transmission line path 42 to the corresponding antenna 40, a network of active and / or passive components (such as antenna resonant components), RF coupler circuitry for collecting antenna impedance measurements, or any other desired RF circuitry. If desired, the front-end circuitry 78 may include switching circuitry configured to selectively connect antennas 40-1 to 40-9 to different corresponding transceiver ports 84 (e.g., such that each antenna can handle communication of different transceiver ports 84 over time based on the state of the switching circuitry in the front-end circuitry 78). If desired, the front-end circuitry 78 may include filtering circuitry (e.g., duplexers and / or double-channel filters) that allows corresponding antennas (e.g., using a frequency-domain duplex (FDD) scheme) to simultaneously transmit and receive radio frequency signals in one or more frequency bands. Generally, any desired combination of antennas can transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals at a given time.

[0077] Amplifier circuitry, such as one or more power amplifiers, may be inserted into transmission line path 42 (e.g., within front-end circuitry 78 or elsewhere) and / or formed within RF transceiver circuitry 36 to amplify the RF signal output by RF transceiver circuitry 36 before transmission through antenna 40. Amplifier circuitry, such as one or more low-noise amplifiers, may be inserted into transmission line path 42 (e.g., within front-end circuitry 78 or elsewhere) and / or formed within RF transceiver circuitry 36 to amplify the received signal before transmitting the RF signal received by antenna 40 to RF transceiver circuitry 36. Figure 3 In the example, a separate front-end circuit 78 is inserted on each transmission line path 42. This is merely illustrative. If desired, two or more transmission line paths 42 may share the same front-end circuit 78.

[0078] The radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuit 36 ​​may include, for example, circuitry for converting a baseband signal received from the baseband processor 80 into a corresponding RF signal. For instance, the RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​may include mixer circuitry for up-converting the baseband signal to RF before transmission through the antenna 40. The RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​may include digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry and / or analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuitry for converting signals between the digital and analog domains. The RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​may include circuitry for converting the RF signal received from the antenna 40 via the transmission line path 42 into a corresponding baseband signal. For instance, the RF transceiver circuit 36 ​​may include mixer circuitry for down-converting the RF signal to a baseband frequency before transmitting the baseband signal to the baseband processor 80. The baseband processor 80, front-end circuitry 78, and / or RF transceiver circuitry 36 may be formed on the same substrate, the same integrated circuit, the same integrated circuit package, or the same module, or two or more of these components may be formed on different substrates, integrated circuits, integrated circuit packages, or modules.

[0079] If needed, each of antennas 40-1 to 40-9 can handle radio frequency communications in one or more frequency bands. Figure 7 Table 86 is shown, which illustrates... Figure 6 How can antennas 40-1 to 40-9 jointly cover each operating frequency band of device 10?

[0080] Column 88 of Table 86 lists the different operating frequency bands of device 10. Column 90 of Table 86 lists exemplary frequency ranges corresponding to the frequency bands in column 88. Column 92 of Table 86 lists whether antennas 40-1 to 40-9 are configured to cover each of the frequency bands listed in column 88. If needed, a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scheme can be used to cover frequency bands covered by two or more antennas.

[0081] As shown in columns 88 and 90 of Table 86, antennas 40-1 to 40-9 can collectively cover the following frequencies: cellular low frequency band (LB) (e.g., 600MHz to 960MHz), 1176MHz L5 GPS band, cellular low intermediate frequency band (LMB) (e.g., 1400MHz to 1550MHz), 1575MHz L1 GPS band, cellular intermediate frequency band (MB) (e.g., 1700MHz to 2200MHz), cellular high frequency band (HB) (e.g., 2300MHz to 2700MHz), 2.4GHz WLAN and WPAN bands (e.g., 2400MHz to 2480MHz), cellular ultra-high frequency band (UHB) (e.g., 3300MHz to 5000MHz, and including 5G NR). FR1 bands N77, N78 and / or N79), 5 GHz WLAN bands (e.g., from about 5180 MHz to about 5825 MHz), and one or more UWB bands (e.g., bands from about 6250 MHz to 8250 MHz, such as a first UWB band of 6.5 GHz and a second UWB band of 8.0 GHz).

[0082] As shown in column 92 of Table 86, antennas 40-1 and 40-2 can each cover the cellular low-frequency band and the cellular low-intermediate-frequency band. Antenna 40-3 can cover the L5 GPS band. Antenna 40-2 can cover the L1 GPS band. Antennas 40-1, 40-2, 40-3, and 40-4 can each cover the cellular intermediate-frequency band and the cellular high-frequency band. Antennas 40-3 and 40-4 can each cover the 2.4 GHz WLAN and WPAN bands. Antennas 40-4, 40-7, 40-8, and 40-9 (and optionally antenna 40-6) can each cover the cellular ultra-high-frequency band. Antennas 40-5 and 40-6 can each cover the 5 GHz WLAN band. If desired, antennas 40-5 and 40-6 can also cover the LTE band B46 (e.g., 5150 MHz to 5925 MHz).

[0083] Antenna 40-6 or antenna 40-8 may cover the UWB band. In a first suitable arrangement sometimes described herein as an example, antenna 40-8 may be omitted, and antenna 40-6 may cover the 5 GHz WLAN band, UWB band, and cellular UHF band. In a second suitable arrangement sometimes described herein as an example, antenna 40-6 may cover the 5 GHz WLAN band and UWB band but not the cellular UHF band, and antenna 40-8 may cover the cellular UHF band but not the UWB band. In a third suitable arrangement sometimes described herein as an example, antenna 40-6 may cover the 5 GHz WLAN band but not the UWB band or cellular UHF band, and antenna 40-8 may cover both the UWB band and the cellular UHF band. If desired, an antenna covering the UWB band may be located on the front of device 10 (e.g., Figure 1 Radio frequency signals are transmitted in the UWB band within the hemisphere above the display 14 and / or in the hemisphere below the back of the device 10. Although not shown in Table 86, portions of antennas 40-2 and 40-4 may also be used to form loop antenna resonant elements for an NFC antenna that radiates in the NFC band.

[0084] In order to increase the overall data throughput of wireless circuit 34 ( Figure 2 Multiple antennas can be operated using a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) scheme. When operating using a MIMO scheme, two or more antennas on device 10 can be used to simultaneously transmit multiple independent wireless data streams at the same frequency. This significantly increases the overall data throughput between device 10 and external communication devices compared to using only a single antenna. Generally speaking, the greater the number of antennas used to transmit wireless data according to the MIMO scheme, the greater the overall throughput of wireless circuit 34.

[0085] If desired, the wireless circuitry can perform so-called dual-stream (2X) MIMO operation (sometimes referred to herein as 2X MIMO communication or communication using a 2X MIMO scheme), where two antennas 40 are used to transmit two independent radio frequency signal streams at the same frequency. If desired, the frequency bands covered by two or more antennas 40 in Table 86 can be used to perform 2X MIMO operation in those frequency bands. For example, the wireless circuit can perform 2X MIMO operation in the following frequency bands: cellular low frequency band (e.g., using antennas 40-1 and 40-2), cellular low intermediate frequency band (e.g., using antennas 40-1 and 40-2), cellular intermediate frequency band (e.g., using any pair of desired antennas from 40-1 to 40-4), cellular high frequency band (e.g., using any pair of desired antennas from 40-1 to 40-4), 2.4 GHz WLAN band (e.g., using antennas 40-3 and 40-4), cellular ultra-high frequency band (e.g., using any pair of desired antennas from 40-4, 40-6, 40-7, 40-8, and 40-9), and / or 5 GHz WLAN band (e.g., using antennas 40-5 and 40-6).

[0086] If desired, the wireless circuitry can perform so-called four-stream (4X) MIMO operation (sometimes referred to herein as 4X MIMO communication or communication using a 4X MIMO scheme), where four antennas 40 are used to transmit four independent radio frequency signal streams at the same frequency. If desired, the frequency bands covered by four or more antennas 40 in Table 86 can be used to perform 4X MIMO operation in those frequency bands. For example, the wireless circuitry can perform 4X MIMO operation in the following frequency bands: cellular intermediate frequency band (e.g., using antennas 40-1 to 40-4), cellular high frequency band (e.g., using antennas 40-1 to 40-4), and / or cellular ultra-high frequency band (e.g., using four antennas from 40-4, 40-6, 40-7, 40-8, and 40-9). Performing 4X MIMO operation can support a higher overall data throughput than 2X MIMO operation because 4X MIMO operation involves four independent radio data streams, while 2X MIMO operation involves only two independent radio data streams. Carrier aggregation schemes can also be used to perform wireless operations using antennas 40-1 to 40-9.

[0087] In this way, each antenna in the antenna can collectively cover each frequency band in the frequency bands shown in Table 86, resulting in satisfactory antenna efficiency and maximum data throughput. Figure 7 The examples provided are merely illustrative. Generally, device 10 may include any desired number of antennas for covering any desired number of frequency bands at any desired frequency.

[0088] If not careful, due to their close physical proximity, antennas 40-3, 40-5, and 40-9 in the lower left corner of device 10 ( Figure 6 It may be difficult for each antenna to achieve satisfactory antenna efficiency. Figure 7 Radio frequency signals are transmitted in the corresponding frequency band shown in column 92. Figure 8 This is a top internal view within the device 10 showing how antennas 40-3, 40-5, and 40-9 can each cover their respective frequency bands to achieve satisfactory antenna efficiency.

[0089] like Figure 8 As shown, at least section 76 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W and the conductive support plate 58 can form part of the antenna ground portion of antennas 40-3, 40-5, and 40-9 in the lower region 22 of device 10 (e.g., in the lower left corner of device 10). Additional conductive components such as conductive housing structures, conductive structures from electronic components, printed circuit board traces, conductor strips such as wire strips or metal foil strips, conductive display components, and / or other conductive structures can also form part of the antenna ground portion.

[0090] Antenna 40-9 may be an open-slot antenna having an open-slot antenna resonant element (e.g., an open-slot antenna resonant element having an edge defined by the conductive support plate 58, segment 76, and / or other portions of the antenna ground and having an open end at gap 18-6) formed by an extension 96 of the lower slot 60L. The extension 96 of the lower slot 60L may extend along the longitudinal axis in the +Y direction from a first end of the lower slot 60L at gap 18-6 between segment 76 and conductive support plate 58. For example, the extension 96 of the lower slot 60L may have a closed end 98 that extends beyond a non-zero distance from the end 100 of segment 76 (e.g., the end of segment 76 at gap 18-6). Although the extension 96 of the lower slot 60L is connected to the lower slot 60L, the extension 96 may sometimes be referred to herein as slot 96 (e.g., an open slot extending from the end of the lower slot 60L at gap 18-6).

[0091] Antenna 40-9 can be fed using antenna feed section 50-9. Antenna feed section 50-9 can be connected across the extension 96 of the lower gap 60L. For example, antenna feed section 50-9 may have a positive antenna feed terminal 52-9 connected to section 76 (e.g., at or near end 100) and may have a ground antenna feed terminal 44-9 connected to conductive support plate 58. Antenna feed section 50-9 can be connected to the corresponding port 84 of transceiver circuit 36 ​​via transmission line path 42-9. Figure 6The transmission line path 42-9 may include a signal conductor 46-9 connected to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9 and a ground conductor 48-9 connected to the ground antenna feed terminal 44-9.

[0092] Transmission line path 42-9 and antenna feed section 50-9 can transmit radio frequency signals in the cellular UHF band. The extension 96 of the lower slot 60L can resonate in the cellular UHF band. The corresponding antenna current of antenna 40-9 (e.g., current in the cellular UHF band) can flow around the periphery of the extension 96 of the lower slot 60L, as shown by arrow 101.

[0093] If needed, the front-end circuitry 102 for antenna 40-9 can be inserted into transmission line path 40-9. For example, the front-end circuitry 102 can be formed... Figure 6 This is part of the front-end circuitry 78-9. The front-end circuitry 102 may include one or more antenna tuning components (e.g., components having fixed and / or adjustable inductors, capacitors, resistors, filters, and / or switches connected together in any desired arrangement), impedance matching circuitry, switching circuitry, and / or any other desired circuitry for controlling the RF operation / performance of the antenna 40-9. If desired, one or more antenna tuning components may be connected across the extension 96 of the lower slot 60L in addition to or alternatively. The frequency response of the antenna 40-9 may be determined by, for example, the length of the perimeter of the extension 96 of the lower slot 60L, one or more harmonic modes of the extension 96, contributions from one or more parasitic elements, and the antenna tuning components and / or front-end circuitry 102 connected across the extension 96 of the lower slot 60L.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, antenna 40-3 may have an antenna resonant element arm (e.g., an inverted F-shaped antenna resonant element arm) formed by a segment 74 of the outer conductive housing structure 12W. Antenna 40-3 can be fed using antenna feed section 50-3. Antenna feed section 50-3 can be connected across the lower gap 60L. For example, antenna feed section 50-3 may have a positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 connected to segment 74, and may have a ground antenna feed terminal 44-3 connected to conductive support plate 58. Antenna feed section 50-3 can be connected to the corresponding port 84 of transceiver circuit 36 ​​via transmission line path 42-3. Figure 6 The transmission line path 42-3 may include a signal conductor 46-3 connected to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 and a ground conductor 48-3 connected to the ground antenna feed terminal 44-3.

[0095] The transmission line path 42-3, the antenna feed section 50-3, and the antenna 40-3 can transmit radio frequency signals in the L5 GPS band, the cellular intermediate frequency band, the cellular high frequency band, and the 2.4 GHz WLAN and WPAN bands. The corresponding antenna current of the antenna 40-3 (e.g., the current in the L5 GPS band, the cellular intermediate frequency band, the cellular high frequency band, and the 2.4 GHz WLAN and WPAN bands) can flow along the segment 74 and the conductive support plate 58 (e.g., at the lower edge 54L).

[0096] If desired, antenna 40-3 may include one or more return paths connecting segment 74 and antenna ground, such as the return path formed by antenna tuning component 120. Antenna tuning component 120 may have a first terminal 118 connected to conductive support plate 58 (e.g., at lower edge 54L) and a second terminal 122 connected to segment 74. Terminal 122 may be inserted between positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 and gap 18-5 on segment 74. Antenna tuning component 120 may include any desired capacitive, resistive, inductive, and / or switching components arranged in any desired manner between terminals 118 and 122. In another suitable arrangement, antenna tuning component 120 may form a short-circuit path from terminal 122 to ground at the operating frequency of antenna 40-3.

[0097] If needed, the front-end circuitry 104 for antenna 40-3 can be inserted into transmission line path 40-3. For example, the front-end circuitry 104 can be formed Figure 6 The front-end circuit 104 is a part of the front-end circuit 78-3. The front-end circuit 104 may include one or more antenna tuning components (e.g., components having fixed and / or adjustable inductors, capacitors, resistors, filters, and / or switches coupled together in any desired arrangement), impedance matching circuitry, switching circuitry, and / or any other desired circuitry for controlling the RF operation / performance of the antenna 40-3. The frequency response of the antenna 40-3 may be determined by, for example, the length of segment 74 (e.g., the length of segment 74 extending from one or both sides of the positive antenna feed terminal 52-3), one or more harmonic modes of segment 74, and / or the lower gap 60L, the front-end circuit 104, and / or the antenna tuning component 120. If desired, moving the positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 toward gap 18-6 and moving terminal 122 toward gap 18-5 can be used to increase the high-frequency band response of the antenna 40-3.

[0098] Antenna 40-5 may have a flexible printed circuit or another substrate (for clarity, Figure 8Antenna resonant arm 94 is formed by conductive traces on (not shown). Antenna resonant arm 94 may at least partially (e.g., completely) overlap with lower slot 60L. Antenna 40-5 can be fed using antenna feed section 50-5. Antenna feed section 50-5 may be connected across lower slot 60L. For example, antenna feed section 50-5 may have a positive antenna feed terminal 52-5 connected to antenna resonant arm 94 and a ground antenna feed terminal 44-5 connected to conductive support plate 58. Antenna feed section 50-5 may be connected to corresponding port 84 of transceiver circuit 36 ​​via transmission line path 42-5. Figure 6 The transmission line path 42-5 may include a signal conductor 46-5 connected to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-5 and a ground conductor 48-5 connected to the ground antenna feed terminal 44-5.

[0099] Transmission line path 42-5, antenna feed section 50-5, and antenna 40-5 can transmit radio frequency signals in a 5 GHz WLAN band. The corresponding antenna current of antenna 40-5 (e.g., current in the 5 GHz WLAN band) can flow along segment 74 and conductive support plate 58 (e.g., at the lower edge 54L). If desired, antenna 40-5 may include one or more return paths connecting antenna resonant element arm 94 and antenna ground, such as the return path formed by antenna tuning component 126. Antenna tuning component 126 may have a first terminal 128 (e.g., at the lower edge 54L) connected to conductive support plate 58 and a second terminal 124 connected to antenna resonant element arm 94. In a suitable arrangement, terminal 128 is inserted on the lower edge 54L between ground antenna feed terminal 44-5 and ground antenna feed terminal 44-3, while ground antenna feed terminal 44-3 is inserted between terminals 128 and 128. If necessary, two or more of the grounding antenna feed terminals 44-5, 128, 44-3, and 118 can be connected to the same location (point) on the conductive support plate 58 (e.g., using the same grounding screw).

[0100] If needed, the front-end circuitry 106 for antenna 40-5 can be inserted into transmission line path 40-5. For example, the front-end circuitry 106 can be formed Figure 6This is part of the front-end circuitry 78-5. The front-end circuitry 106 may include one or more antenna tuning components (e.g., components having fixed and / or adjustable inductors, capacitors, resistors, filters, and / or switches coupled together in any desired arrangement), impedance matching circuitry, switching circuitry, and / or any other desired circuitry for controlling the RF operation / performance of the antenna 40-5. The frequency response of the antenna 40-5 may be determined by, for example, the length of the antenna resonant element arm 94, one or more harmonic modes of the antenna resonant arm 94, the front-end circuitry 106, and / or the antenna tuning component 126.

[0101] If needed, the extension 96 of the lower slit 60L can also contribute to the frequency response of the antenna 40-3. The antenna 40-3 may include conductive paths, such as conductive path 108 connecting the positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9. The antenna feed 50-9 and the antenna 40-9 may be inactive (e.g., disconnected) when the antenna 40-3 is in operation, or, if needed, may remain active when the antenna 40-3 is in operation (e.g., the antenna feed 50-9 and transmission line path 42-9 may continue to transmit radio frequency signals in the cellular UHF band while the antenna 40-3 receives radio frequency signals in the L5 GPS band).

[0102] In practice, the extension 96 of the lower slit 60L may be too short for the antenna 40-3 to cover lower frequencies, such as those in the L5 GPS band. Antenna tuning components, such as antenna tuning component 110, may be inserted into the conductive path 108 to help restore the frequency response of the antenna 40-3 in the L5 GPS band. Antenna tuning component 110 may include any desired resistive, inductive, capacitive, and / or switching components arranged in any desired manner. In a suitable arrangement, antenna tuning component 110 may include one or more capacitors that are turned on when the antenna 40-3 is receiving radio frequency signals in the L5 GPS band to increase the capacitance of antenna tuning component 110 (e.g., the increased capacitance on conductive path 108 can be used to effectively increase the length of the extension 96 of the lower slit 60L, thereby drawing the response of the antenna 40-3 to lower frequencies including the L5 GPS band). If needed, when antenna 40-3 is not transmitting radio frequency signals in the L5 GPS band, the capacitor can be turned off to reduce the capacitance of antenna tuning component 110. If necessary, the capacitor can also be used to increase the cellular high-frequency band response of antenna 40-3.

[0103] To restore the frequency response of antenna 40-3 in both the cellular intermediate frequency band and the cellular high frequency band (e.g., to enable antenna 40-3 to transmit radio frequency signals simultaneously in both the cellular intermediate frequency band and the cellular high frequency band), additional conductive paths, such as conductive path 114, can connect conductive path 108 to conductive support plate 58. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, conductive path 114 can connect node 112 on conductive path 108 to terminal 118 on conductive support plate 58. For example, node 112 can be inserted into conductive path 108 between antenna tuning component 110 and positive antenna feed terminal 52-3. In another suitable arrangement, conductive path 114 can connect to points on conductive support plate 58 other than terminal 118.

[0104] Antenna tuning components, such as antenna tuning component 116, may be inserted into conductive path 114. Antenna tuning component 116 may include any desired resistive, inductive, capacitive, and / or switching components arranged in any desired manner. Generally, the states of antenna tuning components 116, 110, and / or the front-end circuitry 104 can be adjusted to allow antenna 40-3 to cover selected one or both of the cellular intermediate frequency band and the cellular high frequency band at any given time. Figure 8 The examples are merely illustrative. The lower slit 60L, segment 74, segment 72 and antenna resonant element arm 94 may have other shapes (e.g., shapes with any desired number of straight and / or curved portions and any desired number of straight and / or curved edges).

[0105] Figure 9 This is a graph showing how antenna efficiency varies with the antenna's frequency of 40-3. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the dashed curve 132 plots the frequency response of antenna 40-3 when antenna tuning component 116 is in a first state, in which antenna tuning component 116 is at node 112 and terminal 118 ( Figure 8 An open circuit is formed between the antenna elements, and in this first state, the antenna tuning element 110 is placed in a first state where the antenna tuning element 110 exhibits a given capacitance (e.g., 1 pF). As shown in curve 132, when configured in this way, the antenna 40-3 can exhibit a peak response in the cellular high frequency band (HB) and the 2.4 GHz WLAN and WPAN bands. This peak response can also cover higher frequencies in the cellular intermediate frequency band (MB). However, when configured in this way, the antenna 40-3 can exhibit insufficient efficiency at lower frequencies in the cellular intermediate frequency band or the L5GPS band.

[0106] Curve 130 plots the frequency response of antenna 40-3 when antenna tuning component 116 is in a first state (e.g., in which antenna tuning component 116 forms an open circuit between node 112 and terminal 118) and when antenna tuning component 110 is in a second state (in which antenna tuning component 110 exhibits a given inductance (e.g., 1.8 nH)). As shown in curve 130, when configured in this way, antenna 40-3 can exhibit peak responses in both the cellular intermediate frequency band and the cellular high frequency band. These peak responses can also cover the 2.4 GHz WLAN and WPAN bands. While this state may involve lower cellular high frequency band efficiency than the state associated with curve 132, antenna 40-3 can still transmit radio frequency signals in the cellular high frequency band if needed (e.g., the state associated with curve 130 can be used when intermediate frequency band communication takes precedence over high frequency band communication). However, when configured in this way, antenna 40-3 can still exhibit insufficient efficiency at lower frequencies in the cellular intermediate frequency band or the L5 GPS band.

[0107] Curve 134 plots the frequency response of antenna 40-3 when antenna tuning component 116 is in a second state (e.g., in which antenna tuning component 116 forms a short-circuit path between node 112 and terminal 118) and when antenna tuning component 110 is in a third state (e.g., in which antenna tuning component 110 forms a short-circuit impedance between node 112 and positive antenna feed terminal 52-9). As shown in curve 130, when configured in this way, antenna 40-3 can exhibit peak response in the L5 GPS band, cellular high-frequency band, and 2.4 GHz WLAN and WPAN bands. These peak response peaks can also cover the cellular intermediate frequency band. Although this state may involve lower cellular intermediate frequency band efficiency than the state associated with curve 130, antenna 40-3 can still transmit RF signals in the cellular intermediate frequency band in this state if needed. In addition to the cellular intermediate frequency band, cellular high-frequency band, and 2.4 GHz WLAN and WPAN bands, this state allows antenna 40-3 to simultaneously cover the L5 GPS band.

[0108] Figure 9 The examples provided are merely illustrative. Curves 130, 132, and 134 may have other shapes in practice. Antenna 40-3 may have any desired number of response peaks at any desired frequency. In another suitable arrangement, conductive path 114 and antenna tuning element 116 may be omitted from antenna 40-3. Figure 8In this arrangement, the impedance of the antenna tuning component 110 can be selected (e.g., by selectively connecting a desired inductance and / or capacitance between node 112 and positive antenna feed terminal 52-9) so that the antenna 40-3 can simultaneously transmit radio frequency signals in each of the L5 GPS band, the cellular intermediate frequency band, the 2.4 GHz WLAN and WPAN bands, and the cellular high frequency band.

[0109] If needed, front-end circuit 104 ( Figure 8 The states of one or more antenna tuning components can also be used to select the desired frequency response of antenna 40-3. For example, front-end circuitry 104 may include a series single-pole four-throw (SP4T) switch that connects a selected inductor or shunt resistor from three series inductors to antenna feed 40-3. In this case, antenna 40-3 may have a first state in which antenna tuning component 110 has a first inductance (e.g., 56 nH), antenna tuning component 116 forms a short-circuit impedance between node 112 and terminal 118, and the SP4T has a first configuration. In this first state, antenna 40-3 can transmit radio frequency signals in cellular high-frequency bands, 2.4 GHz WLAN and WPAN bands, and L5 GPS bands. Antenna 40-4 may also have a second state in which antenna tuning element 110 has a second inductance (e.g., 3.4 nH), antenna tuning element 116 forms a short-circuit impedance between node 112 and terminal 118, and SP4T has a second configuration. In this second state, antenna 40-3 can transmit radio frequency signals in the cellular intermediate frequency band. Antenna 40-4 may also have a third state in which antenna tuning element 110 has a third inductance (e.g., 1.8 nH), antenna tuning element 116 forms an open-circuit impedance between node 112 and terminal 118, and SP4T has a third configuration. In this third state, antenna 40-3 can transmit radio frequency signals in the cellular intermediate frequency band. These examples are merely illustrative, and in general, antenna 40-3 may have any desired tuning state.

[0110] If needed, the radio frequency components used to support antennas 40-9, 40-3, and 40-5 can be mounted onto the same flexible printed circuit in device 10. Figure 10 It is a perspective view of an exemplary flexible printed circuit including radio frequency components for supporting antennas 40-9, 40-3 and 40-5.

[0111] like Figure 10 As shown, flexible printed circuits, such as flexible printed circuit 136, may be disposed in device 10. Flexible printed circuit 136 may have a main portion 156. A docking port, such as docking station 154, may be mounted to the main portion 156. Docking station 154 may be connected to an external conductive housing structure 12W. Figure 1 The openings in the ) are aligned. For example, the docking station 154 can receive wired power and / or transmit data using an external device. Therefore, the main part 156 is sometimes referred to herein as docking station part 156, and the flexible printed circuit 136 is sometimes referred to herein as docking station flexible part 136.

[0112] The docking station flexible member 136 may have a first flexible printed circuit tail and a second flexible printed circuit tail, such as tails 138 and 140 extending from a first side (e.g., in the +Y or "north" direction) of the docking station portion 156. The docking station flexible member 136 may have a third flexible printed circuit tail, such as tail 166 extending from a second side (e.g., in the -Y or "south" direction) of the docking station portion 156. When mounted within the device 10, tails 138 and 140 may face towards the upper region 20 of the device 10. Figure 1 ) extends, while the tail 166 faces the section 74 of the outer conductive outer shell structure 12W ( Figure 8 )extend.

[0113] Radio frequency connectors such as radio frequency connector 142 (e.g., radio frequency board-to-board connector) can be mounted to the end of tail 138. Transmission line paths 42-9, 42-3, and 42-5 for antennas 40-9, 40-3, and 40-5 ( Figure 8 It can extend from the docking station section 156 through the tail section 138 to the RF connector 142. Antennas 40-1 and 40-7 ( Figure 6 The transmission line can also extend through the tail section 138 and the docking station section 156. For example, the RF connector 142 can be connected to the transceiver circuitry 36. Figure 6 The main logic board.

[0114] Board-to-board connectors, such as board-to-board connector 144, can be mounted to the tail section 140. Board-to-board connector 144 can be connected to control circuitry 16. Figure 1 ) and / or other components in device 10. Conductive paths such as control paths, power lines, data paths, and / or any other desired conductive paths can be coupled to board-to-board connector 144 via tail 140. Conductive paths may include, for example, for controlling front-end circuitry 102, 104, and 106 ( Figure 8 The control path for operation, the data cable and power cable connected to the expansion dock 154, etc.

[0115] If desired, tails 138 and 140 can be formed by cutting sheets of flexible printed circuit material used to form the docking station flexibility 136. Tail 138 may be adjacent to tail 140 along its length to maximize space on the docking station flexibility 136 for transmission lines and conductive paths. The docking station flexibility 136 may include a connector opening 148 at the base of tails 138 and 140 (e.g., where tails 138 and 140 abut with docking station portion 156). For example, connector opening 148 may allow tails 138 and 140 to fold relative to docking station portion 156 while maximizing the width of tails 138 and 140. If desired, one or both of tails 138 and 140 may be grounded at one or more locations along their respective lengths.

[0116] like Figure 10 As shown, a conductive feed clip (such as feed clip 192) can be mounted to the expansion dock portion 156 of the expansion dock flexibility 136. When installed within device 10, feed clip 192 can be connected to section 76 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W to form the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9 of antenna 40-9. Figure 8 (For example, using a conductive screw inserted through a hole in the feed clip 192 and attached to a threaded screw hole in the peripheral conductive housing structure). The docking station portion 156 may also include an opening, such as opening 164. A conductive grounding clip, such as grounding clip 160, may overlap with opening 164. Grounding clip 160 may be used to form Figure 8 The grounding antenna feed terminal 44-9 (e.g., using a conductive screw to connect the grounding clip 160 to the conductive support plate 58 through the opening 164).

[0117] Front-end circuit 102 for antenna 40-9 Figure 8 It can also be installed into the docking station portion 156 of the docking station flexible component 136 (e.g., Figure 8 The transmission line path 42-9 may extend from the RF connector 142, through the tail section 138 and the docking station section 156, to the front-end circuitry 102. An electromagnetic shielding layer, such as a housing 162, may cover the front-end circuitry 102 on the docking station section 156. The housing 162 may comprise ferrite and / or conductive materials (e.g., a plastic sheet with a metallic overlay) that help shield antennas 40-9, 40-5, and / or 40-3 from interference from other components in the device 10. The housing 162 may, for example, be used to improve the antenna efficiency of at least antenna 40-5 (e.g., by enhancing antenna 40-5 and other components in the device 10 such as...). Figure 1 Electromagnetic isolation between displays 14).

[0118] The docking station flexibility 136 may include a first portion (region) 168 coupled to one side (extending from) the tail portion 166. The docking station flexibility 136 may also include a second portion (region) 170 at the end of the tail portion 166 (e.g., the tail portion 166 may couple the second portion 170 to the docking station portion 156 of the docking station flexibility 136). The antenna resonant element arm 94 for the antenna 40-5 may be formed, for example, by conductive traces on the first portion 168. The front-end circuitry 106 for the antenna 40-5 may also be mounted (e.g., surface-mounted) to the first portion 168 (e.g., Figure 8 The transmission line path 42-5 can extend from the RF connector 142, through the tail 138, the docking station portion 156, and the tail 166, via the front-end circuitry 106, to reach the antenna resonant element arm 94. A conductive grounding clip, such as grounding clip 176, can be mounted to the tail 166 at the first portion 168. Grounding clip 176 can be used to form Figure 8 The grounding antenna feed terminals 44-5 and / or terminal 128 (e.g., using conductive screws to attach grounding clip 176 to conductive support plate 58).

[0119] A dielectric substrate, such as a plastic support block 172, may be mounted to the tail 166 at the first portion 168. For example, the plastic support block 172 may be formed from injection-molded plastic. If desired, a grounding clip 176 may be molded within the plastic support block 172. The plastic support block 172 may be used to support the folding of the tail 166 when the docking station flexibility 136 is mounted into the device 10.

[0120] Front-end circuit 104 for antenna 40-3 ( Figure 8 A conductive grounding clip, such as grounding clip 178, can be mounted (e.g., surface-mounted) to the second portion 170 of the docking station flexibility 136. Grounding clip 178 can be used to form... Figure 8 The grounding antenna feed terminals 44-3 and / or 118 (e.g., using conductive screws to attach the grounding clip 178 to the conductive support plate 58). If necessary, Figure 8 The antenna tuning component 116 and / or the antenna tuning component 110 may also be mounted to the second part 170 of the docking station flexible component 136.

[0121] Conductive feed clips, such as feed clip 190, can be mounted (e.g., surface-mounted) to a second portion 170 of the docking station flexibility 136. When installed within device 10, feed clip 190 can be coupled to a section 74 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W to form the positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 of antenna 40-3. Figure 8 (For example, using a conductive screw that is inserted through a hole in the feed clip 190 and attached to a threaded screw hole in the peripheral conductive housing structure). Figure 8 The transmission line path 42-3 may extend, for example, from the RF connector 142, through the tail 138, the docking section 156, the tail 166 and the front-end circuitry 104, to the feed clip 190.

[0122] Conductive bridging clips, such as bridging clip 180, can be mounted (e.g., surface-mounted) to a second portion 170 of the docking station flexibility 136. When installed within device 10, bridging clip 180 can be coupled to a section 76 of the feed clip 192 and the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., in…). Figure 8 (At the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9). The conductive trace on the second portion 170 of the expansion dock flexible member 136 can connect the antenna tuning component 110 on the second portion 170 between the feed clip 192 and the bridging clip 180. In this way, the feed clip 190, the conductive trace, the antenna tuning component 110 and the bridging clip 180 can form Figure 8 The conductive path 108 is used to connect the positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 of antenna 40-3 to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9 of antenna 40-9.

[0123] exist Figure 10 In the example, the docking station flexible element 136 is in a flat, folded state. If needed, the docking station flexible element 136 can be folded about one or more axes for mounting within the device 10. For example, the tail section 140 can be folded about axis 158. The tail section 138 can be folded about axes 150 and 152. The tail section 138 can also be folded relative to the docking station portion 156 about axis 148. The tail section 166 can be folded about axis 174. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the flexible docking station 136 in an exemplary folded state.

[0124] like Figure 11 As shown, the tail portion 138 can be folded upwards about axis 146 (e.g., at the connector opening 148). For example, axis 146 can be parallel to... Figure 11 The Y-axis extends. The tail 138 can also fold right around axis 150 and left around axis 152. For example, axes 150 and 152 can be parallel to... Figure 11 The Z-axis extends. Folding (bending) the tail 138 around axis 148 allows the tail 138 to extend along the periphery of the battery of device 10 (e.g., the vertical portion of the tail 138 can be laterally inserted into the peripheral edge of the battery and...). Figure 5 The outer conductive outer shell structure is between 12W sections 76.

[0125] Simultaneously, the tail portion 140 may extend below the bottom surface of the battery (e.g., the tail portion 140 may be inserted between the battery and the conductive support plate 58). Folding the tail portion 138 around axes 150 and 152 allows the tail portion 138 to wrap around the logic board and / or SIM card tray of the device 10. The tail portion 140 may be folded around axis 158 (e.g., parallel to...). Figure 11 The X-axis extension axis is folded to mount the RF connector 142 to the corresponding RF connector on the logic board. Folding the docking station flexible element 136 in this manner allows antennas 40-3, 40-5, and 40-9 to be fed while occupying a minimal volume in device 10, thereby allowing as much space as possible for other components in device 10 (e.g., a battery larger than one otherwise assembled within device 10).

[0126] like Figure 11 As shown, the tail portion 166 can be folded about axis 174 and about plastic support block 172 (e.g., about the south side of the plastic support block 172 facing the lower end of device 10). For example, axis 174 can be parallel to... Figure 11 The X-axis extension. The folded (bent) portion of the tail 166 can be laterally inserted into section 74 of the plastic support block 172 and the outer conductive housing structure 12W. Figure 8 Similarly, the plastic support block 172 can be laterally inserted between the folded portion of the tail 166 and the docking station portion 156 of the docking station flexibility 136. For example, folding the tail 166 around the south side of the plastic support block 172 can be used to improve the antenna efficiency of the antenna 40-5, relative to the scenario where the tail 166 is not folded.

[0127] Folding the tail 166 around axis 174 allows the second portion 170 of the docking station flexibility 136 to be positioned above the top surface of the plastic support block 172 (e.g., the plastic support block 172 can be vertically inserted between the first portion 168 and the second portion 170 of the docking station flexibility 136, and the second portion 170 can at least partially overlap the first portion 168). This can also be used to position the bridging clip 180 above the feed clip 192 on the docking station portion 156. If desired, the same conductive screws can be inserted into the bridging clip 180 and the feed clip 192 to attach these clips to section 76 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., to connect the signal conductor 46-9 of transmission line path 42-9 to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9 via the feed clip 192, and to connect the signal conductor 46-9 of transmission line path 42-9 to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9 via the bridging clip 180, the feed clip 190 and the feed clip 192). Figure 8 The conductive path 108 connects the positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9.

[0128] Simultaneously, when folded, the grounding clip 178 on the second part 170 can be positioned to contact the grounding clip 176. For example, identical conductive screws can be inserted into the grounding clips 176 and 178 to short-circuit the grounding clips 176 and 178 to the conductive support plate 58. Figure 8 The same point on the ). When folded, the feed clip 190 can be oriented in a manner that allows the feed clip 190 to be coupled (e.g., threaded to) the segment 74 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W.

[0129] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The examples are merely illustrative. Generally, the docking station flexible element 136 can have any desired shape containing any desired number of tails. The docking station flexible element 136 can be formed from a single flexible printed circuit or from multiple flexible printed circuits surface-mounted together. Figure 12 This illustrates how the second portion 170 of the docking station's flexible member 136 can be secured to the plastic support block 172 (e.g., in the position of...). Figure 11 A three-dimensional diagram of the folded configuration.

[0130] like Figure 12 As shown, the front-end circuitry 102 for antenna 40-9 can be mounted to the docking station portion 156 of the docking station flexibility 136. The grounding clip 160 of antenna 40-9 can overlap with the opening 164 in the docking station portion 156 of the docking station flexibility 136. The feed clip 192 can also be mounted to the docking station portion 156 of the docking station flexibility 136. The tail portion 138 can be folded upwards and extended away from the docking station portion 156 of the docking station flexibility 136.

[0131] The tail portion 166 may wrap around the plastic support block 172 to hold the second portion 170 of the docking station flexibility 136 above the first portion 168 of the docking station flexibility 136. Conductive traces for forming the antenna resonant element arm 94 may be printed onto the first portion 168 of the docking station flexibility 136. Optional reinforcement layers, such as reinforcement 194, may be laminated onto the second portion 170 of the docking station flexibility 136. When folded, the front-end circuitry 104 on the second portion 170 may face the front-end circuitry 106 on the first portion 168 of the docking station flexibility 136.

[0132] Grounding clip 178 can be attached to the top surface of plastic support block 172. If desired, grounding clip 178 can be at least partially embedded (e.g., molded) within plastic support block 172. Grounding clip 176 can also be at least partially embedded within plastic support block 172. Grounding clip 178 can overlap and contact grounding clip 176. Identical conductive screws or pins can extend through grounding clips 176 and 178 to attach these grounding clips to conductive support plate 58. Figure 8 ).

[0133] The plastic support block 172 may include engagement structures, such as snap hook clips 196. Snap hook clips 196 may be formed, for example, from an extension or protrusion of the plastic support block 172. The grounding clip 178 may include an engagement portion 198. The engagement portion 198 may include an opening. The snap hook clip 196 may protrude through the opening in the engagement portion 198 of the grounding clip 178. The snap hook clip 196 may retain (e.g., snap) the engagement portion 198 onto the plastic support block 172, thereby holding the second portion 170 in place above the first portion 168 of the docking station flexibility 136. This may, for example, ensure that the fold in the tail portion 166 remains in place over time.

[0134] When the second portion 170 of the docking station flexibility 136 is held in place by the snap hook clip 196, the bridging clip 180 can be positioned to contact the power supply clip 192. If desired, the power supply clip 192 may include engagement structures, such as protrusions 193. The protrusions 193 hold (e.g., snap) the bridging clip 180 in place on the power supply clip 192. The protrusions 193 extend downward from the top edge of the power supply clip 192. Figure 12 The example is merely illustrative. In another suitable arrangement, the protrusion 193 may extend upward from the bottom edge of the feed clip 192. In this example, if desired, the feed clip 192 may also include an opening that mates with an engagement feature on the bridging clip 180.

[0135] exist Figure 12 In this example, the snap hook clip 196 is formed on the north side 173 of the plastic support block 172, and the grounding clips 178 and 176 extend from the east side 175 of the plastic support block 172. This is merely illustrative. In another suitable arrangement, the snap hook clip 196 may be located on the east side 175 of the plastic support block 172. Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing how the snap hook clip 196 can be positioned on the east side 175 of the plastic support block 172. Figure 13 An example of how the docking station flexible component 136 can be installed onto device 10 is also shown. Figure 13 In the example, for clarity, the grounding clip 160, the front-end circuit 102, and the antenna resonant element arm 94 are not shown.

[0136] like Figure 13As shown, a snap hook clip 196 may be formed on the east side 175 of the plastic support block 172. Grounding clips 178 and 176 may also extend from the east side 175 of the plastic support block 172. Grounding clip 178 may include an opening. The snap hook clip 196 may protrude through this opening to hold (engage) the second portion 170 of the docking station flexibility 136 in place on the plastic support block 172. If desired, in this example, the north side 173 of the plastic support block 172 may not contain conductive material.

[0137] The docking station flexible element 136 can be mounted to device 10. For example, section 76 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W may include attachment structures such as threaded screw holes 200. Bridging clips 180 and feed clips 192 may be positioned above and on top of the screw holes 200. Conductive screws (not shown) may be inserted into the screw holes 200 through the bridging clips 180 and feed clips 192. For example, conductive screws may facilitate the mechanical securing of the docking station flexible element 136 to the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W and may form Figure 8 The positive antenna feed terminal 52-9.

[0138] Although not in Figure 13 The 3D diagram shows that the feed clip 190 ( Figure 10 and Figure 11 The second portion 170 of the docking station flexible element 136 can also be connected to screw holes on section 74 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., for forming...). Figure 8 (Positive antenna feed terminal 52-3). For example... Figure 13 As shown, the conductive support plate 58 may include attachment structures such as threaded screw holes 202. Feed clips 176 and 178 may be positioned above and on top of the screw holes 202. Conductive screws (not shown) may be inserted into the screw holes 202 through the grounding clips 178 and 176. For example, the conductive screws may facilitate the mechanical securing of the docking station flexibility 136 to the conductive support plate 58 and may form... Figure 8 The grounding antenna feed terminals 44-5, 128, 44-3 and / or 118.

[0139] The plastic support block 172 includes a snap hook clip 196. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The examples are merely illustrative. In another suitable arrangement, the engagement structure on the grounding clips 178 and 176 can be used to hold the folded tail 166 of the docking station flexure 136 in place. Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing how grounding clips 178 and 176 may include an engagement structure for holding the folded tail 166 of the docking station flexible member 136 in place. Figure 14 In the example, the plastic support block 172 is not shown for clarity.

[0140] like Figure 14 As shown, grounding clip 176 may include engagement structures, such as engagement structure 204 (e.g., an extension or protrusion portion of grounding clip 176). Grounding clip 178 may include an opening. Engagement structure 204 may be inserted into the opening in grounding clip 178 to hold (engage) the second portion 170 of docking station flexibility 136 in place above the first portion 168 of docking station flexibility 136. A plastic support block may be molded (e.g., injection molded) onto grounding clips 176 and 178 on the tail portion 166 of docking station flexibility 136. If desired, engagement structure 204 may protrude from the molded plastic support block. Engagement structure 204 and grounding clips 176 and 178 may be located on the east side of the plastic support block (e.g., Figure 12 and Figure 13 175 to the east).

[0141] Figure 15 This is a top interior view showing an example of how the docking station flexible component 136 can be threaded into its proper position within the device 10. Figure 15 As shown, the tail 166 of the docking station flexible member 136 can be wrapped or folded around the axis 174 to hold the second portion 170 of the docking station flexible member 136 in proper position above the antenna 40-5. Conductive screws, such as screw 210, can be inserted into the grounding clips 176 and 178. Screw 210 can be threaded into screw holes 202 on the conductive support plate 58. Figure 13 This facilitates the mechanical securing (attaching) of the docking station flexible element 136 to the conductive support plate 58. Simultaneously, screws 210 electrically short-circuit grounding clips 176 and 178 to the conductive support plate 58.

[0142] Conductive screws, such as screw 206, can be inserted into the feed clip 190 of antenna 40-3. Screw 206 can be threaded into screw holes on section 74 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W. Screw 206 can help mechanically secure the docking station flexible member 136 to section 74 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W. Simultaneously, screw 206 can be used for signal conductors (e.g., for antenna 40-3) Figure 8 The signal conductor 46-3 of transmission line path 42-3 is electrically connected to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 on section 74. Figure 8 ).

[0143] Conductive screws, such as screw 214, can be inserted into the feed clip 192 for antenna 40-9 and the bridging clip 180 for antenna 40-3. Screw 214 can be threaded into screw holes 200 on section 76 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W. Figure 13Screw 214 helps to mechanically secure the docking station flexible element 136 to section 76 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W. Simultaneously, screw 214 can be used to secure the signal conductors (e.g., for antennas 40-9) to the antenna 40-9. Figure 8 The signal conductor 46-9 of transmission line path 42-9 is electrically connected to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9 on section 76. Figure 8 Screw 214 can also electrically connect the positive antenna feed terminal 52-3 to the positive antenna feed terminal 52-9 (e.g., via...). Figure 8 (Bridging clip 180 and conductive path 108).

[0144] Conductive screws, such as screw 212, can be used to ground the conductor for antenna 40-9 (e.g., Figure 8 The grounding conductor 48-9 of the transmission line path 42-9 is connected to the conductive support plate 58. Conductive screws, such as screw 208, can... Figure 8 The antenna tuning component 120 is connected to section 74 of the peripheral conductive housing structure 12W (e.g., at terminal 122). In another suitable arrangement, screw 208 can... Figure 8 Antenna tuning components 120 and 116 are coupled to conductive support plate 58 (e.g., at terminal 118). In this arrangement, for example, screw 208 may be used to form terminal 118, while screw 210 may be used to form... Figure 8 Terminal 128, grounding antenna feed terminal 44-3 and / or grounding antenna feed terminal 44-5.

[0145] Figure 15 The examples provided are merely illustrative. If desired, device 10 may include conductive springs at one or more of the locations of screws 212, 210, and 208. These conductive springs can connect these locations to… Figure 1 The conductive structures in the display 14 (e.g., to extend the antenna ground portion at these locations to include the conductive portion of the display 14, thereby optimizing antenna performance). If necessary, Figure 15 Screws 212, 214, 206, 210 and / or 208 can be replaced with any other desired conductive interconnect structure (e.g., solder, weldment, conductive spring, conductive pin, conductive foam, conductive washer, conductive support, conductive trace, sheet metal component, conductive screw, combination thereof, etc.).

[0146] exist Figure 15In the example, the curved tail 166 of the docking station flexibility 136 may be positioned adjacent to screws 210 and 208 (e.g., positioned between or at least partially positioned between these two screws). For example, in a scenario where the curved tail 166 of the docking station flexibility 136 is located between screws 206 and 208, this can be used to improve the antenna efficiency of antenna 40-3. This example is merely illustrative, and in another suitable arrangement, the curved tail 166 of the docking station flexibility 136 may be located (e.g., inserted into) between screws 206 and 208. Furthermore, in a scenario where the tail 166 is completely flat (e.g., as...), Figure 10 As shown), generally, the folded extension dock flexibility 136 at the tail 166 (e.g., from the south direction) can be used to improve the overall antenna efficiency of antenna 40-5 by up to 5dB-10dB. In this way, antennas 40-5, 40-3, and 40-9 can be configured to coexist in a very small volume at the lower left corner of device 10, while providing satisfactory RF performance in each of the operating frequency bands of antennas 40-5, 40-3, and 40-9.

[0147] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a housing having peripheral conductive structures; a dielectric-filled gap located within the peripheral conductive structures and dividing the peripheral conductive structures into a first segment and a second segment; an antenna ground portion; a first slit separating the antenna ground portion from the first segment; and a second slit extending from an end of the first slit and beyond the edge of the dielectric-filled gap within the peripheral conductive structures, the second slit having an edge defined by the antenna ground portion and the second segment; First day The first antenna feed section has a first positive antenna feed terminal connected to a first section and a first ground antenna feed terminal connected to the antenna ground section; a first radio frequency transmission line connected to the first antenna feed section; a second antenna feed section has a second positive antenna feed terminal connected to a second section and a second ground antenna feed terminal connected to the antenna ground section; a second radio frequency transmission line connected to the second antenna feed section; and a conductive path connecting the first positive antenna feed terminal to the second positive antenna feed terminal.

[0148] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a return path that connects the first segment and the antenna grounding portion.

[0149] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes: a first antenna tuning component inserted in a return path; and a second antenna tuning component inserted in a conductive path.

[0150] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes an additional conductive path that connects a node on the conductive path to the antenna ground portion, the node being inserted into the conductive path between the second antenna tuning component and the first positive antenna feed terminal.

[0151] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a third antenna tuning component that is inserted into the additional conductive path.

[0152] According to another implementation, the first segment, the first antenna feed section, and the first radio frequency transmission line are configured to receive radio frequency signals in the L5 Global Positioning System (GPS) frequency band, and the second antenna feed section, the second slot, and the second radio frequency transmission line are configured to transmit radio frequency signals in the cellular UHF band.

[0153] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes: a flexible printed circuit that at least partially overlaps with a first slit and includes a tail, a first portion extending from one side of the tail, and a second portion at the end of the tail; an antenna resonant arm formed by conductive traces on the first portion of the flexible printed circuit; a third antenna feed portion connected between the antenna resonant arm and the antenna ground portion; and a third radio frequency transmission line connected to the third antenna feed portion.

[0154] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a plastic support block mounted to the tail of the flexible printed circuit, the tail having a folded portion surrounding the plastic support block, the plastic support block being inserted between a first portion and a second portion of the flexible printed circuit, and the folded portion of the flexible printed circuit being laterally inserted between the plastic support block and the first segment.

[0155] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes: a first grounding clip mounted to the tail of the flexible printed circuit; a second grounding clip mounted to a second portion of the flexible printed circuit; and a conductive screw connecting the first grounding clip and the second grounding clip to the antenna grounding portion.

[0156] According to another embodiment, the plastic support block includes a snap hook clip that holds the second portion of the flexible printed circuit in place above the first portion of the flexible printed circuit.

[0157] According to another embodiment, the first grounding clip includes a protrusion, the second grounding clip includes an opening, and the protrusion is inserted into the opening to hold the second portion of the flexible printed circuit in a proper position above the first portion of the flexible printed circuit.

[0158] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes: a feed clip mounted to the flexible printed circuit and connecting a second radio frequency transmission line to a second positive antenna feed terminal; a bridging clip mounted to a second portion of the flexible printed circuit, the bridging clip forming part of a conductive path; and a conductive screw connecting the feed clip and the bridging clip to a second segment at the second positive antenna feed terminal.

[0159] According to another embodiment, the third antenna feed section includes a third ground antenna feed terminal. The electronic device includes: a fourth antenna tuning component connected between the antenna resonant element arm and the antenna ground section; a first conductive screw connecting the first antenna tuning component and the additional conductive path to the antenna ground section at a first terminal; and a second conductive screw connecting the first ground antenna feed terminal, the third ground antenna feed terminal, and the fourth antenna tuning component to the antenna ground section at a second terminal different from the first terminal.

[0160] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a peripheral conductive housing structure; a flexible printed circuit mounted to the peripheral conductive housing structure, the flexible printed circuit including a first portion, a tail portion connected between the first and second portions of the flexible printed circuit, and a third portion extending from one side of the tail portion; a first front-end circuit for a first antenna mounted to the first portion of the flexible printed circuit; a second front-end circuit for a second antenna mounted to the second portion of the flexible printed circuit; an antenna resonant element arm for a third antenna located on the third portion of the flexible printed circuit; and a plastic support block located on the tail portion, the tail portion and the second portion of the flexible printed circuit surrounding the plastic support block, the second portion of the flexible printed circuit at least partially overlapping the third portion of the flexible printed circuit.

[0161] According to another embodiment, the plastic support block includes a snap hook clip configured to hold the tail and second portion of the flexible printed circuit in place.

[0162] According to another embodiment, the second antenna includes an antenna resonant element arm formed by a segment of an outer conductive housing structure, at least some portions of which are laterally inserted between the plastic support block and the segment of the outer conductive housing structure.

[0163] According to another embodiment, the first antenna includes a slot antenna resonant element having an edge defined by additional segments of the peripheral conductive housing structure. The electronic device includes: a feed clip mounted to a first portion of the flexible printed circuit and connecting a first front-end circuit to the additional segments of the peripheral conductive housing structure; and a bridging clip mounted to a second portion of the flexible printed circuit, the second front-end circuit including an antenna tuning component for the second antenna, and the bridging clip connecting the antenna tuning component to the feed clip and the additional segments of the peripheral conductive housing structure.

[0164] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a housing located on the first front-end circuitry.

[0165] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes: a conductive support plate; a first grounding clip for a third antenna; a second grounding clip for a second antenna, the first and second grounding clips being at least partially embedded in the plastic support block; and a conductive screw that connects the first and second grounding clips to the conductive support plate.

[0166] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a flexible printed circuit having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion; a first tail and a second tail extending from a first side of the first portion; and a third tail extending from a second side of the first portion; the second portion being coupled to an end of the third tail; the third portion being coupled to a side of the third tail; and the first tail being folded relative to the first portion; a first board-to-board connector located on the first tail; a second board-to-board connector located on the second tail; and a docking port located on the first portion and coupled to the second board-to-board connector via a data path extending through the second tail and the first portion. At least some portions; a plastic support block located on a third tail portion, the third tail portion and the second portion wrapping around the plastic support block; a snap hook clip located on the plastic support block and configured to hold the second portion in place on the plastic support block; a first radio frequency transmission line for a first antenna extending from a first board to a board connector, passing through the first tail portion, at least some portions of the first portion, the third tail portion, and at least some portions of the second portion; a second antenna located on the third portion; and a second radio frequency transmission line for the second antenna extending from the first board to a board connector, passing through the first tail portion, at least some portions of the first portion, and at least some portions of the third tail portion.

[0167] The foregoing description is merely illustrative, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and substance of the described embodiments. The aforementioned embodiments can be implemented independently or in any combination.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: An outer casing having an external conductive structure; A dielectric-filled gap, wherein the dielectric-filled gap is located in the peripheral conductive structure and divides the peripheral conductive structure into a first segment and a second segment; Antenna grounding part; A first gap separates the antenna grounding portion from the first section; A second gap extends from the end of the first gap and beyond the edge of the dielectric-filled gap in the peripheral conductive structure, wherein the second gap has an edge defined by the antenna ground portion and the second segment; The first antenna feed section has a first positive antenna feed terminal coupled to the first section and a first ground antenna feed terminal coupled to the antenna ground section. A first radio frequency transmission line is coupled to the first antenna feed section; The second antenna feed section has a second positive antenna feed terminal coupled to the second section and a second ground antenna feed terminal coupled to the antenna ground section; The second radio frequency transmission line is coupled to the second antenna feed section; A conductive path that couples the first positive antenna feed terminal to the second positive antenna feed terminal; and An additional conductive path is provided, wherein the nodes on the conductive path are coupled to the antenna grounding portion.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A return path, which is coupled between the first segment and the antenna grounding portion.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising: A first antenna tuning component is inserted on the return path; and The second antenna tuning component is inserted into the conductive path.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the node is located between the antenna tuning component and the first positive antenna feed terminal on the conductive path.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, further comprising: An additional antenna tuning component is inserted into the additional conductive path.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the first segment, the first antenna feed section, and the first radio frequency transmission line are configured to receive radio frequency signals in the L5 Global Positioning System (GPS) frequency band, and the second antenna feed section, the second slot, and the second radio frequency transmission line are configured to transmit radio frequency signals in the cellular UHF band.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, further comprising: A flexible printed circuit, the flexible printed circuit at least partially overlapping the first gap, wherein the flexible printed circuit includes a tail, a first portion extending from one side of the tail, and a second portion at the end of the tail; Antenna resonant element arm, the antenna resonant element arm being formed by conductive traces on the first portion of the flexible printed circuit; The third antenna feed section is coupled between the antenna resonant element arm and the antenna ground section; and The third radio frequency transmission line is coupled to the third antenna feed section.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, further comprising: A plastic support block is mounted to the tail portion of the flexible printed circuit, wherein the tail portion has a folded portion that wraps around the plastic support block, the plastic support block being inserted between the first and second portions of the flexible printed circuit, and the folded portion of the flexible printed circuit being laterally inserted between the plastic support block and the first segment.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, further comprising: A first grounding clip is attached to the tail portion of the flexible printed circuit. The second grounding clip is shown to be mounted to the second portion of the flexible printed circuit. and A conductive screw, wherein the conductive screw couples the first grounding clip and the second grounding clip to the antenna grounding part.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the plastic support block includes a snap hook clip that holds the second portion of the flexible printed circuit above the first portion of the flexible printed circuit.

11. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first grounding clip includes a protrusion, the second grounding clip includes an opening, and the protrusion is inserted into the opening to hold the second portion of the flexible printed circuit over the first portion of the flexible printed circuit.

12. The electronic device according to claim 8, further comprising: A feed clip is mounted to the flexible printed circuit, wherein the feed clip couples the second radio frequency transmission line to the second positive antenna feed terminal; A bridging clip is mounted to the second portion of the flexible printed circuit, wherein the bridging clip forms part of the conductive path; and A conductive screw, wherein the conductive screw couples the feed clip and the bridging clip to the second section at the second positive antenna feed terminal.

13. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the third antenna feed section includes a third ground antenna feed terminal, and the electronic device further includes: A third antenna tuning component is coupled between the antenna resonant element arm and the antenna ground portion; A first conductive screw, wherein the first conductive screw couples the additional conductive path to the antenna grounding portion at a first terminal; and The second conductive screw couples the first ground antenna feed terminal, the third ground antenna feed terminal, and the third antenna tuning component to the antenna grounding part at a second terminal different from the first terminal.

14. An electronic device, comprising: External conductive outer shell structure; A flexible printed circuit is mounted to the peripheral conductive housing structure, wherein the flexible printed circuit includes a first portion, a tail portion coupled between the first portion and a second portion of the flexible printed circuit, and a third portion extending from one side of the tail portion. A first front-end circuit, the first front-end circuit being used for a first antenna, wherein the first front-end circuit is mounted to the first portion of the flexible printed circuit; A second front-end circuit, the second front-end circuit being used for a second antenna, wherein the second front-end circuit is mounted to the second portion of the flexible printed circuit; An antenna resonant element arm, the antenna resonant element arm being used for a third antenna, wherein the antenna resonant element arm is located on the third portion of the flexible printed circuit; and A plastic support block is located on the tail portion, wherein the tail portion and the second portion of the flexible printed circuit are wrapped around the plastic support block, and the second portion of the flexible printed circuit at least partially overlaps with the third portion of the flexible printed circuit.

15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the plastic support block has an extension forming a snap hook clip.

16. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the second antenna includes an antenna resonant element arm formed by a segment of the peripheral conductive housing structure, at least some portions of the tail being laterally inserted between the plastic support block and the segment of the peripheral conductive housing structure.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the first antenna includes a slot antenna resonant element having an edge defined by an additional segment of the peripheral conductive housing structure, and the electronic device further includes: A power feed clip is mounted to the first portion of the flexible printed circuit, wherein the power feed clip couples the first front-end circuit to the additional section of the peripheral conductive housing structure. and A bridging clip is mounted to the second portion of the flexible printed circuit, wherein the second front-end circuit includes an antenna tuning component for the second antenna, and the bridging clip couples the antenna tuning component to the feed clip and the additional segment of the peripheral conductive housing structure.

18. The electronic device of claim 17, further comprising: The cover is located on the first front-end circuit.

19. The electronic device of claim 17, further comprising: Conductive support plate; A first grounding clip, the first grounding clip being used for the third antenna; A second grounding clip, the second grounding clip being used for the second antenna, wherein the first grounding clip and the second grounding clip are at least partially embedded in the plastic support block; and A conductive screw, wherein the conductive screw couples the first grounding clip and the second grounding clip to the conductive support plate.

20. An electronic device, comprising: A flexible printed circuit having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, a first tail and a second tail extending from a first side of the first portion, and a third tail extending from a second side of the first portion, wherein the second portion is coupled to an end of the third tail, the third portion is coupled to a side of the third tail, and the first tail is folded relative to the first portion. The first board-to-board connector is located on the first tail section; The second board-to-board connector is located on the second tail section; A docking port located on the first portion and coupled to a second board-to-board connector via a data path extending through at least some portions of the second tail and the first portion; A plastic support block, the plastic support block being located on the third tail portion, wherein the third tail portion and the second portion are wrapped around the plastic support block; A first radio frequency transmission line is used for a first antenna, wherein the first radio frequency transmission line extends from the first board to the board connector and passes through the first tail, at least some portions of the first portion, the third tail, and at least some portions of the second portion; A second antenna, which is located on the third portion; and The second radio frequency transmission is used for the second antenna, wherein the second radio frequency transmission line extends from the first board to the board connector and passes through the first tail, at least some portions of the first portion, and at least some portions of the third tail.

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