Solutions for beam tilt associated with dual-polarized millimeter wave antennas in 5G terminals

Abstract

User equipment (UE) and method of operating the UE. The UE includes a front surface, a rear surface, a transceiver, and a plurality of electromagnetic strips. The front surface includes a display, and the rear surface includes a cover. The transceiver is between the display and the cover and is configured to transmit signals supporting vertical polarization and horizontal polarization. The plurality of electromagnetic strips are close to the cover and are oriented to selectively tilt one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization of the signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a user equipment (UE) including a dual-polarization 5G module. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a UE that establishes radiation at millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies while supporting orthogonal polarizations. Background Art

[0002] The next generation of telecommunication infrastructure is enabled by the implementation of 5G networks. 5G networks require new advances in both backbone infrastructure and user equipment (UE), especially handheld devices such as smartphones, wearable devices, etc. Retrofitting existing networks such as 4G / LTE networks can facilitate the implementation of 5G networks at designated frequencies below 6 GHz simply because of the almost identical form factor. However, the associated radio frequency (RF) transceivers (e.g., massive MIMO) for below 6 GHz are different. Practical solutions for implementation in UE can be used for the frequency bands below 6 GHz for 5G networks. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] However, the implementation of UEs operating at 5G mmWave frequencies faces challenges. For example, challenges faced by UEs operating at two separate frequencies (such as 28 GHz and 39 GHz) include reduced efficiency, propagation losses, and plant and environmental interactions. Various embodiments of the present disclosure recognize the complexity of incorporating 5G mmWave hardware into existing UEs. These complexities include the presence of additional hardware for seamless communications within 4G / LTE networks, limited physical size, and relatively high interactions with non-metallic and metallic supports at mmWave bands (compared to alternatives below 6 GHz). In particular, interactions with non-metallic and metallic supports at mmWave bands result in challenges including radiation pattern distortion, beam tilt, and gain loss.

[0005] Solution to the problem

[0006] The present disclosure relates to structures for correcting the horizontal polarization of a radiation beam.

[0007] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) includes a front surface, a rear surface, a transceiver, and a plurality of electromagnetic strips. The front surface includes a display, and the rear surface includes a cover. The transceiver is between the display and the cover and is configured to transmit signals supporting vertical polarization and horizontal polarization. The plurality of electromagnetic strips are proximate to the cover and are oriented to selectively tilt one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization of the signal.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method of operating a UE includes transmitting, by a transceiver of the UE, a signal supporting vertical polarization and horizontal polarization through a plurality of electromagnetic strips positioned proximate to a cover of the UE, the plurality of electromagnetic strips being positioned to selectively tilt one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization of the signal. The UE includes a front surface including a display and a rear surface including the cover. A transceiver is provided between the cover and the display.

[0009] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure enable alignment of the vertical polarization and the horizontal polarization of the radiation pattern of the antenna array for the UE. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure enable correction of the horizontal polarization without changing the vertical polarization to align the vertical polarization and the horizontal polarization of the radiation pattern to prevent beam tilt and radiation pattern distortion, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0012] Figure 1 An example wireless network according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 An example user equipment (UE) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 3A and 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a UE according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4A and 4B A semi-metallic screen is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figures 5A-5F An example of a semi-metallic screen according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Fig. 6A and 6B shows a cross-sectional view of a UE including a semi-metallic screen according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 A UE according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Fig. 8A and 8B A UE according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Fig. 9A and9B shows a plurality of electromagnetic strips according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0021] Fig.10 A method of selectively tilting polarization according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the present disclosure, the terms antenna, antenna module, antenna array, beam and beam steering are frequently used. The antenna module may include one or more arrays. An antenna array may include one or more antenna elements. Each antenna element may be able to provide one or more polarizations at or about the same time, such as vertical polarization, horizontal polarization, or both vertical and horizontal polarizations. The vertical and horizontal polarizations at or about the same time can be refracted to orthogonally polarized antennas. The antenna module radiates the received energy in a specific direction with a gain concentration. The radiation of energy in a specific direction is conceptually referred to as a beam. A beam can be a radiation pattern from one or more antenna elements or one or more antenna arrays.

[0023] Other technical features will be clear to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings, description and claims.

[0024] Before carrying out the following detailed description, it may be advantageous to set forth the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout the present disclosure.The term "coupling" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not these elements are in physical contact with each other.The terms "send", "receive" and "communication" and their derivatives cover both direct and indirect communication.The terms "include" and "comprise" and their derivatives mean including but not limited to.The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or.The phrase "associated with..." and its derivatives mean including, included in, interconnected with, included in, included in, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, can communicate with, cooperate with, interlace, parallel, close to, bound to or bound with, have, have the property of, have to ... The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one of the items in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0025] Definitions for other specific words and phrases are provided throughout this disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior and future uses of such defined words and phrases.

[0026] Discussed below Figures 1 to 10 The various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are for illustration only and should not be interpreted in any way as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged wireless communication system.

[0027] In order to meet the demand for wireless data traffic that has increased since the deployment of 4G communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved 5G or pre-5G communication systems. Therefore, 5G or pre-5G communication systems are also referred to as "beyond 4G networks" or "post-LTE systems."

[0028] 5G communication systems are considered to be implemented in higher frequency (mmWave) bands and sub-6GHz bands (e.g., 3.5GHz bands) in order to achieve higher data rates. In order to reduce the propagation loss of radio waves and increase transmission coverage, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, massive antenna technology, etc. are discussed in 5G communication systems.

[0029] In addition, in 5G communication systems, development for system network improvements is being carried out based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communications, wireless backhaul communications, mobile networks, collaborative communications, coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmission and reception, interference suppression and elimination, etc.

[0030] Figure 1 An example wireless network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The embodiment of the wireless network shown is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, wireless network 100 includes gNB 101, gNB 102, and gNB 103. gNB 101 communicates with gNB 102 and gNB 103. gNB 101 also communicates with at least one network 130, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network.

[0032] gNB 102 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a first plurality of UEs within coverage area 120 of gNB 102. The first plurality of UEs include UE 111, which may be located in a small business (SB); UE 112, which may be located in an enterprise (E); UE 113, which may be located in a WiFi hotspot (HS); UE 114, which may be located in a first residence (R); UE 115, which may be located in a second residence (R); UE 116, which may be a mobile device (M), such as a cellular phone, a wireless laptop, a wireless PDA, etc. gNB 103 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a second plurality of UEs within coverage area 125 of gNB 103. The second plurality of UEs include UE 115 and UE 116. In some embodiments, one or more of gNBs 101-103 may communicate with each other and with UEs 111-116 using 5G, LTE, LTE-A, WiMAX, WiFi, or other wireless communication technologies.

[0033] Depending on the network type, the term "base station" or "BS" may refer to any component (or set of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as a transmission point (TP), a transmission reception point (TRP), an enhanced base station (eNodeB or gNB), a 5G base station (gNB), a macro cell, a femto cell, a WiFi access point (AP), or other wirelessly enabled devices. A base station may provide wireless access according to one or more wireless communication protocols, for example, 5G 3GPP New Radio Interface / Access (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc. For convenience, the terms "BS" and "TRP" are used interchangeably in this disclosure to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. In addition, depending on the network type, the term "user equipment" or "UE" may refer to any component, such as a "mobile station", "subscriber station", "remote terminal", "wireless terminal", "reception point", or "user equipment". For convenience, the terms "user equipment" and "UE" used in this disclosure refer to a remote wireless device that wirelessly accesses a BS, whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or smartphone) or is generally considered to be a fixed device (such as a desktop computer or vending machine).

[0034] The dashed lines illustrate the approximate extents of coverage areas 120 and 125, which are shown as approximately circular for purposes of illustration and explanation only. It should be clearly understood that coverage areas such as coverage areas 120 and 125 associated with a gNB may have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending on the configuration of the gNB and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstacles.

[0035] although Figure 1 An example of a wireless network is shown, but Figure 1 Various changes may be made. For example, the wireless network may include any number of gNBs and any number of UEs in any suitable arrangement. gNB 101 may communicate directly with any number of UEs and provide wireless broadband access to network 130 for those UEs. Similarly, each gNB 102-103 may communicate directly with network 130 and provide direct wireless broadband access to network 130 for the UEs. In addition, gNBs 101, 102, and / or 103 may provide access to other or additional external networks, such as an external telephone network or other type of data network.

[0036] Figure 2 An example UE 116 is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The embodiment of UE 116 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only, and Figure 1 UEs 111-115 may have the same or similar configurations. However, UEs have various configurations, and Figure 2 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation of the UE.

[0037] UE 116 includes one or more transceivers 210, microphone 220, speaker 230, processor 240, input / output (I / O) interface 245, input 250, one or more sensors 255, display 265, and memory 260. Memory 260 includes operating system (OS) program 262 and one or more application programs 264.

[0038] The transceiver 210 includes a transmit (TX) processing circuit 215 for modulating signals, a receive (RX) processing circuit 225 for demodulating signals, and an antenna array 205 including an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals. The antenna array 205 receives signals transmitted by Figure 1 The RX processing circuit 225 receives an incoming signal transmitted by a gNB of the wireless network 100. The transceiver 210 down-converts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is transmitted to the RX processing circuit 225, which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuit 225 sends the processed baseband signal to the speaker 230 (such as for voice data) or to the processor 240 for further processing (such as for web browsing data).

[0039] The TX processing circuit 215 receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone 220 or other outgoing baseband data (such as network data, email, or interactive video game data) from the processor 240. The TX processing circuit 215 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The RF transceiver 210 receives the outgoing, processed baseband or IF signal from the TX processing circuit 215 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal transmitted by the antenna array 205.

[0040] The processor 240 may include one or more processors or other processing devices and executes an OS program 262 stored in the memory 260 to control the overall operation of the UE 116. For example, the processor 240 may control the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of reverse channel signals according to well-known principles through the RF transceiver 210, the RX processing circuit 225, and the TX processing circuit 215. In some embodiments, the processor 240 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0041] The processor 240 may execute other processes and programs resident in the memory 260, such as operations for transmitting dual polarized beams as described in embodiments of the present disclosure. As part of executing a process, the processor 240 may move data into or out of the memory 260. In some embodiments, the processor 240 is configured to execute an application 264 based on the OS program 262 or in response to a signal received from a gNB or operator. The processor 240 is also coupled to an I / O interface 245 that provides the UE 116 with the ability to connect to other devices such as laptops and handheld computers. The I / O interface 245 is a communication path between these accessories and the processor 240.

[0042] Processor 240 is also coupled to input 250 (e.g., a keypad, touch screen, buttons, etc.) and display 265. An operator of UE 116 may enter data into UE 116 using input 250. Display 265 may be a liquid crystal display or other display capable of rendering at least limited graphics and / or text, such as from a website.

[0043] The memory 260 is coupled to the processor 240. The memory 260 may include at least one of a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, or other read-only memory (ROM).

[0044] As described in more detail below, UE 116 may perform transmission and reception of signals using dual polarization beams. Figure 2 An example of UE 116 is shown, but the Figure 2 Make various changes. For example, according to specific needs, Figure 2Various components in the embodiment may be combined, subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added. As a specific example, processor 240 may be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Figure 2 UE 116 is shown as a mobile phone or smartphone, but the UE may be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices.

[0045] Various embodiments of the present disclosure recognize the challenges faced by UE 116 in 5G communication systems. As described herein, horizontal polarization from transceiver 210 may be distorted due in part to the physical proximity of electromagnetic (e.g., metal) and non-metallic fixtures within UE 116. The distortion may tilt the horizontal polarization from transceiver 210 so that it is misaligned with the vertical polarization. Various embodiments of the present disclosure recognize this misalignment and recognize that many solutions to correct horizontal polarization also inadvertently adjust the vertical polarization. Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide structures for aligning horizontal and vertical polarizations by correcting the horizontal polarization of a radiated beam while maintaining the vertical polarization.

[0046] For example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of a UE according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The embodiment of the UE 116 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The UE 116 shown in FIG. 1 may be Figure 1 and Figure 2 UE 116 is shown in FIG.

[0047] like Figure 3A As shown, UE 116 includes a display 265 and a cover 270. Display 265 and cover 270 together form a housing of UE 116. Components of UE 116 including TX processing circuitry 215, RX processing circuitry 225, processor 240, and memory 260 may be placed between display 265 and cover 270.

[0048] like Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the transceiver 210 is placed between the display 265 and the cover 270. The transceiver 210 is provided at the edge of the UE 116 for transmitting and receiving signals. The transceiver 210 includes an antenna array 205 having a radiation pattern 300, and the radiation pattern 300 has a preset orientation based on the orientation of the antenna array 205 within the UE 116.

[0049] The radiation pattern 300 supports a pair of orthogonal polarizations in both the vertical direction 310 and the horizontal direction 320. The vertical polarization 310 exhibits the desired performance in the desired direction, while the horizontal polarization 320 does not exhibit the desired performance in the desired direction. Figure 3B As shown, the horizontal polarization 320 is tilted toward an undesired direction, causing the vertical polarization 310 and the horizontal polarization 320 to be misaligned. Various embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that the misalignment between the vertical polarization 310 and the horizontal polarization 320 may present challenges caused by such polarization selectivity. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that the misalignment may hinder the millimeter wave radiation from the antenna array 205, resulting in radiation pattern distortion, beam tilt, and gain loss for the UE 116.

[0050] Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure enable alignment of the vertical polarization 310 and the horizontal polarization 320 of the radiation pattern 300 of the antenna array 205. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure enable correction of the horizontal polarization 320 without changing the vertical polarization 310 to align the vertical polarization 310 and the horizontal polarization 320 of the radiation pattern 300 to prevent beam tilt and radiation pattern distortion.

[0051] Figure 4A and 4B A semi-metallic screen is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the semi-metallic screen are for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, various features may be added to or omitted from the semi-metallic screen according to the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 4A A semi-metallic screen 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The semi-metallic screen 400 includes a plurality of electromagnetic strips 410. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 7 Multiple electromagnetic strips 410 are described in more detail in the description of . In various embodiments, multiple electromagnetic strips 410 can be provided in UE 116, such as inside cover 270 or between cover 270 and display 265. The electromagnetic strips 410 described herein can be formed using any electromagnetic or conductive material, for example, metals such as copper, silver, aluminum, iron, alloys, etc.; ceramics; polymers; etc.

[0053] like Figure 4A As shown, the electromagnetic strips 410 of the semi-metallic screen 400 are arranged perpendicular to the incident wave polarization (k) (E1). When the electromagnetic strips 410 are arranged perpendicular to the incident wave polarization, the electric field does not induce current on the electromagnetic strips 410. Therefore, the incident wave advances through or propagates through the semi-metallic screen 400. Therefore, the semi-metallic screen 400 is actually invisible relative to the incident wave.

[0054] Figure 4B A semi-metallic screen 450 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The semi-metallic screen 450 includes a plurality of electromagnetic strips 420. The plurality of electromagnetic strips 420 may be the same or identical to the plurality of electromagnetic strips 410. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 7 Multiple electromagnetic strips 420 are described in more detail in the description of UE 116 . In various embodiments, multiple electromagnetic strips 410 may be provided in UE 116 , such as inside cover 270 or between cover 270 and display 265 .

[0055] like Figure 4B As shown, the electromagnetic strips 420 of the half-metallic screen 450 are arranged parallel to the (E2) incident wave polarization (kA). When the electromagnetic strips 420 are arranged parallel to the incident wave polarization, the electric field induces current on the electromagnetic strips 420. Therefore, the incident wave is reflected off the half-metallic screen 450 as shown by the reflected incident wave polarization kB. In other words, the electromagnetic strips 420 can be used as polarization mirrors.

[0056] Figure 5A and 5B A semi-metallic screen 500 is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the semi-metallic screen 500 is for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, various features may be added to or omitted from the semi-metallic screen 500 in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 5A A side view of a semi-metallic screen 500 is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5B FIG. 5 shows a top view of a semi-metallic screen 500 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The semi-metallic screen 500 may be Figure 4A and Figure 4B The semi-metal screen 400 or the semi-metal screen 450 is shown respectively.

[0057] The semi-metallic screen 500 includes a plurality of electromagnetic strips 505. The plurality of electromagnetic strips 505 may be Figure 4A and Figure 4B Electromagnetic strip 410 or electromagnetic strip 420, respectively. In some embodiments, multiple electromagnetic strips 505 are provided in a parallel or substantially parallel manner. For example, Figure 5B As shown, each of the electromagnetic strips 505a-505n is provided parallel to the respective adjacent electromagnetic strips. Electromagnetic strip 505a is provided parallel to electromagnetic strip 505b. Likewise, electromagnetic strip 505b is provided parallel to both electromagnetic strip 505a and electromagnetic strip 505c.

[0058] Between each electromagnetic strip 505 is a space 508. For example, electromagnetic strip 505a and electromagnetic strip 505b are separated by space 508. In some embodiments, space 508 can be approximately the same width as each electromagnetic strip. In other embodiments, space 508 can have a width that is greater or less than the width of electromagnetic strip 505.

[0059] Although the semi-metallic screen 500 Figure 5A and Figure 5B 500 is shown as including substantially parallel electromagnetic strips 505, but a semi-metallic screen 500 may be provided in various embodiments. For example, Figure 5C-5F Various embodiments of electromagnetic strip 505 are shown.

[0060] Figure 5C An alternative semi-metallic screen is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the semi-metallic screen 510 is for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, various features may be added to or omitted from the semi-metallic screen 510 according to the present disclosure. The semi-metallic screen 510 includes a plurality of electromagnetic strips 515a-515n. The semi-metallic screen 510 may be the semi-metallic screen 500, and the plurality of electromagnetic strips 515a-515n may be Figure 4A and Figure 4B The electromagnetic strip 410 or the electromagnetic strip 420 is shown respectively.

[0061] The embodiment of the semi-metallic screen 510 is for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, various features may be added to or omitted from the semi-metallic screen 510 according to the present disclosure. The semi-metallic screen 510 includes a plurality of electromagnetic strips 515a-515n. The semi-metallic screen 510 may be the semi-metallic screen 500, and the plurality of electromagnetic strips 515a-515n may be Figure 4A and Figure 4B The electromagnetic strip 410 or the electromagnetic strip 420 is shown respectively.

[0062] like Figure 5C As shown in FIG. 5 , each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips 515a-515n includes a curved portion 518. In some embodiments, the curved portion 518 may be described as meandering or serpentine. The curved portion 518 may more precisely tilt the polarization to a desired direction.

[0063] Figure 5D A semi-metallic screen 520 is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the semi-metallic screen 520 are for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, various features may be added to or omitted from the semi-metallic screen 520 in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 5DA top view of a semi-metal screen 520 is shown. The semi-metal screen 520 may be the semi-metal screen 500, and the electromagnetic strip 525 may be Figure 4A and Figure 4B The electromagnetic strip 410 or the electromagnetic strip 420 shown in FIG. Figure 5D Three electromagnetic strips 525a, 525b, and 505n are shown, but this embodiment should not be construed as limiting. Figure 5D The semi-metallic screen 520 shown in FIG. 5 may include as many or as few electromagnetic strips 525 as desired.

[0064] Figure 5D Each of the electromagnetic strips 525 shown in FIG. 5 includes a switch 528. For example, electromagnetic strip 525a includes switch 528a, electromagnetic strip 525b includes switch 528b, and electromagnetic strip 525n includes switch 528n. The plurality of switches 528a-528n are configured to extend the range of transceiver 210.

[0065] Figure 5E A semi-metallic screen 530 is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the semi-metallic screen 530 are for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, various features may be added to or omitted from the semi-metallic screen 530 in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 5E A top view of a semi-metallic screen 530 is shown. The semi-metallic screen 530 may be the semi-metallic screen 500.

[0066] The semi-metallic screen 530 includes a plurality of electromagnetic strips 535a-535n. The plurality of electromagnetic strips 535a-535n may be Figure 4A and Figure 4B 410 or 420 respectively shown in the figure. The semi-metallic screen 530 also includes a connecting portion 540 between each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips 535a-535n. The connecting portion 540 can be electromagnetic and is provided so that the electromagnetic strip is connected to another of the electromagnetic strips. For example, the electromagnetic strip 535a is connected to the electromagnetic strip 535b through the connecting portion 540a. Similarly, the electromagnetic strip 535b is connected to the electromagnetic strip 535c through the connecting portion 540b, the electromagnetic strip 535c is connected to the electromagnetic strip 535d through the connecting portion 540c, and the electromagnetic strip 535d is connected to the electromagnetic strip 535n through the connecting portion 540n.

[0067] Although this embodiment Figure 5E 530 is shown as including five electromagnetic strips 535a-535n and four connecting parts 540a-540n, but this embodiment should not be interpreted as limiting and various embodiments are possible. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the semi-metallic screen 530 may include more or less than five electromagnetic strips and four connecting parts.

[0068] Fig. 5F A semi-metallic screen 550 is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the semi-metallic screen 550 is for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, various features may be added to or omitted from the semi-metallic screen 530 in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 5F A top view of a semi-metallic screen 550 is shown. The semi-metallic screen 550 may be the semi-metallic screen 500.

[0069] The semi-metallic screen 550 includes a plurality of electromagnetic strips 555a-555n. The plurality of electromagnetic strips 555a-555n may be Figure 4A and Figure 4B 4 and 5. The plurality of electromagnetic strips 555 include a zigzag pattern, wherein a portion of each electromagnetic strip 555 at the zigzag pattern is provided at a diagonal offset relative to other portions of the electromagnetic strips 555. The diagonal offset may be measured as any angle between parallel and perpendicular without departing from the present disclosure.

[0070] although Figure 5A-5F The embodiments described in are described herein as separate embodiments, but may be Figure 5A-5F Various combinations can be made between the embodiments described in the drawings. For example, a switch 528a can be included on any one of the electromagnetic strips 505, 515, 535, or 555. As another example, a connecting portion 540 can be included on any one of the electromagnetic strips 505, 515, 535, or 555. As yet another example, an electromagnetic strip 515 including a meandering portion 518 can include a switch 528, a connecting portion 540, or a plurality of electromagnetic strips 505, 515, 535, or 555. Fig. 5F The zigzag or offset pattern shown is provided.

[0071] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of a UE including a semi-metal screen according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The embodiments of the UE shown in the are for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. As described herein, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The UE 116 shown in FIG. 1 can align the horizontal and vertical polarizations by correcting the horizontal polarization of the radiated beam while maintaining the vertical polarization.

[0072] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The UE 600 shown in FIG. 6 may be Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, Fig. 6Aand Figure 6B UE 600 shown in FIG. 6 includes a transceiver 610 including antenna array 205, a display 665, and a cover 670. In various embodiments, transceiver 610 may be transceiver 210, display 665 may be display 265, and cover 670 may be cover 270. In addition, UE 600 may include additional elements, such as Figure 2 , a transmit (TX) processing circuit 215, a microphone 220, a receive (RX) processing circuit 225, a speaker 230, a processor 240, an input / output (I / O) interface 245, an input 250, and one or more sensors 255 as described in the drawings.

[0073] UE 600 also includes multiple electromagnetic strips 605. Multiple electromagnetic strips 605 can be electromagnetic strips 505. Multiple electromagnetic strips 605 can form a semi-metal screen, such as semi-metal screen 400, 450, or 500. Multiple electromagnetic strips 605 are provided in a manner that provides a semi-metal screen parallel to the horizontal wave polarization sent from transceiver 610 and perpendicular to the vertical wave polarization sent from transceiver 610. This configuration tilts the horizontal polarization toward the direction of the vertical polarization without significantly changing the vertical polarization. As a result, the horizontal polarization is aligned with the vertical polarization. By aligning the horizontal polarization with the vertical polarization, both polarizations are sent in the expected direction.

[0074] Although providing multiple electromagnetic strips 605 is described herein as tilted horizontal polarization, this embodiment is for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, multiple electromagnetic strips 605 may be provided perpendicular to the polarization of the horizontal wave sent from the transceiver 610 and parallel to the polarization of the vertical wave sent from the transceiver 610. This configuration tilts the vertical polarization in the direction of the horizontal polarization without significantly altering the horizontal polarization. As a result, the vertical polarization can be aligned with the horizontal polarization.

[0075] Multiple electromagnetic strips 605 may be provided in different configurations within UE 600. In some embodiments, Fig. 6A As shown in FIG. 6 , a plurality of electromagnetic strips 605 are provided within the transceiver 610. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B As shown in , a plurality of electromagnetic strips 605 are provided on the exterior of the transceiver 610 and embedded or built into the cover 670.

[0076] Multiple electromagnetic strips 605 may be provided in various forms in UE 600. For example, Fig. 6A As shown, a plurality of electromagnetic strips 605 may be provided in a rectangular form. Figure 6BAs shown, the plurality of electromagnetic strips 605 may be provided in a circular form. Although the rectangular plurality of electromagnetic strips 605 are shown within the transceiver 610 and the circular plurality of electromagnetic strips 605 are shown embedded in the cover 670, these embodiments are shown for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the rectangular plurality of electromagnetic strips 605 embedded in the cover 670 may be provided, and the circular plurality of electromagnetic strips 605 may be provided in the transceiver 610.

[0077] Figure 7 A UE according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 UE 116 is shown including a display 265 and a cover 270. As described herein, the display 265 can be provided on the front surface. The display 265 can be a touch screen that receives input from a user. As also described herein, the cover 270 can be provided on the rear surface. In some embodiments, the cover 270 can additionally surround the sides of the UE 116. The cover 270 can include a curvature 272 corresponding to the location of the transition of the side surface of the UE 116 to the rear surface of the UE 116.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, UE 116 includes an electromagnetic strip 505. More specifically, UE 116 includes an electromagnetic strip 505 formed with a curved portion corresponding to the curved object 272 of the cover 270. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic strip 505 may be as shown in FIG. Figure 6B 270. In these embodiments, the electromagnetic strip 505 replaces a portion of the covering 270. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic strip 505 is added to the covering 270 and does not replace any portion of the covering 270, such as Fig. 6A shown.

[0079] Fig. 8A and 8B A UE according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 8A UE 116 is shown including a display 265 and a cover 270. As described herein, the display 265 can be provided on the front surface. The display 265 can be a touch screen that receives input from the user. Also as described herein, the cover 270 can be provided on the rear surface. In some embodiments, the cover 270 can additionally surround the sides of the UE 116.

[0080] Figure 8B UE 116 is shown with an electromagnetic strip 505 added. Figure 8B As shown in FIG. , the electromagnetic strip 505 is Fig. 8A10 and 110. The electromagnetic strips 505 are shown extending further into the cover 270. Depending on the specific transmission requirements of the UE 116, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for the electromagnetic strips 505 to extend more or less into the cover 270.

[0081] Figure 8B Also shown are spaces 810 in the cover 270 between each electromagnetic strip 505. Although shown as including spaces 810, various embodiments are possible. For example, the electromagnetic strips 505 provided in the UE 116 may be electromagnetic strips 515, 525, 535, or 555.

[0082] Fig. 9A and 9B A plurality of electromagnetic strips are shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9A and 9B The embodiments of the multiple electromagnetic strips shown in the are for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. As described herein, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The electromagnetic strip 905 shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented in a UE, such as the UE 116 , to align the horizontal and vertical polarizations of the UE 116 by correcting the horizontal polarization of the radiated beam while maintaining the vertical polarization.

[0083] Fig. 9A Multiple electromagnetic strips 905a-905e are shown. Multiple electromagnetic strips 905 can be the same as multiple electromagnetic strips 605 and multiple electromagnetic strips 505. Fig. 9A As shown, each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips 905a-905e are the same length.

[0084] Fig. 9B Another embodiment of multiple electromagnetic strips 905 is shown. Fig. 9B As shown, a plurality of electromagnetic strips 905f-905j are arranged with gradually decreasing lengths. In other words, each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips 905f-905j is shorter than the previous one. More specifically, electromagnetic strip 905g has a length that is less than the length of electromagnetic strip 905f. Electromagnetic strip 905h has a length that is less than the length of electromagnetic strip 905g. Electromagnetic strip 905i has a length that is less than the length of electromagnetic strip 905h. Electromagnetic strip 905j has a length that is less than the length of electromagnetic strip 905i.

[0085] Fig.10 A method of selectively tilting polarization according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Although described herein as being implemented by UE 116, Fig.10 The method 1000 shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented by one or more of the UEs 111-116, and the corresponding method may be implemented by Figure 1The present invention may be performed by one or more of the gNBs 101-103 described in the specification. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] In operation 1010, a UE such as UE 116 transmits a signal supporting vertical polarization and horizontal polarization. UE 116 may include a front surface including a display 265 and a rear surface including a cover 270. The signal may be transmitted by a transceiver 210 provided between the cover 270 and the display 265.

[0087] In operation 1020, the UE 116 selectively tilts one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization. The UE 116 may selectively tilt one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization through a plurality of electromagnetic strips, such as the electromagnetic strips 505. The electromagnetic strips may be close to the cover 270.

[0088] In some embodiments, a user equipment (UE) includes a front surface, a rear surface, a transceiver, and a plurality of electromagnetic strips. The front surface includes a display, and the rear surface includes a cover. The transceiver is between the display and the cover and is configured to transmit signals supporting vertical polarization and horizontal polarization. The plurality of electromagnetic strips are proximate to the cover and are oriented to selectively tilt one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization of the signal.

[0089] In some embodiments, the plurality of electromagnetic strips are at least substantially parallel to each other and are oriented to selectively tilt radiation from the transceiver having one of a horizontal polarization or a vertical polarization. In some embodiments, the plurality of electromagnetic strips are positioned between the transceiver and the cover. In some embodiments, the plurality of electromagnetic strips are embedded in the cover.

[0090] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips includes at least one of a meander or zigzag portion. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips includes a curved portion corresponding to a curvature of the cover. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of electromagnetic strips is connected to another of the plurality of electromagnetic strips.

[0091] In some embodiments, the UE further comprises a plurality of switches provided on each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips, respectively, wherein the plurality of switches are configured to extend the range of the transceiver. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips comprises a uniform length. In some embodiments, the length of each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips decreases progressively from the first electromagnetic strip to the last electromagnetic strip.

[0092] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of operating a UE. The method includes sending a signal supporting vertical polarization and horizontal polarization by a transceiver, and selectively tilting one of the horizontal polarization or vertical polarization of the signal by a plurality of electromagnetic strips. The UE includes a front surface including a display and a rear surface including a cover. A transceiver is provided between the cover and the display. The plurality of electromagnetic strips are close to the cover.

[0093] Any description in the present application should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is essential to be included in the claims scope.

Claims

1. A user equipment UE, comprising: a front surface, including a display; the posterior surface, including the covering; a transceiver between the cover and the display, the transceiver configured to transmit signals supporting vertical polarization and horizontal polarization; as well as a plurality of electromagnetic strips proximate to the cover, the plurality of electromagnetic strips being oriented to selectively tilt one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization of the signal, The electromagnetic strips are separated from each other by spaces, and the space has the same width as each of the electromagnetic strips.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of electromagnetic strips are at least substantially parallel to one another and are oriented to selectively tilt radiation from the transceiver having one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization.

3. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of electromagnetic strips are positioned between the transceiver and the cover.

4. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of electromagnetic strips are embedded in the cover.

5. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips includes at least one of a meandering portion or a zigzag portion.

6. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips includes a curved portion corresponding to a curvature of the cover.

7. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the plurality of electromagnetic strips is connected to another one of the plurality of electromagnetic strips.

8. The UE of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of switches provided on each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips, respectively, the plurality of switches being configured to extend a range of the transceiver.

9. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips comprises a uniform length.

10. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The length of each of the plurality of electromagnetic strips progressively decreases from a first electromagnetic strip to a last electromagnetic strip.

11. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The transceiver includes an antenna array having a radiation pattern with a preset orientation based on an orientation of the antenna array within the UE.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein: The radiation pattern supports a pair of orthogonal polarizations in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

13. A method for operating a user equipment UE, the method comprising: transmitting, by a transceiver of the UE, a signal supporting vertical polarization and horizontal polarization through a plurality of electromagnetic strips positioned proximate to a cover of the UE, the plurality of electromagnetic strips being oriented to selectively tilt one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization of the signal, wherein the UE comprises a front surface comprising a display and a rear surface comprising the cover, and the transceiver is provided between the cover and the display, The electromagnetic strips are separated from each other by spaces, and the space has the same width as each of the electromagnetic strips.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of electromagnetic strips are at least substantially parallel to one another and are oriented to selectively tilt radiation from the transceiver having one of the horizontal polarization or the vertical polarization.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of electromagnetic strips are positioned between the transceiver and the cover.

Images