Antenna module placement and housing for reduced power density exposure

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. In some systems, a user equipment (UE) may use transmissions that result in power density exposure (PDE) to nearby users. In order to reduce the PDE of an antenna module (e.g., below a maximum PDE threshold), the UE may implement a shielding band around the antenna module. For example, the antenna module may include a substrate having a first surface and a set of antenna elements on the first surface. The shielding band may surround the set of antenna elements of the antenna module and extend outward from the first surface above the antenna elements. The shielding band may reduce the PDE outside the field of view of the antenna module. Additionally, in some cases, the placement of the antenna module in the UE and the materials used to construct the UE may further reduce the PDE.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 579,522 to Malik et al., entitled “Antenna Module Placement and Housing for Reduced Power Density Exposure,” filed on September 23, 2019, which is assigned to its assignee. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to antenna module placement and housing for reduced power density exposure (PDE). Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems (such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems) and fifth generation (5G) systems (which may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems). These systems may employ techniques such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiple access (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include multiple base stations or network access nodes, each of which simultaneously supports communication for multiple communication devices (which may otherwise be referred to as user equipment (UE)).

[0005] In some wireless communication systems, UEs may use millimeter wave (mmW) transmissions for wireless communications. For example, NR systems may use time division duplex (TDD) mmW for both uplink and downlink transmissions (e.g., within the same frequency band). Regulators may impose limits on the amount of mmW power density exposure (PDE) that humans (e.g., users) may experience using mmW devices. For example, a regulator such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States may specify that the exposure to a user should be less than a given amount of power per unit area when averaged over a given area and time period. Requirements to limit the PDE to users may make it difficult to maintain radio coverage while minimizing power consumption, and may result in lower communication quality. Summary of the invention

[0006] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced power density exposure (PDE). In general, the described technology provides the use of a shielding band of an antenna module to maintain a power density (PD) level during transmission to enable the UE to comply with a maximum PDE threshold. In some wireless communication systems, a user equipment (UE) may establish a transmission (e.g., a millimeter wave (mmW) transmission) that causes a PDE to a user of the UE or other nearby users. In order to reduce the PDE for the antenna module (e.g., below the maximum PDE threshold), the UE may implement a shielding band around the antenna module. For example, the antenna module may include a substrate and a set of antenna elements on a first surface of the substrate. The shielding band may surround (e.g., form a continuous ring around) the set of antenna elements (e.g., all elements of the module) and extend outward from the radiating surface above the first surface. The shielding band may be a component of the antenna module, or may be built into or attached to the housing of the UE. The shielding band may be grounded or floating, and may reduce the PDE outside the field of view of the antenna module. Furthermore, in some cases, the PDE may be further reduced due to the antenna module, the placement of the antenna module in the UE, the materials used to construct the UE, or both.

[0007] An antenna module is described. The antenna module can be an example of a device. The antenna module can include: a substrate having a first surface, a set of antenna elements on the first surface, and a shielding tape surrounding the set of antenna elements and extending outward from the first surface of the substrate, wherein an upper edge of the shielding tape is above the set of antenna elements. The shielding tape can reduce PDE (e.g., outside the field of view of a sensor or antenna module).

[0008] In some examples of antenna modules described herein, a lower edge of the shielding tape may be at or above the first surface of the substrate.

[0009] In some examples of antenna modules described herein, the substrate includes a printed circuit board (PCB), the set of antenna elements may be on the PCB, and the shielding tape may be external to the PCB.

[0010] In some examples of antenna modules described herein, the PCB may also include plated features surrounding each antenna element in the set of antenna elements, where the plated features may be on the PCB. These plated features may be examples of individual wells etched into the PCB for each antenna element and may provide some shielding and / or isolation for the antenna elements. The shielding tape may provide important additional PDE shielding for the entire antenna module.

[0011] In some examples of antenna modules described herein, the shielding tape may be at or above the perimeter of the PCB. Placing the shielding tape at the perimeter of the PCB may optimize the shielding for a given shielding tape height without modifying the PCB.

[0012] In some examples of antenna modules described herein, the upper edge of the shielding tape can be configured to be flush with the housing of the UE. This can optimize the height of the shielding tape without reducing the usability and form design of the UE housing.

[0013] In some examples of antenna modules described herein, the height of the shielding strip from the first surface of the substrate can be based on: a predetermined PDE threshold, or a field of view of a set of antenna elements, or a field of view of a sensor, or a combination thereof. Such a design can improve PDE shielding without supporting PDE detection.

[0014] In some examples of antenna modules described herein, the shielding strip can be electrically coupled to a ground plane of the antenna module.

[0015] In some other examples of antenna modules described herein, the shielding strip can be electrically isolated from a ground plane of the antenna module.

[0016] In some examples of antenna modules described herein, one or more electronic components may be mounted on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface of the substrate.

[0017] In some examples of antenna modules described herein, the set of antenna elements includes at least a set of patch antennas, or a set of slot antennas, or a set of dipole antennas, or a combination thereof, forming an antenna array.

[0018] A UE is described. The UE may be an example of an apparatus. The UE may include: a housing having an outer surface; an antenna module mounted within the housing, wherein the antenna module includes a set of antenna elements on a first surface of a substrate; and a shielding strip surrounding the set of antenna elements and extending outwardly from the first surface of the substrate, wherein an upper edge of the shielding strip is above the set of antenna elements. The shielding strip may reduce PDE (e.g., outside the field of view of a sensor or antenna module).

[0019] In some examples of UEs described herein, the first surface of the substrate may be recessed from the outer surface of the housing from the radiation direction of the antenna module. This may allow the shielding tape to be inside the UE housing, thereby supporting the usability of the UE.

[0020] In some examples of UEs described herein, a lower edge of the shielding tape may be at or above the first surface of the substrate.

[0021] In some examples of UEs described herein, the antenna module includes a shielding tape, or the housing includes a shielding tape, or the housing includes a portion of a shielding tape.

[0022] In some examples of UEs described herein, an outer surface of the housing includes a screen oriented on a first side of the antenna module and a rear surface oriented on a second side of the antenna module opposite the screen, the rear surface including a first conductive surface.

[0023] In some examples of UEs described herein, the UE includes a second conductive surface oriented on a first side of the antenna module opposite the rear surface, wherein the screen includes the second conductive surface, or the second conductive surface can be mounted on the rear side of the screen. The second conductive surface can match (or replicate) the properties of the first conductive surface so that the PDE is symmetric (or nearly symmetric) between the front surface and the rear surface of the UE. Semi-symmetric PDE can support optimal shielding because one side of the UE does not experience significantly more PDE than another side.

[0024] In some examples of UEs described herein, the height of the shielding strip from the first surface of the substrate can be based on: a predetermined PDE threshold, or a field of view of a set of antenna elements, or a combination thereof. Such a design can improve PDE shielding without supporting PDE detection.

[0025] In some examples of UEs described herein, the UE may include a sensor for measuring PDE, wherein the height of the shielding tape from the first surface of the substrate may be based on the field of view of the sensor. Such a design may improve PDE shielding without supporting PDE detection.

[0026] In some examples of UEs described herein, the shielding strip may be electrically coupled to a ground plane of the antenna module.

[0027] In some other examples of UEs described herein, the shielding strip may be electrically isolated from the ground plane of the antenna module.

[0028] In some examples of UEs described herein, the set of antenna elements includes a set of patch antennas forming an antenna array.

[0029] In some examples of UEs described herein, the upper edge of the shielding tape may be at or below the outer surface of the housing in the radiation direction of the antenna module. This may optimize the height of the shielding tape without reducing the usability and form design of the UE housing.

[0030] An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The apparatus may also include an antenna module, the antenna module including: a substrate having a first surface; and a set of antenna elements on the first surface; and a shielding tape that surrounds the set of antenna elements and extends outward from the first surface. In some examples of the apparatus described herein, the apparatus may further include a detector. In some examples of the apparatus described herein, the apparatus may further include a second antenna module, the second antenna module including: a second substrate having a second surface; and a second set of antenna elements on the second surface; and a second shielding tape that surrounds the second set of antenna elements and extends outward from the second surface.

[0031] A method for wireless communication at a UE is described. The method may include: determining a transmit power for a communication beam for the UE based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam for the UE and a shielding band surrounding a set of antenna elements on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, the shielding band surrounding the set of antenna elements being above the first surface; and transmitting an uplink signal using the communication beam and using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power.

[0032] An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: determine a transmit power for a communication beam for the UE based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam for the UE and a shielding band surrounding a set of antenna elements on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, the shielding band surrounding the set of antenna elements being above the first surface; and transmit an uplink signal using the communication beam and using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power.

[0033] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include: a component for determining a transmit power for a communication beam for the UE based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam for the UE and a shielding band surrounding a set of antenna elements on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, the shielding band surrounding the set of antenna elements being above the first surface; and a component for transmitting an uplink signal using the communication beam and using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power.

[0034] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: determine a transmit power for a communication beam for the UE based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam for the UE and a shielding band surrounding a set of antenna elements on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, the shielding band surrounding the set of antenna elements being above the first surface; and transmit an uplink signal using the communication beam and using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power.

[0035] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: determining a second transmit power for a second communication beam for the UE based on a second PDE threshold for the second communication beam for the UE and a second shielding band surrounding a second plurality of antenna elements; and transmitting a second uplink signal using a second antenna module and a second communication beam based on the determined second transmit power. Such examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may support optimized PDE shielding for multiple antenna arrays with different configurations for the same UE.

[0036] Some examples of methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: identifying a maximum transmit power for a communication beam based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam and a shielding band surrounding a set of antenna elements, wherein the transmit power may be determined based on the identified maximum transmit power. Basing the maximum transmit power on properties of the shielding band may support an increased maximum transmit power for the antenna array, thereby improving transmit power and / or reliability.

[0037] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: identifying one or more candidate communication beams for a UE; determining a corresponding PDE characteristic for each of the one or more candidate communication beams; and selecting a communication beam from the one or more candidate communication beams, wherein the communication beam includes a first PDE characteristic, a transmit power for the communication beam may be determined based on the first PDE characteristic, and the communication beam may be selected based on at least: an uplink grant for the UE, or a power level of the UE, or a projected PDE of the communication beam, or the first PDE characteristic, or a combination thereof. Basing communication beam selection on the PDE characteristic of the beam due to properties of the shielding band may support improved beam selection (e.g., for improved transmission reliability).

[0038] Some examples of methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: detecting a PDE level of a communication beam, wherein selecting a communication beam is based on the detected PDE level. In addition to implementing a shielding band, detecting PDE may also optimize transmit power while supporting specified PDE limits.

[0039] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the antenna module includes a shielding strip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced power density exposure (PDE) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 2 An example of a device schematic supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Examples of antenna module configurations supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0043] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples of device configurations supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0044] Figure 5 An example of a process flow supporting antenna module placement and enclosure for reduced PDE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 6 A block diagram of a device supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a system including a device supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A flow chart is shown of a method of supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In some wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) may transmit using technologies (such as millimeter wave (mmW) technologies) that result in power density exposure (PDE). The power density (PD) distribution of the UE may be based in part on the form factor of the UE (e.g., shape, physical proportions, etc.), the material of the UE, or both. In some cases, the PDE from the transmitting UE may have a detrimental effect on users operating the UE or in the vicinity of the UE. Therefore, the UE may be implemented to comply with a maximum PDE threshold to limit the PDE experienced by the user.

[0049] In order to maintain the PD level below the maximum PDE threshold (e.g., while maintaining coverage, reducing power consumption, improving communication quality, etc.), the antenna module for mmW transmission can be housed and located within the UE to reduce the PDE for users operating the UE or near the UE. In some cases, the antenna module can operate in a frequency band above 10 gigahertz (GHz). The UE can use a sensor, a sensor array, or other sensing mechanism as part of the antenna module to identify the PD level and control the power output of the antenna based on the PD level. In some cases, depending on the sensing mechanism implemented by the UE, the UE may not be able to accurately determine certain areas of PDE. For example, PDE may occur outside the field of view of the antenna module with the sensing mechanism. Some methods for limiting PDE may not support evaluating PDE outside the field of view of the antenna module, while other methods may set constant limits on the antenna transmit power, which may reduce the transmission capability of the wireless device. Additionally or alternatively, some sensing mechanisms may not be able to measure PDE on the non-radiating surface of the UE because these sensing mechanisms may be aligned with the radiating surface of the UE. In order to ensure that the maximum PDE threshold is not exceeded in any area due to mmW transmission, module placement and housing can take into account the limitations of PD detection and sensing.

[0050] In some examples, the UE may include a shielding tape around the radiating elements of the antenna module to reduce the PDE. The shielding tape may allow higher transmit power while reducing the PDE on the non-radiating surface of the UE, thereby enabling the UE to meet a PDE threshold, for example, by reaching or being below a maximum PDE. The shielding tape may be composed of a three-dimensional (3D) metal or other conductive structure that surrounds the radiating elements of the antenna module (e.g., antennas forming an antenna array of the antenna module). For example, the shielding tape may form a continuous loop around all antenna elements of the antenna module, thereby surrounding the antenna elements when viewed perpendicular to the surface on which the antenna elements are located or attached. For example, the antenna elements may be on the surface of a substrate, where "on..." may mean that the antenna elements are formed in the surface, formed on the surface, bonded to the surface, deposited in the surface, deposited on the surface, or otherwise coupled to the surface, where the antenna elements may be above the surface, within the surface (e.g., embedded therein), or at the surface. The shielding tape may form a perimeter around the antenna elements on the surface of the substrate.

[0051] In some cases, the shielding tape can have a rectangular profile when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the radiating element. In other cases, the shielding tape can have a different profile, for example, a circular or elliptical profile. The shielding tape can be attached or coupled to the same surface as the radiating element, can be located above the surface of the radiating element, or have a height that spans from the surface of the radiating element to a height above the surface. In some cases, the shielding tape can also extend below the surface of the substrate.

[0052] The shielding tape can be designed to reduce near-field exposure while limiting any impact on the far-field characteristics of the antenna module. For example, any impact of the shielding tape on the reference signal received power (RSRP) at the receiving device can be mitigated. The shielding tape can be an example of a floating metal cavity (e.g., on a dielectric substrate) or a grounded metal cavity (e.g., connected to a ground plane). Implementing the shielding tape can block a large amount of PDE in non-radiating directions. Therefore, a UE or antenna module implementing the shielding tape can use no sensors or can reduce the use of sensors in these directions, which can reduce the complexity of the UE or antenna module, or improve power efficiency at the UE, or both.

[0053] In some examples, the antenna module and the shielding tape may be located in a cavity recessed within a face of the UE (such as the side, front, back, bottom, or top face of the UE). The recessed cavity may be designed to accommodate the shielding tape and any interface of the shielding tape with the wall of the UE so that the shielding tape is not exposed to the outside of the UE. The depth of the recess of the antenna module from the face of the UE may be selected to support a range of transmission angles and may be based on the form factor of the UE. In addition, in some cases, the PDE from mmW transmission may be asymmetric on the device (e.g., despite the symmetrical placement of the antenna module). For example, the back of the UE (e.g., at the surface) may experience more PDE than the front of the UE (e.g., at the surface). In some cases, such a difference may be based on different materials used for these surfaces (such as a screen for the UE). In order to limit the spread of the PD distribution on the back of the UE, the antenna module may be asymmetrically housed in the device, or the UE may include additional material on the back to shield the PDE (e.g., similar to the material used on the front or providing similar electrical or other material properties).

[0054] Aspects of the present disclosure are first described in the context of wireless communication systems. Additional aspects of the present disclosure are described with reference to device and antenna module configurations and process flows. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus schematics, system schematics, and flow charts regarding antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE.

[0055] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The wireless communication system 100 may include a base station 105, a UE 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a long term evolution (LTE) network, an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a new radio (NR) network. In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low-latency communications, communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

[0056] Base stations 105 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form wireless communication system 100, and may be devices of different forms or capabilities. Base stations 105 and UEs 115 may communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125. Each base station 105 may provide a coverage area 110 over which UEs 115 and base stations 105 may establish communication links 125. Coverage areas 110 may be examples of geographic areas over which base stations 105 and UEs 115 support communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies.

[0057] UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage area 110 of the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary, mobile, or both at different times. UEs 115 may be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 Some example UEs 115 are shown in FIG. 1. The UEs 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, base stations 105, and / or network devices (e.g., core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network devices), such as Figure 1 shown.

[0058] Base stations 105 may communicate with core network 130, or with each other, or both. For example, base station 105 may interface with core network 130 via backhaul link 120 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interface). Base stations 105 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between base stations 105) on backhaul link 120 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interface), or indirectly (e.g., via core network 130), or both. In some examples, backhaul link 120 may be or may include one or more wireless links.

[0059] One or more of the base stations 105 described herein may include or may be referred to by one of ordinary skill in the art as a base station transceiver, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB or a Gigabit-NodeB (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or other appropriate terminology.

[0060] UE 115 may include or may be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other appropriate terminology, where a "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. UE 115 may also include or may be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine type communication (MTC) device, etc., which may be implemented in various objects such as appliances, vehicles, meters, etc.

[0061] The UE 115 described herein may be able to communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115, which may sometimes act as relays, as well as base stations 105 and network devices, including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, relay base stations, etc. Figure 1 as shown in .

[0062] UE 115 and base station 105 can communicate with each other wirelessly via one or more communication links 125 on one or more carriers. The term "carrier" may refer to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources with a defined physical layer structure for supporting communication link 125. For example, a carrier for communication link 125 may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth portion (BWP)) that operates according to a physical layer channel of a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling for coordinating the operation of the carrier, user data, or other signaling. The wireless communication system 100 may support communication with UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. Depending on the carrier aggregation configuration, UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers. Carrier aggregation may be used with both frequency division duplex (FDD) component carriers and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0063] In some cases, UE 115 may also be able to communicate directly with other UEs 115 (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or D2D protocol) over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135. One or more UEs 115 utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105. Other UEs 115 in the group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105 or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from the base station 105.

[0064] The wireless communication system 100 may operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Typically, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range in length from approximately one decimeter to one meter. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but the waves may be sufficient to penetrate structures for macro cells to provide service to UEs 115 located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and a shorter range (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) than transmission using smaller frequencies and longer wavelengths of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

[0065] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in a super high frequency (SHF) region using a frequency band from 3 GHz to 30 GHz (also referred to as a centimeter band) or in an extremely high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz) (also referred to as a millimeter band). In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between UE 115 and base station 105, and the EHF antennas of the corresponding devices may be smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some cases, this may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the device. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may suffer from greater atmospheric attenuation and a shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. The technology disclosed herein may be employed across transmissions using one or more different frequency regions, and the designated use of frequency bands across these frequency regions may differ by country or regulatory agency.

[0066] The base station 105 or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ technologies such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication or beamforming. The antennas of the base station 105 or UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels (which may support MIMO operations or transmit or receive beamforming). For example, the UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna panel may support radio frequency beamforming for signals transmitted via antenna ports. The base station 105 or UE 115 may use MIMO communication to utilize multipath signal propagation and improve spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such a technology may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. For example, multiple signals may be transmitted by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Similarly, multiple signals may be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas.

[0067] Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station 105 or a UE 115) to form or direct an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam, a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array so that some signals propagating at a particular orientation relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals communicated via antenna elements may include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying an amplitude offset, a phase offset, or both to signals carried via antenna elements associated with the device. Adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular orientation (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device, or relative to some other orientation).

[0068] When receiving various signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from the base station 105, the receiving device (e.g., UE 115) can try multiple reception configurations (e.g., directional listening). For example, the receiving device can try multiple reception directions by: receiving via different antenna subarrays; processing the received signals according to different antenna subarrays; receiving according to different reception beamforming weight sets (e.g., different directional listening weight sets) applied to the signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array; or processing the received signals according to different reception beamforming weight sets applied to the signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array, any of which can be referred to as "listening" according to different reception configurations or reception directions. In some examples, the receiving device can use a single reception configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). A single receive configuration may be aligned on a beam direction determined based on monitoring according to different receive configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or otherwise acceptable signal quality based on monitoring according to multiple beam directions).

[0069] A wireless device (e.g., UE 115) may be configured to limit PDE when transmitting wireless signals (e.g., to a base station 105 or another UE 115). For example, a device may be configured with PDE limits or thresholds that communications from the device may satisfy (e.g., to protect people or users near the device). A device may be configured with one or more antenna modules oriented in different directions that may radiate wireless signals in one or more directions. In some cases, an antenna module may radiate a signal in one direction, and PDE in the radiating direction as well as in non-radiating directions may be considered (e.g., considering PDE on a non-radiating surface of the device).

[0070] The device may include a shielding tape associated with an antenna module, wherein the shielding tape may include one or more conductive surfaces of an antenna enclosed within the antenna module. The shielding tape may reduce PDE, reduce manufacturing costs and device complexity, and maintain a higher available transmit power. For example, the shielding tape may reduce PDE in non-radiating directions without the need for additional sensors or reducing transmit power. A device configured with a shielding tape enclosed within its antenna module may take into account the shielding caused by the presence or presence of the shielding tape when configuring signal transmission. For example, the device may calculate the transmit power of a signal based on the configuration of the shielding tape and based on one or more PDE limits, wherein the transmit power calculation may take into account the lower resulting PDE due to the presence of the shielding tape. The shielding tape associated with the antenna module may be configured with various shapes, heights, or cross-sections to limit the PDE in the device according to a PDE limit or threshold. In some cases, the shielding tape may be included in (e.g., attached to or integrated into) the housing of the device or on the antenna module.

[0071] Figure 2 An example of a device 205 including an antenna module placement and a housing that supports reduced PDE according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 205 can show example structures, including antenna module structures and a housing. In some examples, the device 205 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100, and in some cases, the device 205 can represent reference Figure 1 UE 115 described. Figure 1 As described, the device 205 may use one or more antennas 210 of an antenna module 215 (e.g., mounted to a housing of the device 205) to send and receive wireless signals. The antennas 210 may be formed with, attached, bonded, adhered, or otherwise coupled to or on a substrate or other portion (e.g., a surface) of the antenna module 215. In some cases, the antennas 210 may be coupled to the antenna module 215 and may be on, at, or within a surface of a substrate of the antenna module 215.

[0072] For example, device 205 may use one or more antennas 210 to transmit signals to base station 105 (e.g., Figure 1 The base station 105 described above or another device (e.g., UE 115) sends a mmW signal. In some cases, the mmW signal can be beamformed or directionally shaped by one or more antennas 210 of the antenna module 215. Some antenna modules 215 can be configured to maintain a given coverage quality and reduce power consumption by using far-field radiation characteristics and / or placement of the antenna module 215. Far-field radiation characteristics may include the directionality of the signal (e.g., directional strength or power), the attenuation factor of the signal (e.g., a function of power and distance), etc. In some cases, the radiating surface of the antenna module 215 can be placed flush with the outer surface of the housing of the device 205, while in other cases, the radiating surface of the antenna module 215 can be recessed from the outer surface or face of the housing of the device 205.

[0073] Some wireless devices (e.g., device 205) may also be subject to regulations established by one or more regulatory bodies regarding the degree of signal power or PDE permitted in the vicinity of a person (e.g., a user of device 205). In some cases, the regulations may limit the power per area (e.g., intensity) permitted over a given area of ​​the device housing (e.g., averaged over a given time period). For example, the regulations may state that the PDE for exposure to mmW signals to a user is 100% when the PDE is 100% for four square centimeters (cm2) over four seconds. 2 ) should be less than 1 milliwatt (mW) / cm 2 Additionally or alternatively, some wireless devices (e.g., device 205) may be configured to limit signal power or PDE (e.g., mmW signal power or PDE) in the vicinity of a person (e.g., a user of device 205), regardless of whether there are any regulations regarding signal power exposure. For example, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may determine a limit on the mmW signal strength (e.g., PDE) allowed over a given area of ​​a device housing (e.g., averaged over a given time period).

[0074] Thus, some wireless devices may be configured to meet PDE limits (e.g., imposed by regulation or configured by an OEM). In some cases, a wireless device may be configured to limit signal transmit power (e.g., uplink transmit power) such that the resulting PDE does not exceed the PDE limit. However, this configuration may limit the signaling capabilities (e.g., uplink capabilities) of the device (e.g., based on link budget and wide area network (WAN) or cellular deployment use cases). For example, if the face of the antenna module 215 is covered by a person's hand, the uplink duty cycle may be reduced by 98% in order to meet the PDE limit.

[0075] In some cases, the wireless device may be configured with a sensor to detect the presence of a person (e.g., a user) near the antenna module 215, and if a person is detected, the transmission properties of one or more antennas 210 may be adjusted. Some examples of adjusting the transmission properties may include switching the signal transmission to another antenna module 215 of the device, which may reduce the link capacity of the transmission. Some other examples of adjusting the transmission properties may include selectively limiting the signal transmission power on one or more antennas 210 of the antenna module 215.

[0076] Some devices may include internal sensors to detect the presence of people. For example, the device may utilize the components of the antenna module 215 to send and receive detection signals and perform detection based on the received signals. The device may additionally or alternatively use a dedicated signal or a mission mode signal (e.g., radar) to detect the presence of people. Some devices may include external sensors to detect the presence of people using device components other than the antenna module. Examples of external sensors may include light sensors, capacitive sensors, proximity sensors, etc. In some cases, the external sensor may be included in the antenna module 215, while in other cases, the external sensor may be included in the device and outside the antenna module 215. A combination of different sensors may be used to detect the presence of people, and in some cases, combining different sensors may include integrating each sensor into the device and integrating with each other. Such integration may cause OEMs to spend extra time and money.

[0077] In addition, using a sensor to detect the presence of a person may include considering sensor accuracy and field of view to ensure that a person can be accurately detected when he or she is within the range or field of view of the power exposure from a given signal. For example, the device 205 may send (e.g., radiate) a signal (e.g., a mmW signal) in a radiation direction 225 from a top surface 230 of a housing of the device 205. The signal power may be transmitted in the radiation direction 225 (e.g., a radiation direction) and may radiate through the top surface 230. The signal power may also radiate through the front 235, side 240, and back 245 of the housing of the device 205. If PDE is not considered or the presence of a person is not accurately detected, undesirable PDE may occur on non-radiating surfaces (e.g., the front 235, side 240, and back 245). For example, the device 205 may radiate a signal through its top surface 230 and may measure the PDE on the top surface 230. However, PDE may also occur on the back 245 of the device 205. In one example, the PDE on the back surface 245 may be different than the PDE present on the top surface 230 , eg, the PDE at the back surface 245 may be 70% of the PDE present on the top surface 230 .

[0078] To account for PDE on non-radiating surfaces (e.g., front 235, side 240, and back 245), additional sensors may be installed in device 205, or the PDE calculation may be configured to assume the presence of a person on certain surfaces. In one example, assuming the presence of a person may reduce the uplink duty cycle, for example, by 30%, in order to meet the PDE constraints. As described above, integrating additional sensors may incur additional time, cost, or both for the OEM. Therefore, device 205 may include a shielding tape 220 that includes one or more conductive surfaces surrounding antenna 210 to reduce PDE, reduce manufacturing costs and device complexity, and maintain higher transmit power. For example, shielding tape 220 may reduce PDE in non-radiating directions (e.g., in the example of radiating direction 225, via front 235, bottom, side 240, and back 245) without the need for additional sensors or reducing transmit power. Although the shielding strip 220 is described with respect to the antenna module 215 oriented in the radiation direction 225 through the top surface 230, the same principles can apply to the shielding strip 220 associated with the antenna module 215 oriented in other directions. For example, the antenna module 215 can be oriented in a radiation direction through the front surface 235, through any side surface 240, through the back surface 245, or through the bottom surface of the device 205.

[0079] The device 205 configured with the shielding tape 220 can take into account the shielding introduced by the shielding tape 220 when configuring signal transmission. For example, the device 205 can calculate the transmit power of the signal based on the configuration of the shielding tape 220 and based on one or more PDE limits. Due to the presence or appearance of the shielding tape 220, the transmit power calculation can take into account the lower resulting PDE. For example, the lower PDE caused by the shielding tape 220 can be estimated or calculated based on transmission simulation results, PDE measurements (e.g., historical PDE measurements using one or more sensors), or both. The transmit power calculation can also be based on one or more of the following items: beam direction, height of the shielding tape, shape of the shielding tape, adjusted transmit power, or one or more other transmit power parameters, as well as other examples. In some cases, the calculated transmit power for the signal can be higher than the transmit power for the signal calculated without the shielding tape 220 (e.g., when the shielding tape 220 appears or exists in the device 205, the transmit power can be higher).

[0080] In one example, the shielding tape 220 can be oriented on a surface of the antenna module 215 facing the radiation direction 225 (e.g., the radiating surface of the antenna module 215). The shielding tape 220 can surround all of the antennas 210 of the antenna module and can conform to any cross-sectional shape to do so. For example, the shielding tape 220 can be arranged in a circular, square, oval, rectangular, octagonal, or any other cross-sectional shape that can conform to the arrangement of the antenna module 215 and the antenna 210. In some cases, the shielding tape 220 can be embedded in the antenna module 215 and can be flush with the top of the antenna module 215. In other cases (e.g., corresponding to a recessed antenna module 215), the shielding tape 220 can be embedded in the antenna module 215 and can extend outward from the antenna module 215 in the radiation direction 225. In some examples, the shielding tape 220 can start slightly above the antenna module 215 and can extend a distance in the radiation direction 225.

[0081] In some cases, such as when extending from the antenna module 215, the shielding strip 220 can be flush with the top surface 230 of the housing of the device 205, or can be a predetermined distance from the top surface 230. In some cases, the antenna module 215 can be mounted to the housing of the device 205, and the shielding strip 220 can be formed as a part of the housing of the device 205, wherein the upper edge of the shielding strip 220 can be flush with the housing of the device 205 or recessed a predetermined distance from the housing of the device 205. The height or other physical characteristics of the shielding strip 220 on a particular antenna module 215 can be configured based on one or more factors (such as a predetermined PDE threshold, the field of view of the antenna 210, the field of view of the sensor, the shape of the housing of the device 205, the communication configuration for the device 205, the PD characteristics of one or more communication beams (e.g., transmit beams) of the device 205, one or more beam characteristics of the device 205, etc.). For example, based on the beam coverage achieved while limiting the PDE (eg, maximum beam coverage), the shielding strip 220 may be configured to have a defined height or shape or be made of a defined material.

[0082] Additionally or alternatively, shielding tape 220 can form part of a housing of device 205. For example, a portion of the housing on front face 235 of device 205 can form part of a conductive surface that can be used as part of shielding tape 220. In one example, a portion of screen 250 (e.g., the back of screen 250) can form part of a conductive surface of shielding tape 220. In some cases, screen 250 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen that includes a conductive surface or plane. Similarly, a portion of the housing on back face 245 of device 205 can form part of a conductive surface or plane that can be used at least partially as part of shielding tape 220.

[0083] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Examples of antenna module configurations 301 and 302 that support antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. In some examples, antenna module configurations 301 and 302 can implement aspects of wireless communication system 100, and in some cases, antenna module configurations 301 or 302 can be included in an antenna module of a device, which can be a reference Figure 2 An example of a device 205 is described. In some cases, a device may refer to Figure 1 UE 115 described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As depicted, a device may transmit and receive wireless signals using one or more antenna elements 310 of an antenna module configuration 301 or 302, wherein antenna module configurations 301 and 302 may include shielding strips 320 to limit PDE. Antenna module configuration 301 may illustrate an example of an antenna module viewed from a radiation direction 330 (e.g., from a top surface or radiating surface of the antenna module). Antenna module configuration 302 may illustrate an example of an antenna module viewed from a direction perpendicular to radiation direction 330 (e.g., from a side of the antenna module when radiation direction 330 passes through a top surface of a device such as device 205).

[0084] Antenna module configurations 301 and 302 may include a substrate 305, an antenna element 310 (e.g., a patch antenna, a slot antenna, a dipole antenna, etc.), a plated member 315, a shielding strip 320, and other electronic components 325. Examples of substrate 305, antenna element 310, plated member 315, and shielding strip 320 may include and represent substrates 305-a and / or 305-b, antenna elements 310-a and / or 310-b, plated members 315-a and / or 315-b, and shielding strips 320-a and / or 320-b, respectively, as well as other examples.

[0085] In some cases, substrate 305 can be configured as a basic structure for antenna module configurations 301 and 302. For example, substrate 305 can be used to house antenna element 310, electronic components 325, plated members 315, and shielding strips 320. Antenna element 310 and other components can be formed with, attached to, bonded to, adhered to, or otherwise coupled to substrate 305. In some cases, antenna element 310 can be coupled to substrate 305 (e.g., on a first surface of substrate 305) and can be above, at, or within the first surface of substrate 305. In some examples, substrate 305 can be an example of a printed circuit board (PCB), where the PCB can include one or more power and ground planes and electrical connections for antenna element 310, electronic components 325, and other parts of the device. In some cases, substrate 305 (eg, a PCB) can include one or more plated features 315 surrounding each of antenna elements 310 , where plated features 315 can be formed completely or partially in substrate 305 .

[0086] The plated member 315 can be configured to shield the PCB assembly, the electronic assembly 325 or other parts of the device from the power associated with the radiated signal. Therefore, the plated member 315 can extend to a certain distance in the substrate 305, which can be based on the shielding configuration. The cross-sectional shape of the plated member 315 can be square, circular, rectangular, octagonal, elliptical or other shapes, and can be based on the shielding configuration. In some cases, the antenna module configuration 301 or 302 can include a connected plated member 315, or it can be configured so that only one plated member 315 is included in the antenna module configuration 301 or 302.

[0087] One or more antenna elements 310 may be formed on the substrate 305 and may include one or more patch antennas, slot antennas, dipole antennas, or other antennas. One or more antenna elements 310 may together form an antenna array for sending and receiving signals (e.g., mmW and / or beamforming signals) at the device. The antenna element 310 may be configured to send and receive wireless signals in one or more directions. For example, the antenna element 310 may be configured to receive and send signals in a radiation direction 330, and may also be configured to receive and send signals or directional elements of signals from similar directions other than the radiation direction 330. Thus, the antenna element 310 may be formed on a radiating surface (e.g., a top surface) of the substrate 305 of the antenna module configurations 301 and 302.

[0088] In some examples, as shown for antenna module configurations 301 and 302, antenna elements 310 may be arranged linearly. Such a linear arrangement may provide a compact arrangement for a UE 115 or device 205 in which such an antenna module configuration 301 or 302 is implemented, while providing beamforming using multiple antenna elements. Although four antenna elements 310 are shown for antenna module configurations 301 and 302, a different number of antenna elements may be used. For example, two, three, or six antenna elements may be arranged linearly and still be capable of beamforming.

[0089] Similarly, an NxM dimensional array (where N is an integer greater than or equal to one, and M is the same or different integer greater than or equal to one) of antenna elements (e.g., two by two or two by four, etc.) can also be used and multi-directional beamforming can be provided. In these examples, the shielding strips 320 can also result in a reduced PDE relative to the absence of such shielding strips 320.

[0090] One or more electronic components 325 may also be formed on substrate 305 and may include a microprocessor, a modem, or other passive or active electronic components. One or more electronic components 325 may be formed on a surface different from the radiating surface, such as an opposite surface. In some cases, the electronic components 325 may be shielded by a ground plane of the PCB or by one or more plated members 315 to protect against power associated with the radiated (e.g., transmitted) signal. In some examples, one or more passive or active electronic components may be on the same side of the PCB as the radiating surface, but outside the area surrounded by the shielding tape 320. In some examples, the area surrounded by the shielding tape 320 does not include electronic components other than the antenna element 310, so that the electronic components of the antenna module configurations 301 and 302 other than the antenna element 310 are constrained to be located outside the area of ​​the radiating surface surrounded or surrounded by the shielding tape 320.

[0091] The shielding tape 320 may also be formed on the substrate 305 on the radiating surface of the antenna module configurations 301 and 302. The shielding tape 320 may include a conductive material that surrounds, surrounds, encloses, or otherwise forms a perimeter around the antenna element 310. The shielding tape 320 may be configured in any cross-sectional shape, such as with reference to FIG. Figure 2Described. In some cases, the shielding tape 320 can be embedded in the substrate 305, formed on the substrate 305, or can start at or above the top of the substrate 305 or the antenna element 310 (e.g., with reference to the top of the radiation direction 330). For example, there can be a gap between the bottom edge of the shielding tape 320 and the substrate 305, so that the bottom edge of the shielding tape 320 can start above the substrate 305, wherein there is a gap (e.g., a predetermined distance) between the shielding tape 320 and the substrate 305. In some examples, there can be a support mechanism to support the shielding tape 320, wherein, for example, the support mechanism can be made of an insulator. For example, the support mechanism can be placed between the shielding tape 320 and the substrate or between the shielding tape 320 and the housing of the device, as well as other examples.

[0092] In some examples, the shielding strip 320 can be formed as part of the housing of the device, wherein the upper edge of the shielding strip 320 can be flush with the housing of the device, and the lower edge of the shielding strip 320 can be at a distance above the substrate 305 or can be flush with the substrate. It should be understood that although the term "above" can describe the case where the shielding strip is a distance above the substrate, etc., the term "above" can also describe the case where the shielding strip is "at the substrate" or flush with the substrate, i.e., where the "distance" can be zero. The shielding strip 320 can extend outward from the substrate 305 in the radiation direction 330 by a shielding height 335 (e.g., the shielding strip 320 can be partially or completely outside the substrate 305). In some cases, the shielding height 335 can be based on a distance to the top surface of the housing of the device (e.g., the distance from the bottom point, top point, or midpoint of the shielding strip 320 to the top surface of the housing), or can be based on the form factor of the device. Additionally or alternatively, the height of shielding strip 320 may be based on a predetermined PDE threshold, the field of view (e.g., desired field of view) of antenna element 310, the field of view (e.g., desired field of view) of the sensor, a communication configuration for the device, etc.

[0093] In some examples, the top of the antenna element 310 (e.g., or the highest point of the antenna element 310) in the radiation direction 330 from the substrate 305 can define a first plane. In other examples, the first plane can be defined by the lowest point of the antenna element 310, or the first plane can be defined by the middle point (e.g., the midpoint) of the height of the antenna element 310. The first plane can be substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate 305 having the radiation element (e.g., the antenna element 310). The shielding tape 320 can extend from the substrate 305 along the radiation direction 330, and the extension begins at or above the first plane. In some examples, no portion of the shielding tape 320 can surround the antenna element 310 below the first plane (e.g., between the first plane and the substrate 305, or below the radiating surface of the substrate 305). In some examples, such as when the shielding tape 320 can be electrically coupled to ground, for example, via a ground plane of a PCB, a connector to the shielding tape 320 can cross the first plane to the substrate, and the shielding tape 320 itself can be at or above the first plane.

[0094] In some examples, the cross-sectional width of the shielding strip 320 (eg, at selected segments) may be greater than the cross-sectional height. Figure 3A The upper or left segment of the shielding tape 320-a shown as an example of a selected segment, in the cross section obtained when the segment is cut in a direction perpendicular to the segment, the cross-sectional width can be greater than the cross-sectional height. In other examples, the cross-sectional height of the shielding tape 320 can be greater than the cross-sectional width. In other examples, the height and width of the shielding tape 320 viewed in the cross section can be substantially equal. In some cases, the height and / or width of the shielding tape 320 can be determined at least in part based on the following items: the field of view of the antenna module configurations 301 and 302, the expected transmission power for the antenna module configurations 301 and 302, or the predetermined PDE of the wireless device (e.g., UE 115) in which the antenna module configurations 301 and 302 will be installed, or some combination of these factors. Additionally or alternatively, the height and / or width of the shielding tape 320 can be determined based on the design of the housing of the device.

[0095] In some examples, shielding strip 320 may be along the perimeter of substrate 305 (e.g., PCB) and may coincide with or be offset from the perimeter. In some cases, shielding strip 320 may be formed at or above the perimeter of substrate 305. In some cases, shielding strip 320 may be electrically coupled to a ground such as a ground plane of the substrate, while in other cases, shielding strip 320 may be electrically isolated (e.g., floating) from the ground plane. In some cases, the configuration of shielding strip 320 relative to the ground plane (e.g., coupling or isolation configuration) may be based on the transmit power, PDE reduction, or field of view of antenna module configuration 301 or 302.

[0096] Shielding tape 320 can be formed of a conductor, such as a metal (e.g., copper, aluminum, silver, etc.), a conductive alloy (e.g., various aluminum alloys), a transparent conductive oxide (e.g., zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin oxide (ITO)), or a doped semiconductor (e.g., doped polysilicon). In some examples, shielding tape 320 can be formed using a single, uniform material. In other examples, shielding tape 320 can be formed of two or more different materials, such as in layers of different conductors stacked on top of each other on or above substrate 305. In some cases, shielding tape 320 can be formed (e.g., plated) on a housing (e.g., a plastic housing) of the device.

[0097] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples of device configurations 401 and 402 supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. In some examples, device configurations 401 and 402 can implement aspects of wireless communication system 100, and in some cases, device configurations 401 and 402 can represent configurations of device 405, which can be referenced Figure 2 An example of a device 205 is described. In some cases, a device may refer to Figure 1 UE 115 described. Examples of device 405 may include and represent device 405-a and / or 405-b, as well as other examples. Figure 1 3, the device 405 may transmit and receive wireless signals using one or more antenna modules 415 housed in the device 405, wherein the one or more antenna modules 415 may include aspects of the antenna module configurations 301 or 302 described with reference to FIG3. The antenna modules 415 of the device configurations 401 or 402 may include shielding strips or shielding strip elements to limit PDE when transmitting signals (e.g., mmW and / or beamforming signals).

[0098] Device configuration 401 may represent device 405-a as viewed from the front of device 405-a (e.g., along the positive X direction of coordinate system 425), while device configuration 402 may represent device 405-b as viewed from the back of device 405-b (e.g., along the negative X direction of coordinate system 425). Devices 405-a and 405-b may include one or more sensors 410 associated with one or more antenna modules 415 of the corresponding device 405. Sensors 410 may correspond to antenna modules 415 on a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-one basis. Sensors 410 of device 405-a or 405-b may be internal sensors (e.g., inside antenna module 415) or external sensors, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 2In some cases, the shape (e.g., height) of the shielding strip or shielding strip elements of the antenna module 415 can be based on the field of view of the sensor 410 corresponding to the antenna module 415 (e.g., to maintain a given field of view). Examples of sensors 410 and antenna modules 415 can include and represent sensors 410-a and / or 410-b and antenna modules 415-a and / or 415-b, respectively, as well as other examples.

[0099] In some cases, antenna module 415 can include an antenna element oriented on a plane (e.g., on a radiating surface of antenna module 415 facing the positive Z direction of coordinate system 425). In some examples of device 405-a or 405-b, a shielding band of antenna module 415 can surround the antenna element (e.g., as viewed along the positive Z direction), and the shielding band can form any cross-sectional shape when viewed along the positive Z direction. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the shielding band can be substantially rectangular, circular, elliptical, or any other shape when viewed along the positive Z direction. In other examples of device 405-a or 405-b (e.g., as viewed along the positive Z direction), the shielding band can be substantially rectangular, circular, elliptical, or any other shape. Figure 4A and Figure 4B 405 -a or 405 -b), the shielding tape element may not be formed on one or more portions of the antenna module 415 (e.g., oriented toward one or more faces of the device 405 -a or 405 -b), so that one or more portions of the antenna module 415 can be shielded by the one or more conductive surfaces 420. In such a case, the shielding tape element of the antenna module 415 forms a shielding tape of the antenna module 415 together with the one or more conductive surfaces 420. In some cases, the one or more conductive surfaces 420 can be formed (e.g., plated) onto a housing (e.g., a plastic housing, a screen, etc.) of the device 405 -a or 405 -b. Examples of conductive surfaces 420 may include and represent conductive surfaces 420 -a and / or 420 -b, as well as other examples.

[0100] In a first example, the shielding tape element may be included at the end of the antenna module 415 facing the positive Y and negative Y directions of the coordinate system 425, but may not be included at the portion of the antenna module 415 facing the positive X and negative X directions. In a second example, the shielding tape element may not be included on any portion of the antenna module 415. In some examples, only a portion of the antenna module (e.g., facing the positive X direction) may not include the shielding tape element. In other examples, only a portion of the antenna module (e.g., facing the negative X direction) may include the shielding tape element. Any portion of the antenna module (e.g., facing a given surface of the device 405-a or 405-b or partially facing a given surface of the device 405-a or 405-b) can be selectively configured to have a shielding tape element or not have a shielding tape element. In the case where one or more portions of the antenna module are not configured to have a shielding tape element, the device 405-a or 405-b may alternatively include one or more conductive surfaces 420 for shielding the antenna module 415 on the corresponding portion of the antenna module 415. In some examples, the shielding strip can include at least a portion of a housing of device 405. In some examples, antenna module 415 can be mounted to the housing of device 405, and the shielding strip can include a portion of the housing of device 405, wherein an upper edge, one or more side edges, or both of the shielding strip can be flush with the housing of device 405.

[0101] For example, device 405-a may include conductive surface 420-a within a front surface of a housing of device 405-a (e.g., facing the positive X direction). In some cases, conductive surface 420-a may be part of a screen (e.g., an LCD screen) of device 405-a, such as a backplane or ground plane of the screen. In another example, device 405-b may include conductive surface 420-b within or on a rear surface or face of a housing of device 405-b (e.g., facing the negative X direction). In some examples, devices 405-a and 405-b may include one or more of conductive surfaces 420-a, 420-b, or conductive surfaces 420 oriented toward a side of a housing of device 405-a or 405-b (e.g., facing the positive and negative Y directions). Although shielding strips are described with respect to antenna module 415 having a radiating surface oriented in the positive Z direction, the same principles may apply to shielding strips associated with antenna modules 415 oriented in other directions. For example, antenna module 415 may be oriented in a radiating direction along a negative Z direction, a negative or positive X direction, or a negative or positive Y direction. Additionally or alternatively, antenna module 415 may be mounted on any edge (i.e., side) or face (e.g., top edge, bottom edge, side edge, front face, or back face) of device 405-a.

[0102] The number, size, and orientation of the one or more conductive surfaces 420 included within the device may be based on the configuration of the shielding strips or shielding strip elements of the antenna module 415 as described above and other device factors (e.g., form factor, manufacturing concerns, cost, performance, etc.). For example, the antenna module 415 may be arranged in the housing such that the relative positions of the one or more conductive surfaces 420 and the antenna module 415 establish a shielding strip formed by the one or more conductive surfaces 420 (and any shielding strip elements included on a portion of the antenna module 415) having a shape that surrounds or encloses a set of antenna elements to reduce the PDE. The shape (e.g., height) may be based on the field of view of the sensor 410 corresponding to the antenna module 415 (e.g., so as to maintain the field of view of the sensor 410). Additionally or alternatively, the shape (e.g., height) may be based on the communication beam direction supported for the antenna module 415. In some cases, the shielding strip of the antenna module may be formed entirely by the conductive surface 420 within the housing of the device 405.

[0103] Figure 5 An example of a process flow 500 for supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the process flow 500 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100 and can be implemented by the UE 115-a and the base station 105-a, which can be referenced Figure 1 UE 115-a and base station 105 are described in detail. UE 115-a may also be a reference to Figure 2 4, and may include one or more antenna modules for communicating with base station 105-a, which may be referenced Figure 2 4. For example, one or more antenna modules of UE 115-a may each include a set of antenna elements and a shielding band surrounding or enclosing the set of antenna elements to reduce PDE. Additionally or alternatively, portions of UE 115-a may include conductive surfaces that act as shielding bands for one or more antenna modules.

[0104] In the following description of process flow 500, operations between UE 115-a and base station 105-a may be sent in a different order than shown, or operations performed by base station 105-a and UE 115-a may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Certain operations may also be omitted from process flow 500, or other operations may be added to process flow 500. It should be understood that although base station 105-a and UE 115-a are shown performing multiple operations of process flow 500, any wireless device may perform the operations shown.

[0105] At 505, in some cases, UE 115-a may determine a communication beam. In some examples, determining a communication beam may include identifying one or more candidate beams based on one or more signals (e.g., downlink signals) received by UE 115-a. UE 115-a may determine a corresponding PDE characteristic for each of the candidate beams, and may select a communication beam from the candidate communication beams. UE 115-a may select a communication beam based on the PDE characteristics of the candidate beams (e.g., assuming that a shielding band is being used). In some cases, UE 115-a may select a communication beam based on an uplink grant for UE 115-a, or a power level of UE 115-a, or a projected PDE of a communication beam (e.g., based on a detector or not based on a detector), or a combination thereof. In some cases, UE 115-a may implement a detector. Based on the presence of a detector (e.g., using a detector), UE 115-a may determine the PDE level of a communication beam. UE 115 - a may select a communication beam based on the detected PDE level, or the detector characterization, or a combination thereof.

[0106] In some implementations, the shielding bands for UE 115-a may be designed to change (e.g., reduce) the PD distribution of each communication beam (i.e., transmit beam) at UE 115-a. For example, the shielding bands may be designed based on the PD characteristics and beam characteristics at UE 115-a to reduce the PDE while maintaining (e.g., maximizing) the beam coverage of UE 115-a. The PDE of the communication may depend on the communication beam selected by UE 115-a, and UE 115-a may therefore select a communication beam so as to meet a PDE threshold requirement, limit the PDE, etc. UE 115-a may also select a communication beam based on the shielding bands. UE 115-a may factor shielding bands into the considerations for communication beam selection based on beam-specific PDE. For example, the OEM may measure the PD distribution for each beam of a given device with shielding bands installed, and may store this information at the UE 115-a, or may otherwise provide this information to the UE 115-a (e.g., via signaling from the base station 105-a). In this manner, the shielding bands may be factored into the characterization of the PD distribution for each communication beam of the UE 115-a, and the UE 115-a may select a communication beam for transmission based on the PD distribution characterization (and therefore, implicitly based on the shielding bands).

[0107] At 510, UE 115-a may determine a transmit power for a communication beam of UE 115-a based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam and a shielding tape surrounding the set of antenna elements and extending outward from a first surface of the antenna module. In some examples, the antenna module may include the shielding tape, or the antenna module may be mounted to a housing of the UE 115-a, and the shielding tape may be part of the housing of the UE 115-a. In one example, UE 115-a may identify a PDE limit or threshold, and may use properties of the shielding tape to determine a transmit power that may satisfy the PDE limit or threshold when the shielding tape is in place (e.g., based on the presence of the shielding tape). In some cases, a transmit power based on the PDE threshold and the shielding tape may be higher than a transmit power based only on the PDE threshold (e.g., if UE 115-a does not have a shielding tape, or if the shielding tape does not appear or does not exist on UE 115-a).

[0108] In one example, UE 115-a may determine a preliminary transmit power for uplink signals (e.g., mmW and / or beamformed signals) based on a variety of factors, such as transmit power control (TPC) commands, link budget, field of view of antenna modules, etc. UE 115-a may compare the preliminary transmit power to a maximum transmit power based on the presence and configuration of shielding bands, and may determine the lower of the two as the transmit power.

[0109] At 515, UE 115-a may transmit an uplink signal to base station 105-a using the antenna module and the communication beam based on the determined transmit power. In some cases, UE 115-a may transmit the uplink signal by weighting the antenna elements of the antenna module based on a beamforming scheme to create a beamformed signal. In some cases, the uplink signal (e.g., the beamformed signal) may be a mmW signal.

[0110] In some examples, UE 115-a may include one or more additional antenna modules, such as a second antenna module that includes a second set of antenna elements and a second shielding band surrounding the second set of antenna elements and extending outward from the second set of antenna elements above a second surface of the second antenna module (e.g., a radiating surface of the second antenna module). Therefore, UE 115-a can determine a second transmit power for a second communication beam of UE 115-a based on a second PDE threshold for the second communication beam and a second shielding band surrounding the second set of antenna elements, and can use the second antenna module and the second communication beam to send a second uplink signal based on the determined second transmit power. In some cases, determining the transmit power and identifying the second transmit power can be based on the same TPC mechanism as used for the first antenna module. For example, UE 115-a can perform functions similar to those described at 505, 510, and 515 to determine the second transmit power and send a second uplink signal.

[0111] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a device 605 supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 605 can be an example of aspects of an antenna module, a UE 115, or both as described herein. The device 605 can include a receiver 610, a communication manager 615, and a transmitter 625. The device 605 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0112] The receiver 610 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, etc.). The information may be communicated to other components of the device 605. The receiver 610 may be a reference Figure 7 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 720 are described. The receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas (eg, in an antenna module).

[0113] The communication manager 615 may include a transmit power controller 620. In some cases, the communication manager 615 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 710 described herein. The communication manager 615 may be implemented at a UE. The transmit power controller 620 may determine a transmit power for a communication beam for the UE based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam for the UE and a shielding band surrounding a set of antenna elements on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, the shielding band surrounding the set of antenna elements being above the first surface; and transmit (e.g., via a transmitter 625) a signal (e.g., an uplink signal, a sidelink signal, etc.) using the communication beam and using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power.

[0114] In some examples, the antenna module includes a shielding strip. In some other examples, the antenna module is mounted to a housing of the UE, and the shielding strip is part of the housing of the UE, or the shielding strip includes at least a portion of the housing of the UE.

[0115] In some cases, the transmit power controller 620 may additionally identify a maximum transmit power for the communication beam based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam and a shielding band surrounding the set of antenna elements, wherein the transmit power is determined based on the identified maximum transmit power.

[0116] In some cases, the transmit power controller 620 may additionally identify one or more candidate communication beams for the UE; determine a corresponding PDE characteristic for each of the one or more candidate communication beams; and select a communication beam from the one or more candidate communication beams. In some cases, the communication beam includes a first PDE characteristic, and a transmit power for the communication beam is determined based on the first PDE characteristic, and the communication beam is selected based on at least: an uplink grant for the UE, or a power level of the UE, or a projected PDE of the communication beam, or the first PDE characteristic, or a combination thereof. The first PDE characteristic may be based on a design of a shielding band. In some examples, the UE includes a detector, and the detector may detect a PDE level of the communication beam, wherein the communication beam is selected based on the detected PDE level.

[0117] In some cases, the transmit power controller 620 may additionally determine a second transmit power for the second communication beam of the UE based on a second PDE threshold for the second communication beam of the UE and a second shielding band surrounding the second set of antenna elements of the second antenna module of the UE, the second shielding band extending outward from the second set of antenna elements above the second surface of the second antenna module. In some of these cases, the communication manager 615 may transmit (e.g., via the transmitter 625) a second signal using the second antenna module and the second communication beam based on the determined second transmit power. In some examples, the transmit power and the second transmit power may be determined based on the same transmit power control mechanism (e.g., the transmit power controller 620).

[0118] The communication manager 615 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 710 described herein. The actions performed by the communication manager 615 as described herein can be implemented to achieve one or more potential advantages. For example, a shielding band around a set of antenna elements of an antenna module can reduce the PDE caused by transmissions of the antenna module. Therefore, the UE 115 can achieve a larger maximum transmit power for the antenna module while maintaining consistency with the maximum PDE threshold based on the shielding band. Because the UE 115 can select a larger transmit power value for transmissions in busy or unreliable channels, the larger maximum transmit power supports the UE 115 for more reliable transmissions (e.g., uplink transmissions, sidelink transmissions, etc.).

[0119] Based on transmitting using a transmit power selected according to a larger maximum transmit power, a processor of UE 115 (e.g., controlling receiver 610, communication manager 615, transmitter 625, etc.) can reduce processing resources used for retransmission and / or PD sensing. For example, due to the larger maximum transmit power supported by UE 115 (e.g., while maintaining the PDE level below the maximum PDE threshold), implementing a shielding band around the antenna element of the antenna module can improve the transmission reliability of UE 115. Therefore, UE 115 can reduce the number of retransmissions for successfully sending a message. Reducing the number of retransmissions can reduce the number of times the processor ramps up processing power and turns on the processing unit to process uplink and / or sidelink message encoding and transmission. The reduced number of retransmissions can also reduce the signaling overhead on the uplink channel, the sidelink channel, or both (e.g., in addition to reducing the processing overhead at the processor). In addition, the shielding band can reduce the PD distribution outside the field of view of the antenna module. Due to the effect of the shielding band, UE 115 can reduce or not implement sensing outside the field of view of the antenna module at all. Reducing sensing operations may reduce power overhead associated with PD sensors.

[0120] The communication manager 615 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 615 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0121] The communication manager 615 or its subcomponents can be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 615 or its subcomponents can be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 615 or its subcomponents can be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components, transceivers, network servers, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0122] Transmitter 625 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 605. In some examples, transmitter 625 can be co-located with receiver 610 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 625 can be a reference Figure 7 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 720 are described. The transmitter 625 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas (eg, in an antenna module).

[0123] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a system 700 including a device 705 supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 705 may be an example of or include components of the device 605 or UE 115 as described herein. The device 705 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communication manager 710, an I / O controller 715, a transceiver 720, an antenna 725, a memory 730, a processor 740, and an antenna module 750. These components may communicate electronically via one or more buses (e.g., bus 745).

[0124] The communication manager 710 may be implemented at the UE 115 (e.g., as part of or in support of the antenna module 750). The communication manager 710 may determine a transmit power for a communication beam of the UE 115 based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam of the UE 115 and a shielding band 755 surrounding a set of antenna elements on a first surface of the antenna module 750 of the UE 115, the shielding band 755 surrounding the set of antenna elements being above the first surface. The communication manager 710 may use the communication beam and transmit an uplink signal using the antenna module 750 according to the determined transmit power.

[0125] I / O controller 715 can manage input and output signals for device 705. I / O controller 715 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 705. In some cases, I / O controller 715 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 715 can utilize an operating system, such as Or another known operating system. In other cases, I / O controller 715 can represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 715 can be implemented as a part of a processor. In some cases, a user can interact with device 705 via I / O controller 715 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 715.

[0126] The transceiver 720 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver 720 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 720 may also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to an antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from an antenna.

[0127] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 725. However, in some cases, the device may have more than one antenna 725 that is capable of simultaneously sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. Antenna 725 may be an example of an antenna element or a collection of antenna elements, and antenna 725 may be a component of an antenna module 750 that is positioned and / or housed within a UE 115 (e.g., device 705) to reduce PDE.

[0128] The memory 730 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 730 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 735, which includes instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 730 may also contain, among other things, a basic I / O system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0129] Processor 740 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 740 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 740. Processor 740 may be configured to execute computer readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 730) to cause device 705 to perform various functions.

[0130] The code 735 may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 735 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code 735 may not be directly executable by the processor 740, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0131] Antenna module 750 may include a substrate having a first surface and a set of antenna elements (e.g., including antenna 725) on the first surface. Shielding tape 755 may surround the set of antenna elements and extend outward from the first surface. In some cases, the lower edge of shielding tape 755 may be at or above the first surface.

[0132] In some examples, the substrate of antenna module 750 may include a PCB, wherein the antenna set may be on the PCB, and shielding tape 755 may be outside the PCB. For example, shielding tape 755 may be at or above the perimeter of the PCB. In some cases, the PCB may also include a corresponding plated member surrounding each antenna element in the antenna element set, wherein the plated member is on the PCB.

[0133] In some cases, the antenna module 750 may be mounted within or on a housing of the UE 115 (e.g., device 705), and the shielding strip 755 may be part of the housing of the UE 115. In some cases, the housing may include the shielding strip 755 or include a portion of the shielding strip 755. For example, the upper edge of the shielding strip 755 may be configured to be flush with the housing of the UE 115 (e.g., device 705).

[0134] In some cases, the height of shielding strip 755 from the first surface can be based on at least the following: a predetermined PDE threshold (e.g., a maximum PDE threshold), a field of view of a set of antenna elements, a field of view of a sensor, or a combination thereof. Shielding strip 755 can be electrically coupled to a ground plane of antenna module 750 or electrically isolated from a ground plane of antenna module 750.

[0135] In some examples, antenna module 750 may also include one or more electronic components mounted on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface. In some cases, the set of antenna elements includes a set of patch antennas forming an antenna array.

[0136] In some implementations, the UE 115 (e.g., the device 705) may include a housing having an outer surface. The antenna module 750 may be mounted within the housing such that the first surface of the substrate of the antenna module 750 is recessed from the outer surface of the housing in the radiation direction of the antenna module 750. The shielding tape 755 may surround the antenna element set of the antenna module 750 and extend outward from the first surface of the substrate. The shielding tape 755 may be a component of the housing of the antenna module 750 or the UE 115. The upper edge of the shielding tape 755 may be located at or below the outer surface in the radiation direction and may be above the antenna element set. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the upper edge of the shielding tape 755 may be at or below the top side of the outer surface of the housing (e.g., in the Z direction).

[0137] In some examples, an outer surface of a UE 115 (e.g., device 705) may include a screen oriented on a first side of an antenna module 750 and a rear surface oriented on a second side of the antenna module 750 opposite the screen, the rear surface including a first conductive surface. The UE 115 may additionally include a second conductive surface oriented on a first side of the antenna module 750 opposite the rear surface, wherein the screen includes the second conductive surface, or the second conductive surface is mounted to a rear surface of the screen.

[0138] In some examples, UE 115 may also include a sensor for measuring PDE, where the height of shielding strip 755 from the first surface may be based on a field of view of the sensor.

[0139] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating a method 800 for supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 800 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 800 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0140] At 805, the UE may determine a transmit power for a communication beam of the UE based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam of the UE and a shielding band surrounding a set of antenna elements on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, the shielding band surrounding the set of antenna elements being above the first surface. The operations of 805 may be performed according to the methods described herein. The operations of 805 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 805 may be performed as described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transmit power controller described is performed.

[0141] At 810, the UE may use the communication beam and transmit an uplink signal using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power. The operations of 810 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 810 may be performed as described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transmit power controller described is performed.

[0142] Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating a method 900 for supporting antenna module placement and housing for reduced PDE according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 900 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 900 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some examples, the UE may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0143] At 905, the UE may identify one or more candidate communication beams for the UE (e.g., based on one or more received signals). The operations of 905 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 905 may be performed as described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transmit power controller described is performed.

[0144] At 910, the UE may determine a corresponding PDE characteristic for each of the one or more candidate communication beams. The operations of 910 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 910 may be performed as described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transmit power controller described is performed.

[0145] At 915, the UE may select a communication beam from one or more candidate communication beams, wherein the communication beam includes a first PDE characteristic. The communication beam may be selected based on at least: an uplink grant for the UE, or a power level of the UE, or a projected PDE of the communication beam, or the first PDE characteristic, or a combination thereof. The operations of 915 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 915 may be performed as described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The described transmitter, transceiver and / or antenna module may be implemented.

[0146] At 920, the UE may determine a transmit power for the communication beam of the UE based on a PDE threshold for the communication beam of the UE and a shielding band surrounding a set of antenna elements on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, wherein determining the transmit power for the communication beam may also be based on a first PDE characteristic. The operations of 905 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 905 may be performed as described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transmit power controller described is performed.

[0147] At 925, the UE may use the communication beam and transmit an uplink signal using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power. The operation of 925 may be performed according to the methods described herein. The operation of 910 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 910 may be performed as described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transmit power controller described is performed.

[0148] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0149] The following describes multiple embodiments of methods, systems, or devices, including components for implementing the method or implementing the device, non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions executable by one or more processors so that one or more processors implement the method, and a system including one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing instructions executable by one or more processors so that the system or device implements the method. Embodiments may include device embodiments, such as antenna modules, UEs, or both. It should be understood that these are only some examples of possible embodiments, and other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0150] Embodiment 1: An antenna module comprises: a substrate having a first surface; a plurality of antenna elements on the first surface; and a shielding tape surrounding the plurality of antenna elements and extending outward from the first surface of the substrate, wherein an upper edge of the shielding tape is above the plurality of antenna elements.

[0151] Embodiment 2: The antenna module according to Embodiment 1, wherein a lower edge of the shielding tape is at or above the first surface of the substrate.

[0152] Embodiment 3: The antenna module according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the substrate comprises a PCB, the plurality of antenna elements are on the PCB, and the shielding tape is outside the PCB.

[0153] Embodiment 4: The antenna module according to Embodiment 3, wherein the PCB further comprises: a plating member surrounding each of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the plating member is formed on the PCB.

[0154] Embodiment 5: The antenna module according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the shielding tape is at or above the perimeter of the PCB.

[0155] Embodiment 6: The antenna module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein an upper edge of the shielding tape is configured to be flush with a housing of the UE.

[0156] Embodiment 7: An antenna module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the height of the shielding tape from the first surface of the substrate is at least partially based on: a predetermined PDE threshold, or a field of view of multiple antenna elements, or a field of view of the sensor, or a combination thereof.

[0157] Embodiment 8: The antenna module of any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the shielding strip is electrically coupled to a ground plane of the antenna module.

[0158] Embodiment 9: The antenna module of any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the shielding strip is electrically isolated from a ground plane of the antenna module.

[0159] Embodiment 10: The antenna module according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising: one or more electronic components mounted on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface of the substrate.

[0160] Embodiment 11: The antenna module according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of antenna elements include at least a plurality of patch antennas, or a plurality of slot antennas, or a plurality of dipole antennas, or a combination thereof, forming an antenna array.

[0161] Embodiment 12: A UE comprises: a housing having an outer surface; an antenna module mounted within the housing, wherein the antenna module comprises a plurality of antenna elements on a first surface of a substrate; and a shielding tape surrounding the plurality of antenna elements and extending outward from the first surface of the substrate, wherein an upper edge of the shielding tape is above the plurality of antenna elements.

[0162] Embodiment 13: The UE according to embodiment 12, wherein the first surface of the substrate is recessed from the outer surface of the housing from a radiation direction of the antenna module.

[0163] Embodiment 14: The UE of Embodiment 12 or 13, wherein a lower edge of the shielding tape is at or above the first surface of the substrate.

[0164] Embodiment 15: The UE according to any one of embodiments 12 to 14, wherein the antenna module includes a shielding tape, or the housing includes a shielding tape, or the housing includes a portion of a shielding tape.

[0165] Embodiment 16: A UE according to any one of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the outer surface of the housing includes a screen oriented on a first side of the antenna module and a rear surface oriented on a second side of the antenna module opposite to the screen, the rear surface including a first conductive surface.

[0166] Embodiment 17: The UE according to embodiment 16 further includes: a second conductive surface oriented on a first side of the antenna module opposite to the rear surface, wherein the screen includes the second conductive surface, or the second conductive surface is mounted on the rear side of the screen.

[0167] Embodiment 18: The UE of any one of Embodiments 12 to 17, wherein a height of the shielding strip from the first surface of the substrate is based at least in part on: a predetermined PDE threshold, or a field of view of the plurality of antenna elements, or a combination thereof.

[0168] Embodiment 19: The UE according to any one of Embodiments 12 to 18, further comprising: a sensor for measuring the PDE, wherein the height of the shielding tape from the first surface of the substrate is based at least in part on a field of view of the sensor.

[0169] Embodiment 20: The UE according to any one of embodiments 12 to 19, wherein the shielding strip is electrically coupled to a ground plane of the antenna module.

[0170] Embodiment 21: The UE according to any one of Embodiments 12 to 19, wherein the shielding strip is electrically isolated from a ground plane of the antenna module.

[0171] Embodiment 22: A UE according to any one of embodiments 12 to 21, wherein the plurality of antenna elements comprises a plurality of patch antennas forming an antenna array.

[0172] Embodiment 23: The UE according to any one of Embodiments 12 to 22, wherein an upper edge of the shielding tape is at or below an outer surface of the housing in a radiation direction of the antenna module.

[0173] Embodiment 24: A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: determining a transmit power of a communication beam for the UE based at least in part on a PDE threshold of the communication beam for the UE and a shielding band surrounding a plurality of antenna elements; and using the communication beam and using an antenna module to transmit an uplink signal according to the determined transmit power.

[0174] Embodiment 25: The method according to embodiment 24 further includes: identifying a maximum transmit power for the communication beam based at least in part on a PDE threshold for the communication beam and a shielding band surrounding multiple antenna elements, wherein the transmit power is determined at least in part based on the identified maximum transmit power.

[0175] Embodiment 26: The method according to embodiment 24 or 25 further includes: identifying one or more candidate communication beams for the UE; determining a corresponding PDE characteristic of each of the one or more candidate communication beams; and selecting a communication beam from the one or more candidate communication beams, wherein the communication beam includes a first PDE characteristic, a transmit power for the communication beam is determined at least in part based on the first PDE characteristic, and the communication beam is selected at least in part based on at least the following items: an uplink grant for the UE, or a power level of the UE, or a projected PDE of the communication beam, or the first PDE characteristic, or a combination thereof.

[0176] Embodiment 27: A method according to any one of embodiments 24 to 26, wherein the UE includes a detector, and the method further includes: detecting a PDE level of a communication beam, wherein the communication beam is selected at least in part based on the detected PDE level.

[0177] Embodiment 28: The method of any one of Embodiments 24 to 27, wherein the antenna module comprises a shielding tape.

[0178] Embodiment 29: A method according to any one of embodiments 24 to 28, wherein the UE includes a second antenna module, the second antenna module including: a second substrate having a second surface and a second plurality of antenna elements on the second surface; and a second shielding band surrounding the second plurality of antenna elements and extending outward from the second surface, the method further comprising: determining a second transmission power of a second communication beam for the UE based at least in part on a second PDE threshold for the second communication beam for the UE and the second shielding band surrounding the second plurality of antenna elements; and sending a second uplink signal using the second antenna module and the second communication beam based at least in part on the determined second transmission power.

[0179] Embodiment 30: A device for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: an antenna module of any one of embodiments 24 to 29, the antenna module comprising a substrate having a first surface and a plurality of antenna elements on the first surface; and a shielding tape of any one of embodiments 24 to 29, the shielding tape surrounding the plurality of antenna elements and extending outward from the first surface; a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions, which are stored in the memory and are operable, when executed by the processor, to cause the device to perform a method of any one of embodiments 24 to 29.

[0180] Embodiment 31: An apparatus comprising at least one component for performing the method of any one of embodiments 24 to 29.

[0181] Embodiment 32: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any one of Embodiments 24 to 29.

[0182] Although aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for purposes of example, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in many descriptions, the techniques described herein may be applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the techniques described may be applicable to various other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0183] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different processes and technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the specification may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0184] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed with a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0185] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium or transmitted thereon. Other examples and implementations are also within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination of these. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located in different locations, including distributed, so that parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0186] Computer readable medium includes both non-transitory computer storage medium and communication medium, and communication medium includes any medium that is convenient to transmit computer program from one place to another place.Non-transitory storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by general-purpose computer or special-purpose computer.As an example and not limitation, non-transitory computer readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, CD (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage device, disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or can be used for carrying or storing required program code parts and any other non-transitory medium that can be accessed by general-purpose computer or special-purpose computer or general processor or special-purpose processor in the form of instruction or data structure.In addition, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer readable medium.For example, if coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave are used to transmit software from website, server or other remote source, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of computer readable medium. Disk and disc as used herein include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0187] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0188] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a dash and a second reference number that distinguishes the similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference number, regardless of the second reference number or other subsequent reference numbers.

[0189] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "better than other examples." For the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques, the detailed description includes specific details. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0190] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An antenna module, comprising: a substrate having a first surface; a plurality of antenna elements on the first surface; as well as a shielding tape that surrounds only the plurality of antenna elements and extends outwardly from the first surface of the substrate, wherein an upper edge of the shielding tape is above the plurality of antenna elements, The shielding band and the power density exposure threshold for the communication beam are used to determine the transmission power of the communication beam.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: A lower edge of the shielding tape is at or above the first surface of the substrate.

3. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The substrate includes a printed circuit board (PCB), the plurality of antenna elements are on the PCB, and the shielding tape is external to the PCB.

4. The antenna module according to claim 3, wherein: The PCB also includes: A plated member surrounds each of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the plated member is on the PCB.

5. The antenna module according to claim 3, wherein: The shielding tape is at or over the perimeter of the PCB.

6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The upper edge of the shielding tape is configured to be flush with a housing of a user equipment (UE).

7. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The height of the shielding tape from the first surface of the substrate is based at least in part on: a predetermined power density exposure threshold, or a field of view of the plurality of antenna elements, or a field of view of a sensor, or a combination thereof.

8. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The shielding strip is electrically coupled to a ground plane of the antenna module.

9. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The shielding tape is electrically isolated from a ground plane of the antenna module.

10. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more electronic components are mounted on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface of the substrate.

11. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of antenna elements include at least a plurality of patch antennas, or a plurality of slot antennas, or a plurality of dipole antennas, or a combination thereof, forming an antenna array.

12. A user equipment (UE), comprising: a housing having an outer surface; an antenna module mounted within the housing, wherein the antenna module includes a plurality of antenna elements on a first surface of a substrate; and a shielding tape surrounding only the plurality of antenna elements and extending outwardly from the first surface of the substrate, wherein an upper edge of the shielding tape is above the plurality of antenna elements, The shielding band and the power density exposure threshold for the communication beam are used to determine the transmission power of the communication beam.

13. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The first surface of the substrate is recessed from the outer surface of the housing in a radiation direction of the antenna module.

14. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: A lower edge of the shielding tape is at or above the first surface of the substrate.

15. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The antenna module includes the shielding tape, or the housing includes the shielding tape, or the housing includes a portion of the shielding tape.

16. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The outer surface of the housing includes a screen oriented on a first side of the antenna module and a rear surface oriented on a second side of the antenna module opposite the screen, the rear surface including a first conductive surface.

17. The UE according to claim 16, further comprising: A second conductive surface is oriented on the first side of the antenna module opposite the rear surface, wherein the screen comprises the second conductive surface or the second conductive surface is mounted on the rear side of the screen.

18. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The height of the shielding tape from the first surface of the substrate is based at least in part on: a predetermined power density exposure threshold, or a field of view of the plurality of antenna elements, or a combination thereof.

19. The UE according to claim 12, further comprising: A sensor for measuring power density exposure, wherein a height of the shielding strip from the first surface of the substrate is based at least in part on a field of view of the sensor.

20. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The shielding strip is electrically coupled to a ground plane of the antenna module.

21. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The shielding tape is electrically isolated from a ground plane of the antenna module.

22. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The plurality of antenna elements include a plurality of patch antennas forming an antenna array.

23. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The upper edge of the shielding tape is at or below the outer surface of the housing in a radiation direction of the antenna module.

24. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: an antenna module comprising a substrate having a first surface and a plurality of antenna elements on the first surface; a shielding strip surrounding only the plurality of antenna elements and extending outwardly from the first surface; processor; a memory coupled to the processor; as well as instructions stored in the memory and operable, when executed by the processor, to cause the apparatus to: determining a transmit power for the communication beam for the UE based at least in part on a power density exposure threshold of the communication beam and the shielding band surrounding the plurality of antenna elements; as well as An uplink signal is transmitted using the communication beam and using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power.

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein: The instructions are also executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A maximum transmit power for the communication beam is identified based at least in part on the power density exposure threshold for the communication beam and the shielding band surrounding the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the transmit power is determined based at least in part on the identified maximum transmit power.

26. The device according to claim 24, wherein: The instructions are also executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identifying one or more candidate communication beams for the UE; determining a respective power density exposure characteristic for each of the one or more candidate communication beams; as well as The communication beam is selected from the one or more candidate communication beams, wherein the communication beam comprises a first power density exposure characteristic, the transmit power for the communication beam is determined at least in part based on the first power density exposure characteristic, and the communication beam is selected at least in part based on at least: an uplink grant for the UE, or a power level of the UE, or a projected power density exposure of the communication beam, or the first power density exposure characteristic, or a combination thereof.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising: A detector, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A power density exposure level of the communication beam is detected, wherein the communication beam is selected based at least in part on the detected power density exposure level.

28. The device according to claim 24, wherein: The antenna module includes the shielding tape.

29. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising: a second antenna module comprising a second substrate having a second surface and a second plurality of antenna elements on the second surface; as well as a second shielding strip surrounding the second plurality of antenna elements and extending outwardly from the second surface, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: determining a second transmit power for a second communication beam for the UE based at least in part on a second power density exposure threshold for the second communication beam and the second shielding band surrounding the second plurality of antenna elements; as well as A second uplink signal is transmitted using the second antenna module and the second communication beam based at least in part on the determined second transmit power.

30. A method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: determining a transmit power for the communication beam based at least in part on a power density exposure threshold for the communication beam of the UE and a shielding band surrounding a plurality of antenna elements only on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, the shielding band surrounding the plurality of antenna elements being above the first surface; as well as An uplink signal is transmitted using the communication beam and using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power.

31. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: means for determining a transmit power for a communication beam of the UE based at least in part on a power density exposure threshold for the communication beam of the UE and a shielding tape surrounding a plurality of antenna elements only on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, the shielding tape surrounding the plurality of antenna elements being above the first surface; as well as Means for transmitting an uplink signal using the antenna module using the communication beam and according to the determined transmit power.

32. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon code, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to: determining a transmit power for a communication beam of a UE based at least in part on a power density exposure threshold for the communication beam and a shielding band surrounding a plurality of antenna elements only on a first surface of an antenna module of the UE, the shielding band surrounding the plurality of antenna elements being above the first surface; and An uplink signal is transmitted using the communication beam and using the antenna module according to the determined transmit power.

Images