Electronic device for performing fallback and operating method thereof

Abstract

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes an RF circuit for cellular data communication, a plurality of antennas connected to the RF circuit, a Wifi module, and at least one processor, where the at least one processor may be configured to provide a first indication indicating activation of the cellular data communication based on a first antenna among the plurality of antennas for transmission. Here, a distance between the first antenna and a Wifi antenna corresponding to the Wifi module may be a first value or less. The Wifi module may be configured to perform a fallback operation on a transmit power of the Wifi RF signal based on receiving the first indication. The at least one processor may be further configured to refrain from providing the first indication based on a second antenna among the plurality of antennas that has a distance from the Wifi antenna exceeding a first value for transmission. Other various embodiments are possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device that performs back-off associated with transmission power of an RF signal and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0002] User equipment (UE) can send electromagnetic waves to send data to / receive data from a base station. Electromagnetic waves radiated from UE may harm the human body, and various domestic or foreign organizations attempt to limit harmful electromagnetic waves. For example, the specific absorption rate (SAR) is a value that indicates how much electromagnetic radiation from a mobile communication terminal is absorbed by the human body. SAR uses the unit of KW / g (or mW / g), which can refer to the amount of power (KW, W, or mW) absorbed per 1g of human body. With the increasing concern about the harmfulness of electromagnetic waves, SAR limit standards for mobile communication terminals have been established.

[0003] The UE may back off the transmission power, the maximum transmission power level (MTPL), for example, if the SAR expected by the transmission power exceeds a threshold. For example, upon identifying the occurrence of a particular event (e.g., grip, hot spot, or proximity), the UE may transmit RF signals at the backed off power corresponding to the event, or transmit RF signals at a transmission power set based on the maximum transmission power level.

[0004] In addition, a technique for backing off the transmission power (or the maximum transmission power level) based on the total SAR value accumulated within a predetermined time (or the average value of the SAR generated within a predetermined time) is also used. The SAR that affects the human body instantaneously and / or the SAR that affects the human body on average should also be considered. Therefore, when the total SAR value accumulated (or the average value of the SAR generated within a predetermined time) meets the specified condition, the transmission power (or the maximum transmission power level) can be backed off. Summary of the invention

[0005] "Technical issues"

[0006] The UE may support Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 series, etc.) as well as cellular data communication. The UE may at least simultaneously send an uplink signal for cellular data communication and an uplink signal for Wi-Fi communication. Alternatively, the UE may send an uplink signal for cellular data communication and / or an uplink signal for Wi-Fi communication in a schedule that takes into account an average SAR. In the above case, the sum of the SARs generated by the two uplink signals needs to satisfy the SAR rule. Therefore, a fallback operation for at least one communication may need to be performed.

[0007] According to various embodiments, an electronic device and a method for operating the electronic device may determine whether to perform a backoff based on a distance between an antenna for cellular data communication and a Wi-Fi antenna.

[0008] “Technology solutions”

[0009] According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may include an RF circuit for cellular data communication, a plurality of antennas connected to the RF circuit, a Wi-Fi module, and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to provide a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication based on a first antenna among the plurality of antennas being used for transmission. The distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module may be equal to or less than a first value. The Wi-Fi module may be configured to perform a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication. The at least one processor may also be configured to refrain from providing the first indication based on a second antenna among the plurality of antennas being used for transmission whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds a first value.

[0010] According to various example embodiments, a method for operating an electronic device may include: providing, by at least one processor of the electronic device, a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication based on a first antenna among multiple antennas of the electronic device being used for transmission. The distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to a Wi-Fi module may be equal to or less than a first value. The method for operating an electronic device may include: performing, by the Wi-Fi module of the electronic device, a backoff operation on a transmission power of a Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication. Providing the first indication may be avoided based on a second antenna among multiple antennas whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value being used for transmission.

[0011] According to various example embodiments, in a computer-readable storage medium storing executable program instructions, the executable program instructions, when executed, enable an electronic device to perform a method, which may include providing, by at least one processor of the electronic device, a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication based on a first antenna among multiple antennas of the electronic device being used for transmission. The distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to a Wi-Fi module may be equal to or less than a first value. The method may include performing a backoff operation on a transmission power of a Wi-Fi RF signal based on receipt of the first indication. The first indication may be avoided based on a second antenna among multiple antennas being used for transmission whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value.

[0012] “Beneficial effects”

[0013] According to various example embodiments, an electronic device which may determine whether to perform a backoff based on a distance between an antenna for cellular data communication and a Wi-Fi antenna and a method for operating the electronic device may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments;

[0015] Figure 2a is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device for supporting conventional network communications and 5G network communications according to various embodiments;

[0016] Figure 2b is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device for supporting conventional network communications and 5G network communications according to various embodiments;

[0017] Figure 3a is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0018] Figure 3b is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0019] Figure 3c is a graph showing transmit power and SAR over time according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c is a graph showing transmission power per time according to various embodiments;

[0021] Figure 4d and Figure 4e is a table showing transmission power per time according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure 5a is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0023] Figure 5b is a diagram illustrating an example electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0024] Figure 5c is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0025] Figure 6a is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments;

[0026] Figure 6bis a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 7a is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0028] Figure 7b is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0029] Figure 8a is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0030] Figure 8b is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments;

[0031] Figure 8c is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments;

[0032] Figure 9a is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0033] Figure 9b is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments;

[0034] Fig.9c is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments;

[0035] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0036] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device including a plurality of Wi-Fi modules according to various embodiments;

[0037] Fig.12 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0038] Fig.13a is a view showing a state change of a housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0039] Fig.13b and Fig.13c is a diagram showing distances between antennas according to various embodiments;

[0040] Fig.14 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0041] Fig.15a is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0042] Fig.15b is a diagram illustrating a coupler according to various embodiments; and

[0043] Fig.16 is a flow chart illustrating example operations of a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with at least one of the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a user identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., the connection terminal 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the above-described components (eg, sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (eg, display module 160).

[0045] The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or adapted to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or as part of the main processor 121.

[0046] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) together with the main processor 121. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., a camera module 180 or a communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. For example, such learning may be performed by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is executed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, for example. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or a deep Q network or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or alternatively, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure in addition to a hardware structure.

[0047] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile memory 134.

[0048] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0049] The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101 from outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0050] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver can be implemented as a separate part from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

[0051] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0052] The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0053] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0054] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0055] The connection end 178 may include a connector, wherein the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) via the connector. According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0056] The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0057] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0058] The power management module 188 may manage power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0059] The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0060] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or these various types of communication modules can be implemented as multiple components separated from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 can identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0061] The wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (e.g., new radio (NR) access technology). NR access technology can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies for ensuring performance on high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. The wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., a second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater), loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or U-plane delay for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip).

[0062] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). A signal or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a millimeter wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the millimeter wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas), wherein the RFIC is disposed on a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave band), and the plurality of antennas are disposed on a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the specified high frequency band.

[0064] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0065] According to an embodiment, a command or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 or the electronic device 104 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 101, or a device of a different type from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be executed on the electronic device 101 may be executed on one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically execute a function or service or should execute a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service instead of executing the function or service, or the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service in addition to executing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute the requested at least part of the function or service, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request when the result is further processed or when the result is not further processed. To this end, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology or client-server computing technology, for example, may be used. The electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars or health care) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0066] Figure 2a 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device 101 for supporting both traditional network communications and 5G network communications according to various embodiments. Figure 2a, the electronic device 101 may include a first communication processor 212, a second communication processor 214, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 222, a second RFIC 224, a third RFIC 226, a fourth RFIC 228, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) 232, a second RFFE 234, a first antenna module 242, a second antenna module 244, a third antenna module 246, and an antenna 248. The electronic device 101 may also include a processor 120 and a memory 130. The second network 199 may include a first cellular network 292 and a second cellular network 294. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may also include Figure 1 The first communication processor 212, the second communication processor 214, the first RFIC 222, the second RFIC 224, the fourth RFIC 228, the first RFFE 232, and the second RFFE 234 may form at least part of the wireless communication module 192. According to an embodiment, the fourth RFIC 228 may be omitted or included as part of the third RFIC 226.

[0067] The first communication processor 212 may establish a communication channel for a frequency band for wireless communication with the first cellular network 292, or may support traditional network communication via the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first cellular network may be a traditional network including a second generation (2G), a third generation (3G), a fourth generation (4G), or a long term evolution (LTE) network. The second CP 214 may establish a communication channel corresponding to a specified frequency band (e.g., from about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) in a frequency band to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network 294, or may support fifth generation (5G) network communication via the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the second cellular network 294 may be a 5G network defined by the third generation partnership project (3GPP). In addition, according to an embodiment, the first CP 212 or the second CP 214 may establish a communication channel corresponding to another specified frequency band (e.g., about 6 GHz or less) in a frequency band to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network 294, or may support fifth generation (5G) network communication via the established communication channel.

[0068] The first communication processor 212 can perform data transmission / reception with the second communication processor 214. For example, data classified as being transmitted via the second cellular network 294 can be changed to be transmitted via the first cellular network 292. In this case, the first communication processor 212 can receive transmission data from the second communication processor 214. For example, the first communication processor 212 can send data to / receive data from the second communication processor 214 via the inter-processor interface 213. The inter-processor interface 213 can be implemented as, for example, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) (e.g., a high-speed UART (HS-UART)) or a peripheral component interconnect bus high-speed (PCIe) interface, but is not limited to a specific type. The first communication processor 212 and the second communication processor 214 can use, for example, a shared memory to exchange packet data information and control information. The first communication processor 212 can send / receive various information to / from the second communication processor 214, such as sensing information, output strength information, or resource block (RB) allocation information.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the first communication processor 212 may not be directly connected to the second communication processor 214. In this case, the first communication processor 212 may send data to / receive data from the second communication processor 214 via the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor). For example, the first communication processor 212 and the second communication processor 214 may send / receive data to / from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor) via an HS-UART interface or a PCIe interface, but the type of interface is not limited thereto. The first communication processor 212 and the second communication processor 214 may exchange control information and packet data information with the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor) using a shared memory.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the first communication processor 212 and the second communication processor 214 may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor 212 or the second communication processor 214 may be formed in a single chip or a single package together with the processor 120, the auxiliary processor 123 or the communication module 190. For example, Figure 2b As shown, the integrated communication processor 260 can support all functions for communicating with the first cellular network 292 and the second cellular network 294.

[0071] As described above, at least one of the processor 120, the first communication processor 212, the second communication processor 214, or the integrated communication processor 260 may be implemented as a single chip or a single package. In this case, the single chip or the single package may include a memory (or storage means) storing instructions that cause at least some of the operations performed according to various embodiments and a processing circuit (or operating circuit, but the term is not limited thereto) for executing the instructions.

[0072] When transmitting, the first RFIC 222 can convert the baseband signal generated by the first communication processor 212 into a radio frequency (RF) signal having a frequency ranging from about 700 MHz to about 3 GHz used by the first cellular network 292 (e.g., a traditional network). When receiving the RF signal, the RF signal can be obtained from the first network 292 (e.g., a traditional network) through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module 242) and pre-processed via an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE 232). The first RFIC 222 can convert the pre-processed RF signal into a baseband signal that can be processed by the first communication processor 212.

[0073] During transmission, the second RFIC 224 may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor 212 or the second communication processor 214 into a Sub6 band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz or less) RF signal (hereinafter, “5G Sub6 RF signal”) used by the second cellular network 294 (e.g., 5G network). When receiving the 5G Sub6 RF signal, the 5G Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network 294 (e.g., 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module 244), and the 5G Sub 6 RF signal may be pre-processed via an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE 234). The second RFIC 224 may convert the pre-processed 5G Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal, which may be processed by corresponding processors of the first communication processor 212 and the second communication processor 214.

[0074] The third RFIC 226 may convert the baseband signal generated by the second communication processor 214 into a 5G Above6 frequency band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) RF signal (hereinafter, "5G Above6 RF signal") to be used by the second cellular network 294 (e.g., 5G network). Upon receiving the 5G Above6 RF signal, the 5G Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network 294 (e.g., 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., antenna 248) and pre-processed via the third RFFE 236. The third RFIC 226 may convert the pre-processed 5G Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by the second communication processor 214. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE 236 may be formed as a part of the third RFIC 226.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a fourth RFIC 228 that is separate from the third RFIC 226 or as at least part of the third RFIC 226. In this case, the fourth RFIC 228 may convert the baseband signal generated by the second communication processor 214 into an intermediate frequency band (e.g., from about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz) RF signal (hereinafter referred to as an "IF signal") and transmit the IF signal to the third RFIC 226. The third RFIC 226 may convert the IF signal into a 5G Above 6 RF signal. Upon receiving the 5G Above 6 RF signal, the 5G Above 6 RF signal may be received from the second cellular network 294 (e.g., a 5G network) through an antenna (e.g., antenna 248) and converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC 226. The fourth RFIC 228 may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by the second communication processor 214.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the first RFIC 222 and the second RFIC 224 may be implemented as at least part of a single chip or a single package. Figure 2a or Figure 2bWhen the first RFIC 222 and the second RFIC 224 in the embodiment are implemented as a single chip or a single package, they may be implemented as an integrated RFIC. In this case, the integrated RFIC is connected to the first RFFE 232 and the second RFFE 234 to convert the baseband signal into a signal of a frequency band supported by the first RFFE 232 and / or the second RFFE 234, and the converted signal may be transmitted to one of the first RFFE 232 and the second RFFE 234. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE 232 and the second RFFE 234 may be implemented as at least part of a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first antenna module 242 or the second antenna module 244 may be omitted or combined with another antenna module to process a multi-band RF signal.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the third RFIC 226 and the antenna 248 may be arranged on the same substrate to form a third antenna module 246. For example, the wireless communication module 192 or the processor 120 may be arranged on a first substrate (e.g., a main printed circuit board (PCB)). In this case, the third RFIC 226 and the antenna 248 may be arranged on an area (e.g., bottom) and another area (e.g., top) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub-PCB) provided separately from the first substrate, respectively, thereby forming the third antenna module 246. Placing the third RFIC 226 and the antenna 248 on the same substrate can shorten the length of the transmission line therebetween. This can reduce the loss (e.g., attenuation) of the high-frequency band (e.g., from about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) signal for 5G network communication caused by the transmission line. Therefore, the electronic device 101 can enhance the communication quality with the second network 294 (e.g., 5G network).

[0078] According to an embodiment, the antenna 248 may be formed as an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements that may be used for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC 226 may include a plurality of phase shifters 238 corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements as part of the third RFFE 236. When transmitting, the plurality of phase shifters 238 may change the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a 5G network base station) via their respective corresponding antenna elements. When receiving, the plurality of phase shifters 238 may change the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal received from the outside to the same or substantially the same phase via their respective corresponding antenna elements. This enables transmission or reception between the electronic device 101 and the outside via beamforming.

[0079] The second cellular network 294 (e.g., a 5G network) can operate independently of the first cellular network 292 (e.g., a traditional network) (e.g., as a standalone (SA)) or be connected to the first cellular network 292 (e.g., a traditional network) (e.g., as a non-standalone (NSA)). For example, the 5G network may include an access network (e.g., a 5G access network (RAN)) but lack any core network (e.g., a next generation core (NGC)). In this case, after accessing the 5G network access network, the electronic device 101 can access an external network (e.g., the Internet) under the control of the core network (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC)) of the traditional network. Protocol information for communicating with the traditional network (e.g., LTE protocol information) or protocol information for communicating with the 5G network (e.g., new radio (NR) protocol information) can be stored in the memory 230 and accessed by other components (e.g., the processor 120, the first communication processor 212, or the second communication processor 214).

[0080] Figure 3a is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0081] According to various embodiments, in operation 371, the electronic device 101 (e.g., at least one of the processor 120, the first communication processor 212, the second communication processor 214, or the integrated communication processor 260) may identify the first SAR based on the maximum transmission power level of the first RF signal. In operation 373, the electronic device 101 may identify the second SAR based on the maximum transmission power level of the second RF signal. Meanwhile, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that at least one of the first SAR and / or the second SAR may be replaced with power density (PD). The electronic device 101 may at least simultaneously transmit both the first RF signal and the second RF signal. In this case, it should be determined whether the SAR rule is violated based on the sum of the two SARs. Therefore, in operation 375, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the sum of the first SAR and the second SAR exceeds the threshold SAR. When the sum of the first SAR and the second SAR exceeds the threshold SAR (yes in 375), the electronic device 101 may perform a backoff operation in operation 377. The backoff operation may be, for example, to reduce the maximum transmission power level of the first RF signal and / or the maximum transmission power level of the second RF signal, but is not limited thereto. When the sum of the first SAR and the second SAR is the threshold SAR or less (No in 375), the electronic device 101 may not perform the backoff operation. As described above, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the sum of the SAR corresponding to the two RF signals exceeds the threshold SAR to determine whether the SAR rule is violated at a specific time.

[0082] For example, the electronic device 101 may at least simultaneously transmit an RF signal based on cellular data communication and an RF signal based on Wi-Fi communication. In this case, the electronic device 101 may perform a backoff on the maximum transmission power level of the RF signal of the Wi-Fi communication. For example, when 5G communication is activated, for two antennas used for Wi-Fi communication based on IEEE 802.11b, the maximum transmission power level may be backed off at 16.29dBm and 16.38dBm, respectively. Alternatively, when 5G communication is activated, for two antennas used for Wi-Fi communication based on IEEE 802.11a, the maximum transmission power level may be backed off at 13.19dBm and 13.65dBm, respectively. For example, when the Wi-Fi communication antenna is relatively close to the antenna for cellular data communication, the SAR limit may be complied with by performing a backoff operation on the Wi-Fi communication as described above. However, when the Wi-Fi communication antenna is arranged relatively far away from the antenna for cellular data communication, the need to perform a backoff operation on the Wi-Fi communication may be small. Therefore, whether to perform backoff on Wi-Fi communication should be determined based on the distance between the Wi-Fi communication antenna and the antenna for cellular data communication, which will be described below.

[0083] Figure 3b is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments. Figure 3c and Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 4c , Figure 4d and Figure 4e describe Figure 3b Embodiment of the invention. Figure 3c is a graph showing transmit power and SAR over time according to various embodiments. Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c is a graph showing transmission power per time according to various embodiments. Figure 4d and 4e is a table showing transmission power per time according to various embodiments.

[0084] According to various embodiments, in operation 301, the electronic device 101 (e.g., at least one of the processor 120, the first communication processor 212, the second communication processor 214, or the integrated communication processor 260) may call (or read) a plurality of tables of transmission powers corresponding to a plurality of times. Figure 3b Before relating to the embodiments, the terms shown in Table 1 are defined.

[0085] [Table 1]

[0086]

[0087] Reference Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c Describes the table. Figure 4a , shows a graph of transmission power including a plurality of times 401 to 449. The cumulative SAR (the cumulative SAR of Table 1) of the measurement time (the measurement time of Table 1) (e.g., the measurement time including 50 time points) may be required to maintain a value below the maximum cumulative SAR (the maximum cumulative SAR of Table 1). The electronic device 101 may determine the transmission power of the RF signal to be transmitted at the current time point 449 to allow the cumulative SAR at nine future time points (e.g., the remaining time of Table 1) other than the cumulative SAR at the current time point 449 and any past time points 409 to 448 (e.g., the average time of Table 1) to remain below the maximum cumulative SAR. In addition, as Figure 4b As shown, the electronic device 101 can identify a transmission power 452 shifted by one time point from the transmission power 451 of the current time point 449 and any past time points 409 to 448. Shifting by one time point may refer to, for example, shifting the transmission power 452 by one time point at the oldest time point (e.g., Figure 4a The number of transmission powers 452 at the current time point 449 and any past time points 410 to 448 is 40, and can be compared Figure 4a The electronic device 101 may determine the transmission power at the current time point 449 to allow the sum of the SAR of the transmission power 452 and the SAR predicted at another future time point to maintain the maximum cumulative SAR or less. Figure 4c As shown, the electronic device 101 can identify the current time point 449 and the transmission power 453 of any past time point 434 to 448 shifted by 25 time points from the transmission power 451. The number of transmission powers 453 is 16, and can be compared Figure 4a The number of transmission power 451 is 41 less than 25. The electronic device 101 can determine the transmission power at the current time point 449 to allow the sum of the SAR by the transmission power 453 and the SAR predicted at another future 34 time points to maintain the maximum cumulative SAR or less. Although not shown, the electronic device 101 can manage a plurality of graphs, each of which is shifted by one time point. The period for calculating the SAR is the measurement period P of Table 1, and can be, for example Figures 4a to 4c The electronic device 101 may calculate and / or manage T / P-1 tables for a specific time point.

[0088] Reference Figure 4d and 4e A configuration for identifying expected SAR values ​​is described.

[0089] Reference Figure 4d , the electronic device 101 may identify the k-th SAR table 460. The k-th SAR table 460 may include D1, which is a cumulative SAR value 461 at at least one past time point, a maximum SAR value (D2) 462 at the current time, and an expected SAR value (D3) 463 at at least one future time point. Referring to the graph, the cumulative SAR value corresponding to at least one past time point 461 may be D1. D1, which is a cumulative SAR value 461 at at least one past time point, may be identified based on the antenna configuration. The number of at least one past time point may be a number that is one less than the total number (e.g., 100) of time points corresponding to the measurement time (e.g., 50 seconds) in the first table. N, which is the total number of time points (e.g., 100), may be a result of dividing the measurement time by a sampling period (or a shift period). Therefore, in the k-th table, the number of at least one past time point may be k less than the total number of time points. The electronic device 101 may identify D1, which is a cumulative SAR value of Nk past time points 471. The electronic device 101 may use the maximum SAR value S1 at the current time point 472. The maximum SAR value S1 (e.g., the normal maximum SAR in Table 1) may be a SAR value corresponding to a specified maximum transmission power in the electronic device 101 (e.g., the normal maximum power in Table 1). In an embodiment, for the current time point 472, a SAR value immediately before the current time point 472 may be used. In an embodiment, for the current time point 472, an average SAR value of a past time point 471 of the current time point 472 may be used. The electronic device 101 may calculate a sum S2 (e.g., the fallback maximum SAR in Table 1) of SAR values ​​of a fallback transmission power (e.g., the fallback maximum power in Table 1) for at least one future time point 473. The electronic device 101 may identify D3 as the cumulative SAR of at least one future time point 473. In the kth table, the number of at least one future time point may be k-1. Therefore, for the kth table, the electronic device 101 can identify whether the total SAR and D1+D2+D3 of N time points including Nk past time points, one current time point and k-1 future time points exceed the maximum cumulative SAR. When the excess is identified, the electronic device 101 can roll back the transmission power of the current time point. Figure 4e , the electronic device 101 can identify Figure 4eThe k+1th table 480 is shown. For the k+1th table 480, the electronic device 101 can identify D4 as the cumulative SAR value 481 of at least one past time point, D2 as the maximum SAR value 482 of the current time point, and D5 as the expected SAR value 483 of at least one future time point. The electronic device 101 can identify whether the cumulative SAR value of D4+D2+D5 exceeds the maximum cumulative SAR. The number of at least one past time point 491 in the k+1th table can be one less than the number of at least one past time point 471 in the kth table. The number of at least one future time point 493 in the k+1th table can be one greater than the number of at least one future time point 473 in the kth table (494).

[0090] According to various embodiments, in operation 303, the electronic device 101 may identify the past cumulative SAR values ​​and expected SAR values ​​at the current time point and the future time point for a plurality of tables corresponding to at least one future time point. The electronic device 101 may identify the cumulative SAR values ​​of the first table and a total of N-1 tables, and the total of N-1 tables are shifted from the first table by i time points (where i is 1 or greater and less than N-2). In operation 305, the electronic device 101 may identify whether there is a table in which the sum of the cumulative SAR value and the expected SAR value exceeds a threshold. If there is a table exceeding the threshold (yes in 305), then in operation 307, the electronic device 101 may back off any one of at least some transmission powers of the RF signal (or the maximum transmission power level (MTPL)). It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in the present disclosure, the backoff of the transmission power may be replaced by the backoff of the maximum transmission power level. If there is no table exceeding the threshold ("no" in 305), the electronic device 101 may send the RF signal at the set transmission power in operation 309. For example, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the backoff of the maximum transmission power value may refer to the backoff of the maximum transmission power value.

[0091] As described above, the electronic device 101 may determine the maximum transmission power value so that the average SAR amplitude used during the measurement time does not exceed the average SAR limit. Alternatively, the electronic device 101 may determine the maximum transmission power value so that the cumulative SAR during the measurement time does not exceed the maximum cumulative SAR. The electronic device 101 may determine the maximum value of the maximum power of the next time period at each time P. For example, the conditions for operating at the normal maximum power during the next time P may be as follows.

[0092] Condition: Tx margin > SAR generated when operating at normal maximum power during the next P period (normal maximum SAR in Table 1) + SAR generated when operating at fallback maximum power during (remaining time - P) = PX normal maximum SAR + (remaining time - P)X fallback maximum SAR (fallback maximum SAR in Table 1).

[0093] In this condition, the Tx margin can be the maximum cumulative SAR minus the SAR accumulated so far. In this condition, (remaining time-P) can be Taverage time-P, for example, combined with Figures 4a to 4e The future time point described. P may refer to, for example, the current time point. The average time may refer to, for example, a past time point. Satisfying the condition may refer to, for example, although the electronic device 101 sets the maximum transmission power of the normal maximum power during time P, there is no table in which the cumulative SAR exceeds the maximum cumulative SAR. Not satisfying the condition may refer to, for example, if the electronic device 101 sets the maximum transmission power of the normal maximum power during time P, there is a chance that the cumulative SAR exceeds the maximum cumulative SAR, in which case the electronic device 101 may set the fallback maximum power to the maximum transmission power during time P.

[0094] Table 2 shows examples of variables and conditions.

[0095] [Table 2]

[0096]

[0097] In the example of Table 2, it is described that it is possible to use the normal maximum power continuously for 50 seconds at the maximum transmission power, and after 50 seconds, it is necessary to fall back to the fallback maximum power. For example, suppose that the RF signal is sent at 23dBm (which is the normal maximum power) for 50 seconds, the RF signal is sent at 23dBm (which is the normal maximum power for the next P (0.5 seconds)), and the RF signal is sent at 20dBm (which is the fallback maximum power) for 49.5 seconds, which is (remaining time-P). In this case, the Tx margin can be 150mW / g-50×2mW / g, for example, 50mW / g. The SAR generated within the time P can be 2mW / g×0.5 seconds, for example, 1mW / g. The SAR generated during (remaining time-P) can be 49.5 seconds×1mW / g, for example, 49.5mW / g. In this case, it can be recognized that the SAR accumulated during P and (remaining time-P) is 50.5 mW / g exceeding the Tx margin, and therefore, the maximum value of the transmission power at the back-off time P is required. Figure 3c The above example is described, Figure 3c describes the transmission power associated with a RAT. Figure 3c, until A seconds (e.g., 50 seconds), the maximum transmission power may be set to the normal maximum power 351, but after A seconds, it may be identified as falling back to the fallback maximum power 352. According to the fallback of the maximum value of the maximum transmission power, the slope of the second portion 362 of the cumulative SAR may be formed to be smaller than the slope of the first portion 361 of the cumulative SAR. It may be identified that the average SAR 331 before A seconds exceeds the average SAR limit 340, but at a time according to the fallback of 100 seconds, the average SAR 332 is the same value as the average SAR limit 340.

[0098] According to various embodiments, this situation may occur in a case where the electronic device 101 transmits an RF signal for cellular data communication and an RF signal for Wi-Fi communication. For example, the electronic device 101 may transmit a first RF signal for cellular data communication and a second RF signal for Wi-Fi communication. In this case, the electronic device 101 may back off the maximum value of the transmission power of at least one RF signal so that the cumulative SAR of the sum of the two RF signals does not exceed the cumulative maximum SAR. For example, the electronic device 101 may perform backoff on the transmission power of the RF signal for Wi-Fi communication. For example, the electronic device 101 may back off the maximum transmission power level of the RF signal for Wi-Fi communication. For example, the electronic device 101 may reduce the average SAR limit allocated for Wi-Fi communication, in which case the normal maximum power and / or the backed-off maximum power for Wi-Fi communication may be reduced.

[0099] Figure 5a is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Figure 5b describe Figure 5a Embodiment of the invention. Figure 5b is a diagram illustrating an example electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0100] According to various embodiments, a communication processor (e.g., at least one of the first communication processor 212, the second communication processor 214, or the integrated communication processor 260) may send a baseband signal to and / or receive a baseband signal from an RFIC 503 (e.g., at least one of the first RFIC 222, the second RFIC 224, the third RFIC 226, or the fourth RFIC 228). The RFIC 503 may process at least one RF signal associated with at least one RF path. Here, the RF path may include, for example, at least one hardware for sending an RF signal (e.g., at least one of an RFIC, an RFFE, or an antenna). For example, the RFIC 503 may receive at least one baseband signal from the communication processor 501 and generate at least one or more RF signals. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that although RFIC 503 is illustrated as one module in the example of FIG. 5 , this is an example, and the number of modules in which RFIC 503 is implemented is not limited.

[0101] According to various embodiments, the RFIC 503 may provide at least one RF signal to the first RFFE 505 and / or the second RFFE 507. The first RFFE 505 and / or the second RFFE 507 may process (e.g., amplify) the received RF signal and provide the received RF signal. The communication processor 501 may determine the degree of amplification of the RFFEs 505 and 507 based on the maximum transmission power level and / or the transmission power determined as described above. Although not shown, the degree of amplification of the RFFEs 505 and 507 may be controlled based on an average power tracking (APT) module and / or an envelope tracking (ET) module. According to various embodiments, one RFFE may process a plurality of RF signals.

[0102] According to various embodiments, the first RFFE 505 may be connected to a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch 509, and the output terminal of the SPDT switch 509 may be connected to a switch 511. The switch 511 may be configured to selectively connect the output terminal of the SPDT switch 509 to the first antenna 521 or the second antenna 522. The second RFFE 507 may be connected to a single-pole four-throw (SP4T) switch 513. The SP4T switch 513 may be configured to selectively connect the output terminal of the second RFFE 507 to any one of the SPDT switch 509, the third antenna 523, or the fourth antenna 524. Meanwhile, each of the antennas 521, 522, 523, and 524 may be disposed inside the housing and / or may be disposed on a portion of the housing.

[0103] For example, it can be disposed on the outer surface of the housing of the electronic device 101, but is not limited thereto. Figure 5b As shown, antennas 521 and 522 may be disposed on one side (eg, the lower end) of the housing of the electronic device 101, and antennas 523 and 524 may be disposed on the other side (eg, the upper end) of the housing of the electronic device 101, but this is merely an example.

[0104] Return to reference Figure 5a According to various embodiments, an application processor 531 (e.g., processor 120) may be coupled to the communication processor 501. The application processor 531 may be connected to a Wi-Fi module 533. At least one Wi-Fi antenna 541, 543, 545, and 547 may be connected to the Wi-Fi module 533 (or included in the Wi-Fi module 533). The Wi-Fi module 533 may provide RF signals for Wi-Fi communication to at least some of the Wi-Fi antennas 541, 543, 545, and 547. In one example, as Figure 5b As shown, the Wi-Fi module 533 can be disposed in the relatively upper portion of the housing. Figure 5b The electronic device 101 is shown to also include antenna arrays 561 and 562 for mmWave, but this is merely an example. In some cases, RF signals for cellular data communication may be provided to at least some of the antennas 521, 522, 523, and 524, and RF signals for Wi-Fi communication may be provided to at least some of the Wi-Fi antennas 541, 543, 545, and 547. For example, whether to determine whether the SAR limit is violated is based on the sum of exposures (e.g., SAR and / or PD) generated by multiple antennas, or whether to determine whether the SAR limit is violated independently of the exposures generated by multiple antennas, can be determined by the following equation 1.

[0105] [Equation 1]

[0106] (SAR 1 +SAR 2 ) 1.5 / R≤0.04

[0107] In Equation 1, SAR 1 can be the SAR generated by one antenna, and the SAR 2 It may be the SAR generated by another antenna, and their units may be, for example, W / kg. For example, R of the sum of various SARs may be shown in Table 3. Meanwhile, the values ​​1.5 and 0.04 in Equation 1 are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0108] [Table 3]

[0109] The sum of SAR (SAR1+SAR2) (W / Kg) Minimum spacing (minimum value of R) (mm) 3.2 143 2.8 117 2.4 93 2 71 1.6 51 1.4 41 1.2 33 1.0 25 0.8 18

[0110] For example, it is assumed that the sum of the SAR generated from the third antenna 523 and the Wi-Fi antenna 541 is 3.2W / Kg. For example, a SAR of up to 1.6W / Kg may be allocated to the third antenna 523 (e.g., cellular data), and a SAR of up to 1.6W / Kg may be allocated to the Wi-Fi antenna 541 (e.g., Wi-Fi communication), but the above values ​​are examples. At the same time, since both the third antenna 523 and the Wi-Fi antenna 541 are disposed at the upper end of the electronic device 101, the interval may be less than 143mm. In this case, in order to determine whether the electronic device 101 violates the SAR rule instantaneously or violates the cumulative SAR rule, it may be necessary to determine whether the sum of the SAR generated from the third antenna 523 and the Wi-Fi antenna 541 violates the SAR rule. For example, in order to comply with the SAR rule, the electronic device 101 may perform a backoff associated with the transmission power of the RF signal used for Wi-Fi communication. At the same time, when transmitting an RF signal in FR2, power density (PD) may be used instead of SAR. For example, a person skilled in the art would understand that when considering both SAR and PD, the sum of RF exposures can be identified as the sum of a value obtained by dividing SAR by the maximum SAR and a value obtained by dividing PD by the maximum PD, and the minimum interval corresponding to the sum of RF exposures can be determined.

[0111] Meanwhile, it is assumed that the sum of the SAR generated from the first antenna 521 and the Wi-Fi antenna 541 is 3.2 W / Kg. Since the first antenna 521 and the Wi-Fi antenna 541 are respectively arranged at the lower end and the upper end of the electronic device 101, the interval may be 143 mm or more. In this case, in order to determine whether the electronic device 101 violates the SAR rule instantaneously or violates the cumulative SAR rule, it may be necessary to determine whether the sum of the SAR generated from the Wi-Fi antenna 541 violates the SAR rule and / or whether the sum of the SAR generated from the first antenna 521 violates the SAR rule. In this case, the electronic device 101 may avoid performing a backoff associated with the transmission power of the RF signal used for Wi-Fi communication, or may restore the backed-off maximum transmission power level.

[0112] As described above, antennas for which the sum of SAR is considered to determine whether the SAR rule is violated (such as satisfying Equation 1) can be indicated as being included in the same antenna group. When the distance between antennas is relatively small (e.g., less than the distance associated with Equation 1), they can be included in the same antenna group. In addition, antennas for which SAR is independently considered instead of the sum of SAR to determine whether the SAR rule is violated (because Equation 1 is not satisfied) can be indicated as being included in different antenna groups. When the distance between antennas is relatively large (e.g., greater than the distance associated with Equation 1), they can be included in different antenna groups.

[0113] In the case of determining whether the maximum transmission power level is backed off based on the cumulative SAR (or average SAR), if the antenna for cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi antenna are included in different antenna groups, the average SAR limit can be assigned to the cellular data communication, and another average SAR limit can be assigned to the Wi-Fi communication. For example, if the value average SAR limit is A, the average SAR limit "A" can be assigned to the cellular data communication, and the average SAR limit "A" can be assigned to the Wi-Fi communication. At the same time, when the antenna for cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi antenna are included in the same antenna group, the average SAR limit should be respectively assigned to the cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi communication, respectively. For example, if the average SAR limit "C" is assigned to the cellular data communication, the average SAR limit "AC" can be assigned to the Wi-Fi communication. The average SAR limit assigned to the Wi-Fi communication can be smaller when they are included in the same antenna group than when they are included in different antenna groups. Therefore, a backoff associated with the transmission power for Wi-Fi communication can be performed.

[0114] According to various embodiments, when the distance between the antenna for cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds a threshold distance (or when included in different antenna groups), the electronic device 101 may avoid performing a backoff operation associated with the transmission power of the RF signal for Wi-Fi, or may stop the backoff operation (e.g., restore the maximum transmission power level and / or restore the average SAR limit). When the distance between the antenna for cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi antenna is a threshold distance or less (or when included in the same antenna group), a backoff operation associated with the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal may be performed (e.g., backoff the maximum transmission power level and / or lower the average SAR limit). Therefore, only when using an antenna for cellular data communication set within a distance that may violate the SAR rule, the backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi communication may be performed, rather than performing the backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi communication together according to the activation of the cellular data communication.

[0115] Figure 5c is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0116] Reference Figure 5c According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may include an antenna 591 connected to the first RFFE 505 and relatively arranged at the lower end, and an antenna 592 connected to the second RFFE 507 and relatively arranged at the upper end. The first RFFE 505 and the second RFFE 507 may include an RX path, which includes, for example, an LNA, and a coupler for measuring a reception strength (for example, RSSP, but not limited thereto) may be connected to the RX path. The electronic device 101 may periodically identify the reception strength identified by the coupler. For example, when an RF signal is transmitted through the first antenna 591, the first reception strength corresponding to the first antenna 591 may be measured as being less than a specified threshold value or less than the second reception strength corresponding to the second antenna 592. In this case, the electronic device 101 may change the antenna used for transmission from the first antenna 591 to the second antenna 592, which may be referred to as TX frequency hopping. Even by TX frequency hopping, the distance between the antenna for cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi antenna may exceed the threshold distance or be the threshold distance or less. Therefore, the electronic device 101 may determine whether to perform a backoff operation associated with the transmission power of the RF signal for Wi-Fi based on the change of the antenna used for transmission through TX frequency hopping and antenna switching.

[0117] Figure 6a is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments.

[0118] According to various embodiments, in operation 601, the communication processor 501 may provide the application processor 531 with information indicating that the first antenna among the multiple antennas is used for transmission. For example, the communication processor 501 may establish a connection (e.g., an RRC connection) with the network. The communication processor 501 may select the first antenna from the multiple antennas based on the operating band and / or frequency used for the connection, but those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the conditions for selecting the antenna are not limited. For example, the communication processor 501 may change the antenna used from the existing antenna to the first antenna based on transmission antenna frequency hopping (or TX frequency hopping) and / or antenna switching, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the scheme for changing the antenna used is not limited. The information is not limited as long as it is information for identifying the first antenna. Alternatively, the information transmitted from the communication processor 501 to the application processor 531 may be information for identifying the antenna group including the first antenna. For example, the antenna groups may be represented as a first group including antennas arranged at the upper end of the shell of the electronic device 101 and a second group including antennas arranged at the lower end of the shell of the electronic device 101, but the number of antenna groups, expression format and / or group division scheme are not limited.

[0119] According to various embodiments, the application processor 531 may receive information indicating the use of the first antenna from the communication processor 501. In operation 603, the application processor 531 may identify that the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less. The first value may be a distance at which the RF exposure corresponding to each of the plurality of RF signals (as shown in, for example, Equation 1) can be processed independently. When the distance between the antennas exceeds the first value, the RF exposure can be processed independently. In an example, the first value may be set based on the Wi-Fi module 533 (or Wi-Fi antenna). For example, the application processor 531 may refer to the distance between the plurality of antennas for cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi module 533 (or Wi-Fi antenna). For example, information about the distance between each antenna for cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi module 533 (or Wi-Fi antenna) as shown in Table 4 may be stored in the electronic device 101.

[0120] [Table 4]

[0121] Antennas for cellular data communications Distance from Wi-Fi module 533 First antenna 521 L1 Second antenna 522 L2 The third antenna 523 L3 Fourth antenna 524 L4

[0122] For example, the application processor 531 may identify the distance between the Wi-Fi module 533 and the antenna scheduled to be used based on the information shown in Table 4. The application processor 531 may identify whether the identified distance is a first value or less. Meanwhile, in another example, the application processor 531 may also calculate the distance, and the method for identifying the distance between the antenna for cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi module 533 is not limited.

[0123] In another example, the application processor 531 may refer to information as shown in Table 5 regarding whether the distance between the plurality of antennas for cellular data communication and the Wi-Fi module 533 (or Wi-Fi antenna) is a first value or less.

[0124] [Table 5]

[0125] Antennas for cellular data communications The distance to the Wi-Fi module 533 is the first value or less First antenna 521 no Second antenna 522 no The third antenna 523 yes Fourth antenna 524 yes

[0126] For example, the application processor 531 may identify that the distance between the Wi-Fi module 533 and the antenna scheduled for use is a first value or less based on the information as shown in Table 5. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that "whether the distance to the Wi-Fi module 533 is the first value or less" in Table 5 may be replaced with "whether it is the same as the same antenna group of the Wi-Fi module 533". In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the operation of identifying that the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is the first value or less in operation 603 may be replaced with an operation of identifying that the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna are included in the same antenna group.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the first value may be a fixed value. In an example, the first value may be 143 mm corresponding to the sum of the two SARs, 3.2 W / Kg, but the first value is not limited. In another example, the first value may be a variable value. For example, the electronic device 101 may determine the first value based on the SAR (or PD) corresponding to the cellular data communication and the SAR corresponding to the Wi-Fi communication.

[0128] According to various embodiments, in operation 605, the application processor 531 may provide the first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication to the Wi-Fi module 533 based on the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna being the first value or less. When the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is the first value or less, the RF exposure of the two communications should be processed together, so that the first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication may be provided to the Wi-Fi module 533. In operation 607, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication. For example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may backoff the maximum transmission power level of the Wi-Fi RF signal so that the sum of the SAR based on the Wi-Fi communication and the SAR based on the cellular data communication at a specific point in time satisfies the SAR limit. Therefore, the Wi-Fi module 533 may set a value equal to or less than the backed-off maximum transmission power level as the transmission power. For example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a backoff operation so that the sum of the cumulative SAR (or average SAR) based on Wi-Fi communication and the cumulative SAR (or average SAR) based on cellular data communication in a specific time period satisfies a SAR limit (e.g., a limit associated with the cumulative SAR). For example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may reduce the average SAR limit. As the average SAR limit is reduced, the maximum transmission power level of the RF signal used for Wi-Fi communication and / or the value of the backed-off maximum transmission power level may be reduced. Alternatively, the time point at which the maximum transmission power level is backed off may be advanced compared to the existing time point.

[0129] According to various embodiments, in operation 609, the communication processor 501 may provide information indicating that a second antenna different from the first antenna among the plurality of antennas is used for transmission. For example, the communication processor 501 may change the antenna used for RF signal transmission from the first antenna to the second antenna. The change of the antenna used for RF signal transmission may be performed by, for example, switching, antenna switching, TX hopping, RRC connection reestablishment, or establishing another RRC connection after the RRC connection is released, but those skilled in the art will understand that the event of changing the antenna is not limited. In operation 611, the application processor 531 may identify that the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value. At the same time, as described above, the application processor 531 may identify the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna by referring to the information shown in Table 4, and identify whether the identified distance exceeds the first value. Alternatively, the application processor 531 may identify whether the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value by referring to the information shown in Table 5. In operation 613, the application processor 531 may provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication to the Wi-Fi module 533 based on the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeding the first value. In operation 615, the Wi-Fi module 533 may stop the backoff operation of the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the second indication. For example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may restore the backed-off maximum transmission power level. For example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may restore the reduced average SAR limit. As the average SAR limit is restored, the maximum transmission power level of the RF signal for Wi-Fi communication and / or the value of the backed-off maximum transmission power level may be restored. Alternatively, the time point at which the maximum transmission power level is backed off may be delayed compared to the existing time point.

[0130] Meanwhile, providing the first indication in operation 605 is merely an example, and providing the first indication may be omitted. For example, upon recognizing that the first indication has been provided or the Wi-Fi module 533 performs a fallback operation, the application processor 531 may not provide the first indication, although the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is the first value or less. Alternatively, when the Wi-Fi module 533 is already performing a fallback operation, it may be configured to continue performing the fallback operation based on receiving the first indication. In addition, providing the second indication in operation 613 is merely an example, and providing the second indication may be omitted. For example, upon recognizing that the second indication has been provided or the Wi-Fi module 533 is operating normally (e.g., not performing a fallback operation), the application processor 531 may not provide the second indication, although the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value. Alternatively, when the Wi-Fi module 533 has stopped the fallback operation, additional operations may not be performed in response to receiving the second indication.

[0131] Meanwhile, in an embodiment, the communication processor 501 may directly provide the Wi-Fi module 533 with information on using the first antenna or information on using the second antenna. The Wi-Fi module 533 may identify the distance between the first antenna or the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna, and identify that the identified distance is a first value or less by referring to information shown in, for example, Table 4. Alternatively, the communication processor 501 may identify whether the distance between the first antenna or the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less by referring to information shown in Table 5. If the identified distance is identified as the first value or less, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a fallback operation. When it is identified that the identified distance exceeds the first value, the Wi-Fi module 533 may stop the fallback operation.

[0132] At the same time, despite Figure 6a , it is described that the first antenna is used and then changed to the second antenna, but this is only an example, and according to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may use the second antenna and then use the first antenna. In this case, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the electronic device 101 does not perform a fallback operation when using the second antenna, and then may perform a fallback operation based on the use of the first antenna.

[0133] Figure 6b is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments.

[0134] According to various embodiments, in operation 621, the communication processor 501 may provide a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication based on the first antenna among the plurality of antennas being used for transmission. The distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi module 533 (or the Wi-Fi antenna) may be, for example, a first value or less. Figure 6a In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , it is described that the application processor 531 provides a first indication based on the use of the first antenna and / or provides a second indication based on the use of the second antenna. Figure 6bIn an embodiment of the present invention, the communication processor 501 may provide a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication based on an antenna whose distance to the Wi-Fi module 533 (or Wi-Fi antenna) is a first value or less for transmission. The operation of the application processor 531 may be understood as an operation based on, for example, a radio interface layer (RIL), but a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that it is not limited. For example, the communication processor 501 may identify the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna by referring to the information shown in Table 4, and identify whether the identified distance is a first value or less. Alternatively, the communication processor 501 may identify whether the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less by referring to the information shown in Table 5. According to various embodiments, in operation 623, the application processor 531 may provide a first indication to the Wi-Fi module 533. Meanwhile, the reception and transmission (or relaying) of the first indication by the application processor 531 is merely an example, and the communication processor 501 may provide the first indication directly to the Wi-Fi module 533 without relying on the application processor 531. In operation 625, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication. Meanwhile, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in various embodiments and the present embodiment, it is possible to provide information from the communication processor 501 to the Wi-Fi module 533 without relying on the application processor 531.

[0135] According to various embodiments, in operation 627, the communication processor 501 may provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication based on the use of a second antenna among multiple antennas for transmission. The distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi module 533 (or the Wi-Fi antenna) may exceed, for example, a first value. As described above, the communication processor 501 may change the antenna used for RF signal transmission from the first antenna to the second antenna. In operation 629, the application processor 531 may provide a second indication to the Wi-Fi module 533. Meanwhile, the reception and transmission (or relaying) of the second indication by the application processor 531 is merely an example, and the communication processor 501 may provide the second indication directly to the Wi-Fi module 533 without relying on the application processor 531. In operation 631, the Wi-Fi module 533 may stop the backoff operation of the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the second indication. Meanwhile, although in Figure 6b , it is described that the first antenna is used and then changed to the second antenna, but this is an example, and according to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may use the second antenna and then use the first antenna. In this case, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the electronic device 101 does not perform a fallback operation when using the second antenna, and then may perform a fallback operation based on the use of the first antenna.

[0136] Figure 7a is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0137] According to various embodiments, in operation 701, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication processor 501 and / or the application processor 531) may identify an antenna that provides an RF signal. In operation 703, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less. Alternatively, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that it may also be identified whether the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna are included in the same antenna group. If the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less (yes in 703), the electronic device 101 may provide a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication in operation 705. For example, the application processor 531 may provide the first indication to the Wi-Fi module 533. For example, the communication processor 501 may provide the first indication to the application processor 531 or the Wi-Fi module 533. If the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value (no in 703), the electronic device 101 may provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication in operation 707. For example, the application processor 531 may provide the second indication to the Wi-Fi module 533. For example, the communication processor 501 may provide the second indication to the application processor 531 or the Wi-Fi module 533.

[0138] Figure 7b is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0139] According to various embodiments, in operation 711, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication processor 501 and / or the application processor 531) may identify an antenna that provides an RF signal. In operation 713, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less. When the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is the first value or less (yes in 713), the electronic device 101 may identify whether a second indication has been provided in operation 715. For example, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the indication provided immediately before is the second indication. If the second indication has been provided (yes in 715), the electronic device 101 may provide the first indication in operation 719. If the second indication has not been provided (no in 715), the electronic device 101 may identify whether the first indication has been provided in operation 717. If the first indication has not been provided (no in 717), the electronic device 101 may provide the first indication in operation 719. If the first indication has been provided (yes in 717), the electronic device 101 may avoid providing the first indication. Meanwhile, avoiding providing the first indication is merely an example, and the electronic device 101 may be configured to provide the first indication even when the second indication has not been provided. In this case, the Wi-Fi module 533 may continue to perform the fallback operation without performing any additional operation on the first indication further received when the fallback operation is performed based on the reception of the first indication. When the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value (no in 713), the electronic device 101 may identify whether the first indication has been provided in operation 721. For example, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the indication provided immediately before is the first indication. If the first indication has been provided (yes in 721), the electronic device 101 may provide the second indication in operation 723. If the first indication is not provided (no in 721), the electronic device 101 may avoid providing the second indication. Meanwhile, avoiding providing the second indication is merely an example, and the electronic device 101 may be configured to provide the second indication even when the first indication has not been provided. In this case, the Wi-Fi module 533 may continue to perform normal operations (eg, operations performed when the fallback operation is not performed) without performing any additional operations on the second indication further received after the fallback operation is stopped based on receiving the second indication.

[0140] Figure 8a is a flowchart illustrating example operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0141] According to various embodiments, in operation 801, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication processor 501 and / or the application processor 531) may identify an antenna that provides an RF signal. In operation 803, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less. As described above, the electronic device 101 may replace operation 803 to identify whether the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna are included in the same antenna group. When the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less (yes in 803), in operation 805, the electronic device 101 may identify whether it is in an active state based on the identified antenna. For example, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the RRC state based on the identified antenna is an RRC connection state. For example, the electronic device 101 may identify whether it is before entering a continuous discrete reception (C-DRX) mode in an RRC connection state based on the identified antenna.

[0142] If the electronic device 101 is in an active state based on the identified antenna (Yes in 805), in operation 807, the electronic device 101 may provide a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication. If the electronic device 101 is not in an active state based on the identified antenna (No in 805), in operation 809, the electronic device 101 may provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication. Alternatively, the electronic device 101 may avoid providing the first indication. For example, in the RRC_IDLE state or the RRC_INACTIVE state instead of the RRC_CONNECTED state, the electronic device 101 may avoid providing the first indication and / or provide the second indication even though the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is the first value or less. Therefore, even in the context of not transmitting an RF signal, it is possible to prevent backoff from being performed on the Wi-Fi RF signal. At the same time, when the electronic device 101 determines whether to backoff based on the accumulated SAR, it may perform Figure 8a Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, those of the present invention.

[0143] Figure 8b is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments.

[0144] According to various embodiments, in operation 831, the communication processor 501 may provide information indicating that a second antenna among the plurality of antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication active state. In operation 833, the application processor 531 may avoid providing a first indication based on the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeding a first value. As described above, when the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value (or when the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna are included in different antenna groups), the first indication may not be provided. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that in the current embodiment and other embodiments, avoiding providing the first indication may be replaced by providing the second indication as described above.

[0145] According to various embodiments, in operation 835, the communication processor 501 may provide information indicating that the first antenna among the plurality of antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication inactive state. The first antenna may be, for example, an antenna whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less. For example, the communication processor 501 may change the antenna used for RF signal transmission from the second antenna to the first antenna. In one example, the electronic device 101 may release the RRC connection based on the second antenna, and then may reside on a specific cell based on the first antenna. After residing in a specific cell, the electronic device 101 may be in a state before establishing an RRC connection with the specific cell. Alternatively, in another example, the electronic device 101 may establish an RRC connection after changing the antenna used for RF signal transmission from the second antenna to the first antenna, and then may enter an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state. Alternatively, in another example, the electronic device 101 may establish an RRC connection after changing the antenna used for RF signal transmission from the second antenna to the first antenna, and may enter a C-DRX mode. The above example in which the communication associated with the antenna is in an inactive state (e.g., RRC idle state, RRC inactive state, or C-DRX state) after changing the antenna for RF signal transmission is merely an example and is not limited. In operation 837, the application processor 531 may refrain from providing the first indication based on communication deactivation, use of the first antenna whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less, and the communication inactive state.

[0146] According to various embodiments, in operation 839, the communication processor 501 may provide information indicating that the first antenna among the multiple antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication active state. For example, the communication processor 501 may provide information indicating that the first antenna among the multiple antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication active state based on entering an RRC connection state or stopping a C-DRX mode, but is not limited thereto. In operation 841, the application processor 531 may provide a first indication based on the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna being a first value or less and being in a communication active state. In operation 843, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication. In operation 845, the communication processor 501 may provide information indicating that the second antenna among the multiple antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication active state. For example, the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna may exceed the first value. In operation 847, the application processor 531 may provide a second indication based on the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeding the first value. In operation 849 , the Wi-Fi module 833 may stop the backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the second indication.

[0147] In various embodiments, the communication processor 501 may perform an RRC connection release. The communication processor 501 may provide information associated with the RRC connection release to the application processor 531. The application processor 531 may provide a second indication to the Wi-Fi module 533 based on receiving information associated with the RRC connection release. The Wi-Fi module 533 may stop the fallback operation based on the received communication deactivation information. At the same time, the communication processor 501 may then reestablish the RRC connection while maintaining the antenna used. The communication processor 501 may provide information associated with the RRC connection establishment to the application processor 531. The application processor 531 may provide a first indication to the Wi-Fi module 533 based on receiving information associated with the RRC connection establishment. The Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a fallback operation based on the received communication deactivation information. At the same time, the communication processor 501 may provide information associated with antenna switching, TX hopping and / or antenna change to the application processor 531. The application processor 531 may provide a first indication or a second indication to the Wi-Fi module 533 based on the received information.

[0148] Figure 8c is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments.

[0149] According to various embodiments, in operation 851, the communication processor 501 may avoid providing a first indication based on that a second antenna among the multiple antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication active state. For example, the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna may exceed a first value, and the communication processor 501 may avoid providing a first indication. In operation 853, the communication processor 501 may avoid providing a first indication based on that a first antenna among the multiple antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication inactive state. As described above, in the communication inactive state, there is no need to perform a backoff on the Wi-Fi RF signal, so that the communication processor 501 may avoid providing a first indication based on that the first antenna is used for transmission and is in a communication inactive state.

[0150] According to various embodiments, in operation 855, the communication processor 501 may provide a first indication based on that the first antenna among the multiple antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication active state. For example, the communication processor 501 may provide a first indication based on entering an RRC connected state or stopping a C-DRX mode, by identifying that the first antenna among the multiple antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication active state, but is not limited thereto. In operation 857, the application processor 531 may provide a first indication to the Wi-Fi module 533. In operation 859, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication. In operation 861, the communication processor 501 may provide a second indication based on that the second antenna among the multiple antennas is used for transmission and is in a communication active state. For example, the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna may exceed the first value. In operation 863, the application processor 531 may provide a second indication to the Wi-Fi module 533. In operation 865 , the Wi-Fi module 833 may stop the backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the second indication.

[0151] Figure 9a is a flowchart illustrating example operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0152] According to various embodiments, in operation 901, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication processor 501 and / or the application processor 531) may identify an antenna that provides an RF signal. In operation 903, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less. As described above, the electronic device 101 may replace operation 903 to identify whether the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna are included in the same antenna group. If the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less (yes in 903), the electronic device 101 may provide a first indication and additional information indicating activation of cellular data communication in operation 905. In various embodiments, the additional information may include information for identifying an antenna, information for identifying an operating frequency band, and / or a duty cycle, but is not limited thereto. The additional information may be used to determine a maximum transmission power level for backoff, and this is described below. If the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value (No in 903), the electronic device 101 may provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication in operation 907. As described above, according to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may provide additional information for determining a maximum transmission power level for backoff as well as a first indication causing a backoff operation to be performed.

[0153] Figure 9b is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments.

[0154] According to various embodiments, in operation 931, the communication processor 501 may provide information indicating that the first antenna of the plurality of antennas is used for transmission and additional information. For example, it is assumed that the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less. The additional information may include, for example, information for identifying the antenna, information for identifying the operating frequency band, and / or a duty cycle, but is not limited thereto. In operation 933, the application processor 531 may identify that the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less. In operation 935, the application processor 531 may provide the Wi-Fi module 533 with a first indication and additional information indicating activation of cellular data communication. In operation 937, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a backoff operation based on the power identified based on the additional information. In the example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may identify the backoff power based on the information for identifying the antenna. For example, Table 6 shows the association information between the maximum transmission power levels of the backoff of the example antenna for cellular data communication.

[0155] [Table 6]

[0156] Antennas for cellular data communications Maximum transmit power level to fall back to First antenna 521 T1 Second antenna 522 T2 The third antenna 523 T3 Fourth antenna 524 T4

[0157] For example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may identify a backed-off maximum transmission power level corresponding to an antenna for cellular data communication by referring to the association information as shown in Table 6 to provide an RF signal.

[0158] In an example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may identify the backed-off power based on the information for identifying the operating frequency band. For example, Table 7 shows the association information between the backed-off maximum transmission power level of the operating frequency band, for example.

[0159] [Table 7]

[0160]

[0161]

[0162] For example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may identify the backed-off maximum transmission power level corresponding to the currently used operating band by referring to the associated information as shown in Table 7. Meanwhile, although Table 7 is described as being divided into four ranges, this is an example, and the division scheme is not limited.

[0163] According to various embodiments, the Wi-Fi module 533 may use the association information of Table 6 and / or the association information of Table 7 to identify the maximum transmission power level of the fallback. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that when it is identified that there are multiple maximum transmission power levels, the Wi-Fi module 533 selects the minimum value from among the multiple maximum transmission power levels. At the same time, the association information of Tables 6 and 7 includes the maximum transmission power level of the fallback corresponding to the antenna and the operating frequency band, but this is only an example. For example, the electronic device 101 may operate to meet the cumulative SAR rule as described above. In this case, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the Wi-Fi module 533 may reduce the average SAR limit, and the maximum transmission power level of the fallback in Tables 6 and 7 may be implemented as a change to the average SAR limit of the fallback or a transmission power corresponding to the average SAR limit of the fallback.

[0164] In an example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may identify the backed-off power based on the duty cycle. For example, Table 8 shows association information between backed-off maximum transmission power levels of an example antenna for cellular data communication.

[0165] [Table 8]

[0166]

[0167] For example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may identify the transmission power corresponding to the average SAR limit corresponding to the duty cycle as the maximum transmission power level of the fallback corresponding to the antenna for cellular data communication by referring to the association information as shown in Table 8. For example, as the duty cycle decreases, the fallback degree may decrease (or the transmission power corresponding to the average SAR limit may increase), but is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 101 may operate to satisfy the cumulative SAR rule as described above. In this case, the Wi-Fi module 533 may lower the average SAR limit and refer to the association information including the transmission power corresponding to the average SAR limit as shown in Table 8.

[0168] As described above, the Wi-Fi module 533 may determine to perform a backoff operation based on the first indication, and identify a maximum transmission power level for the backoff based on the additional information.

[0169] According to various embodiments, in operation 939, the communication processor 501 may provide information indicating that a second antenna among a plurality of antennas is used for transmission. Assume that the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds a first value. In operation 941, the application processor 531 may recognize that the distance between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value. In operation 943, the application processor 531 may provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication. In operation 945, the Wi-Fi module 533 may stop the backoff operation of the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the second indication.

[0170] Fig.9c is a signal flow diagram illustrating example operations of a communication processor, an application processor, and a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments.

[0171] According to various embodiments, in operation 961, the communication processor 501 may provide a first indication and additional information based on the first antenna among the plurality of antennas being used for transmission. In operation 963, the application processor 531 may provide the first indication and additional information to the Wi-Fi module 533. In operation 965, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a fallback operation based on the power identified based on the additional information. For example, the above has been combined with Figure 9b The identification of the maximum transmission power level of the fallback based on the additional information is described, so a repeated description thereof is not given below. In operation 967, the communication processor 501 may provide a second indication based on the second antenna among the multiple antennas being used for transmission. In operation 969, the application processor 531 may provide the second indication to the Wi-Fi module 533. In operation 971, the Wi-Fi module 533 may stop the fallback operation of the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the second indication.

[0172] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0173] According to various embodiments, in operation 1001, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication processor 501 and / or the application processor 531) may identify an antenna that provides an RF signal. In operation 1003, the electronic device 101 may identify whether the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less. As described above, the electronic device 101 may replace operation 1003 to identify whether the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna are included in the same antenna group. When the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is the first value or less (yes in 1003), in operation 1005, the electronic device 101 may identify whether it is in an active state (e.g., RRC connection state or non-C-DRX mode state) based on the identified antenna. When the electronic device 101 is identified to be in an active state based on the identified antenna (yes in 1005), the electronic device 101 may provide a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication and additional information. If the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value (No in 1003), the electronic device 101 may provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication in operation 1009. If the electronic device 101 is not in an active state based on the identified antenna (No in 1005), the electronic device 101 may provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication in operation 1009.

[0174] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device including a plurality of Wi-Fi modules according to various embodiments.

[0175] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may further include an additional Wi-Fi module 534 that is separately provided from the Wi-Fi module 533. The additional Wi-Fi module 534 may be connected to (or include) at least one Wi-Fi antenna. The Wi-Fi module 534 may be an RF module for processing, for example, an RF signal based on Wi-Fi. In an example, any one of the Wi-Fi modules 533 and 534 may include a Wi-Fi modem and an RF module, and the other may be implemented to include an RF module. In this case, a signal from a Wi-Fi modem included in one Wi-Fi module may be processed by both Wi-Fi modules 533 and 534. Alternatively, in another example, each of the Wi-Fi modules 533 and 534 may be implemented to include a Wi-Fi modem and an RF module. The Wi-Fi module 533 may be arranged on a relatively upper side, and the additional Wi-Fi module 534 may be arranged on a relatively lower side. For example, at least one Wi-Fi antenna of the Wi-Fi module 533 may be included in the same antenna group as the third antenna 523 or the fourth antenna 524. Therefore, when the third antenna 523 or the fourth antenna 524 is used to provide an RF signal, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a fallback operation. When the first antenna 521 or the second antenna 522 is used to provide an RF signal, the Wi-Fi module 533 may avoid performing a fallback operation. For example, at least one Wi-Fi antenna of the additional Wi-Fi module 534 may be included in the same antenna group as the first antenna 521 or the second antenna 522. Therefore, when the third antenna 523 or the fourth antenna 524 is used to provide an RF signal, the additional Wi-Fi module 534 may avoid performing a fallback operation. When the first antenna 521 or the second antenna 522 is used to provide an RF signal, the additional Wi-Fi module 534 may perform a fallback operation.

[0176] Fig.12 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0177] According to various embodiments, in operation 1201, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication processor 501 and / or the application processor 531) may identify an antenna providing an RF signal. In operation 1203, the electronic device 101 may identify a Wi-Fi antenna (or Wi-Fi module) having a first value or less relative to the identified antenna. Alternatively, the electronic device 101 may identify a Wi-Fi antenna (or Wi-Fi module) included in the same antenna group as the identified antenna. The electronic device 101 may identify a Wi-Fi antenna (or Wi-Fi module) having a first value or less relative to the identified antenna by referring to association information between the Wi-Fi antenna (or Wi-Fi module) and an antenna for cellular data communication. Alternatively, the electronic device 101 may identify a Wi-Fi antenna (or Wi-Fi module) included in the same antenna group as the identified antenna by referring to information about at least one antenna for cellular data communication and / or at least one Wi-Fi antenna included in the antenna group. In operation 1205, the electronic device 101 may provide a first indication to a Wi-Fi module corresponding to the identified Wi-Fi antenna. Reference Fig.11 , when it is recognized that the first antenna 521 is used, in operation 1207, the communication processor 501 and / or the application processor 531 may provide a first indication to an additional Wi-Fi module 534 included in the same antenna group as the first antenna 521. Therefore, the additional Wi-Fi module 534 may perform a fallback operation. The Wi-Fi module 533 that has not received the first indication may not perform a fallback operation. When it is recognized that the third antenna 523 is used, the communication processor 501 and / or the application processor 531 may provide a first indication to a Wi-Fi module 533 included in the same antenna group as the third antenna 523. Therefore, the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a fallback operation. The additional Wi-Fi module 534 that has not received the first indication may not perform a fallback operation.

[0178] In various examples, the maximum transmission power levels of the fallback of the Wi-Fi module 533 and the additional Wi-Fi module 534 may be set to be different from each other. However, this is an example, and the maximum transmission power levels of the fallback of both Wi-Fi modules 533 and 534 may be set to be the same. Table 9 shows example fallback maximum transmission power levels of the Wi-Fi module 533 and the additional Wi-Fi module 534.

[0179] [Table 9]

[0180]

[0181] N66, N41, and N78 in Table 9 may refer to, for example, an operating frequency band. Antenna identification information may be reflected in brackets. Numbers expressed in % may refer to, for example, a duty cycle.

[0182] Fig.13a 2 is a diagram showing a state change of a housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Fig.13b and 13c describe Fig.13a Embodiment of the invention. Fig.13b and Fig.13c is a diagram illustrating distances between antennas according to various embodiments.

[0183] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 may include a first shell 1301, a second shell 1302, a hinge structure 1303, and a display module 190. The first portion 190a of the display module 190 may be disposed in the first shell 1301 (or visually exposed through an opening formed by the first shell 1301), and the second portion 190b of the display module 190 may be disposed in the second shell 1302 (or visually exposed through an opening formed by the second shell 1302). At least a portion of the first portion 190a and at least a portion of the second portion 190b may be flexible. In addition, the hinge structure 1303 may include a mechanical structure that allows the first shell 1301 to rotate relative to the second shell 1302. Fig.13a In the left embodiment, the state of at least one housing (e.g., the first housing 1301 and the second housing 1302) can be represented as a first state (e.g., a fully expanded state). In the first state, the first portion 190a of the display module 190 and the second portion 190b of the display module 190 can face substantially the same direction. Fig.13bThe antenna is shown in a state where at least one housing (e.g., the first housing 1301 and the second housing 1302) is in a first state (e.g., a fully deployed state). For example, in the first state, the first antenna 1321, the second antenna 1322, and the third antenna 1323 may be included in the first antenna group 1331. For example, since the distance between the first antenna 1321 and the second antenna 1322 is a threshold distance (e.g., a threshold distance according to Equation 1 set based on the total SAR) or less, the distance between the second antenna 1322 and the third antenna 1323 is a threshold distance or less, and the distance between the first antenna 1321 and the third antenna 1323 is a threshold distance or less, the first antenna 1321, the second antenna 1322, and the third antenna 1323 may be included in the first antenna group 1331. At the same time, in the first state, the fourth antenna 1311, the fifth antenna 1312, and the sixth antenna 1313 may be included in the second antenna group 1332. For example, since the distance between the fourth antenna 1311 and the fifth antenna 1312 is a threshold distance or less, the distance between the fifth antenna 1312 and the sixth antenna 1313 is a threshold distance or less, and the distance between the fourth antenna 1311 and the sixth antenna 1313 is a threshold distance or less, the fourth antenna 1311, the fifth antenna 1312, and the sixth antenna 1313 may be included in the second antenna group 1332. At the same time, the distance between the third antenna 1323 included in the first antenna group 1331 and the sixth antenna 1313 included in the second antenna group 1332 may be the shortest distance among the distances between the respective antennas of the different antenna groups 1331 and 1332. The distance between the third antenna 1323 and the sixth antenna 1313 may exceed the threshold distance. Therefore, when two RF signals are transmitted through at least one of the antennas 1321, 1322, and 1323 included in the first antenna group 1331, the electronic device 101 needs to comply with the SAR rule based on the sum of the RF exposure of the first RF signal and the RF exposure of the second RF signal according to 2TX based on the same antenna group. At least some of the antennas 1311, 1312, 1313, 1321, 1322, and 1323 can be used for cellular data communication, and the remaining ones can be used for Wi-Fi communication. For example, when an antenna for cellular data communication and an antenna for Wi-Fi communication are included in the same antenna group, the Wi-Fi module can perform a fallback operation.

[0184] Meanwhile, the first housing 1301 may be rotated relative to the second housing 1302, in which case at least a portion of the display module 190 may be folded. Fig.13aIn an intermediate embodiment, the state of at least one shell (e.g., the first shell 1301 and the second shell 1302) can be represented as a second state (e.g., a state different from the first state and / or the third state). The second state is a state different from the first state and / or the third state. For example, the angle (or relative position) between the shell 1301 and the shell 1302 can be different from the angle (or relative position) between the shell 1301 and the shell 1302 in the first state and / or the third state. The second state is an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, and can be referred to as, for example, a semi-folded state or a transitional state. In addition, the first shell 1301 can be further rotated relative to the second shell 1302, in which case at least a portion of the display module 190 can be further folded. In Fig.13a In the embodiment on the right side, the state of at least one housing (e.g., the first housing 1301 and the second housing 1302) can be represented as a third state (e.g., a folded state). In the third state, the first portion 190a of the display module 190 and the second portion 190b of the display module 190 can substantially face each other. Fig.13c The antenna is shown in a state where at least one housing (e.g., the first housing 1301 and the second housing 1302) is in a third state (e.g., a folded state). In this case, all distances between the two pairs of antennas 1311, 1312, 1313, 1321, 1322, and 1323 may be a threshold distance or less. For example, in the first state, the third antenna 1323 and the sixth antenna 1313 are included in different antenna groups, but in the third state, the third antenna 1323 and the sixth antenna 1313 may be included in the same group. Therefore, when the first RF signal is provided using the third antenna 1323 in the third state, and the second RF signal is provided using the sixth antenna 1313, it is necessary to comply with the SAR rule based on the sum of the RF exposure of the first RF signal and the RF exposure of the second RF signal according to 2TX based on the same antenna group. As described above, the criteria for determining whether to back off can be dynamically changed according to the state (e.g., shape) of the housing, and according to various embodiments, the electronic device 101 can determine whether to back off the maximum transmission power level based on the state of the housing. For example, in the changed housing state, when the antenna for cellular data communication and the antenna for Wi-Fi communication are included in the same antenna group, the Wi-Fi module can perform a fallback operation. Meanwhile, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foldable device described in conjunction with FIG. 13 is merely an example, and in various embodiments, it is not limited as long as it is a device with a deformable housing (e.g., a slidable device).

[0185] Fig.14 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0186] According to various embodiments, in operation 1401, the electronic device 101 (e.g., the communication processor 501 and / or the application processor 531) may identify an antenna that provides an RF signal. In operation 1403, the electronic device 101 may identify a state of a housing. In operation 1405, the electronic device 101 may identify whether a distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is a first value or less (or whether they are included in the same antenna group). The electronic device 101 may identify whether a distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna in the identified housing state is a first value or less (or whether they are included in the same antenna group). The electronic device 101 may identify whether a distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna in the identified housing state is a first value or less (or whether they are included in the same antenna group) by referring to association information about the distance between the Wi-Fi antenna and the antenna for cellular data communication for each of a plurality of specified housing states (or association information about whether they are included in the same antenna group). Alternatively, the electronic device 101 may identify (e.g., calculate) the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna based on the identified housing state, and identify that the identified distance is a first value or less. If the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna is the first value or less (yes in 1405), the electronic device 101 may provide a first indication and additional information indicating activation of cellular data communication in operation 1407. If the distance between the identified antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value (no in 1405), the electronic device 101 may provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication in operation 1409. For example, assuming that Fig.13a In the embodiment of the present invention, antenna 1313 is used for Wi-Fi communication, and antenna 1321 is used for cellular data communication. In a first state (e.g., a fully unfolded state), the distance between antenna 1313 and antenna 1321 may exceed a first value, and electronic device 101 may provide a second indication to the Wi-Fi module. In this case, the Wi-Fi module may not perform a fallback operation. In a third state (e.g., a folded state), the distance between antenna 1313 and antenna 1321 may be a first value or less, and electronic device 101 may provide a first indication to the Wi-Fi module. In this case, the Wi-Fi module may perform a fallback operation.

[0187] Fig.15a is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Fig.15b describe Fig.15a Embodiment of the invention. Fig.15b is a diagram illustrating a coupler according to various embodiments.

[0188] Reference Fig.15a , the Wi-Fi module 533 and the third antenna 523 may be connected via a first line 1501. The Wi-Fi module 533 and the fourth antenna 524 may be connected via a second line 1502. As described above, the third antenna 523 and the Wi-Fi antenna connected to (or included in) the Wi-Fi module 533 may be included in the same antenna group, and the fourth antenna 524 and the Wi-Fi antenna connected to (or included in) the Wi-Fi module 533 may be included in the same antenna group. Lines 1501 and 1502 may be connected to antennas (e.g., the third antenna 523 and the fourth antenna 524) included in the same antenna group as the Wi-Fi antenna connected to (or included in) the Wi-Fi module 533. For example, referring to Fig.15b , the amplifier 1531 may be connected to the fourth antenna 524. The coupler 1530 may be connected between the amplifier 1531 and the antenna 524, and the coupler 1530 may be connected to two output terminals 1531 and 1532. The output terminal 1531 may be connected to, for example, an RFIC. The output terminal 1532 may be connected to, for example, a Wi-Fi module 533. Therefore, the Wi-Fi module 533 may identify whether to provide an RF signal to the fourth antenna 524 based on the signal provided through the output terminal 1532.

[0189] Fig.16 is a flow chart illustrating example operations of a Wi-Fi module according to various embodiments.

[0190] According to various embodiments, in operation 1601, the Wi-Fi module 533 may identify that a Wi-Fi RF signal needs to be transmitted. In operation 1603, the Wi-Fi module 533 may identify whether a transmission power corresponding to a designated cellular communication antenna is identified. For example, the Wi-Fi module 533 may determine whether a transmission power corresponding to a designated cellular communication antenna is identified. Fig.15b The Wi-Fi module 533 may determine whether the transmission power corresponding to the designated cellular communication antenna is identified by the output of the output terminal 1532 in operation 1603. For example, when the amplitude (at least one of voltage, current, or power) measured at the output terminal 1532 is a threshold amplitude or greater, the Wi-Fi module 533 may determine that the transmission power corresponding to the designated cellular communication antenna is identified. When the transmission power corresponding to the designated cellular communication antenna is identified (Yes in 1603), the Wi-Fi module 533 may perform a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal in operation 1605. When the transmission power corresponding to the designated cellular communication antenna is not identified (No in 1603), in operation 1607, the Wi-Fi module 533 may send the Wi-Fi RF signal based on the designated transmission power. The Wi-Fi module 533 may not perform the backoff operation.

[0191] According to various example embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101) may include an RF circuit for cellular data communication (e.g., a first RFIC 222, a second RFIC 224, a third RFIC 226, or a fourth RFIC 228, a first RFFE 232, a second RFFE 234, a third RFFE 236, an RFIC 503, a first RFFE 505, a second RFFE 507, or at least one of switches 509, 511, and 513), a plurality of antennas connected to the RF circuit (e.g., a first antenna module 242, a second antenna module 244, a third antenna module 246, or at least one of antennas 521, 522, 523, and 524), a Wi-Fi module (e.g., Wi-Fi module 533), and at least one processor (e.g., at least one of the processor 120, the first communication processor 212, the second communication processor 214, the integrated communication processor 260, the communication processor 501, or the application processor 531). At least one processor may be configured to provide a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication based on the first antenna among multiple antennas being used for transmission. Here, the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module (e.g., at least one of Wi-Fi antennas 541, 543, 545, and 547) may be equal to or less than a first value. The Wi-Fi module may be configured to perform a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication. At least one processor may also be configured to avoid providing a first indication based on the second antenna among multiple antennas being used for transmission whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value.

[0192] According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be further configured to provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication based on a second antenna among the plurality of antennas having a distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeding a first value being used for transmission.

[0193] According to various example embodiments, the Wi-Fi module may be further configured to stop performing the backoff operation based on receiving a second indication while performing the backoff operation.

[0194] According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to, as at least part of providing the first indication, provide the first indication based on cellular communications associated with the first antenna being active.

[0195] According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be further configured to refrain from providing the first indication based on cellular communications associated with the first antenna being inactive.

[0196] According to various example embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to, as at least part of providing the first indication, provide the first indication and additional information, and the additional information may include information for identifying the first antenna, information about an operating frequency band associated with the first antenna, and / or information about a duty cycle.

[0197] According to various example embodiments, the Wi-Fi module may be further configured to determine at least one transmission power corresponding to a maximum average SAR allocated for Wi-Fi communication and / or a maximum transmission power level of Wi-Fi RF signals based on the additional information.

[0198] According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include an additional Wi-Fi module (e.g., Wi-Fi module 534). The at least one processor may further be configured to: avoid providing a first indication to the additional Wi-Fi module based on the first antenna being used for transmission and a distance between the first antenna and the additional Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the additional Wi-Fi module exceeding a first value.

[0199] According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may be further configured to identify a distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module and / or identify whether the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module is equal to or less than a first value.

[0200] According to various example embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to, as at least part of identifying the distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module, identify the distance based on a sensed value of at least one parameter that changes according to a state of a shell of the electronic device and / or a change in the state of the shell.

[0201] According to various example embodiments, the Wi-Fi module may be configured to, as at least part of performing a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication, reduce a maximum transmission power level of the Wi-Fi RF signal and / or reduce at least one transmission power corresponding to a maximum average SAR allocated for Wi-Fi communication.

[0202] According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may include at least one communication processor and at least one application processor. The at least one communication processor may be configured to provide information for identifying the first antenna to the at least one application processor. The at least one application processor may be configured to provide a first indication to the Wi-Fi module based on receiving the information for identifying the first antenna.

[0203] According to various example embodiments, a method for operating an electronic device may include: providing, by at least one processor of the electronic device, a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication based on a first antenna among multiple antennas of the electronic device being used for transmission. A distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to a Wi-Fi module may be equal to or less than a first value. The method for operating an electronic device may include: performing, by the Wi-Fi module of the electronic device, a backoff operation on a transmission power of a Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication. Providing the first indication may be avoided based on a second antenna among multiple antennas being used for transmission whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds the first value.

[0204] According to various example embodiments, the method for operating an electronic device may further include providing, by at least one processor, a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication based on a second antenna among the plurality of antennas whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds a first value being used for transmission.

[0205] According to various example embodiments, the method for operating an electronic device may further include stopping, by the Wi-Fi module, performing the backoff operation based on receiving a second indication while the backoff operation is being performed.

[0206] According to various example embodiments, in a method for operating an electronic device, when providing the first indication, the first indication may be provided based on that cellular communication associated with the first antenna is in an active state.

[0207] According to various example embodiments, the method for operating an electronic device may further include: refraining, by the at least one processor, from providing the first indication based on a cellular communication associated with the first antenna being in an inactive state.

[0208] According to various example embodiments, the method for operating an electronic device may further include providing, by at least one processor, a first indication and additional information as at least part of providing the first indication. The additional information may include information for identifying the first antenna, information about an operating frequency band associated with the first antenna, and / or information about a duty cycle.

[0209] According to various example embodiments, the method for operating an electronic device may further include determining, by the Wi-Fi module, at least one transmission power corresponding to a maximum average SAR allocated for Wi-Fi communication and / or a maximum transmission power level of a Wi-Fi RF signal based on the additional information.

[0210] According to various example embodiments, the method for operating an electronic device may further include: avoiding, by at least one processor, providing a first indication to the additional Wi-Fi module based on the first antenna being used for transmission, and a distance between the first antenna included in the electronic device and an additional Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the additional Wi-Fi module exceeding a first value.

[0211] According to various example embodiments, the method for operating an electronic device may further include identifying, by at least one processor, a distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module and / or identifying whether the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module is equal to or less than a first value.

[0212] According to various example embodiments, identifying the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module may identify the distance based on a sensed value of at least one parameter that changes according to a state of a case of the electronic device and / or a change in the state of the case.

[0213] According to various example embodiments, performing a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication may reduce a maximum transmission power level of the Wi-Fi RF signal and / or reduce at least one transmission power corresponding to a maximum average SAR allocated for Wi-Fi communications.

[0214] According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may include at least one communication processor and at least one application processor. The at least one communication processor may provide information for identifying the first antenna to the at least one application processor. The at least one application processor may provide a first indication to the Wi-Fi module based on receiving the information for identifying the first antenna.

[0215] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those electronic devices described above.

[0216] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for the corresponding embodiments. For the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the nouns in the singular form corresponding to the term may include one or more things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding one of the multiple phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “combined with another element (e.g., the second element)”, “combined to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “connected with another element (e.g., the second element)”, or “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)” when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are used or when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are not used, it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0217] As used in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimum unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0218] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under the control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute the at least one instruction with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0219] According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be published in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If published online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a memory of a forwarding server).

[0220] According to various embodiments, each of the above-mentioned components (e.g., a module or a program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately arranged in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding one of the multiple components performing one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, a program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or in a heuristic manner, or one or more of the operations may be run or omitted in a different order, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: RF circuits for cellular data communications; multiple antennas connected to the RF circuit; Wi-Fi module; as well as at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: providing a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication based on a first antenna among the plurality of antennas being used for transmission, wherein a distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module is equal to or less than a first value, The Wi-Fi module is configured to: based on receiving the first indication, perform a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal; and The at least one processor is further configured to: avoid providing the first indication based on that a second antenna among the multiple antennas whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds a first value is used for transmission.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to provide a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication based on a second antenna among the plurality of antennas having a distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeding a first value being used for transmission.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The Wi-Fi module is further configured to stop performing the backoff operation based on receiving a second indication while performing the backoff operation.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to, as at least part of providing the first indication, provide the first indication based on cellular communications associated with the first antenna being active.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to refrain from providing the first indication based on cellular communications associated with the first antenna being inactive.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to: provide, as at least part of providing the first indication, the first indication and the additional information, and The additional information includes information for identifying the first antenna, information about an operating frequency band associated with the first antenna, and / or information about a duty cycle.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The Wi-Fi module is further configured to determine at least one transmission power corresponding to a maximum average SAR allocated for Wi-Fi communications and / or a maximum transmission power level for Wi-Fi RF signals based on the additional information.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising an additional Wi-Fi module, in, The at least one processor is further configured to refrain from providing a first indication to the additional Wi-Fi module based on the first antenna being used for transmission and a distance between the first antenna and an additional Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the additional Wi-Fi module exceeding a first value.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to identify a distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module and / or identify whether the distance between the first antenna and the Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module is equal to or less than a first value.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to: as at least part of identifying a distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module, The distance is identified based on a sensed value of at least one parameter that changes according to a state of a housing of the electronic device and / or a change in the state of the housing.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The Wi-Fi module is configured to, as at least part of performing a backoff operation on a transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication, reduce a maximum transmission power level of the Wi-Fi RF signal and / or reduce at least one transmission power corresponding to a maximum average SAR allocated for Wi-Fi communication.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor includes at least one communication processor and at least one application processor, The at least one communication processor is configured to: provide information for identifying the first antenna to the at least one application processor, and The at least one application processor is configured to provide a first indication to the Wi-Fi module based on receiving information for identifying the first antenna.

13. A method of operating an electronic device, the method comprising: providing, by at least one processor of the electronic device, a first indication indicating activation of cellular data communication based on a first antenna among a plurality of antennas of the electronic device being used for transmission, wherein a distance between the first antenna and a Wi-Fi antenna corresponding to the Wi-Fi module is equal to or less than a first value; and The Wi-Fi module of the electronic device performs a backoff operation on the transmission power of the Wi-Fi RF signal based on receiving the first indication, Wherein, based on the fact that a second antenna among the multiple antennas whose distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeds a first value is used for transmission, the first indication is avoided from being provided.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: Based on a second antenna among the plurality of antennas having a distance from the Wi-Fi antenna exceeding a first value being used for transmission, a second indication indicating deactivation of cellular data communication is provided by the at least one processor.

15. The method according to claim 13, in, When providing the first indication, providing the first indication is based on cellular communication associated with the first antenna being active, and Wherein, based on the cellular communication associated with the first antenna being inactive, the providing of the first indication is avoided.

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