Antenna module and electronic device including the same

Abstract

Disclosed is an antenna module including a printed circuit board, a first antenna group including a first sensing antenna and a second sensing antenna disposed on a first surface of the printed circuit board and transmitting and receiving a first signal, a second antenna group including a second sensing antenna disposed on a second surface of the printed circuit board, and a processor, the second antenna group includes an antenna element disposed on the first surface between the first sensing antenna and the second sensing antenna, and the processor is coupled to the printed circuit board, the first antenna group, and the second antenna group. The processor obtains information on a distance between an external object and the antenna module based on a first signal transmitted and received through the first antenna group, and when the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module, transmits the information to the antenna module. The second signal is transmitted by the second antenna group at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to and claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0116528 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 1, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to an antenna module and an electronic device including the antenna module. Background Art

[0004] When an electronic device operates for wireless communication with an external device, the electronic device emits electromagnetic (EM) waves (EM signals). The emitted electromagnetic waves may be absorbed by the human body, and if the EM power is too high, harmful effects may be caused. Therefore, organizations in each country have introduced evaluation standards such as specific absorption rate (SAR), power density (PD), and total exposure ratio (TER), and the EM waves emitted from the electronic device may be adjusted so as not to exceed the threshold value specified by the standard.

[0005] The specific absorption rate (SAR) that defines the rate at which electromagnetic waves are absorbed by the human body may be applied to signals in frequency bands of 6 GHz or lower; the power density (PD) and total exposure ratio (TER) may be applied to signals in frequency bands of 6 GHz or higher.

[0006] Meanwhile, in order to cope with the growing demand for wireless data traffic after the commercialization of 4G (4th generation) communication systems, efforts are being made to develop improved 5G (5th generation) communication systems or quasi-5G communication systems. In order to achieve high data transmission rates, 5G communication systems are considered to be implemented in ultra-high frequency (mmWave) bands (e.g., about 20 GHz to about 300 GHz).

[0007] Therefore, when performing communications using a 5G communication system, electronic devices may be designed to meet regulations associated with specific absorption rate (SAR), power density (PD), and total exposure ratio (TER). Summary of the invention

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an antenna module including an antenna group for obtaining location information of an external object and an antenna group for transmitting an RF signal with a transmission power corresponding to the location information.

[0009] According to an embodiment, an antenna module may include a printed circuit board; a first antenna group including a first sensing antenna and a second sensing antenna disposed on a first surface of the printed circuit board and transmitting and receiving a first signal; a second antenna group including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the first surface between the first sensing antenna and the second sensing antenna; and a processor coupled to the printed circuit board, the first antenna group, and the second antenna group. The processor may obtain information about the distance between an external object and the antenna module based on a first signal transmitted and received through the first antenna group, and when the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module, a second signal may be transmitted through the second antenna group at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance.

[0010] According to an embodiment, a wireless communication method using an antenna module may include: transmitting a first signal toward an external object through a first sensing antenna or a second sensing antenna included in a first antenna group; determining whether the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module based on the first signal reflected by the external object; and when the external object is determined to be within the first distance from the antenna module, transmitting a second signal through a plurality of antenna elements included in a second antenna group at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance. The plurality of antenna elements may be provided between the first sensing antenna and the second sensing antenna.

[0011] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing forming at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device; an antenna module formed inside the housing; and a processor. The antenna module may include a printed circuit board; a first antenna group including a first sensing antenna and a second sensing antenna disposed on a first surface of the printed circuit board and transmitting and receiving a first signal; and a second antenna group including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the first surface between the first sensing antenna and the second sensing antenna. The processor may obtain information about the distance between an external object and the antenna module based on a first signal transmitted and received through the first antenna group, and when the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module, may cause a second signal to be transmitted through the second antenna group at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an antenna module sensing an external object when viewed from one side according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A A plan view of the antenna module.

[0016] Figure 2C When viewed from the other side, Figure 2A A perspective view of the antenna module.

[0017] Figure 3A Shown along Figure 2A An example of a cross section of the antenna module taken along line AA'.

[0018] Figure 3B Shown along Figure 2A Another example of a cross section of the antenna module taken along line AA′.

[0019] Figure 3C shows the relative ground plane used to reflect the signal. Figure 3B The antenna module includes a first antenna group and a second antenna group.

[0020] Figure 4 A configuration is shown in which the antenna module according to the embodiment senses an external object within a first distance from the antenna module.

[0021] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an antenna module controls transmission power when an external object is within a first distance from the antenna module according to an embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 6A A configuration is shown in which the antenna module according to the embodiment senses an external object within a second distance from the antenna module.

[0023] Figure 6B FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment, wherein when an external object is within a second distance from the antenna module, Fig. 6A Flowchart of the operation of the antenna module controlling the transmission power.

[0024] Fig. 7A A configuration is shown in which the antenna module according to the embodiment senses an external object existing between a first distance and a third distance from the antenna module.

[0025] Figure 7B is a diagram showing that when an external object exists between a first distance and a third distance from the antenna module, Fig. 7A Flowchart of the operation of the antenna module controlling the transmission power.

[0026] Fig. 8A An antenna module further comprising a third sensing antenna according to another embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 8B It shows Fig. 8A The antenna module is configured to obtain information about an angle formed by an external object and the antenna module by using a first antenna group.

[0028] Fig. 9 A configuration is shown in which an antenna module included in an electronic device according to an embodiment transmits a signal with a transmission power corresponding to a distance from an external object.

[0029] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail and clearly so that those skilled in the art can easily perform these and other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 The antenna module 100 according to the embodiment may include a first antenna group 210, a second antenna group 220, a radio frequency front end (RFFE) 120, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 130, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 150, and a processor 110. The antenna module 100 may operate as both a radar and a transceiver.

[0033] The antenna module 100 may include a first antenna group 210 and a second antenna group 220 that transmit and / or receive signals in different frequency bands.

[0034] In detail, the antenna module 100 may include a first antenna group 210 that transmits and receives a first signal in a first frequency band. In addition, the antenna module 100 may include a second antenna group 220 that transmits and receives a second signal in a different second frequency band.

[0035] Herein, the first signal may be referred to as a “radar signal” for obtaining position information of an external object adjacent to (close to) the antenna module 100. For example, the first signal may be a radar signal having a frequency of about 60 GHz.

[0036] The frequency of the second signal may vary according to various embodiments. The second signal may be referred to as a "radio frequency (RF) signal" for wireless communication in a specified frequency band. For example, the second signal may be a millimeter wave (mmWave) signal in a frequency band of about 28 GHz (mmWave is considered a type of RF signal in this article).

[0037] In other embodiments, the second signal has a frequency lower than the frequency of the mmWave signal. For example, the second signal can be referred to as a "Long Term Evolution (LTE) signal" having a frequency in a frequency band of about 700 MHz. In other embodiments, the first signal and the second signal fall within other frequency bands.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 may be part of (eg, formed in) a single printed circuit board. In addition, the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 may be electrically connected to a single RFFE 120 and a single RFIC 130.

[0039] Therefore, the antenna module 100 may transmit / receive signals in different frequency bands by using the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 formed in a single printed circuit board.

[0040] Therefore, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may be referred to as an antenna device including the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 , a wireless communication device, or a transceiver.

[0041] The antenna module 100 may include an RFFE 120 that receives an RF signal through the first antenna group 210 and / or the second antenna group 220 .

[0042] According to an embodiment, the RFFE 120 may perform pre-processing on a signal received through the first antenna group 210 and / or the second antenna group 220. For example, the RFFE 120 may pre-process an RF signal received through the second antenna group 220.

[0043] To this end, the RFFE 120 may include at least some of a phase shifter, a bandpass filter, and a switching circuit connected to the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 .

[0044] The antenna module 100 may include an RFIC 130 connected to the RFFE 120. The RFIC 130 may convert a baseband signal into an RF signal in a transmission path and / or convert an RF signal into a baseband signal in a reception path.

[0045] For example, in the case of receiving a signal, the RFIC 130 may convert the RF signal pre-processed by the RFFE 120 into a baseband signal for processing by the processor 110 .

[0046] In addition, for example, in the case of transmitting a signal, the RFIC 130 may convert a baseband signal generated by the processor 110 into an RF signal in a Sub6 frequency band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz or lower) used in a second network (e.g., a 5G network).

[0047] In another example, in the case of transmitting a signal, the RFIC 130 may convert a baseband signal generated by the processor 110 into an RF signal in a 5G Above 6 frequency band (e.g., approximately 6 GHz to approximately 60 GHz) to be used in a third network (e.g., a 5G network).

[0048] In another example, in the case of transmitting a signal, the RFIC 130 may convert a baseband signal generated by the processor 110 into an RF signal of about 700 MHz to about 3 GHz, wherein the RF signal is used for a first network (eg, a legacy network).

[0049] The antenna module 100 may include a processor 110 electrically connected to the RFIC 130 and the PMIC 150. The processor 110 may be coupled to each of the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group through the RFIC 130 and the RFFE 120.

[0050] The processor 110 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program) to control at least another component of the antenna module 100 (e.g., the RFIC 130 or the PMIC 150), and may perform various data processing or operations. The processor 110 may include a central processing unit or a microprocessor, and may control the overall operation of the antenna module 100. Therefore, below, the operations performed by the antenna module 100 may be understood to be performed under the control of the processor 110.

[0051] The processor 110 may include an algorithm for controlling at least some of the RFIC 130 or the PMIC 150. For example, the algorithm may be a software code programmed in the processor 110. In another example, the algorithm may be a hard code hard-coded in the processor 110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0052] The processor 110 may control the RFIC 130 and the PMIC 150 depending on an algorithm so that the target transmission power is provided to each of the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 .

[0053] Under the control of processor 110, PMIC 150 may supply power to first antenna group 210 and second antenna group 220. To this end, under the control of processor 110, PMIC 150 may provide transmission power to first antenna group 210 and second antenna group 220 through RFFE 120.

[0054] For example, under the control of the processor 110, the PMIC 150 may provide the first antenna group 210 with transmission power for transmitting the first signal. Also, under the control of the processor 110, the PMIC 150 may provide the second antenna group 220 with transmission power for transmitting the second signal.

[0055] As such, the processor 110 may be referred to herein as “transmitting and / or receiving signals” using the first antenna group 210 and / or the second antenna group 220 in a designated frequency band.

[0056] Therefore, the processor 110 according to the present disclosure may be referred to as a communication processor (CP).

[0057] The processor 110 may obtain information about the distance between the external object and the antenna module 100 through the first antenna group 210. For example, the processor 110 may transmit and receive radar signals through the first antenna group 210 and may measure the distance from the antenna module 100 to the external object close to the antenna module 100.

[0058] In addition, the processor 110 may control the transmission power of the second antenna group 220 based on the obtained distance information.

[0059] In this regard, when the external object is within a given distance from the antenna module 100, the processor 110 may provide the second antenna group 220 with a transmission power that is less than or equal to a maximum power set according to the distance.

[0060] In this case, for example, the maximum power set according to the distance may be set to satisfy criteria associated with at least some of the specific absorption rate (SAR), the power density (PD), and the total exposure ratio (TER).

[0061] For example, the maximum power according to the distance may be understood as an allowable power set so that the influence of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna module 100 on a human body adjacent to the antenna module 100 is less than a reference value.

[0062] For example, when the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module 100 , the processor 110 may transmit a second signal through the second antenna group 220 at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance.

[0063] Referring to the above components, the processor 110 according to an embodiment may determine the distance between the external object and the antenna module 100 through the first antenna group 210 .

[0064] Furthermore, based on the distance between the external object and the antenna module 100 , the processor 110 may transmit the second signal through the second antenna group 220 at a transmission power less than or equal to a maximum power set to correspond to the distance.

[0065] Therefore, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may control the transmission power of the antenna for wireless communication within a range in which the standard associated with the human body adjacent to the antenna module 100 is satisfied.

[0066] In this way, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure can improve the power efficiency of wireless communication.

[0067] In addition, referring to the above-mentioned components, the antenna module 100 may include a first antenna group 210 for obtaining location information of an external object and a second antenna group 220 for transmitting a wireless communication signal with a transmission power according to the location information.

[0068] As such, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may be implemented with a minimized area (or size).

[0069] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an antenna module sensing an external object when viewed from one side according to an embodiment. Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A A plan view of the antenna module. Figure 2C When viewed from the opposite side, Figure 2A A perspective view of the antenna module.

[0070] Reference together Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C According to the embodiment, the antenna module 100 may include a printed circuit board 20, a first antenna group 210, a second antenna group 220, an RFIC 130, and a PMIC 150. According to another embodiment, at least some of the above components may be omitted, or at least two of the components may be formed integrally. In addition, the antenna module 100 may further include a shielding member 390, optionally.

[0071] refer to Figure 2A , the printed circuit board 20 may include a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of non-conductive layers, and the conductive layers and the non-conductive layers may be alternately stacked.

[0072] A printed circuit board (PCB) 20 may provide electrical connections between various electronic components disposed on the printed circuit board 20 and / or outside the PCB 20 by using conductive lines and conductive vias formed in a conductive layer.

[0073] The first antenna group 210 may include a first sensing antenna 211 and a second sensing antenna 212 for transmitting and receiving a first signal.

[0074] In detail, the first antenna group 210 may include a first sensing antenna 211 and a second sensing antenna 212 configured to transmit and receive a first signal and obtain position information of an external object 30 adjacent to the antenna module 100 .

[0075] For example, the processor 110 may transmit a first signal through the first sensing antenna 211 , and may receive the first signal through the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0076] According to an embodiment, the first and second sensing antennas 211 and 212 may be disposed on the first surface 21 of the printed circuit board 20. In addition, the first and second sensing antennas 211 and 212 may be disposed on the first surface 21 of the printed circuit board 20 to be spaced apart from each other.

[0077] The second antenna group 220 may include a plurality of antenna elements 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 arranged to form a directional beam.

[0078] Herein, for example, the second antenna group 220 may include a plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 arranged in a one-by-six matrix at a given pitch W1 .

[0079] In another example, the second antenna group 220 may include first to fourth antenna elements 221 to 224 arranged in a one-by-four matrix.

[0080] However, the number and arrangement of antenna elements included in the second antenna group 220 are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0081] According to an embodiment, a plurality of antenna elements 221-226 may be formed on the first surface 21 of the printed circuit board 20. According to another embodiment, the second antenna group 220 may be formed inside the printed circuit board 20.

[0082] refer to Figure 2B , the plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 may be located on the first surface 21 in a region disposed between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0083] Here, the plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 may be disposed between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 at a given interval W1 .

[0084] For example, the first sensing antenna 211 , the second sensing antenna 212 , and the plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 may be arranged in a one-by-eight matrix on the first surface 21 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0085] The first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other with the plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 interposed therebetween.

[0086] Therefore, when the processor 110 transmits a first signal through the first sensing antenna 211 and receives a first signal through the second sensing antenna 212, an undesirable return current (eg, due to a surface wave) flowing from the first sensing antenna 211 to the second sensing antenna 212 may be minimized.

[0087] Therefore, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve isolation between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0088] As such, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve the performance of the first antenna group 210 for determining the distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100 .

[0089] According to another embodiment, at least one of the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 may be disposed between the plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 .

[0090] For example, the first sensing antenna 211 may be disposed between the first antenna element 221 and the second antenna element 222 , and the second sensing antenna 212 may be disposed adjacent to the sixth antenna element 226 .

[0091] In another example, the first sensing antenna 211 may be disposed between the first antenna element 221 and the second antenna element 222 , and the second sensing antenna 212 may be disposed between the fifth antenna element 225 and the sixth antenna element 226 .

[0092] However, placement of the first sensing antenna 211 , the second sensing antenna 212 , and each of the plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 is not limited to the above example.

[0093] Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the second antenna group 220 may include a plurality of antenna arrays (eg, dipole antenna arrays and / or patch antenna arrays) of the same or different shapes or types.

[0094] refer to Figure 2C , the RFIC 130 may be disposed on the second surface 22 of the printed circuit board 20. Here, the RFIC 130 may be disposed on the second surface 22 of the printed circuit board 20, which is parallel to the first surface 21 and opposite to the first surface 21.

[0095] According to an embodiment, in the case of transmitting a signal, the RFIC 130 may convert a baseband signal obtained from the processor 110 into an RF signal in a specified frequency band. In addition, in the case of receiving a signal, the RFIC 130 may convert an RF signal received through the second antenna group 220 into a baseband signal, which is transmitted to the processor 110.

[0096] According to another embodiment, in the case of transmitting a signal, the RFIC 130 may up-convert an IF signal (e.g., about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz) obtained from an intermediate frequency integrated circuit (IFIC) into an RF signal in a selected frequency band. In the case of receiving a signal, the RFIC 130 may down-convert the RF signal obtained through the second antenna group 220 to convert it into an IF signal, and may provide the IF signal to the IFIC.

[0097] The PMIC 150 may be disposed on the second surface 22 of the printed circuit board 20. The PMIC 150 may be supplied with voltage from the processor 110 (or a power source) and may provide power required by various components on the antenna module 100 (e.g., the RFIC 130, the first antenna group 210, or the second antenna group 220).

[0098] The shielding member 390 may be disposed on a portion (eg, the second surface 22) of the printed circuit board 20 so that at least one of the RFIC 130 or the PMIC 150 is electromagnetically shielded. According to an embodiment, the shielding member 390 may include a shield case.

[0099] Referring to the above components, the antenna module 100 may include a first sensing antenna 211 , a second sensing antenna 212 , and a plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 disposed between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0100] Here, the first sensing antenna 211 , the second sensing antenna 212 , and the plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 may be disposed on / in a single printed circuit board 20 .

[0101] As such, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may be implemented with a minimized area (or size).

[0102] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may be electrically connected to the RFIC 130 , the PMIC 150 , the first antenna group 210 , and the second antenna group 220 .

[0103] The processor 110 may control the RFIC 130 and the PMIC 150 so that the first signal is transmitted and received through the first antenna group 210. In this way, the processor 110 may recognize the distance from the external object 30 to the antenna module 100.

[0104] The external object 30 is an object that reflects a radar signal, and may be a part of a human body (eg, a hand or a head), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0105] In addition, the processor 110 may control the RFIC 130 and the PMIC 150 so that the second signal is transmitted through the second antenna group 220. To this end, the processor 110 may "transmit" the second signal through the second antenna group 220 at a transmission power determined based on the distance identified through the first antenna group 210. (As described above, in this document, the phrase "the processor transmits a signal through an antenna" or a similar form may be understood to mean that the processor outputs a digital signal or a baseband signal, and other transceiver components coupled between the processor and the antenna modulate an RF / millimeter wave carrier to generate a modulated RF / millimeter wave signal transmitted through the antenna.)

[0106] Therefore, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve power efficiency of wireless communication within a range in which standards associated with a human body adjacent to the antenna module 100 are satisfied.

[0107] Figure 3A Shown along Figure 2A An example of a cross-sectional structure of the antenna module taken along line AA′. Figure 3B Shown along Figure 2A Another example of the cross-sectional structure of the antenna module taken along line AA′. Figure 3C shows the relationship between the corresponding ground plane used to reflect the signal from the antenna Figure 3B The antenna module includes a first antenna group and a second antenna group.

[0108] Reference together FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The antenna module 100A / 100B (or printed circuit board 20A / 20B) according to the embodiment may include a ground plane 230 for reflecting signal energy to / from the first antenna group 210 and / or the second antenna group 220. Figure 3A In the antenna module 100A of FIG. 1 , the ground plane 230 may be used as a ground plane for each of the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220. Figure 3B and Figure 3C In the antenna module 100B, the ground plane 230 may be used only as a ground plane for the second antenna group 220 .

[0109] The ground plane 230 according to the embodiment may be formed in one of the multiple layers existing inside the printed circuit board 20A / 20B. In this regard, the ground plane 230 may be formed in a layer spaced apart from the first surface 21 by a first height H1 among the multiple layers existing inside the printed circuit board 20A / 20B.

[0110] Each of the plurality of antenna elements 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 included in the second antenna group 220 can be connected to a corresponding conductive pad 263 at the same height as the ground plane 230 through a corresponding conductive via 261 penetrating the printed circuit board 20A / 20B. Each conductive pad 263 can be located within a corresponding opening in the ground plane 230, thereby being annularly isolated from the ground plane 230, as shown in the cross-sectional view. An inner conductor (not shown) of a transmission line connected to the RFIC 130 or the RFFE 120 can be connected to each conductive pad 263, and an outer conductor of the transmission line can be connected to the ground plane 230 to form a suitable antenna feed, as known in the antenna field. Therefore, each of the antenna elements 221 to 226 can be driven by a "probe feed" or other suitable feeding structure. Alternatively, the antenna elements 221 to 226 are each driven by an electromagnetic coupling scheme.

[0111] In addition, Figure 3A In the antenna module 100A, the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 may each be connected to a corresponding conductive pad 263 (located within an opening in the ground plane 230 ) at the same height as the ground plane 230 through conductive vias 251 and 252 , respectively.

[0112] In this regard, signal energy from the first sensing antenna 211 may be reflected from a corresponding portion of the ground plane 230 below the first sensing antenna 211. In addition, signal energy from the second sensing antenna 212 may be reflected from a corresponding portion of the ground plane 230 below the second sensing antenna 212.

[0113] Meanwhile, the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other with the plurality of antenna elements 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 , 225 , and 226 interposed therebetween.

[0114] For example, the first sensing antenna 211 may be disposed adjacent to a first end of the first surface 21 of the printed circuit board 20A, and the first sensing antenna 211 is adjacent to the first antenna element 221. In addition, the second sensing antenna 212 may be disposed adjacent to a second end of the first surface 21 of the printed circuit board 20A, and the second sensing antenna 212 is adjacent to the sixth antenna element 226.

[0115] Therefore, the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 may be respectively disposed adjacent to opposite ends of the second antenna group 220. In addition, the plurality of conductive structures 325 and the plurality of conductive structures 326 within the printed circuit board may be used to radiate signals of different frequencies from the second antenna group 220.

[0116] For example, when the second antenna set 220 radiates low-band mmWave signals, the plurality of conductive structures 325 , 326 may radiate high-band mmWave signals.

[0117] In another example, when the second antenna group 220 radiates a high-band mmWave signal, the plurality of conductive structures 325 , 326 may radiate a low-band mmWave signal.

[0118] Referring to the above components, the antenna module 100A can increase the electrical length and attenuation of unwanted surface waves that can propagate between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 through reflection from the ground plane 230, compared to a conventional case where the antenna elements 221 to 226 and the associated conductive structures 325 and 326 do not exist between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212.

[0119] As such, the antenna module 100A according to the present disclosure may improve the isolation between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 (compared to the conventional case).

[0120] In addition, for example, an electrical connection path from the RFIC 130 to the first sensing antenna 211 and an electrical connection path from the RFIC 130 to the second sensing antenna 212 may have the same electrical length.

[0121] As such, the antenna module 100A may minimize path losses due to an electrical connection path from the RFIC 130 to the first sensing antenna 211 and an electrical connection path from the RFIC 130 to the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0122] Through the above components, the antenna module 100A may improve the performance of the first antenna group 210 including the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0123] In other words, the antenna module 100A may improve the accuracy of the measured distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100A measured by the first antenna group 210 .

[0124] refer to Figure 3B and Figure 3C , the antenna module 100B and Figure 3A The above antenna module 100A is different in that a unique ground plane structure is implemented for each of the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212. These ground plane structures can further improve the isolation between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212.

[0125] To this end, the printed circuit board 20B may include a first local ground plane 311a spaced apart from the first surface 21 by a second height H2 less than the first height H1. The first local ground plane 311a may reflect signal energy to / from the first sensing antenna 211 and may surround the first conductive via 251 (the first conductive via 251 may be isolated from the first local ground plane 311a).

[0126] In addition, the printed circuit board 20B may include a second local ground plane 311b spaced apart from the first surface 21 by a second height H2 less than the first height H1. The second local ground plane 311a may reflect signal energy to / from the second sensing antenna 212 and may surround the second conductive via 252 in an isolated manner.

[0127] The first local ground plane 311 a may be formed at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first sensing antenna 211 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 21 .

[0128] In addition, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 21 , the second local ground plane 311 b may be formed at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0129] Each of the first local ground plane 311 a and the second local ground plane 311 b may be formed by stacked metal layers and interconnections such as metal layers 312 and 313 and interconnection 317 between adjacent metal layers 230 , 312 , 313 , and 311 a or 311 b and spaced apart from the ground plane 230 .

[0130] Undesired surface waves between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 may propagate through an electrical path including the first local ground plane 311 a , the ground plane 230 , and the second local ground plane 311 b .

[0131] The electrical length of the electrical path formed by the first local ground plane 311a, the ground plane 230 and the second local ground plane 311b (wherein there are antenna elements 221 to 226 and associated conductive structures 325 and 326 between the first sensing antenna and the second sensing antenna) can be longer than the electrical length of the electrical path formed by only the ground plane 230 (wherein there are no antenna elements 221 to 226 and conductive structures 325 and 326 between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212) and have higher attenuation.

[0132] For example, compared to the electrical path formed by only the ground plane 230, the electrical path formed by the first local ground plane 311a, the ground plane 230, and the second local ground plane 311b may also include an electrical length corresponding to twice the height difference (i.e., H1-H2) between the ground plane 230 and the first local ground plane 311a (due to additional reflection paths that the surface waves may need to propagate through).

[0133] Therefore, the antenna module 100B according to the embodiment may increase the propagation path and attenuation of the surface wave traveling between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 compared to the conventional design.

[0134] As such, the antenna module 100B according to the present disclosure may improve isolation between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0135] With reference to the above components, the antenna module 100B may improve the performance of the first antenna group 210 including the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0136] In other words, the antenna module 100A may improve the accuracy of the measured distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100A measured by the first antenna group 210 .

[0137] Figure 4 A configuration is shown in which the antenna module according to the embodiment senses an external object within a first distance from the antenna module.

[0138] refer to Figure 4 , the processor 110 according to an embodiment may obtain information about a distance between the antenna module 100 and an external object 30 adjacent to the antenna module 100 using the first antenna group 210 .

[0139] In detail, the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 is within the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 using the first antenna group 210 .

[0140] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may transmit the first signal through the first sensing antenna 211. For example, the processor 110 may transmit a radar signal in a 60 GHz frequency band using the first sensing antenna 211.

[0141] In addition, the processor 110 may receive, through the second sensing antenna 212 , a first signal that is transmitted through the first sensing antenna 211 and then reflected by the external object 30 .

[0142] The processor 110 may measure a distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100 based on the first signal received through the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0143] For example, the processor 110 may measure the distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100 based on the distance between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 and the time elapsed from the time point when the first signal is transmitted to the time point when the first signal is received.

[0144] In this case, for example, the distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100 may be understood as a straight-line distance between one point on the external object 30 and one point on the antenna module 100 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0145] The processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 is within a first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 .

[0146] In addition, the processor 110 according to the embodiment may control the transmission power for transmitting the second signal through the second antenna group 220 based on the distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100 .

[0147] Referring to the above components, a first antenna group 210 for obtaining information about (or for measuring) the distance between an external object 30 and the antenna module 100 and a second antenna group 220 for wireless communication using a designated frequency band may be formed in a single antenna module 100 (or a single printed circuit board 20).

[0148] As such, the antenna module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may reduce an area (or size) for implementing the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 .

[0149] In addition, the processor 110 may control the RFIC 130 and the PMIC 150 to recognize the distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100 .

[0150] In addition, the processor 110 may transmit the second signal through the second antenna group 220 at the transmission power determined based on the distance recognized through the first antenna group 210 .

[0151] As such, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve power efficiency of wireless communication by using the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 implemented in a single printed circuit board 20 .

[0152] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which an antenna module controls transmission power when an external object is within a first distance from the antenna module according to an embodiment.

[0153] refer to Figure 5, the processor 110 (or the antenna module 100 ) according to an embodiment may control a transmission power for transmitting the second signal through the second antenna group 220 in response to determining that the external object 30 is within the first distance from the antenna module 100 .

[0154] Figure 5 The processor and antenna module can be understood as corresponding to Figure 1 The processor 110 and the antenna module 100 are shown in FIG. 1 . Therefore, components that are the same or substantially the same as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals / symbols, and thus, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0155] When the external object 30 is within a first distance from the antenna module 100 , the processor 110 may control transmission power for transmitting the second signal through the second antenna group 220 to be set to a first maximum power corresponding to the first distance or less.

[0156] In operation S10, the processor 110 may transmit a first signal through the first antenna group 210. Here, the first signal may be transmitted through the first sensing antenna 211 included in the first antenna group 210.

[0157] For example, the processor 110 may transmit the first signal in a frequency band of about 60 GHz through the first sensing antenna 211. Herein, for example, the first signal may be referred to as a “radar signal for identifying the external object 30”.

[0158] In operation S20 , the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 is within a first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 .

[0159] In detail, the processor 110 may receive a first signal reflected from the external object 30 to determine whether the external object 30 is within a first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 .

[0160] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may receive the first signal reflected by the external object 30 through the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0161] For example, the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 is within the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 based on the distance between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 and the time elapsed from the time point when the first signal is transmitted to the time point when the first signal is received.

[0162] In operation S30, the processor 110 may transmit the second signal at the first transmission power through the second antenna group 220.

[0163] In detail, when the external object 30 is within the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 , the processor 110 may transmit the second signal through the second antenna group 220 at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance.

[0164] Herein, for example, the maximum power according to the distance may be understood as an allowable power set to satisfy criteria associated with at least some of the specific absorption rate (SAR), the power density (PD), and the total exposure ratio (TER).

[0165] For example, the first maximum power may be set so that a total exposure ratio of the external object 30 as far as the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 to the electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna module 100 is less than a reference value.

[0166] In addition, for example, information about the maximum power according to the distance between the antenna module 100 and the external object 30 may be stored in the form of a lookup table. Therefore, the antenna module 100 or an electronic device including the antenna module 100 may further include a memory storing the lookup table.

[0167] However, the scheme and configuration associated with storing information about the maximum power according to the distance between the antenna module 100 and the external object 30 are not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0168] For example, the second signal may be understood as a “mmWave signal” within a frequency band of about 28 GHz, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0169] Referring to the above components, the processor 110 according to the embodiment may transmit an RF signal through the second antenna group 220 at a transmission power less than or equal to a maximum power set according to a separation distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100 .

[0170] Therefore, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve power efficiency of wireless communication by using an antenna group within a range in which a standard associated with a human body adjacent to the antenna module 100 is satisfied.

[0171] Fig. 6A A configuration is shown in which the antenna module according to the embodiment senses an external object within a second distance from the antenna module. Figure 6B FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment, wherein when an external object is within a second distance from the antenna module, Fig. 6A Flowchart of the operation of the antenna module controlling the transmission power.

[0172] refer to Fig. 6A, the processor 110 according to an embodiment may determine whether the external object 30 is within a second distance d2 less than the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 by using the first antenna group 210 .

[0173] Furthermore, when the external object 30 is within a second distance d2 less than the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 , the processor 110 may transmit the second signal at the second transmission power through the second antenna group 220 .

[0174] refer to Figure 6B , in operation S41 , the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 is within a second distance d2 from the antenna module 100 .

[0175] In detail, when transmitting the second signal at the first transmission power, the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 is within the second distance d2 less than the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 through the first antenna group 210 .

[0176] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may transmit the first signal through the first sensing antenna 211 while transmitting the second signal at the first transmission power. In addition, the processor 110 may receive the first signal reflected from the external object 30 through the second sensing antenna 212.

[0177] In this way, the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 is within the second distance d2 smaller than the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 .

[0178] In another example, while transmitting the second signal at the first transmission power, the processor 110 may determine through the first antenna group 210 whether the external object 30 has moved toward the antenna module 100 and is within the second distance d2 from the antenna module 100 .

[0179] In operation S51, the processor 110 may determine whether the first transmission power is greater than a second maximum power set to correspond to the second distance d2.

[0180] When it is determined that the external object 30 is within the second distance d2 from the antenna module 100 , the processor 110 may determine whether the first transmission power is greater than the second maximum power set to correspond to the second distance d2 .

[0181] In this case, the second maximum power may be understood as being pre-set to a maximum power value corresponding to the second distance d2.

[0182] In operation S61, the processor 110 may transmit a second signal at a second transmission power through the second antenna group 220.

[0183] In detail, when the external object 30 is within the second distance d2 from the antenna module 100 and the first transmission power is greater than the second maximum power, the processor 110 may transmit the second signal through the second antenna group 220 at the second transmission power less than the second maximum power.

[0184] Referring to the above-described components, the antenna module 100 may include the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 formed in a single printed circuit board 20 .

[0185] The antenna module 100 may control transmission power of wireless communication performed through the second antenna group 220 based on position information of the external object 30 obtained through the first antenna group 210 .

[0186] As such, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may be implemented with a minimized area (or size).

[0187] Furthermore, referring to the above components, when the distance between the antenna module 100 and the external object 30 changes, the processor 110 may control the transmission power of the second antenna group 220 not to exceed the maximum power set to correspond to the changed distance.

[0188] Therefore, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve power efficiency of wireless communication within a range in which standards associated with a human body adjacent to the antenna module 100 are satisfied.

[0189] Fig. 7A A configuration is shown in which the antenna module according to the embodiment senses an external object existing between a first distance and a third distance from the antenna module. Figure 7B is a diagram showing that when an external object exists between a first distance and a third distance from the antenna module, Fig. 7A Flowchart of the operation of the antenna module controlling the transmission power.

[0190] refer to Fig. 7A , the processor 110 according to the embodiment may determine whether the external object 30 exists between the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 greater than the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 by using the first antenna group 210 .

[0191] Furthermore, when the external object 30 exists between the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 greater than the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 , the processor 110 may transmit the second signal at the third transmission power through the second antenna group 220 .

[0192] refer to Figure 7B , in operation S42 , the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 exists between the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 from the antenna module 100 .

[0193] To this end, when transmitting the second signal at the first transmission power, the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 exists between the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 greater than the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 through the first antenna group 210 .

[0194] When transmitting the second signal at the first transmission power, the processor 110 may transmit the first signal through the first sensing antenna 211. In addition, the processor 110 may receive the first signal reflected from the external object 30 through the second sensing antenna 212.

[0195] In this way, the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 exists between the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 greater than the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 .

[0196] In another example, when sending the second signal at the first transmission power, the processor 110 can determine through the first antenna group 210 whether the external object 30 has moved away from the antenna module 100 and exists between a first distance d1 from the antenna module 100 and a third distance d3 greater than the first distance d1.

[0197] In operation S52, the processor 110 may transmit the second signal at the third transmission power through the second antenna group 220.

[0198] In detail, when the external object 30 is within the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 from the antenna module 100 , the processor 110 may transmit the second signal through the second antenna group 220 at a third transmission power less than or equal to the third maximum power and greater than the first transmission power.

[0199] For example, when the external object 30 moves between the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 from the antenna module 100, the processor 110 may transmit a second signal through the second antenna group 220 at a third transmission power less than a third maximum power set to correspond to the third distance d3 and greater than the first transmission power.

[0200] Herein, the third maximum power may be understood as an allowable power set to satisfy criteria associated with at least some of the specific absorption rate (SAR), the power density (PD), and the total exposure ratio (TER).

[0201] Referring to the above components, when the distance between the antenna module 100 and the external object 30 changes, the processor 110 may control the transmission power of the second antenna group 220 not to exceed the maximum power set to correspond to the changed distance.

[0202] Therefore, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve power efficiency of wireless communication within a range in which standards associated with a human body adjacent to the antenna module 100 are satisfied.

[0203] Fig. 8A An antenna module further comprising a third sensing antenna according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 8B It shows Fig. 8A The antenna module is configured to obtain information about an angle formed by an external object and the antenna module by using a first antenna group.

[0204] Reference together Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the antenna module 100C may obtain information about an angle formed by the antenna module 100C and the external object 30 by using the first antenna group 210 .

[0205] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The antenna module 100C shown in FIG. 1 can be understood as Figure 2A Therefore, components that are the same as or substantially the same as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals / symbols, and thus, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0206] According to an embodiment, the antenna module 100C (or the first antenna group 210 ) may further include a third sensing antenna 213 disposed adjacent to the first sensing antenna 211 or the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0207] For example, the first antenna group 210 may further include a third sensing antenna 213 disposed adjacent to one side of the first sensing antenna 211 , and the third sensing antenna 213 is not adjacent to the second antenna group 220 .

[0208] In another example, the first antenna group 210 may further include a third sensing antenna 213 disposed between the second sensing antenna 212 and the sixth antenna element 226 .

[0209] However, placement of the third sensing antenna 213 is not limited to the above example.

[0210] In addition, the third sensing antenna 213 according to the embodiment may be connected to a conductive pad disposed in an opening in the ground plane 230 through a third conductive via 253. The third sensing antenna 213 may be electrically connected to the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 through the third conductive via 253 and the ground plane 230. In this way, the third sensing antenna 213 may form an antenna array together with the first sensing antenna 211.

[0211] The processor 110 may obtain information about an angle formed by the antenna module 100C and the external object 30 by using the first antenna group 210 .

[0212] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may transmit the first signal through the first sensing antenna 211 and the third sensing antenna 213. In addition, the processor 110 may receive the first signal reflected by the external object 30 through the second sensing antenna 212.

[0213] In addition, the processor 110 may obtain information about an angle formed by the antenna module 100C and the external object 30 based on the first signal received through the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0214] The processor 110 can obtain the angle formed by the external object 30 and the antenna module 100C based on at least some of the following: 1) the distance between the first sensing antenna 211 and the third sensing antenna 213; 2) the phase difference between the signal sent from the first sensing antenna 211 and the signal sent from the third sensing antenna 213; and 3) the difference between the time when the signal sent from the first sensing antenna 211 is received by the second sensing antenna 212 and the time when the signal sent from the third sensing antenna 213 is received by the second sensing antenna 212.

[0215] According to another embodiment, the processor 110 may transmit the first signal through the first sensing antenna 211. In addition, the processor 110 may receive the first signal reflected by the external object 30 through the second sensing antenna 212 and the third sensing antenna 213.

[0216] In addition, the processor 110 may obtain information about an angle formed by the antenna module 100C and the external object 30 based on first signals received through the second sensing antenna 212 and the third sensing antenna 213 , respectively.

[0217] For example, the processor 110 can obtain the angle formed by the external object 30 and the antenna module 100C based on at least some of the following: 1) the distance between the second sensing antenna 212 and the third sensing antenna 213, 2) the phase difference between the signal received by the second sensing antenna 212 and the signal received by the third sensing antenna 213, and 3) the difference between the time when the signal is received by the second sensing antenna 212 and the time when the signal is received by the third sensing antenna 213.

[0218] In addition, the processor 110 may control the transmission power of the second antenna group 220 based on the following information obtained through the first antenna group 210 : the distance between the antenna module 100C and the external object 30 , and the angle formed by the antenna module 100C and the external object 30 .

[0219] For example, the processor 110 may transmit the second signal through the second antenna group 220 at a transmission power less than the maximum power set to correspond to a point spaced as far as the first distance d1 from a point of the antenna module 100C and at a first angle 'a' from the antenna module 100C.

[0220] Referring to the above components, the processor 110 may control the transmission power of the second antenna group 220 not to exceed the maximum power set to correspond to the distance between the antenna module 100C and the external object 30 and the angle formed by the antenna module 100C and the external object 30 .

[0221] Therefore, the antenna module 100C according to the present disclosure may improve power efficiency of wireless communication within a range in which standards associated with a human body near the antenna module 100C are satisfied.

[0222] Fig. 9 A configuration is shown in which an antenna module included in an electronic device according to an embodiment transmits a signal with a transmission power corresponding to a distance from an external object.

[0223] refer to Fig. 9 , the antenna module 100D included in the electronic device 900 according to the embodiment may control the transmission power of the second antenna group 220 according to the distance between the antenna module 100D and the external object 30.

[0224] Fig. 9 The antenna module 100D shown in FIG. 1 can be understood as Figure 2A Therefore, components that are the same as or substantially the same as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals / symbols, and thus, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0225] The electronic device 900 according to the present disclosure can be implemented with various types of devices. The electronic device 900 can be, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. However, the electronic device 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned devices.

[0226] According to an embodiment, the antenna module 100D may be disposed inside the electronic device 900 to be adjacent to the first surface 901 .

[0227] For example, when the electronic device 900 is a portable communication device, at least a portion of the first surface 901 may be implemented with a back cover or a housing, and at least a portion of the second surface 902 may be implemented with a display.

[0228] Therefore, the antenna module 100D may be disposed inside the electronic device 900 to be adjacent to the first surface 901 (eg, rear surface) on which the display is not disposed. However, placement of the antenna module 100D in the electronic device 900 is not limited to the above example.

[0229] In addition, the antenna module 100D may be disposed inside the electronic device 900 such that the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 face the first direction (eg, +x direction).

[0230] In detail, the antenna module 100D may be disposed inside the electronic device 900 such that the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 face a first direction (eg, +x direction) facing the first surface 901 .

[0231] For example, the antenna module 100D may be configured such that each of the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 transmits a signal in a designated frequency band in a first direction (eg, +x direction) under the control of the processor 110 .

[0232] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may transmit and receive a first signal through the first antenna group 210 facing a first direction (eg, +x direction), and may measure a distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100D.

[0233] Furthermore, the processor 110 may control the transmission power of the second antenna group 220 based on the distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100D.

[0234] For example, the processor 110 may transmit the second signal through the second antenna group 220 at a transmission power less than or equal to a maximum power set to correspond to the distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100D.

[0235] In this case, the maximum power set to correspond to the distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100D can be understood as an allowable power set to satisfy at least some of the specific absorption rate (SAR), power density (PD), and total exposure ratio (TER) depending on the type and characteristics of the electronic device 900.

[0236] For example, the second antenna group 220 may be understood as a 5G patch antenna including a plurality of antenna elements 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226. In addition, for example, the second signal transmitted by the second antenna group 220 may be understood as mmWave whose frequency belongs to a frequency band of about 28 GHz.

[0237] Therefore, the processor 110 may provide the second antenna group 220 with a transmission power less than or equal to a maximum power set according to a distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100D, and a directional beam 931 may be formed through the second antenna group 220 .

[0238] Referring to the above components, the antenna module 100D included in the electronic device 900 may control power for wireless communication within a standard range associated with a human body in which there is and adjacent to the electronic device 900 (or the antenna module 100D).

[0239] Therefore, the antenna module 100D according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the power efficiency of wireless communication.

[0240] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0241] refer to Fig.10 , the antenna module 100E may include a first antenna group 210 , a second antenna group 220 , and a processor 110 .

[0242] Fig.10 The antenna module 100E may be referred to as Figure 1 Therefore, components that are the same as or substantially the same as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals / symbols, and thus, additional descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0243] In detail, Fig.10 The antenna module 100E can be understood as one in which the RFFE 120, the RFIC 130 and the PMIC 150 are connected to the antenna module 100E. Figure 1 A configuration in which the antenna module 100 is removed.

[0244] Those skilled in the art can Figure 1 The antenna module 100 removes at least some of the RFFE 120, the RFIC 130, and the PMIC 150, such as Fig.10 The antenna module 100E is shown in FIG.

[0245] Reference together Figure 2A and Fig.10 The antenna module 100E may include a first antenna group 210 , and the first antenna group 210 includes a first sensing antenna 211 and a second sensing antenna 212 .

[0246] In detail, the antenna module 100E may include a first sensing antenna 211 and a second sensing antenna 212 disposed on the first surface 21 of the printed circuit board 20 .

[0247] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may transmit and receive a first signal in a first frequency band (eg, 60 GHz) by using the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0248] For example, the processor 110 may transmit the first signal by using the first sensing antenna 211. Also, the processor 110 may receive the first signal by using the second sensing antenna 212.

[0249] According to an embodiment, the antenna module 100E may include a processor 110 electrically connected to a printed circuit board 20 , a first antenna group 210 , and a second antenna group 220 .

[0250] The processor 110 may obtain information about the distance between the external object 30 and the antenna module 100E based on the first signal transmitted and received through the first antenna group 210 .

[0251] In detail, the processor 110 may receive a first signal transmitted through the first sensing antenna 211 and then reflected by the external object 30 through the second sensing antenna 212. The processor 110 may obtain position information of the external object 30 based on the first signal received through the second sensing antenna 212.

[0252] For example, the processor 110 may measure the distance between the antenna module 100E and the external object 30 based on the radar signal received through the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0253] For example, based on the distance information, the processor 110 may determine whether the external object 30 is within a first distance from the antenna module 100E.

[0254] The antenna module 100E may include a second antenna group 220 disposed on the first surface 21 of the printed circuit board 20 .

[0255] In detail, the antenna module 100E may include a second antenna group 220 including a plurality of antenna elements 221 - 226 disposed between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 on the first surface 21 of the printed circuit board 20 .

[0256] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may control the transmission power for transmitting the second signal through the second antenna group 220 based on the distance information.

[0257] In detail, based on the distance information, the processor 110 may control the transmission power of the second antenna group 220 to be less than or equal to the maximum power set according to the distance between the antenna module 100E and the external object 30 .

[0258] For example, when the external object 30 is within the first distance d1 from the antenna module 100E, the processor 110 may transmit the second signal through the second antenna group 220 at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance d1.

[0259] Referring to the above components, the antenna module 100E may include a first antenna group 210 for obtaining location information of an external object 30 and a second antenna group 220 for transmitting a wireless communication signal with a transmission power according to the location information. Here, the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 may be formed in a single printed circuit board.

[0260] In this way, the antenna module 100E according to the present disclosure can be implemented with a minimized area (or size).

[0261] In addition, the processor 110 may transmit the RF signal through the second antenna group 220 at a transmission power determined based on the distance between the external object 30 recognized through the first antenna group 210 and the antenna module 100E.

[0262] Therefore, the antenna module 100E according to the present disclosure may improve power efficiency of wireless communication within a range in which standards associated with a human body adjacent to the antenna module 100E are satisfied.

[0263] As described above, the antenna module 100E according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first antenna group 210 for obtaining location information of an external object 30 and a second antenna group 220 for transmitting a wireless communication signal with a transmission power according to the location information. Here, the first antenna group 210 and the second antenna group 220 may be formed in a single printed circuit board.

[0264] As such, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may be implemented with a minimized area (or size).

[0265] In addition, the antenna module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may transmit an RF signal through the second antenna group 220 at a transmission power determined based on a distance between the external object 30 recognized through the first antenna group 210 and the antenna module 100E.

[0266] Furthermore, when the distance between the antenna module 100 and the external object 30 changes, the antenna module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may control the transmission power of the second antenna group 220 not to exceed the maximum power set to correspond to the changed distance.

[0267] Therefore, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve power efficiency of wireless communication within a range in which standards associated with a human body adjacent to the antenna module 100 are satisfied.

[0268] Furthermore, the antenna module 100 according to the embodiment may increase the length of an electrical connection path of an undesired surface wave between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 reflected by a ground plane.

[0269] In this way, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve the isolation between the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0270] In addition, the antenna module 100 according to the present disclosure may improve the performance of the first antenna group 210 including the first sensing antenna 211 and the second sensing antenna 212 .

[0271] An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an antenna group for obtaining position information of an external object and an antenna group for transmitting an RF signal with a transmission power corresponding to the position information.

[0272] Therefore, the antenna module can occupy a smaller area compared to conventional designs.

[0273] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An antenna module, comprising: Printed circuit boards; a first antenna group including a first sensing antenna and a second sensing antenna disposed on a first surface of the printed circuit board and configured to transmit and receive a first signal; a second antenna group including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the first surface between the first sensing antenna and the second sensing antenna; as well as a processor coupled to the printed circuit board, the first antenna group, and the second antenna group, Wherein, the processor is configured to: obtaining information about a distance between an external object and the antenna module based on the first signal transmitted and received by the first antenna group; as well as When the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module, a second signal is transmitted through the second antenna group at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to: determining, by the first antenna group, whether the external object is within a second distance from the antenna module that is less than the first distance when the second signal is transmitted at the first transmission power; as well as When the external object is within the second distance from the antenna module and the first transmission power is greater than a second maximum power set to correspond to the second distance, the second signal is transmitted through the second antenna group at a second transmission power less than or equal to the second maximum power.

3. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein: The processor is configured to: When the second signal is transmitted with the first transmission power, it is determined through the first antenna group whether the external object is between the first distance from the antenna module and a third distance greater than the first distance. If so, the second signal is transmitted through the second antenna group with a third transmission power greater than the first transmission power and less than a third maximum power set to correspond to the third distance.

4. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The first signal is transmitted and received within a first frequency band; The plurality of antenna elements of the second antenna group include at least three antenna elements disposed between the first sensing antenna and the second sensing antenna at a given interval; and The second signal is transmitted in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band through the plurality of antenna elements of the second antenna group.

5. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The first signal is transmitted to the external object through the first sensing antenna; receiving, by the processor, through the second sensing antenna, the first signal transmitted from the first sensing antenna and reflected by the external object; and The processor obtains the information about the distance between the antenna module and the external object based on the first signal received through the second sensing antenna.

6. The antenna module according to claim 5, wherein: The first antenna group further includes a third sensing antenna disposed adjacent to the first sensing antenna or the second sensing antenna; The first signal is transmitted through at least one of the first to third sensing antennas; and The processor is configured to receive the first signal reflected by the external object through a sensing antenna that does not transmit the first signal among the first to third sensing antennas, and obtain information about an angle formed by the antenna module and the external object based on the first signal thus received.

7. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The printed circuit board comprises: a ground plane spaced apart from the first surface by a first height and configured to reflect signal energy to / from the plurality of antenna elements, and Wherein, the first sensing antenna is connected to a first conductive pad in the opening in the ground plane through a first conductive via, and the second sensing antenna is connected to a second conductive pad in the opening in the ground plane through a second conductive via.

8. The antenna module according to claim 7, wherein: The printed circuit board comprises: a first local ground plane spaced apart from the first surface by a second height less than the first height and surrounding the first conductive via, the first local ground plane configured to reflect signal energy to / from the first sensing antenna; and A second local ground plane is spaced apart from the first surface by the second height and surrounds the second conductive via, the second local ground plane being configured to reflect signal energy to / from the second sensing antenna.

9. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising: A radio frequency integrated circuit RFIC is disposed on a second surface of the printed circuit board, the second surface is parallel to the first surface, and Wherein, the RFIC is electrically connected to the first antenna group and the second antenna group.

10. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising: a memory configured to store a lookup table including information about a maximum power according to the distance between the antenna module and the external object, and The processor identifies a maximum power set according to the distance between the antenna module and the external object based on the lookup table stored in the memory.

11. A wireless communication method using an antenna module, the method comprising: transmitting a first signal toward an external object through a first sensing antenna or a second sensing antenna included in the first antenna group; determining whether the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module based on the first signal reflected by the external object; as well as when the external object is determined to be within the first distance from the antenna module, transmitting a second signal through at least one antenna element among a plurality of antenna elements included in a second antenna group at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance, The plurality of antenna elements are arranged between the first sensing antenna and the second sensing antenna.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: determining whether the external object is within a second distance from the antenna module that is less than the first distance by signals transmitted and received by the first antenna group when the second signal is transmitted at the first transmission power; as well as When the external object is within the second distance from the antenna module and the first transmission power is greater than a second maximum power set to correspond to the second distance, the second signal is transmitted through the second antenna group at a second transmission power less than or equal to the second maximum power.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: determining whether the external object is between the first distance from the antenna module and a third distance greater than the first distance by signals transmitted and received by the first antenna group when the second signal is transmitted at the first transmission power; as well as When the external object is between the first distance and the third distance from the antenna module, the second signal is transmitted through the second antenna group at a third transmission power greater than the first transmission power and less than a third maximum power set to correspond to the third distance.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: sending the first signal to the external object via the first sensing antenna; receiving, by the second sensing antenna, the first signal transmitted from the first sensing antenna and reflected by the external object; as well as Whether the external object is within the first distance from the antenna module is determined based on the first signal received through the second sensing antenna.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The first antenna group further includes: a third sensing antenna, disposed adjacent to the first sensing antenna or the second sensing antenna, and Wherein, the method further comprises: sending the first signal through at least one of the first sensing antenna to the third sensing antenna; receiving the first signal reflected by the external object through a sensing antenna that does not transmit the first signal among the first to third sensing antennas; and Based on the first signal thus received, information about the angle formed by the antenna module and the external object is obtained.

16. An electronic device comprising: a housing forming at least a portion of an exterior of the electronic device; An antenna module is formed inside the housing; as well as processor, Wherein, the antenna module comprises: Printed circuit boards; a first antenna group including a first sensing antenna and a second sensing antenna disposed on a first surface of the printed circuit board and configured to transmit and receive a first signal; and a second antenna group including a plurality of antenna elements disposed on the first surface between the first sensing antenna and the second sensing antenna, Wherein, the processor is configured to: obtaining information about a distance between an external object and the antenna module based on the first signal transmitted and received through the first antenna group; and When the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module, a second signal is transmitted through the second antenna group at a first transmission power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: The processor is configured to: determining, by the first antenna group, whether the external object is within a second distance from the antenna module that is less than the first distance when the second signal is transmitted at the first transmission power; as well as When the external object is within the second distance from the antenna module and the first transmission power is greater than a second maximum power set to correspond to the second distance, the second signal is transmitted through the second antenna group at a second transmission power less than or equal to the second maximum power.

18. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: The processor is configured to: determining whether the external object is between the first distance from the antenna module and a third distance greater than the first distance by analyzing signals transmitted and received by the first antenna group when the second signal is transmitted at the first transmission power; as well as When the external object is between the first distance and the third distance from the antenna module, the second signal is transmitted through the second antenna group at a third transmission power greater than the first transmission power and less than a third maximum power set to correspond to the third distance.

19. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: The printed circuit board comprises: a ground plane spaced a first distance from the first surface and configured to reflect signal energy to / from the plurality of antenna elements, Wherein, the first sensing antenna is connected to a first conductive pad in the opening in the ground plane through a first conductive via, and the second sensing antenna is connected to a second conductive pad in the opening in the ground plane through a second conductive via.

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein: The printed circuit board comprises: a first local ground plane spaced apart from the first surface by a second distance less than the first distance and surrounding the first conductive via; and A second local ground plane is spaced apart from the first surface by the second distance and surrounds the second conductive via.

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