Electronic device for wirelessly receiving power and method of operating same

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an electronic device (150) for wirelessly receiving power may include: a first antenna (410); a second antenna (420); a bidirectional switch (415) provided between the first antenna and the second antenna; and a first rectifier (411) connected to the first antenna and a second rectifier (421) connected to the second antenna. An electronic device according to one embodiment is characterized in that when a power greater than or equal to a reference power of a first rectifier is applied to a first antenna, a bidirectional switch is turned on such that the power greater than or equal to the reference power is allocated to the first rectifier and a second rectifier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device for wirelessly receiving power and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Portable digital communication devices have become a must-have item for everyone in modern times. Customers expect to obtain various high-quality services anytime and anywhere. The recent development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has bundled various sensors, household appliances, and communication devices into a single network. The diversity of sensors requires a wireless power transmission system for seamless operation.

[0003] Wireless power transmission can occur in various types, such as magnetic induction, magnetic resonance, and electromagnetic waves. Among them, for remote power transmission, the electromagnetic wave type can be advantageously performed compared to other types. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical Solution An electronic device 150 for wirelessly receiving power according to an embodiment may include: a first antenna 410 and a second antenna 420; a bidirectional switch 415 between the first antenna and the second antenna; and a first rectifier 411 connected to the first antenna, and a second rectifier 421 connected to the second antenna. In the electronic device according to the embodiment, when power equal to or greater than a reference power of the first rectifier is applied to the first antenna, the bidirectional switch may be turned on to distribute the power equal to or greater than the reference power to the first rectifier and the second rectifier.

[0005] A method for operating an electronic device 150 for wirelessly receiving power according to an embodiment may include: receiving power through a first antenna 410 and a second antenna 420. The method for operating the electronic device according to the embodiment may include: when power equal to or greater than a reference power of a first rectifier 411 connected to the first antenna is applied to the first antenna, turning on a bidirectional switch provided between the first antenna and the second antenna to distribute the power equal to or greater than the reference power to the first rectifier and a second rectifier 421 connected to the second antenna. Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a wireless power transmission system according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a wireless power transmission device and an electronic device according to an embodiment; Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and Figure 3c is a view showing a method in which an electronic device according to an embodiment receives an RF wave using beamforming technology; Figure 4 is a view showing an antenna array including a plurality of patch antennas and a plurality of two-way switches disposed between the plurality of patch antennas according to an embodiment; Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method in which an electronic device according to an embodiment supplies power exceeding a reference power among first power obtained from a first patch antenna to a second rectifier corresponding to a second patch antenna; Figure 6 shows a graph of a method in which an electronic device according to an embodiment supplies power exceeding a reference power among first power obtained from a first patch antenna to a second rectifier corresponding to a second patch antenna; Figure 7 is a view showing a two-way switch disposed between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment; Figure 8a is a view showing a two-way switch disposed between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment; Figure 8b is a table showing a power distribution operation according to on / off of a two-way switch disposed between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment; Figure 9a is a view showing a two-way switch disposed between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment; Figure 9b is a flowchart showing a method in which a controller according to an embodiment controls a two-way switch disposed between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna; and Figure 10 shows a graph of power efficiency according to impedance according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and terms used herein, and all changes and / or equivalents or substitutes thereof also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Throughout the specification and the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used to denote the same or similar elements. It will be understood that the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term "A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" may include all possible combinations of A and B. As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may modify various components regardless of importance and / or order, and are used to distinguish one component from another without limiting the components. It will be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) "coupled / coupled to another element (e.g., a second element)" or "connected / connected to another element (e.g., a second element)", it may be coupled or connected / connected to the other element directly or via a third element.

[0008] As used herein, the term "configured to" may be used interchangeably in context with other terms such as "suitable for", "capable of", "modified to", "used for", "adapted to", "able to", or "designed to" in hardware or software. In some cases, the term "configured to" may indicate that a device may perform an operation together with other devices or components. For example, the term "a processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or an application processor) that can perform the operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device, or a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the operations.

[0009] For example, examples of a wireless power transmission device or an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a workstation, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. The wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type device (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing integrated device (e.g., an electronic clothing), a body-attached type device (e.g., a skin pad), or a body-implantable device. In some embodiments, examples of the wireless power transmission device or the electronic device may include at least one of a television, a digital video disc (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, a dryer, an air purifier, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a media box, a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camera, or an electronic photo frame.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, examples of the wireless power transmission device or the electronic device may include various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (a blood glucose measurement device, a heart rate measurement device, or a body temperature measurement device), a magnetic resource angiography (MRA) device, a magnetic resource imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an imaging device, or an ultrasonic device), a navigation device, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, an event data recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), an in-vehicle infotainment device, a marine electronic device (e.g., a marine navigation device or a gyrocompass), avionics, a security device, an in-vehicle head unit, an industrial or household robot, a drone, an automated teller machine (ATM) of a financial institution / a point of sale (POS) device of a store, or an Internet of Things device (e.g., a light bulb, various sensors, a sprinkler, a fire alarm, a thermostat, a street lamp, a toaster, a fitness device, a hot water tank, a heater, or a boiler). According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of the wireless power transmission device or the electronic device may be at least one of a furniture or a part of a building / structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measurement devices (e.g., a device for measuring water, electricity, gas, or electromagnetic waves). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless power transmission device or the electronic device may be flexible or may be a combination of the above-listed electronic devices. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless power transmission device or the electronic device is not limited to the above-listed embodiments. As used herein, the term "user" may refer to a person using the electronic device or another device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) using the wireless power transmission device or the electronic device.

[0011] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a wireless power transmission system according to an embodiment.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1 , the wireless power transmission device 100 may wirelessly transmit power to at least one electronic device 150, 160. According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmission device 100 may include a plurality of patch antennas 111 to 126. The patch antennas 111 to 126 are not limited as long as each of them is an antenna capable of generating RF waves. At least one of the amplitude or phase of the RF waves generated by the patch antennas 111 to 126 may be adjusted by the wireless power transmission device 100. For ease of description, the RF waves respectively generated by the patch antennas 111 to 126 are represented as sub-RF waves.

[0013] In an embodiment, the wireless power transmission device 100 may adjust at least one of the amplitude or phase of each sub-RF wave generated by the patch antennas 111 to 126. The sub-RF waves may interfere with each other. For example, the sub-RF waves may constructively interfere with each other at one point or destructively interfere with each other at another point. According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmission device 100 may adjust at least one of the amplitude or phase of each sub-RF wave generated by the patch antennas 111 to 126 such that the sub-RF waves may constructively interfere with each other at a first point (x1, y1, z1). The wireless power transmission device 100 may adjust at least one of the phase or amplitude of the electrical signals respectively input to the patch antennas 111 to 126, thereby adjusting at least one of the amplitude or phase of each sub-RF wave.

[0014] For example, the wireless power transmission device 100 may determine that the electronic device 150 is located at the first point (x1, y1, z1). Here, the position of the electronic device 150 may be, for example, the position where the power receiving antenna of the electronic device 150 is located. The wireless power transmission device 100 may determine the position of the electronic device 150 in various ways. In order for the electronic device 150 to wirelessly receive power with higher transmission efficiency, the sub-RF waves should constructively interfere with each other at the first point (x1, y1, z1). Therefore, the wireless power transmission device 100 may control the patch antennas 111 to 126 such that the sub-RF waves may constructively interfere with each other at the first point (x1, y1, z1). Here, controlling the patch antennas 111 to 126 may mean controlling the amplitude of the electrical signals input to the patch antennas 111 to 126 or controlling the phase (or delay) of the signals input to the patch antennas 111 to 126. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will easily understand beamforming, a technique for controlling the constructive interference of RF waves at a certain point. Those of ordinary skill in the art also understand that the beamforming used in the present disclosure is not particularly limited in type. For example, various beamforming methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Application with Publication No. 2016 / 0099611, U.S. Patent Application with Publication No. 2016 / 0099755, and U.S. Patent Application with Publication No. 2016 / 0100124 may be adopted.

[0015] Therefore, the RF wave 130 formed by the interference between the sub-RF waves may have the maximum amplitude at the first point (x1, y1, z1). Thus, the electronic device 150 may receive wireless power with higher efficiency. For example, the wireless power transmission device 100 may detect that the electronic device 160 is located at the second point (x2, y2, z2). The wireless power transmission device 100 may control the patch antennas 111 to 126 such that the sub-RF waves may constructively interfere with each other at the second point (x2, y2, z2) to charge the electronic device 160. Therefore, the RF wave 131 formed by the sub-RF waves may have the maximum amplitude at the second point (x2, y2, z2). Thus, the electronic device 160 may receive power with higher efficiency.

[0016] Specifically, the electronic device 150 may be relatively located on the right side. In this case, the wireless power transmission device 100 may apply a relatively large delay to the sub-RF waves formed by the patch antennas (e.g., 114, 118, 122, and 126) that are relatively located on the right side. In other words, after a predetermined time from the formation of the sub-RF waves by the patch antennas (e.g., 111, 115, 119, and 123) that are relatively located on the left side, the sub-RF waves may be generated by the patch antennas (e.g., 114, 118, 122, and 126) that are relatively located on the right side. Accordingly, the sub-RF waves may meet at a point on the relatively right side at the same time. In other words, the sub-RF waves may constructively interfere with each other at the relatively right side point. In the case of beamforming at the relatively middle point, the wireless power transmission device 100 may apply substantially the same delay to the left patch antennas (e.g., 111, 115, 119, and 123) and the right patch antennas (e.g., 114, 118, 122, and 126). In addition, in the case of beamforming at the relatively left side point, the wireless power transmission device 100 may apply a greater delay to the left patch antennas (e.g., 111, 115, 119, and 123) than the delay applied to the right patch antennas (e.g., 114, 118, 122, and 126). In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless power transmission device 100 may apply the sub-RF waves through all the patch antennas 111 to 126 substantially simultaneously and may perform beamforming by adjusting the phase corresponding to the above delay.

[0017] As described above, the wireless power transmission device 100 may determine the positions of the electronic device 150 and the electronic device 160 and cause the sub-RF waves to constructively interfere with each other at the determined positions, thereby allowing wireless charging with higher transmission efficiency.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a wireless power transmission device and an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0019] Referring to Figure 2 , the wireless power transmission device 100 may include a power supply 201, an antenna array 210 for power transmission, a processor 220, a memory 230, and a communication circuit 240. The electronic device 150 is not limited as long as it is a device capable of wirelessly receiving power and may include an antenna array 251 for power reception, a rectifier 252, a converter 253, a charger 254, a processor 255, a memory 256, and a communication circuit 257.

[0020] The power source 201 may supply power for transmission to the antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer. The power source 201 may supply, for example, direct current (DC) power. In this case, the wireless power transfer device 100 may further include an inverter (not shown) that converts the DC power into alternating current (AC) power and delivers the AC power to the antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer. Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the power source 201 may supply AC power to the antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer.

[0021] The antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer may include a plurality of patch antennas. For example, the plurality of patch antennas shown in Figure 1 may be included in the antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer. The number or array form of the patch antennas is not limited. The antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer may use the power received from the power source 301 to form RF waves. The antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer may form RF waves in a specific direction under the control of the processor 220. Here, forming RF waves in a specific direction may mean controlling at least one of the amplitude or phase of the sub-RF waves such that the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at a point in the specific direction. For example, the processor 220 may control an adjustment circuit (not shown) connected to the antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer, which includes at least one of phase or amplitude, to control at least one of the amplitude or phase of the sub-RF waves. The adjustment circuit may include a phase shifter, an attenuator, or an amplifier. Alternatively, the adjustment circuit may include an I / Q signal generation circuit or an I / Q signal amplifier. The detailed configuration of the adjustment circuit will be described in more detail below. The processor 220 may adjust at least one of the phase or amplitude of the electrical signals respectively input to the plurality of patch antennas included in the antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer by controlling the adjustment circuit (not shown), thereby controlling at least one of the amplitude or phase of the sub-RF waves. Additionally, the antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer is an antenna array for transmitting power and may be referred to as an antenna for wireless power transfer.

[0022] The processor 220 may determine the direction in which the electronic device 150 is located and determine the formation direction of the RF waves based at least on the determined direction. In other words, the processor 220 may control the patch antennas (or the adjustment circuit (not shown)) of the antenna array 210 for wireless power transfer that generate the sub-RF waves such that the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at a point in the determined direction. For example, the processor 220 may control at least one of the amplitude and phase of the sub-RF waves respectively generated from the patch antennas by controlling the patch antennas or the adjustment circuit connected to the patch antennas.

[0023] The processor 220 may determine the beam width of the RF wave formed from the power transmission antenna array 210 based at least on the information included in the communication signal 260. The processor 220 may determine the number of patch antennas sharing an adjustment degree of at least one of a phase or an amplitude corresponding to the determined beam width. The processor 220 may form an RF wave having the determined beam width toward the electronic device 150 by controlling the power transmission antenna array 210 based at least on the determined beam width and the direction of the electronic device 150. In addition, the processor 220 may use the information included in the communication signal 260 to identify the electronic device 150. The communication signal 260 may include a unique identifier and a unique address of the electronic device. The communication circuit 240 may process the communication signal 260 and provide information to the processor 220. The communication circuit 240 and the communication antennas 241, 242, and 243 may be manufactured based at least on various communication schemes such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, zig-bee, and Bluetooth low energy (BLE), which are not limited to a specific type. The communication frequency used by the communication circuits 240 and 258 (e.g., a frequency band including 2.4 GHz in the case of Bluetooth) may be different from the communication frequency used by the power transmission antenna array 210 (e.g., a frequency band including 5.8 GHz). In addition, the communication signal 260 may include rated power information about the electronic device 150. The processor 220 may determine whether to charge the electronic device 150 based at least on at least one of the unique identifier, the unique address, and the rated power information of the electronic device 150. The processor 220 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP), and the processor 320 may be implemented as a microcontroller unit or a microcomputer. In addition, the communication signal 260 may be used in the process of the wireless power transmission device 100 identifying the electronic device 150, the process of allowing power transmission to the electronic device 150, the process of sending a request for information related to received power to the electronic device 150, and the process of receiving information related to received power from the electronic device 150. In other words, the communication signal 360 may be used in the process of subscription, command, or request between the wireless power transmission device 100 and the electronic device 150.

[0024] In addition, the processor 220 may control the power transmission antenna array 210 (or an adjustment circuit connected thereto) to form an RF wave 211 in the direction of the determined electronic device 150. The processor 220 may form an RF wave for detection and use another communication signal subsequently received as feedback to determine the distance to the electronic device 150. Accordingly, the processor 220 may determine the direction of the electronic device 150 and the distance to the electronic device 150, and thus may determine the position of the electronic device 150. The processor 220 may control the patch antenna such that sub-RF waves generated from the patch antenna may constructively interfere with each other at the position of the electronic device 150. Accordingly, the RF wave 211 may be transmitted to the antenna array 251 for power reception with relatively high transmission efficiency. The antenna array 251 for power reception is not limited as long as it is implemented as an antenna capable of receiving an RF wave. For example, the antenna array 251 for power reception may be implemented in the form of an array including a plurality of patch antennas. The AC power received by the antenna array 251 for power reception may be rectified into DC power by a rectifier 252. A converter 253 may convert the DC power into a required voltage and supply the voltage to a charger 254. The charger 254 may charge a battery (not shown). Although not shown, the converter 253 may supply the converted power to a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (not shown), and the PMIC (not shown) may supply the power to various hardware structures of the electronic device 150.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the processor 255 may control the overall operation of the electronic device. In addition, the processor 255 may monitor the voltage at the output terminal of the rectifier 252. For example, the electronic device 150 may further include a voltmeter connected to the output terminal of the rectifier 252. The processor 255 may receive a voltage value from the voltmeter and monitor the voltage at the output terminal of the rectifier 252. The processor 255 may provide information including the voltage value at the output terminal of the rectifier 252 to the communication circuit 257. Although the charger, the converter, and the PMIC may be implemented in different hardware units, at least two of them may be integrated into a single hardware unit. In addition, the voltmeter may be implemented in various types (such as an electrometer voltmeter, an electrostatic voltmeter, or a digital voltmeter, and the type is not limited thereto). The communication circuit 257 may transmit a communication signal including information related to the received power. The information related to the received power may be information associated with the amplitude of the received power, such as, for example, the voltage at the output terminal of the rectifier 252, and may include the current at the output terminal of the rectifier 252. In this case, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the electronic device 150 may further include an ammeter capable of measuring the current at the output terminal of the rectifier 252. The ammeter may be implemented in various types (such as a DC ammeter, an AC ammeter, or a digital ammeter, and the type is not limited thereto). In addition, the information related to the received power may be measured at any point of the electronic device 150, rather than only at the output terminal or the input terminal of the rectifier 252.

[0026] In addition, as described above, the processor 255 may transmit a communication signal 260 including identification information about the electronic device 150. The memory 256 may store programs or algorithms capable of controlling various hardware units of the electronic device 150.

[0027] Figures 3a to 3c is a view showing a method by which an electronic device according to an embodiment receives an RF wave using beamforming technology.

[0028] Referring to Figure 3a , the power receiving antenna array 300 (e.g., Figure 2 the power receiving antenna array 251) may include a plurality of antennas 311 to 318. For example, the plurality of antennas 311 to 318 may be implemented as patch antennas (hereinafter referred to as a plurality of patch antennas). For example, the plurality of antennas 311 to 318 may be arranged in an array form. On the other hand, Figure 3a the antennas 311 to 318 shown in

[0029] According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmission device 100 may transmit RF waves 330 or 340 having a first beam width w1 or a second beam width w2 formed by beamforming to the electronic device 150. The wireless power transmission device 100 may adjust the beam width of the RF wave. For example, the beam width may be adjusted based on the distance d between the wireless power transmission device 100 and the electronic device 150. For example, the wireless power transmission device 100 may adjust the beam width of the RF wave from the first beam width w1 to the second beam width w2 wider than the first beam width w1. Optionally, the wireless power transmission device 100 may adjust the beam width of the RF wave from the second beam width w2 to the first beam width w1.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the power receiving antenna array 300 may receive at least a part of the RF wave 330 having the first beam width w1 formed by the wireless power transmission device 100 through a plurality of patch antennas 311 to 318. For example, the RF wave 330 may be transmitted using any (fixed or variable) frequency f. Based on the corresponding frequency, the size A of the power receiving antenna array 300, the size d1 of the patch antenna, and the distance d2 between the patch antennas may be determined. For example, d1 may be 1 / f * 0.5, and d2 may be 1 / f * 0.7.

[0031] Referring to Figure 3b , according to an embodiment, the power receiving antenna array 300 may receive at least a part of the RF wave 330. The power of the RF wave 330 may be concentrated from the amplitude w to a point at a specific distance (e.g., 3 cm). For example, among the plurality of patch antennas 311 to 318 included in the power receiving antenna array 300, a specific patch antenna may receive the concentrated power.

[0032] According to an embodiment, as the beam width w1 of the RF wave 330 decreases, a specific patch antenna among the plurality of patch antennas 311 to 318 included in the power receiving antenna array 300 may receive more concentrated power. The distance between the wireless power transmission device 100 and the electronic device 150 may suddenly decrease. For example, as the electronic device 150 moves relative to the fixed wireless power transmission device 100, the distance between the wireless power transmission device 100 and the electronic device 150 may decrease. In this case, a specific patch antenna among the plurality of patch antennas 311 to 318 may receive overly concentrated power.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3c , according to an embodiment, the first region 350 may represent a point where the highest power can be received from the RF wave 330. The second region 351 may represent a point where power lower than that of the first region 350 by a magnitude corresponding to a specified distance can be received. The third region 352 may represent a point where power lower than that of the second region 351 by a magnitude corresponding to a specified distance can be received.

[0034] According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of patch antennas 311 to 318 may straddle a plurality of lines 350 to 352. Accordingly, the plurality of patch antennas 311 to 318 may respectively receive or obtain power of different magnitudes. For example, the third patch antenna 313 and the fifth patch antenna 315 may receive or obtain the highest power. On the other hand, the second patch antenna 312 and the eighth patch antenna 318 may receive or obtain the lowest power.

[0035] As described above, when the electronic device 150 receives power from a distance, the power may be concentrated on a specific patch antenna in the power receiving antenna array 300. In particular, when the beam width of the RF wave is quite small, the degree to which the power is concentrated on the specific patch antenna may be high. In this case, the power obtained from the specific patch antenna may be higher than the threshold of the rectifier that rectifies the power. As a result, the rectifier may be damaged or the rectification efficiency of the rectifier may be reduced.

[0036] An electronic device according to an embodiment (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 150) may change a power conversion path between a patch antenna and a rectifier when the beam width of the RF wave is quite small while receiving power from a distance. For example, when the power obtained from the patch antenna is higher than a threshold, the electronic device 150 may distribute the power to other adjacent rectifiers. Accordingly, even when excessive power is concentrated on a specific patch antenna and a specific rectifier, the electronic device 150 may prevent damage to a circuit including the patch antenna and the rectifier. Hereinafter, a method of distributing the corresponding power to other adjacent rectifiers when the power obtained from the patch antenna is higher than the threshold will be described in detail.

[0037] Figure 4 is a view showing an antenna array according to an embodiment including a plurality of patch antennas and a plurality of bidirectional switches disposed between the plurality of patch antennas.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4 According to an embodiment, the antenna array 400 (e.g., Figure 2The power receiving antenna array 251) may include a plurality of antennas 410, 420, 430, and 440. For example, the antenna array 400 may be an antenna array for power reception. The plurality of antennas 410, 420, 430, and 440 may be respectively connected to a plurality of rectifiers (not shown). The antenna array 400 may further include a plurality of bidirectional switches 415, 417, 422, 427, 432, and 435 disposed between the plurality of antennas 410, 420, 430, and 440. For example, the plurality of bidirectional switches 415, 417, 422, 427, 432, and 435 may be disposed between adjacent antennas. For example, a specific antenna may be connected to at least one adjacent antenna through at least one bidirectional switch. For example, the plurality of antennas 410, 420, 430, and 440 may include a first patch antenna 410 and a second patch antenna 420. The plurality of rectifiers may include a first rectifier 411 connected to the first patch antenna 410 and a second rectifier 421 connected to the second patch antenna 420.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the plurality of antennas 410, 420, 430, and 440 may be implemented as patch antennas. In addition, hereinafter, each of the plurality of antennas 410, 420, 430, and 440 is referred to as a patch antenna. However, this is only for convenience of description, and the technical spirit of the present disclosure may not be limited thereto.

[0040] According to an embodiment, if power equal to or greater than a reference power of the first rectifier 411 is applied to the first patch antenna 410, the bidirectional switch (e.g., 415) may be turned on (or short-circuited) so that power greater than or equal to the reference power may be distributed to the first rectifier 411 and the second rectifier 421 connected to the second patch antenna 420 adjacent to the first patch antenna 410.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the first patch antenna 410 may receive RF waves formed by a wireless power transmission device (e.g., Figure 1 100) and obtain first power corresponding to the received RF waves. The first rectifier 411 may rectify the first power, which is alternating current (AC) power obtained from the first patch antenna 410, into direct current (DC) power. For example, the first rectifier 411 is a rectifier corresponding to the first patch antenna 410 and may rectify the first power obtained from the first patch antenna 410.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the second patch antenna 420 may receive RF waves formed by a wireless power transmission device (e.g., Figure 1The RF wave formed by 100) and obtain a second power corresponding to the received RF wave. The second rectifier 421 can rectify the second power obtained from the second patch antenna 420 as AC power into DC power. For example, the second rectifier 421 is a rectifier corresponding to the second patch antenna 420 and can rectify the second power obtained from the second patch antenna 420.

[0043] According to an embodiment, when the first power obtained from the first patch antenna 410 is greater than a first reference power indicating a threshold of the first rectifier 411, the power in the first power exceeding the first reference power can be provided to the second rectifier 421 through the bidirectional switch 415. Optionally, when the second power obtained from the second patch antenna 420 is greater than a second reference power indicating a threshold of the second rectifier 421, the power in the second power exceeding the second reference power can be provided to the first rectifier 411 through the bidirectional switch 415. To this end, the bidirectional switch 415 can be turned on.

[0044] According to an embodiment, when the first power obtained from the first patch antenna 410 is not greater than a first reference power indicating a threshold of the first rectifier 411 and the second power obtained from the second patch antenna 420 is not greater than a second reference power indicating a threshold of the second rectifier 421, the bidirectional switch 415 can be turned off. Therefore, the power supply path between the first patch antenna 410 and the second patch antenna 420 can be blocked.

[0045] According to an embodiment, when the power obtained from a specific patch antenna exceeds the threshold of the corresponding rectifier, an electronic device including the antenna array 400 (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 150) can provide or distribute the excess power to the rectifier of the adjacent patch antenna. Therefore, the electronic device 150 can prevent damage to the rectifier. In addition, the electronic device 150 can optimize the rectification amount of each rectification path in consideration of the amount of power to be applied to each rectifier, thereby improving the power transmission efficiency.

[0046] Figure 5 A graph showing a method in which an electronic device according to an embodiment provides the power in the first power obtained from the first patch antenna that exceeds the reference power to the second rectifier corresponding to the second patch antenna.

[0047] Refer to Figure 5 , according to an embodiment, in operation 501, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 150) can receive from a wireless power transmission device (e.g., Figure 1At least a part of the RF wave having the first beam width formed by the wireless power transmission device 100). For example, the electronic device 150 may wirelessly receive power through the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 and the second antenna (or the first patch antenna).

[0048] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 150 may obtain power based on the received part of the RF wave. In operation 503, the electronic device 150 may obtain a first power through the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 and obtain a second power through the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420.

[0049] According to an embodiment, in operation 505, the electronic device 150 may identify whether the first power exceeds a first reference power and whether the second power is less than a second reference power. For example, the first reference power may represent a threshold (or rectification threshold) of a first rectifier (e.g., Figure 4 the first rectifier 411) for rectifying the first power obtained from the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410. The second reference power may represent a threshold (or rectification threshold) of a second rectifier (e.g., Figure 4 the second rectifier 421) for rectifying the second power obtained from the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420. For example, the first reference power and the second reference power may be the same as or different from each other. For example, the first reference power and the second reference power may be determined according to the positions and / or arrangements of the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 and the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420.

[0050] According to an embodiment, when the first power exceeds the first reference power and the second power is less than the second reference power (Yes in operation 505), in operation 507, the electronic device 150 may provide or allocate the power exceeding the first reference power in the first power obtained from the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 to the second rectifier 421 corresponding to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420.

[0051] According to an embodiment, when the first power does not exceed the first reference power or the second power is not less than the second reference power (No in operation 505), in operation 509, it may be identified whether the second power exceeds the second reference power and whether the first power is less than the first reference power.

[0052] According to an embodiment, when the second power exceeds the second reference power and the first power is less than the first reference power (Yes in operation 509), in operation 511, the electronic device 150 may provide or allocate the power exceeding the second reference power in the second power obtained from the second patch antenna 420 to the first rectifier 411 corresponding to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410.

[0053] According to an embodiment, when the second power is less than the second reference power and the first power is less than the first reference power (No in operation 509), in operation 513, the electronic device 150 may provide the first power obtained from the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 to the first rectifier 411 without power distribution, and may provide the second power obtained from the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 to the second rectifier 421. According to another embodiment, when the second power exceeds the second reference power and the first power exceeds the first reference power, the electronic device 150 may distribute the first power and the second power to other antennas adjacent to each of the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 and the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420, without distributing power between the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 and the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420.

[0054] According to an embodiment, in operation 515, the electronic device 150 may convert (or rectify) the received power through the first rectifier 411 and the second rectifier 421. For example, the electronic device 150 may convert (or rectify) AC power into DC power. The electronic device 150 may provide the converted power to a converter (e.g., Figure 2 converter 253) or a charger (e.g., Figure 2 charger 254).

[0055] Figure 6 A graph showing a method by which an electronic device according to an embodiment provides power exceeding a reference power in the first power obtained from the first patch antenna to a second rectifier corresponding to the second patch antenna is shown.

[0056] Referring to Figure 6 , according to an embodiment, the first patch antenna (e.g., Figure 4 first patch antenna 410) may obtain the first power 610 by receiving an RF wave formed by a wireless power transmission device (e.g., Figure 1 wireless power transmission device 100). The second patch antenna (e.g., Figure 4 second patch antenna 420) may obtain the second power 620 by receiving an RF wave formed by the wireless power transmission device 100. For example, the first power 610 may exceed the first reference power of the first rectifier (e.g., Figure 4 first rectifier 411) connected to the first patch antenna 410. The second power 620 may be less than the second reference power of the second rectifier (e.g., Figure 4 second rectifier 421) connected to the second patch antenna 420.

[0057] According to an embodiment, a power 630 exceeding a first reference power in a first power 610 can be provided or distributed to a second rectifier 421 connected to a second patch antenna 420 through a bidirectional switch (e.g., Figure 4 the bidirectional switch 415).

[0058] According to an embodiment, a first rectifier 411 can rectify (or convert) a power 615 other than the power 630 distributed from the first power 610. A second rectifier 421 can rectify (or convert) a power 625 added with the power 630 distributed from a second power 620. For example, the first rectifier 411 and the second rectifier 421 can perform a rectification operation simultaneously.

[0059] According to the above method, when the power obtained from a specific patch antenna exceeds a threshold of a corresponding rectifier, the electronic device 150 can provide or distribute the excess power to the rectifier of an adjacent patch antenna through a bidirectional switch.

[0060] Figure 7 is a view showing a bidirectional switch provided between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7 , according to an embodiment, the bidirectional switch can include two switches 710 and 720. For example, the bidirectional switch can include a first switch 710 and a second switch 720. For example, the first switch 710 and the second switch 720 can be implemented by N-type MOSFETs arranged in different directions. For example, the bidirectional switch can be implemented as back-to-back N-type MOSFETs.

[0062] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 150) can include a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2 for controlling the bidirectional switch. For example, the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 can be the same as or different from each other.

[0063] According to an embodiment, when a first antenna (or a first patch antenna) 410 receives an RF wave formed by a wireless power transmission device (e.g., Figure 2 the wireless power transmission device 100), a first voltage V1 can be applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410. In addition, when a second antenna (or a second patch antenna) 420 receives an RF wave formed by the wireless power transmission device 100, a second voltage V2 can be applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna).

[0064] According to an embodiment, the first power obtained through the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 may be greater than the second power obtained through the second patch antenna 420. In addition, the first voltage V1 applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 may be greater than the second voltage V2 applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the condition for turning on the first switch 710 as in Equation 1 may be determined. Here, V1 may be the voltage applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410, V2 may be the voltage applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420, VDG1 may be the gate-drain voltage of the first switch 710, and VD2 may be the voltage applied to the second body diode 725 of the second switch 720.

[0066] [Equation 1]

[0067] According to an embodiment, the voltage V1 - V2 corresponding to the difference between the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 may be divided by the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 and applied as the gate voltage VG of the first switch 710 and the second switch 720. When the gate voltage VG is applied to the gates of the first switch 710 and the second switch 720, the first switch 710 may be turned on (or short-circuited), and the second switch 720 may be turned off (or open-circuited). Although the second switch 720 is turned off, a current path may be formed through the second body diode 725 of the second switch 720. The power in the first power obtained from the first patch antenna 410 that exceeds the first reference power may be provided or distributed to the second rectifier 421 through the turned-on first switch 710 and the second body diode 725.

[0068] According to another embodiment, the second power obtained through the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 may be greater than the first power obtained through the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410. In addition, the second voltage V2 applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 may be greater than the first voltage V1 applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410.

[0069] According to another embodiment, the condition for turning on the second switch 720 as in Equation 2 may be determined. Here, V1 may be the voltage applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410, V2 may be the voltage applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420, VDG2 may be the gate-drain voltage of the second switch 720, and VD1 may be the voltage applied to the first body diode 715 of the first switch 710.

[0070] [Equation 2]

[0071] According to another embodiment, a voltage V2-V1 corresponding to a difference between a second voltage V2 and a first voltage V1 may be divided by a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2 and applied as a gate voltage VG to a first switch 710 and a second switch 720. When the gate voltage VG is applied to the gates of the first switch 710 and the second switch 720, the first switch 710 may be turned off and the second switch 720 may be turned on. Although the first switch 710 is turned off, a current path may be formed through a first body diode 715 of the first switch 710. Power exceeding a second reference power among second power obtained from a second patch antenna 420 may be provided or distributed to a first rectifier 411 through the turned-on second switch 720 and the first body diode 715.

[0072] As described above, the bidirectional switch may be controlled in a hardware-like manner without separate control. The bidirectional switch controlled in a hardware-like manner may have a relatively higher operation speed than the bidirectional switch controlled in a software-like manner.

[0073] Figure 8a is a view showing a bidirectional switch disposed between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment. In addition, referring to Figure 8b to Figure 8a the operation of the bidirectional switch will be described in detail. Figure 8b is a table showing a power distribution operation of turning on / off a bidirectional switch disposed between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment.

[0074] Referring to Figure 8a , according to an embodiment, the bidirectional switch may include two switches 810 and 820. For example, the bidirectional switch may include a first switch 810 and a second switch 820. For example, the first switch 810 and the second switch 820 may be implemented to be the same as or similar to the first switch 710 and the second switch 720 described in Figure 7 .

[0075] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 150) may include a first comparator 830, a second comparator 840, and an OR gate 850 for controlling the bidirectional switch. For example, the first comparator 830 may be a comparator corresponding to (or connected to) a first antenna (or a first patch antenna) 410, and the second comparator 840 may be a comparator corresponding to (or connected to) a second antenna (or a second patch antenna).

[0076] According to an embodiment, the first comparator 830 may compare a first voltage V1 applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 with a first reference voltage VREF1 and output a first signal indicating the comparison result. For example, the first comparator 830 may compare the peak amplitude of the first voltage V1, which is an AC signal, with the first reference voltage VREF1. For example, if the first voltage V1 is greater than the first reference voltage VREF1, the first comparator 830 may output a first signal indicating high (or high level). Further, if the first voltage V1 is not greater than the first reference voltage VREF1, the first comparator 830 may output a first signal indicating low (or low level). For example, the first reference voltage VREF1 may be determined according to the position or arrangement of the first antenna (or the first patch antenna). For example, the first reference voltage VREF1 may be provided from a battery included in the electronic device 150.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the second comparator 840 may compare a second voltage V2 applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 with a second reference voltage VREF2 and output a second signal indicating the comparison result. For example, the second comparator 840 may compare the peak amplitude of the second voltage V2, which is an AC signal, with the second reference voltage VREF2. For example, if the second voltage V2 is greater than the second reference voltage VREF1, the second comparator 840 may output a second signal indicating high (or high level). Further, if the second voltage V2 is not greater than the second reference voltage VREF2, the second comparator 840 may output a second signal indicating low (or low level). For example, the first reference voltage VREF1 may be determined according to the position of the first patch antenna 410. For example, the second reference voltage VREF2 may be determined according to the position or arrangement of the second antenna (or the second patch antenna). For example, the second reference voltage VREF2 may be the same as or different from the first reference voltage VREF1. For example, the second reference voltage VREF2 may be provided from a battery included in the electronic device 150.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the OR gate 850 may receive the first signal and the second signal. The OR gate 850 may output a gate signal to the gates of the bidirectional switches (e.g., the gates of the first switch 810 and the second switch 820) such that the bidirectional switches are turned on or off based on the input first signal and second signal. For example, if at least one of the input first signal indicating high (or high level) or the second signal indicating high (or high level) is received, the OR gate 850 may output a gate signal indicating high (or high level). For example, the gate signal indicating high (or high level) may include a voltage sufficient to bias the bidirectional switches. Optionally, if the input first signal indicating low (or low level) and the second signal indicating low (or low level) are received, the OR gate 850 may output a gate signal indicating low (or low level).

[0079] According to an embodiment, if a signal indicating high (or high level) is applied to the gates of the first switch 810 and the second switch 820, the first switch 810 may be turned on and the second switch 820 may be turned off. As Figure 8b shown, if the first voltage V1 is greater than the second voltage V2, the power exceeding the first reference power in the first power obtained from the first patch antenna 410 may be distributed to the second rectifier 421 of the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 through the turned-on first switch 810 and the second body diode 815. Optionally, if the second voltage V2 is greater than the first voltage V1, the power exceeding the second reference power in the second power obtained from the second patch antenna 420 may be provided or distributed to the first rectifier 411 of the first patch antenna 410 through the turned-on second switch 820 and the first body diode 815.

[0080] According to an embodiment, if a signal indicating low (or low level) is applied to the gates of the first switch 810 and the second switch 820, both the first switch 810 and the second switch 820 may be turned off. As Figure 8b shown, the power distribution operation between the first patch antenna 410 and the second patch antenna 420 may not be performed.

[0081] As described above, the bidirectional switch may be controlled in a hardware-like manner without separate control. The bidirectional switch controlled in a hardware-like manner may have a relatively higher operation speed than the bidirectional switch controlled in a software-like manner.

[0082] Figure 9a is a view showing a bidirectional switch provided between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment.

[0083] Referring to Figure 9a , according to an embodiment, the bidirectional switch may include two switches 910 and 920. For example, the bidirectional switch may include a first switch 910 and a second switch 920. For example, the first switch 910 and the second switch 920 may be implemented to be the same as or similar to Figure 7 the first switch 710 and the second switch 720 described in

[0084] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 the electronic device 150) may include a controller 930 for controlling the bidirectional switch. For example, the controller 930 may be implemented as a PMIC, a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an application processor (AP). The controller 930 may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 940.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the controller 930 may compare a first voltage V1 applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 with a first reference voltage. For example, the controller 930 may identify a peak amplitude of the first voltage V1 of the AC signal through the ADC 940. The controller 930 may compare the identified peak amplitude of the first voltage V1 with the first reference voltage.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the controller 930 may compare a second voltage V2 applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 with a second reference voltage. For example, the controller 930 may identify a peak amplitude of the second voltage V1 of the AC signal through the ADC 940. The controller 930 may compare the identified peak amplitude of the second voltage V2 with the second reference voltage.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the controller 930 may output a gate signal to the gates of the first switch 910 and the second switch 920 based on the comparison result. For example, the gate signal may be implemented as an enable signal for turning on the bidirectional switch or a disable signal for turning off the bidirectional switch. For example, the enable signal may include a voltage at which the bidirectional switch may be biased. The controller 930 may control the bidirectional switch such that the power distribution between the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 and the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 is optimized. For example, if the first voltage V1 is greater than the second voltage V2, the power exceeding the first reference power in the first power obtained from the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 may be distributed to the second rectifier 421 of the second patch antenna 420 through the turned-on first switch 910 and the second body diode 915. Optionally, if the second voltage V2 is greater than the first voltage V1, the power exceeding the second reference power in the second power obtained from the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 may be provided or distributed to the first rectifier 411 of the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 through the turned-on second switch 920 and the first body diode 915. In addition, the operation of the controller 930 for controlling the bidirectional switch is described in detail below in Figure 9b is a flowchart showing a method of a controller controlling a bidirectional switch provided between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment.

[0088] Figure 9b is a flowchart showing a method of a controller controlling a bidirectional switch provided between a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna according to an embodiment.

[0089] Referring to Figure 9b According to an embodiment, in operation 901, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 electronic device 150) may obtain a first power through the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 and obtain a second power through the second antenna (or the second patch antenna).

[0090] According to an embodiment, in operation 903, the controller (e.g., controller 930 of FIG. 9) may identify whether the first voltage applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 exceeds a first reference voltage. For example, controller 930 may identify the peak amplitude of the first voltage through ADC 940 and identify whether the identified peak amplitude exceeds the first reference voltage.

[0091] According to an embodiment, if the first voltage applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 exceeds the first reference voltage (being "yes" in operation 903), then in operation 907, controller 930 may output an enable signal to the gates of the first switch 910 and the second switch 920, such that the bidirectional switch is turned on. At this time, the power exceeding the first reference power in the first power may be provided or allocated from the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 to the second rectifier 421 of the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420.

[0092] According to an embodiment, if the first voltage applied to the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 does not exceed the first reference voltage (being "no" in operation 903), then in operation 905, controller 930 may determine whether the second voltage applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 exceeds a second reference voltage. For example, controller 930 may identify the peak amplitude of the second voltage through ADC 940 and identify whether the identified peak amplitude exceeds the second reference voltage.

[0093] According to an embodiment, if the second voltage applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 exceeds the second reference voltage (being "yes" in operation 905), then in operation 907, controller 930 may output an enable signal to the gates of the first switch 910 and the second switch 920, such that the bidirectional switch is turned on. In this case, the power exceeding the second reference power in the second power may be provided or allocated from the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 to the first rectifier 411 of the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410.

[0094] According to an embodiment, if the second voltage applied to the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 does not exceed the second reference voltage (being "no" in operation 905), then in operation 908, controller 930 may output a disable signal to the gates of the first switch 910 and the second switch 920, such that the bidirectional switch is turned off. In this case, the power distribution between the first antenna (or the first patch antenna) 410 and the second antenna (or the second patch antenna) 420 may not be performed by the turned-off bidirectional switch.

[0095] As described above, the bidirectional switch may be controlled in a software-like manner by controller 930.

[0096] Figure 10 A graph showing power efficiency according to impedance according to an embodiment is shown.

[0097] Referring to Figure 10 , according to an embodiment, a plurality of rectifiers included in an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 electronic device 150) may have different rectification efficiencies according to the input power. For example, the first graph 1010 may represent the rectification efficiency according to the input power when the impedance of the load is a first value (e.g., 640 ohms). For example, the second graph 1020 may represent the rectification efficiency according to the input power when the impedance of the load is a second value (e.g., 320 ohms). For example, the third graph 1030 may represent the rectification efficiency according to the input power when the impedance of the load is a third value (e.g., 160 ohms).

[0098] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 150 may optimize the rectification efficiency by distributing the power obtained from the patch antenna to the rectifiers of adjacent patch antennas. For example, when the impedance of the load is the first value, the rectification efficiency of the plurality of rectifiers may be maximized when the input power is 50 mW. When the impedance of the load is the second value, the rectification efficiency of the plurality of rectifiers may be maximized when the input power is 100 mW. When the impedance of the load is the third value, the rectification efficiency of the plurality of rectifiers may be maximized when the input power is 125 mW. The electronic device 150 may identify the impedance of the load and adjust the input power to the plurality of rectifiers according to the identified impedance. For example, the electronic device 150 may adjust the power input to the rectifiers by distributing the power obtained from the patch antenna to the rectifiers of adjacent patch antennas. Accordingly, the electronic device 150 may improve the rectification efficiency of the plurality of rectifiers.

[0099] An electronic device 150 for wirelessly receiving power according to an embodiment may include: a first antenna 410 and a second antenna 420; a bidirectional switch 415 between the first antenna and the second antenna; and a first rectifier 411 connected to the first antenna and a second rectifier 421 connected to the second antenna. In the electronic device according to an embodiment, when power equal to or greater than the reference power of the first rectifier is applied to the first antenna, the bidirectional switch may be turned on to distribute the power equal to or greater than the reference power to the first rectifier and the second rectifier.

[0100] According to an embodiment, when the first power applied to the first antenna exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier and the second power applied to the second antenna does not exceed the reference power of the second rectifier, the power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier may be provided to the second rectifier through the bidirectional switch.

[0101] According to an embodiment, a voltage corresponding to a difference between a first voltage applied to a first antenna and a second voltage applied to a second antenna may be divided by a first resistor corresponding to the first antenna and a second resistor corresponding to the second antenna, and applied as a gate voltage of a bidirectional switch.

[0102] According to an embodiment, based on the gate voltage being applied to the bidirectional switch, a first switch included in the bidirectional switch may be turned on, and a second switch included in the bidirectional switch may be turned off. According to an embodiment, power of the first power that exceeds a reference power of a first rectifier may be provided to a second rectifier through body diodes included in the first switch and the second switch.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include: a first comparator 830 connected to the first antenna; and a second comparator 840 connected to the second antenna. According to an embodiment, the first comparator may be configured to compare a first voltage applied to the first antenna with a first reference voltage to output a first signal. According to an embodiment, the second comparator may be configured to compare a second voltage applied to the second antenna with a second reference voltage to output a second signal. According to an embodiment, the bidirectional switch may be turned on or off based on the first signal and the second signal.

[0104] According to an embodiment, based on at least one of a first signal indicating a high level or a second signal indicating a high level, a first switch included in the bidirectional switch may be turned on, and a second switch included in the bidirectional switch may be turned off. According to an embodiment, power of the first power that exceeds a reference power of a first rectifier may be provided to a second rectifier through body diodes included in the first switch and the second switch.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include: a controller 930 controlling the bidirectional switch. According to an embodiment, the controller may be configured to compare a first voltage applied to the first antenna with a first reference voltage. According to an embodiment, the controller may be configured to compare a second voltage applied to the second antenna with a second reference voltage. According to an embodiment, the controller may be configured to output an enable signal to the bidirectional switch to provide power of the first power that exceeds a reference power of a first rectifier to a second rectifier when the first voltage is higher than the first reference voltage and the second voltage is not higher than the second reference voltage.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the controller may be configured to output an enable signal to the bidirectional switch to provide power of a second power that exceeds a reference power of a second rectifier to a first rectifier when the first voltage is not higher than the first reference voltage and the second voltage is higher than the second reference voltage.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the bidirectional switch may include two N-type MOSFETs arranged in different directions.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a third antenna and a fourth antenna. According to an embodiment, the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna may be arranged in an array form.

[0109] A method for operating an electronic device 150 that wirelessly receives power according to an embodiment may include: receiving power through a first antenna 410 and a second antenna 420. A method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may include: when power equal to or greater than a reference power of a first rectifier 411 connected to the first antenna is applied to the first antenna, turning on a bidirectional switch disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna to distribute power equal to or greater than the reference power to the first rectifier and a second rectifier 421 connected to the second antenna.

[0110] A method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: when a first power applied to the first antenna exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier and a second power applied to the second antenna does not exceed the reference power of the second rectifier, providing, through the bidirectional switch, power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier to the second rectifier.

[0111] A method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: distributing a voltage corresponding to a difference between a first voltage applied to the first antenna and a second voltage applied to the second antenna through a first resistor corresponding to the first antenna and a second resistor corresponding to the second antenna, and applying the voltage as a gate voltage of the bidirectional switch.

[0112] A method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: based on the gate voltage being applied to the bidirectional switch, turning on a first switch included in the bidirectional switch and turning off a second switch included in the bidirectional switch. A method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: providing, through body diodes included in the first switch and the second switch, power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier to the second rectifier.

[0113] A method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: comparing a first voltage applied to the first antenna with a first reference voltage through a first comparator 830 connected to the first antenna to output a first signal. A method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: comparing a second voltage applied to the second antenna with a second reference voltage through a second comparator 840 connected to the second antenna to output a second signal. A method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: turning on or off the bidirectional switch based on the first signal and the second signal.

[0114] The method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: turning on a first switch included in a bidirectional switch and turning off a second switch included in the bidirectional switch based on at least one of a first signal indicating a high level or a second signal indicating a high level. The method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: providing, to a second rectifier, power of a first power that exceeds a reference power of a first rectifier through body diodes included in the first switch and the second switch.

[0115] The method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: comparing, by a controller 930 included in the electronic device, a first voltage applied to a first antenna with a first reference voltage. The method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: comparing, by the controller, a second voltage applied to a second antenna with a second reference voltage. The method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: when the first voltage is higher than the first reference voltage and the second voltage is not higher than the second reference voltage, outputting, by the controller, an enable signal to the bidirectional switch to provide, to the second rectifier, power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier.

[0116] The method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may further include: when the first voltage is not higher than the first reference voltage and the second voltage is higher than the second reference voltage, outputting, by the controller, an enable signal to the bidirectional switch to provide, to the first rectifier, power of a second power that exceeds the reference power of the second rectifier.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the bidirectional switch may include two N-type MOSFETs arranged in different directions.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a third antenna and a fourth antenna. According to an embodiment, the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna may be arranged in an array form.

Claims

1. An electronic device (150) for wirelessly receiving power, comprising: a first antenna (410) and a second antenna (420); a bidirectional switch (415) between the first antenna and the second antenna; and a first rectifier (411) connected to the first antenna and a second rectifier (421) connected to the second antenna, wherein when power equal to or greater than a reference power of the first rectifier is applied to the first antenna, the bidirectional switch is configured to be turned on to distribute the power equal to or greater than the reference power to the first rectifier and the second rectifier.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein When a first power applied to the first antenna exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier and a second power applied to the second antenna does not exceed the reference power of the second rectifier, the power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier is provided to the second rectifier through the bidirectional switch.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A voltage corresponding to a difference between a first voltage applied to the first antenna and a second voltage applied to the second antenna is distributed by a first resistor corresponding to the first antenna and a second resistor corresponding to the second antenna, and is applied as a gate voltage of the bidirectional switch.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 or 3, wherein Based on the gate voltage being applied to the bidirectional switch, a first switch included in the bidirectional switch is configured to be turned on, and a second switch included in the bidirectional switch is configured to be turned off, and wherein the power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier is provided to the second rectifier through body diodes included in the first switch and the second switch.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 or 4 further comprises: a first comparator (830) connected to the first antenna; and a second comparator (840) connected to the second antenna, wherein the first comparator is configured to compare a first voltage applied to the first antenna with a first reference voltage to output a first signal, wherein the second comparator is configured to compare a second voltage applied to the second antenna with a second reference voltage to output a second signal, wherein the bidirectional switch is configured to be turned on or off based on the first signal and the second signal.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein, Based on at least one of a first signal indicating a high level or a second signal indicating a high level, a first switch included in the bidirectional switch is turned on, and a second switch included in the bidirectional switch is turned off, and wherein the power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier is provided to the second rectifier through body diodes included in the first switch and the second switch.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 or 6 further comprises: a controller (930) controlling the bidirectional switch, wherein the controller is configured to: compare a first voltage applied to the first antenna with a first reference voltage; compare a second voltage applied to the second antenna with a second reference voltage; and when the first voltage is higher than the first reference voltage and the second voltage is not higher than the second reference voltage, output an enable signal to the bidirectional switch to provide the power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier to the second rectifier.

8. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 or 7, wherein The controller is configured to: when the first voltage is not higher than the first reference voltage and the second voltage is higher than the second reference voltage, output an enable signal to the bidirectional switch to provide a power greater than the reference power of the second rectifier to the first rectifier.

9. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 or 8, wherein, The bidirectional switch includes two N-type MOSFETs arranged in different directions.

10. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 or 9 further comprises: A third antenna; and a fourth antenna, wherein the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna are arranged in an array.

11. A method for operating an electronic device (150) for wirelessly receiving power, the method comprising: Receiving power through a first antenna (410) and a second antenna (420); and When a power equal to or greater than the reference power of a first rectifier (411) connected to the first antenna is applied to the first antenna, turning on a bidirectional switch disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna to distribute the power equal to or greater than the reference power to the first rectifier and a second rectifier connected to the second antenna.

12. The method according to claim 11 further comprises: When a first power applied to the first antenna exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier and a second power applied to the second antenna does not exceed the reference power of the second rectifier, providing, through the bidirectional switch, a power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier to the second rectifier.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: Distributing a voltage corresponding to a difference between a first voltage applied to the first antenna and a second voltage applied to the second antenna through a first resistor corresponding to the first antenna and a second resistor corresponding to the second antenna, and applying the voltage as a gate voltage of the bidirectional switch.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising: Based on the gate voltage being applied to the bidirectional switch, turning on a first switch included in the bidirectional switch and turning off a second switch included in the bidirectional switch; and Providing, through body diodes included in the first switch and the second switch, a power of the first power that exceeds the reference power of the first rectifier to the second rectifier.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising: Comparing a first voltage applied to the first antenna with a first reference voltage through a first comparator (830) connected to the first antenna to output a first signal; Comparing a second voltage applied to the second antenna with a second reference voltage through a second comparator (840) connected to the second antenna to output a second signal; and Based on the first signal and the second signal, turning on or off the bidirectional switch.

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