Electronic device and method for processing data on basis of RF switch

Abstract

In embodiments, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may comprise: a serial interface for connection with an external electronic device; a radio frequency (RF) switch including a plurality of ports; and at least one processor connected to the RF switch. The RF switch may be configured to selectively connect one of the plurality of ports to the serial interface. The plurality of ports may comprise an interrupt port for detecting whether the external electronic device and the electronic device are connected to each other.

Description

Electronic device and method for processing data based on an RF switch

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and method for processing data based on a radio frequency (RF) switch.

[0002] An electronic device may be equipped with an external electronic device. For example, a cover for the electronic device or an input device (e.g., a keyboard or touchpad) may be attached to the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may be connected to the external electronic device via a serial interface. The electronic device may receive data from the external electronic device or transmit data to the external electronic device.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] In embodiments, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a serial interface for connection with an external electronic device, a radio frequency (RF) switch including a plurality of ports, and at least one processor connected to the RF switch. The RF switch may be configured to selectively connect the serial interface with one of the plurality of ports. The plurality of ports may include an interrupt port for detecting whether the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device. The at least one processor may be configured to monitor the interrupt port while the serial interface and the interrupt port are connected through the RF switch, and to disable the monitoring of the interrupt port based on detecting a connection between the electronic device and the external electronic device while performing the monitoring of the interrupt port, and to control the RF switch to connect a port other than the interrupt port among the plurality of ports to the serial interface while the monitoring of the interrupt port is disabled.

[0005] In embodiments, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a control circuit, at least one input circuit, and a serial interface for connection with an external electronic device. The control circuit may be configured to receive a start signal from the external electronic device while the electronic device and the external electronic device are connected, and, in response to the start signal, identify whether a user input is received through the at least one input circuit within a specified period of time, and, if a user input is received through the at least one input circuit within the specified period of time, transmit data regarding the user input to the external electronic device through the serial interface, and, if no user input is received through the at least one input circuit within the specified period of time, transmit inspection data to the external electronic device through the serial interface.

[0006] In embodiments, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a serial interface for connection with an external electronic device, an RF (radio frequency) switch including a plurality of ports, and at least one processor connected to the RF switch. The RF switch may be configured to selectively connect the serial interface to one of the plurality of ports. The plurality of ports may include a first interrupt port for detecting whether the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device, a transmission port for transmitting a signal to the external electronic device, a reception port for receiving a signal from the external electronic device, and a second interrupt port for a power-saving state of the electronic device. The at least one processor may be configured to control the RF switch to connect the second interrupt port among the plurality of ports to the serial interface based on detecting an event for the external electronic device to enter the power saving state while the electronic device is connected to the electronic device, change the state of the electronic device from the power saving state to a normal power state based on a user input or input data received from the external electronic device, and control the RF switch to connect the transmission port among the plurality of ports to the serial interface in the normal power state, transmit a start signal to the external electronic device through the RF switch and the serial interface while the transmission port is connected to the serial interface, and control the RF switch to connect the reception port among the plurality of ports to the serial interface in response to transmission of the start signal.

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment.

[0008] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate examples of an electronic device and an external electronic device.

[0009] Figure 3a illustrates components of an electronic device.

[0010] Figure 3b illustrates components of an external electronic device.

[0011] Figure 4 illustrates components for a radio frequency (RF) switch of an electronic device.

[0012] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate examples of RF switches.

[0013] Figure 6 shows an example of an interrupt of an RF switch.

[0014] Figure 7 illustrates the operation flow of an electronic device for interrupt control using an RF switch.

[0015] Figure 8 shows an example of interrupt control using an RF switch.

[0016] Figure 9 illustrates the operation flow of an electronic device for connection with an external electronic device.

[0017] Figure 10 illustrates an operation flow of an electronic device for receiving data from an external electronic device.

[0018] Figure 11 illustrates the operation flow of an external electronic device for transmitting data to an electronic device.

[0019] Figure 12 illustrates the signal flow between the electronic device and the external electronic device.

[0020] Figure 13 illustrates the signal flow between the electronic device and an external electronic device in a power-saving state.

[0021] Figure 14 illustrates the signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device for changing from a power-saving state to a normal power state based on keyboard input.

[0022] Figure 15 illustrates the signal flow between an electronic device and an external electronic device for changing from a power-saving state to a normal power state based on user input.

[0023] Figure 16 illustrates an example of data communication between an electronic device and an external electronic device.

[0024] The terms used in this disclosure are used only to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art described in this disclosure. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this disclosure may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this disclosure, it cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described below illustrate a hardware-based approach as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques utilizing both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0026] In the following description, terms referring to signals (e.g., signal, information, data), terms referring to states (e.g., state, mode, operation), terms for operational states (e.g., step, operation, procedure), terms referring to network entities, terms referring to components of devices, etc. are examples for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0027] In addition, in the present disclosure, expressions such as "more than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled, but this is merely a description for expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions such as "more than" or "less than." A condition described as "more than" may be replaced with "more than," a condition described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and a condition described as "more than and less than" may be replaced with "more than and less than." In addition, hereinafter, "A" to "B" mean at least one of elements from A (including A) to B (including B). hereinafter, "C" and / or "D" mean at least one of "C" or "D," that is, including {"C", "D", "C" and "D"}.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to embodiments.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0030] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0031] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0032] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0033] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0034] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0035] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0036] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0037] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0038] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0039] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0040] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0041] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0042] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0043] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0044] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0045] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0046] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0047] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0048] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0049] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0050] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0051] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate examples of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2A, an electronic device (101) may be connected to an external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) may include a display (210) (e.g., a display module (160)). The electronic device (101) may include a bezel area (215). The electronic device (101) may include a housing (220). The electronic device (101) may be connected to the external electronic device (201) via a serial interface (230). For example, the serial interface (230) may include a plurality of conductive members. The plurality of conductive members may include a first conductive member (231), a second conductive member (232), and a third conductive member (233). As an example, each conductive member of the plurality of conductive members may include a pogo pin. The first conductive member (231) may be used for power. The second conductive member (232) can be used for transmitting and receiving data. The third conductive member (233) can be used for grounding. The electronic device (101) can be coupled with an external electronic device (201). In order for the external electronic device (201) to be stably coupled to the electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) can include a connecting member (241) and a connecting member (242). For example, each of the connecting members (241) and (242) can include a magnet.

[0053] An external electronic device (201) may provide an input means for the electronic device (101). For example, the external electronic device (201) may include a keyboard (270). The external electronic device (201) may be coupled to the electronic device (101). In order to be stably coupled to the electronic device (101), the external electronic device (201) may include a connecting member (251) and a connecting member (252). For example, each of the connecting members (251) and (252) may include a magnet. The connecting member (251) may be in contact with the connecting member (241) of the electronic device (101). For example, the polarity of the connecting member (241) may be different from the polarity of the connecting member (251). Due to the attractive force between the magnets, the external electronic device (201) may be attached to the electronic device (101). The connecting member (252) may be in contact with the connecting member (242) of the electronic device (101). For example, the polarity of the connecting member (242) may be different from the polarity of the connecting member (252). Due to the attractive force between the magnets, the external electronic device (201) may be attached to the electronic device (101).

[0054] An external electronic device (201) may be connected to an electronic device (101) via a serial interface (260). For example, the serial interface (260) may include a plurality of conductive members. The plurality of conductive members may include a first conductive member (261), a second conductive member (262), and a third conductive member (263). As an example, each conductive member of the plurality of conductive members may include a pogo pin. The first conductive member (261) may be used for power. The second conductive member (262) may be used for transmitting and receiving data. The third conductive member (263) may be used for ground.

[0055] The external electronic device (201) may have a serial interface (260) that may be associated with the serial interface (230) of the electronic device (101). Conductive elements of the serial interface (260) of the external electronic device (201) may interact with conductive elements of the serial interface (230) of the electronic device (101). For example, a first conductive element (261) may be in contact with a first conductive element (231), and an electrical path for power may be formed. Power may be supplied from the electronic device (101) to the external electronic device (201) through the first conductive element (231) and the first conductive element (261). For example, a second conductive element (262) may be in contact with a second conductive element (232), and an electrical path for a signal may be formed. The electrical path may be referred to as a signal line. Through the second conductive member (232) and the second conductive member (262), a signal can be transmitted from the electronic device (101) to the external electronic device (201), or data can be transmitted from the external electronic device (201) to the electronic device (101). For example, the third conductive member (263) can be in contact with the third conductive member (233), and an electrical path for grounding can be formed. The electrical path can be referred to as a ground line. Through the third conductive member (233) and the third conductive member (262), a stable potential for signal transmission between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) can be provided.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2B, the electronic device (101) may be connected to an external electronic device (201). For example, a serial interface (230) of the electronic device (101) may be connected to a serial interface (260) of the external electronic device (201). Although not illustrated in FIG. 2B, the external electronic device (201) may be attached to the electronic device (101) due to an attractive force between connecting members (e.g., magnets) of the electronic device (101) and connecting members of the external electronic device (201). While the external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101), a structure including the external electronic device (201) and the electronic device (101) may assume various postures. For the above postures, a cover (255) may be placed on one side of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a side opposite to the direction in which the display (210) faces). Depending on the angle (280) formed between the external electronic device (201) and the display (210), various modes can be defined. For example, when the angle (280) is within a first range (e.g., from about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees), the electronic device (101) can operate in a closed mode. For example, when the angle (280) is within a second range (e.g., from about 30 degrees to about 240 degrees), the electronic device (101) can operate in a standing mode. For example, when the angle (280) is within a third range (e.g., from about 240 degrees to about 360 degrees), the electronic device (101) can operate in a back flip mode.

[0057] In FIGS. 2A and 2B , the electronic device (101) includes a tablet and the external electronic device (201) is described as an example of an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a touchpad) for the tablet, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a smartphone, and the external electronic device (201) may include a battery for the smartphone. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a laptop, and the external electronic device (201) may include a cover for the laptop. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a wearable device, and the external electronic device (201) may include an input device (e.g., a controller, another wearable device) for the wearable device. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a tablet, and the external electronic device (201) may include an input device (e.g., a stylus pen) for the wearable device.

[0058] Productivity of the electronic device (101) can be improved through an external electronic device (201). Communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) can be performed through a serial interface (230) and a serial interface (260). For example, the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) can use 1-wire communication. For 1-wire communication, let's assume that the electronic device (101) includes a chip such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an MCU (micro control unit). The electronic device (101) can interpret data transmitted through 1-wire communication and transmit the interpreted data to a processor (e.g., processor (120)) through an I2C (inter-integrated circuit) or SPI (serial peripheral interface) communication method. In order to interpret and transmit the data, the chip must operate periodically, which increases current consumption. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) according to embodiments of the present disclosure can utilize an RF switch to perform communication between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (201) without using a separate chip such as an FPGA or MCU.

[0059] FIG. 3a illustrates components of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3A, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (e.g., processor (120)), an RF switch (310), and a serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) may include the processor (120). The processor (120) may control the overall operations of the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (120) may include an application processor (AP). The components of the processor (120) may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include circuits for processing a signal detected through the RF switch (310), a signal transmitted through the RF switch (310), and a signal received through the RF switch (310). For example, the processor (120) may include an interrupt circuit for detecting the occurrence of an interrupt through the RF switch (310). For example, the processor (120) may include a receiving circuit for receiving a signal from the RF switch (310). For example, the processor (120) may include a transmitting circuit for transmitting a signal to the RF switch (310). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include one or more subprocessors for controlling the RF switch (310). For example, the processor (120) may include a subprocessor for controlling the interrupt circuit. For example, the processor (120) may include a driver (e.g., an input device driver) for controlling the receiving circuit and the transmitting circuit. The processor (120) may be referred to as a control unit or a control means. The processor (120) is described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0061] The electronic device (101) may include a switch (310). The RF switch (310) may be a device for allowing or blocking an RF signal to pass through a transmission path. The RF switch (310) may include a plurality of ports to allow signals of various frequencies to pass through. For example, the RF switch (310) may include a single pole n throw (SPNT) switch. A pole may correspond to a terminal for connection with the serial interface (310). Each throw may correspond to a port of the RF switch (310). The RF switch (310) may include a plurality of switches. Each switch of the plurality of switches may be connected to a serial interface (e.g., the serial interface (320)). For example, the RF switch (310) may include a switch for each throw. The switch may be configured to selectively connect a port to the terminal or to ground. In other words, each switch of the plurality of switches may be connected to the processor (120) through an individual port. The RF switch (310) may include a switch controller (315). The processor (120) may transmit a control signal to the RF switch (310). The switch controller (315) may select one port among the plurality of ports of the RF switch (310) based on the control signal. The RF switch (310) may connect the selected port to a terminal according to the control signal. The RF switch (310) is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0062] The electronic device (101) may include a serial interface (320). The serial interface (320) represents a component for performing serial communication. The serial interface (320) may include a communication interface for transmitting a signal to an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (201)) or receiving a signal from the external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) may serially arrange data and transmit the arranged data to the external electronic device (201) through a single signal line. The electronic device (101) may receive the serially arranged data from the external electronic device (201) through the signal line. The serial interface (320) may include a power connection unit (321), a signal connection unit (322), and a ground connection unit (323). The power connection unit (321) may be coupled to the power connection unit of the external electronic device (201). For example, a power line may be formed due to contact between a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a power connection portion (321) and a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a power connection portion of an external electronic device (201). A signal connection portion (322) may be coupled to a signal connection portion of an external electronic device (201). For example, a signal line may be formed due to contact between a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a signal connection portion (322) and a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a signal connection portion of an external electronic device (201). A ground connection portion (323) may be coupled to a ground connection portion of an external electronic device (201). For example, a ground line may be formed due to contact between a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a ground connection portion (323) and a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a ground connection portion of an external electronic device (201).

[0063] FIG. 3b illustrates components of an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3b, the external electronic device (201) may include a serial interface (360), a control circuit (370), and an input circuit (380).

[0065] The external electronic device (201) may include a serial interface (360). The serial interface (360) represents a component for performing serial communication. The serial interface (360) may include a communication interface for transmitting a signal to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101)) or receiving a signal from the electronic device (101). The external electronic device (201) may serially arrange data and transmit the arranged data to the electronic device (101) via a single signal line. The external electronic device (201) may receive the serially arranged data from the electronic device (101) via the signal line. The serial interface (360) may include a power connection unit (361), a signal connection unit (362), and a ground connection unit (363). The power connection unit (361) may be coupled to a power connection unit (e.g., the power connection unit (321)) of the electronic device (101). For example, a power line may be formed due to contact between a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a power connection portion (321) of an electronic device (101) and a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a power connection portion (361) of an external electronic device (201). A signal connection portion (362) may be coupled with a signal connection portion (e.g., a signal connection portion (322)) of an electronic device (101). For example, a signal line may be formed due to contact between a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a signal connection portion (322) of an electronic device (101) and a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a signal connection portion (362) of an external electronic device (201). A ground connection portion (363) may be coupled with a ground connection portion (e.g., a ground connection portion (323)) of an electronic device (101). For example, a ground line may be formed due to contact between a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a ground connection (323) of an electronic device (101) and a conductive member (e.g., a pogo pin) of a ground connection (363) of an external electronic device (201).

[0066] The external electronic device (201) may include a control circuit (370). For example, the control circuit (370) may include an FPGA or an MCU. The control circuit (370) may be configured to process received data. For example, the control circuit (370) may decode data received through the serial interface (360) and transmit the decoded data to the input circuit (380) (e.g., a keyboard (381), a touchpad (382)). For example, the control circuit (370) may process a user input obtained through the input circuit (380) (e.g., a keyboard (381), a touchpad (382)) according to a serial communication protocol and transmit the processed data to the serial interface (360). According to one embodiment, the control circuit (370) may obtain a signal received from the electronic device (101). According to the above signal, the control circuit (370) can set the external electronic device (201). For example, the control circuit (370) can obtain a start signal from the electronic device (101). The control circuit (370) can control the external electronic device (201) to operate from a standby state for receiving a signal to a transmitting state for transmitting a signal to the electronic device (101). The control circuit (370) can obtain a stop signal from the electronic device (101). The control circuit (370) can control the external electronic device (201) to operate from a transmitting state for transmitting a signal to a waiting state for receiving a signal.

[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates components for a radio frequency (RF) switch (e.g., RF switch (310)) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)). Reference may be made to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B to explain the operation of the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)). The same reference numerals may be used for the same description.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), an RF switch (310), and a serial interface (320). For a description of the processor (120), the RF switch (310), and the serial interface (320), FIG. 3A may be referred to. The electronic device (101) may include a display (210). The display (210) may display a screen to a user of the electronic device (101) according to a program running on an operating system (OS) (401). For example, if a word processing program is executed, the electronic device (101) may display a screen for displaying text according to a user input. According to one embodiment, the display (210) may include a touch panel. An electrical signal corresponding to a user input (e.g., a touch input) on the display (210) may be transmitted to the processor (120). The processor (120) may process the electrical signal. For example, the processor (120) can change the state of the electronic device (101) from a power saving state to a normal power state, or control the display (210) to display an interaction according to a user input.

[0069] An electronic device (101) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an RF switch (310) disposed between a serial interface (320) and a processor (120). The RF switch (310) may include a plurality of ports and a terminal to selectively control paths through which RF signals are transmitted. The RF switch (310) may electrically connect each port of the plurality of ports to a terminal according to the control of the processor (120). For example, the RF switch (310) may include a single pole four throw (SP4T) switch of FIG. 5A. For example, the RF switch (310) may include a single pole dual throw (SPDT) switch of FIG. 5B. Hereinafter, an example in which the RF switch (301) includes an SP4T switch is described in FIG. 4, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. If it is a switch for controlling ports for interrupt detection and ports for transmission and reception, such as SPDT, SP3T, and DP4T, which will be described later, it can be understood as one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] In order to process the operation of the RF switch (310), the processor (120) may include various components. According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a first processor (411). The first processor (411) may be used to manage and oversee the overall operating system (OS). The first processor (411) may be used to detect an interrupt occurring in the RF switch (310). The first processor (411) and the operations of the first processor (411) may be implemented in the form of not only physical hardware but also software or a combination of hardware and software. In terms of coordinating the input device driver (410) and the first interrupt circuit (431) described below, the first processor (411) may be replaced with terms having a main processor, a first arbitrator, a first arbitration circuit, a first arbitration unit, a main arbitration unit, a main arbitration circuit, or terms having an equivalent technical meaning thereto. In one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a second processor (412). The second processor (412) may be used to perform specific tasks (e.g., measurements using a sensor) at low power (e.g., minimal power) when the system enters a power-saving state. The second processor (412) may be used to detect an interrupt generated by the RF switch (310). The second processor (412) and the operations of the second processor (412) may be implemented in the form of physical hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The second processor (412) may be replaced with terms having an equivalent technical meaning as a low-power processor, a second arbitrator, a second arbitration circuit, a second arbitration unit, a sub-arbitration unit, a sub-arbitration circuit, or the like, in terms of coordinating the input device driver (410) and the second interrupt circuit (432) described below.

[0071] The processor (120) may include an input device driver (410) as a program for processing input / output data with an external electronic device (201). The input device driver (410) may be used to connect the external electronic device (201) connected to the electronic device (101) to the OS (401). The input device driver (410) may include circuits for processing signals generated due to the connection between the external electronic device (201) and the electronic device (101). The processor (120) may include a circuit for detecting an interrupt generated when the external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (120) may include a first interrupt circuit (431) (or a first interrupt handler) and a second interrupt circuit (442) (or a second interrupt handler). The processor (120) may include circuits for processing an RF signal to be received from or transmitted to the RF switch (310). For example, the processor (120) may include a receiving circuit (441). The processor (120) may include a transmitting circuit (442).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may control the RF switch (310). The processor (120) may control the RF switch (310) to change the connection state of the RF switch (310). The processor (120) may control the RF switch (310) to change a port connected to the serial interface (320) in the RF switch (310). The processor (120) may include a logic controller (420) for controlling the RF switch (310). For example, the processor (120) may transmit a control signal to the RF switch (310) through the logic controller (420). The switch controller (315) of the RF switch (310) may change the connection state of the RF switch (310) according to the control signal.

[0073] An electronic device (101) may be connected to an external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) may be connected via a serial communication protocol. For the serial communication protocol, a serial interface (320) of the electronic device (101) and a serial interface (360) of the external electronic device (201) may be coupled. The electronic device (101) may transmit serial data to the external electronic device (201). The external electronic device (201) may transmit serial data to the electronic device (101).

[0074] RF paths may be formed through the serial interface (320) and the serial interface (360). For example, a power line (481) may be formed through the power connection portion (321) of the electronic device (101) and the power connection portion (361) of the external electronic device (201). For example, a signal line (482) may be formed through the signal connection portion (322) of the electronic device (101) and the signal connection portion (362) of the external electronic device (201). For example, a ground line (483) may be formed through the ground connection portion (323) of the electronic device (101) and the ground connection portion (363) of the external electronic device (201).

[0075] Serial communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) may be performed via the signal line (482). For example, serial data from the external electronic device (201) may be transmitted to the serial interface (320) of the electronic device (101) via the signal line (482). A terminal of the RF switch (310) may be electrically connected to the signal line (482) of the serial interface (320). The terminal of the RF switch (310) may be electrically connected to one of a plurality of ports of the RF switch (310) based on the control of the switch controller (315). For example, the port may include a receiving port. Serial data from the external electronic device (201) may be transmitted to the processor (120) via the signal line (482), the serial interface (320), and the RF switch (310). For example, the serial data from the electronic device (101) may be generated by the processor (120). The processor (120) can transmit the serial data to the RF switch (310). The terminal of the RF switch (310) can be electrically connected to one of the multiple ports of the RF switch (310) based on the control of the switch controller (315). For example, the port can include a transmission port. The terminal of the RF switch (310) can be electrically connected to the signal line (482) of the serial interface (320). The serial data can be transmitted to the serial interface (320) of the electronic device (101) through the transmission port. The serial data can be transmitted to an external electronic device (201) through the signal line (482).

[0076] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate examples of RF switches (e.g., RF switch (310)).

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5A, the RF switch (310) may include an SP4T switch. The SP4T switch may include one pole and four throws. Each throw may correspond to a port. The four throws may correspond to four ports. For example, the RF switch (310) may include a first RF port (511), a second RF port (512), a third RF port (513), and a fourth RF port (514). The pole may correspond to a terminal (520) for connection with a serial interface (e.g., serial interface (320)). According to one embodiment, the RF switch (310) may operate based on the control of the processor (120). For example, the processor (120) may transmit a control signal to the RF switch (310). The RF switch (310) may include a switch controller (315). The RF switch (310) may select a port among a plurality of ports of the RF switch (310) (e.g., a first RF port (511), a second RF port (512), a third RF port (513), and a fourth RF port (514)) based on the control signal. The RF switch (310) may connect the selected port to the terminal (520) according to the control signal. According to one embodiment, the first RF port (511) and / or the fourth RF port (514) may be used to detect an interrupt as a change in voltage when an external electronic device (201) is mounted on the electronic device (101). The second RF port (512) may be used to obtain an RF signal from the external electronic device (201). The third RF port (513) may be used to provide an RF signal from the external electronic device (201) to the electronic device (101).

[0078] The RF switch (310) can selectively process RF signals having various frequencies. The RF switch (310) can connect a port corresponding to a specific frequency and a terminal (520) to configure an RF path for the specific frequency. The RF switch (310) can include a plurality of switches to connect one of the plurality of ports to the terminal (520). The plurality of switches can include a first switch (531), a second switch (532), a third switch (533), and a fourth switch (534). For example, the RF switch (310) can include a first switch (531) configured to selectively connect between a first RF port (511) and the terminal (520). For example, the RF switch (310) can include a second switch (532) configured to selectively connect between a second RF port (512) and the terminal (520). For example, the RF switch (310) may include a third switch (533) configured to selectively connect between a third RF port (513) and a terminal (520). For example, the RF switch (310) may include a fourth switch (534) configured to selectively connect between a fourth RF port (514) and a terminal (520).

[0079] Unlike a general analog switch, the RF switch (310) may generate unwanted signals before and after connection due to the characteristics of the RF frequency. The RF switch (310) is required to have high blocking characteristics for open ports. Therefore, when changing the port to be connected, the RF switch (310) may connect a port other than the port connected to the terminal (520) to ground. For example, the RF switch (310) may change the state in which the first RF port (511) and the terminal (520) are connected to a state in which the third RF port (513) and the terminal (520) are connected. As the third RF port (513) and the terminal (520) are connected, the first RF port (511) may be connected to ground. In addition to the third RF port (513), other ports (e.g., the first RF port (511), the second RF port (512), and the fourth RF port (514)) may be connected to ground. The off-state port of the RF switch (310) may have a ground characteristic rather than a floating state.

[0080] Although an SP4T switch is illustrated in FIG. 5A, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Any switch that controls ports for interrupt detection and ports for transmission and reception can be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5B, the RF switch (310) may include a SPDT switch. The SPDT switch may include one pole and two throws. Each throw may correspond to a port. The two throws may correspond to two ports. For example, the RF switch (310) may include a first RF port (511) and a second RF port (512). The pole may correspond to a terminal (520) for connection with a serial interface (e.g., serial interface (320)). According to one embodiment, the RF switch (310) may operate based on the control of the processor (120). For example, the processor (120) may transmit a control signal to the RF switch (310). The RF switch (310) may include a switch controller (315). The RF switch (310) can select a port among a plurality of ports of the RF switch (310) (e.g., a first RF port (511), a second RF port (512)) based on the control signal. The RF switch (310) can connect the selected port to the terminal (520) according to the control signal. According to one embodiment, the first RF port (511) can be used to detect an interrupt as a change in voltage when an external electronic device (201) is mounted on the electronic device (101). The second RF port (512) can be used to obtain an RF signal from the external electronic device (201).

[0082] The RF switch (310) can selectively process RF signals having various frequencies. The RF switch (310) can connect a port corresponding to a specific frequency and a terminal (520) to configure an RF path for the specific frequency. The RF switch (310) can include a plurality of switches to connect one of the plurality of ports to the terminal (520). The plurality of switches can include a first switch (531) and a second switch (532). For example, the RF switch (310) can include a first switch (531) configured to selectively connect between a first RF port (511) and the terminal (520). For example, the RF switch (310) can include a second switch (532) configured to selectively connect between a second RF port (512) and the terminal (520). To mitigate unwanted signals that may be generated due to high frequency characteristics, the RF switch (310) can utilize ground. For example, the RF switch (310) can change the state in which the first RF port (511) and the terminal (520) are connected to a state in which the second RF port (512) and the terminal (520) are connected. As the second RF port (512) and the terminal (520) are connected, the first RF port (511) can be connected to ground. In addition to the second RF port (512), other ports (e.g., the first RF port (511)) can be connected to ground. The first RF port (511) in the off state can have ground characteristics.

[0083] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an interrupt of an RF switch (e.g., RF switch (310)). FIGS. 2A to 4 may be referred to to explain the operation of an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)). FIGS. 5A and 5B may be referred to to explain the operation of the RF switch (310). The same reference numerals may be used for the same description.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, the first state (601) may be a state in which the external electronic device (201) is not connected to the electronic device (101). When the external electronic device (201) is not connected to the electronic device (101), the terminal (520) may be in an open state. The electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may control the RF switch (310) to connect the first RF port (511) to the terminal (520). The first RF port (511) may be used to determine whether the external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101) or not. For example, when the external electronic device (201) is not attached to the electronic device (101), a first voltage (611) (e.g., 1.8 V (voltage)) for the first RF port (511) may be confirmed.

[0085] The second state (602) may be a state in which the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101). When the external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101), conductive members of the serial interface (e.g., serial interface (360)) of the external electronic device (201) may come into contact with conductive members of the serial interface (e.g., serial interface (320)) of the electronic device (101), thereby forming a signal path for serial communication. The first RF port (511) may be used to determine whether the external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101) or not. For example, when the external electronic device (201) is not attached to the electronic device (101), a second voltage (612) (e.g., 1.1 V) for the first RF port (511) may be confirmed. As the external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101), the load at the terminal of the RF switch (310) may change. As the load changes, the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first RF port (511) may change from the first voltage (611) to the second voltage (612). The processor (120) of the electronic device (101) may detect the occurrence of an interrupt (e.g., a falling edge interrupt) based on the change from the first voltage (611) to the second voltage (612) (e.g., a voltage drop (621)). For example, the processor (120) may detect that the external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101) through an interrupt circuit (e.g., the first interrupt circuit (431)) connected to the first RF port (511).

[0086] The electronic device (101) can change the port when it detects that an external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can change the port connected to the RF switch (310) to receive a signal from the external electronic device (201) or to transmit a signal to the external electronic device (201). The first interrupt circuit (431) connected to the first RF port (511) is an interrupt handler and is a circuit for detecting a voltage change caused by attachment or detachment of the external electronic device (201). The first interrupt circuit (431) is different from the circuit for receiving serial data from the external electronic device (201) or transmitting serial data to the external electronic device (201). For example, the electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect a port (e.g., the second RF port (512), the third RF port (513)) associated with the receiving circuit (441) or the transmitting circuit (442) to the terminal (520). Meanwhile, unlike a general analog switch, the RF switch (310) requires a high blocking characteristic for an open port due to the characteristics of the RF frequency. The port connected to the terminal (520) can be changed from the first RF port (511) to the second RF port (512). As the second RF port (512) is connected to the terminal (520), the first RF port (511) can be connected to the ground. The magnitude of the voltage applied to the first RF port (511) may change from the second voltage (612) to a third voltage (613) (e.g., 0 V). The processor (120) of the electronic device (101) may detect the occurrence of an interrupt (e.g., a falling interrupt) based on the change from the second voltage (612) to the third voltage (613) (e.g., a voltage drop (632)). Even though the external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101), the interrupt is detected due to the voltage drop (632), and thus, an unintended operation may be performed.For example, when an additional interrupt is detected through an interrupt circuit (e.g., the first interrupt circuit (431)) connected to the first RF port (511), the processor (120) may recognize that the external electronic device (201) has been removed. The change in port may cause a change in the voltage level for the first RF port (511), which may result in an unintended malfunction.

[0087] In order to solve the above-described problem, the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may, before changing the port of the RF switch (310), turn off the function (e.g., interrupt setting, monitoring function) of a port (e.g., first RF port (511), fourth RF port (514)) that will not be used according to the change of the port. For example, the processor (120) may turn off the interrupt setting of the port that will not be used. The processor (120) may be configured to stop processing for the interrupt even if a voltage change (e.g., voltage drop (632)) is detected through the first interrupt circuit (431). The processor (120) may disable the interrupt function, that is, monitoring for the interrupt port (e.g., first RF port (511), fourth RF port (514)). After disabling monitoring for the above interrupt port, the RF switch (310) can be controlled via the logic controller (420) so that another port (e.g., the third RF port (513)) is connected to the terminal (520).

[0088] FIG. 7 illustrates the operation flow of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) for interrupt control using an RF switch (e.g., RF switch (310)).

[0089] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation (701), the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may monitor an interrupt port while a serial interface (e.g., the serial interface (320)) and an interrupt port (e.g., the first RF port (511), the fourth RF port (514)) are connected via the RF switch (310). The interrupt port may be used to detect attachment or detachment of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (201)). As the external electronic device (201) is attached or detached to the electronic device (101), a voltage applied to the interrupt port may change. Monitoring the interrupt port may include obtaining information about the attachment or detachment of the external electronic device (201) to or from the electronic device (101) through a change in the voltage. Through the change in the above voltage, the processor (120) can obtain information about whether the external electronic device (201) is attached or detached from the electronic device (101).

[0090] In operation (703), the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) may disable monitoring of the interrupt port (e.g., first RF port (511)) based on detecting a connection between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)) while monitoring the interrupt port. The electronic device (101) may detect a connection between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201). For example, when the external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101), the external electronic device (201) may be connected to the electronic device (101). The connection between the external electronic device (201) and the electronic device (101) may cause a voltage drop (e.g., voltage drop (621)). An interrupt circuit (e.g., a first interrupt circuit (431)) connected to the interrupt port may generate an electrical signal according to the voltage drop. Based on the electrical signal, the processor (120) may obtain information about whether an external electronic device (201) is attached (or connected) to the electronic device (101).

[0091] The connection between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) can be used for serial communication. For example, the electronic device (101) can transmit a signal to the external electronic device (201) or receive data from the external electronic device (201). For the serial communication, the electronic device (101) can determine a port change of the RF switch (310). Currently, the RF switch (310) is connecting the interrupt port and the serial interface (320). For example, the processor (120) can determine a port change to a port (e.g., a second RF port (512), a third RF port (513)) connected to a circuit for processing serial data (e.g., a receiving circuit (441), a transmitting circuit (442)).

[0092] The electronic device (101) may disable monitoring for an interrupt port (e.g., a first RF port (511)). The port change may cause an additional interrupt depending on the ground connection of the interrupt port. Before the port change, the electronic device (101) may disable monitoring for the interrupt port so as not to perform signal processing due to the interrupt. The deactivation of the monitoring may indicate that the interrupt setting of the interrupt port is turned off. As the interrupt setting is turned off, the processor (120) may be configured not to perform processing according to a voltage drop (e.g., a voltage drop (632)). For example, the processor (120) may be configured to stop processing for the interrupt even if a voltage change (e.g., a voltage drop (632)) is detected through the first interrupt circuit (431).

[0093] In operation (705), the electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect the interrupt port (e.g., the first RF port (511)) and another port (e.g., the second RF port (512) and the third RF port (513)) among a plurality of ports (e.g., the first RF port (511), the second RF port (512), the third RF port (513), and the fourth RF port (514)) to the serial interface (320) while monitoring for the interrupt port (e.g., the first RF port (511)) is disabled. The connection of the port to the serial interface (320) indicates that the port is connected to the external electronic device (201) via the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) can perform serial communication with the external electronic device (201). For example, the processor (120) may control the RF switch (310) to connect a circuit for processing serial data (e.g., a receiving circuit (441), a transmitting circuit (442)) to the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) to connect the port to the serial interface (320) while monitoring is deactivated. The electronic device (101) may connect the interrupt port to ground while monitoring is deactivated. Since the interrupt port is connected to ground, the voltage for the interrupt port may change. For example, the voltage may change from a second voltage (612) to a third voltage (613). Even if the voltage for the interrupt port changes, the electronic device (101) may not perform processing for the change in the voltage.

[0094] Fig. 8 illustrates an example of interrupt control using an RF switch (e.g., RF switch (310)). In Fig. 8, a situation is described in which a first RF port (511) is an interrupt port and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)) is attached to an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)). Reference may be made to Fig. 4 to explain the operation of the electronic device (101). The same reference numerals may be used for the same description.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 8, the terminal (520) of the RF switch (310) is connected to a serial interface (320) that is connected to a serial interface (e.g., serial interface (360)) of an external electronic device (201). The RF switch (310) can connect the first RF port (511) and the serial interface (360). The first interrupt circuit (431) can monitor the voltage for the first RF port (511). When the voltage for the first RF port (511) changes, the first interrupt circuit (431) can generate an interrupt signal. The generated interrupt signal can be provided to the input device driver (410) through the first processor (411). The processor (120) can determine a port change through the input device driver (410).

[0096] The input device driver (410) may transmit a command (810) for the port change to the first processor (411). According to one embodiment, the first processor (411) may, based on the command (810) for the port change, disable monitoring for a port (e.g., the first RF port (511), the fourth RF port (514)) that will not be used when the port is changed. According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may be configured to stop processing a voltage change of the port (e.g., the first RF port (511), the fourth RF port (514)) that will not be used. While the monitoring is disabled, a voltage change at the first RF port (511) may not be processed by the processor (120). For example, the processor (120) may turn off the setting for the first interrupt circuit (431). The first interrupt circuit (431) may not generate any signal (e.g., an interrupt signal) even if a voltage change exceeding a threshold value occurs. For example, the processor (120) may disable a function of the first processor (411). The processor (120) may control the first processor (411) not to process a signal received from the first interrupt circuit (431). Similarly to the first RF port (511), monitoring of the fourth RF port (514) for interrupt operation may also be disabled. A voltage change at the fourth RF port (514) may not be processed by the processor (120). For example, the processor (120) may turn off the setting for the second interrupt circuit (432). The second interrupt circuit (432) may not generate any signal (e.g., an interrupt signal) even if a voltage change exceeding a threshold value occurs. For example, the processor (120) may disable a function of the second processor (412).The processor (120) can control the second processor (412) not to perform processing on a signal even if a signal is received from the second interrupt circuit (432).

[0097] The first processor (411) may perform deactivation of the port of the RF switch (310) and then transmit a request signal (820) for changing the port to the logic controller (420). The logic controller (420) may include a control circuit for changing the state of the RF switch (310). For example, the first processor (411) may transmit a request signal (820) to the logic controller (420) to operate the RF switch (310) in a state in which the second RF port (512) is connected to the external electronic device (201) instead of the currently set first RF port (511). For example, the first processor (411) may transmit a request signal (820) to the logic controller (420) to operate the RF switch (310) in a state in which the third RF port (513) is connected to the external electronic device (201) instead of the currently set first RF port (511).

[0098] The logic controller (420) can generate a control signal (830) based on the request signal (820). The logic controller (420) can transmit the control signal (830) to the RF switch (310) (e.g., the switch controller (315)). For example, the logic controller (420) can include a control pin. The control signal (830) can be provided to the RF switch (310) through the control pin. For example, for the control pin, the logic controller (420) can perform a GPIO (general-purpose input / output) setting. The RF switch (310) can connect a port (e.g., a second RF port (512), a third RF port (513)) according to the port change to the terminal (520) based on the control signal (830). The switch controller (315) of the RF switch (310) can control the switch corresponding to the port (e.g., the second switch (532), the third switch (533)) to be connected to the terminal (520) instead of the ground based on the control signal (830). For example, the switch controller (315) of the RF switch (310) can include a GPIO controller.

[0099] Although FIG. 8 describes a situation in which the serial interface (360) is connected to the first RF port (511) and then connected to another port (e.g., the second RF port (512), the third RF port (513)), embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The operations of FIG. 8 may be equally applied to a scenario in which the serial interface (360) is connected to the fourth RF port (514) and then connected to another port (e.g., the second RF port (512), the third RF port (513)). For example, when the electronic device (101) is in a power saving mode, the RF switch (310) may be connecting the fourth RF port (514) and the serial interface (360). When the voltage for the fourth RF port (514) changes, according to one embodiment, the second interrupt circuit (432) may generate an interrupt signal. The above-mentioned generated interrupt signal can be provided to the input device driver (410) through the second processor (412). Thereafter, the state of the RF switch (310) can be changed according to the command (810) of the input device driver (410), the request signal (820) of the first processor (411), and the control signal (830) of the logic controller (420).

[0100] FIG. 9 illustrates an operation flow of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) for connection with an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 9, in operation (901), the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may connect a first interrupt port (e.g., a first RF port (511)) through an RF switch (e.g., an RF switch (310)). The first interrupt port may be used to detect a magnitude of a voltage that changes due to the detachment or attachment of an external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) so that the first interrupt port is connected to the external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) so that the first interrupt port is connected to a serial interface (320) for connection with the external electronic device (201).

[0102] In operation (903), the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) can identify whether an interrupt is acquired. The electronic device (101) can monitor the first interrupt port. The electronic device (101) can acquire an interrupt based on a voltage on the first interrupt port. The interrupt can occur when the voltage changes (e.g., when the voltage changes by more than a threshold value). For example, the processor (120) can acquire the interrupt through an interrupt handler (e.g., first interrupt circuit (431)). If the interrupt is acquired, the electronic device (101) can perform operation (905). If the interrupt is not acquired, the electronic device (101) can perform operation (903) again.

[0103] In operation (905), the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) can connect the RF switch (310) to a transmission port (e.g., the third RF port (513)). The transmission port can be used to transmit a signal to an external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) can convert data to be transmitted for serial communication into serial data. The electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) so that a circuit for the conversion (e.g., the transmission circuit (432)) and the external electronic device (201) are electrically connected. The electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) so that the transmission port is connected to a serial interface (320) for connection with the external electronic device (201).

[0104] In operation (907), the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may transmit a start signal. The electronic device (101) may transmit the start signal to an external electronic device (201). The start signal may indicate that the external electronic device (201) is ready to receive a user input. The electronic device (101) may transmit the start signal through the transmission port. After transmitting the start signal, the electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) to receive a user input from the external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) to a state for receiving serial data. Hereinafter, operations of the electronic device (101) for receiving serial data are described with reference to FIG. 10 .

[0105] FIG. 10 illustrates an operation flow of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) for receiving data from an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)).

[0106] In operation (1001), the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) may perform a port change. The electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) to a state for receiving serial data. As described in FIG. 9, the electronic device (101) may transmit a start signal to the external electronic device (201) to notify that reception of serial data is possible. The RF switch (310) may be connecting a transmission port and the external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) may connect a circuit for processing serial data (e.g., a reception circuit (442)) to the external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) to connect the reception port (e.g., the second RF port (512)) corresponding to the reception circuit (442) and the external electronic device (201).

[0107] In operation (1003), the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) may start a timer. The timer may be used to notify that the external electronic device (201) has been detached from the electronic device (101). Since the receiving port, instead of the interrupt port, is connected to the external electronic device (201), the electronic device (101) may identify whether the external electronic device (201) has been detached from the electronic device (101) through the timer. The external electronic device (201) may be configured to continuously transmit data after receiving the start signal. The timer may be restarted when data is received from the external electronic device (201). Accordingly, the electronic device (101) may identify that the external electronic device (201) has been detached from the electronic device (101) if no data is received during the designated period of the timer.

[0108] In operation (1005), the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) can identify whether there is data to be received. The electronic device (101) can identify whether data received from the external electronic device (201) is in the buffer of the electronic device (101). In other words, the electronic device (101) can identify whether data is received from the external electronic device (201) during the specified period of the timer. For example, the data may include input data received through a keyboard of the external electronic device (201) (e.g., the keyboard (381)). For example, the data may include input data received through a touchpad of the external electronic device (201) (e.g., the touchpad (382)). For example, the data may include test data to indicate that the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101). If there is data received from an external electronic device (201), the electronic device (101) can perform operation (1007). If there is no data received from the external electronic device (201), the electronic device (101) can perform operation (1009).

[0109] In operation (1007), the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) may perform data processing. The electronic device (101) may perform data processing on received data. For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit the received data to the input device driver (410) of the processor (120) through the receiving circuit (441). The processor (120) may perform a processing operation according to the type of the received data through the input device driver (410). For example, if the received data is keyboard data, the processor (120) may obtain a value corresponding to the input key and display an operation related to the value through a display (e.g., display (210)). For example, if the received data is touchpad data, the processor (120) may obtain coordinate information included in the received data and display an operation related to the coordinate information through the display. After processing the data, the electronic device (101) may perform operation (1005) again.

[0110] In operation (1009), the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) can identify whether a specified time has expired. The specified time may represent the length of a timer. If no data is received from the external electronic device (201) during the specified time, the timer may expire. The expiration of the timer may indicate that the external electronic device (201) has been detached from the electronic device (101). If the external electronic device (201) has been detached from the electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) may re-enable monitoring of an interrupt port (e.g., the first RF port (511)) to detect the attachment of the external electronic device (201). If the specified time has expired, the electronic device (101) may perform operation (901). If the specified time has not expired, the electronic device (101) may perform operation (1005) again.

[0111] FIG. 11 illustrates an operation flow of an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (201)) for transmitting data to an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation (1101), an external electronic device (201) (e.g., a control circuit (370)) may receive a start signal. The start signal may indicate that the electronic device (101) is ready to receive data according to a user input from the external electronic device (201).

[0113] In operation (1103), the external electronic device (201) (e.g., the control circuit (370)) may start a timer. The external electronic device (201) may start the timer in response to the start signal. The timer may be restarted when data is transmitted from the external electronic device (201) to the electronic device (101). Since the receive port instead of the interrupt port is connected to the external electronic device (201) through the RF switch (310) of the electronic device (101), the external electronic device (201) may be configured to continuously transmit data. The data transmitted from the external electronic device (201) may indicate to the electronic device (101) that the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101). The external electronic device (201) may be configured to continuously transmit data after receiving the start signal. While the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101), the external electronic device (201) can continuously transmit input data or inspection data received from the user to the electronic device (101). For example, the external electronic device (201) can transmit data to the electronic device (101) at every designated period of the timer, no matter how late.

[0114] In operation (1105), the external electronic device (201) (e.g., the control circuit (370)) can identify whether input data is received. If the input data is received, the external electronic device (201) can perform operation (1107). If the input data is not received, the external electronic device (201) can perform operation (1109). The input data can be received through at least one input circuit of the external electronic device (201). For example, the input data can include data according to a key input on a keyboard (e.g., keyboard (270), keyboard (381)). For example, the input data can include data according to a touch input on a touchpad (e.g., touchpad (382)). For example, the input data can include data other than pen input on a drawing pad.

[0115] In operation (1107), an external electronic device (201) (e.g., a control circuit (370)) can transmit input data. The external electronic device (201) can convert the input data into a format according to serial communication. The external electronic device (201) can transmit the converted input data to the electronic device (101) through a serial interface (e.g., a serial interface (360)). After transmitting a start signal, the receiving port of the RF switch (310) of the electronic device (101) is connected to the serial interface (320), so that the electronic device (101) can receive the input data from the external electronic device (201) and process the received input data.

[0116] In operation (1109), the external electronic device (201) (e.g., the control circuit (370)) can identify whether a specified time has expired. The specified time may represent the length of the timer of operation (1103). If the specified time has expired, the external electronic device (201) can perform operation (1111). If the specified time has not expired, the external electronic device (201) can perform operation (1105) again.

[0117] In operation (1111), an external electronic device (201) (e.g., a control circuit (370)) may transmit inspection data. The inspection data may indicate that the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101). The external electronic device (201) may transmit the inspection data to indicate that the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) are connected even if there is no input data from a user. The inspection data may be referred to as a test signal, a inspection signal, a confirmation signal, a dummy signal, a preliminary signal, preliminary data, dummy data, confirmation data, test data, or terms having equivalent technical meanings thereto, in addition to the inspection data.

[0118] An electronic device (101) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may control an RF switch (e.g., an RF switch (310)) for interaction between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (201) (e.g., attachment of the external electronic device (201), keyboard input or touch input on the external electronic device (201). According to one embodiment, the RF switch (310) may be a switch including four ports. For example, the RF switch (310) may be an SP4T switch. The four ports may include a first interrupt port (e.g., a first RF port (511)) (IR1), a receiving port (e.g., a second RF port (512)) (RX), a transmitting port (e.g., a third RF port (513)) (TX), and a second interrupt port (e.g., a fourth RF port (514)) (IR2). Among the above four ports, the operation of the electronic device (101) for serial communication can be determined depending on the port to which the terminal (e.g., terminal (520)) of the RF switch (310) connected to the external electronic device (201) is connected. Hereinafter, in FIGS. 12 to 15, the signal flow between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) according to the interaction between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) is described. In order to describe the operation of the electronic device (101) in each signal flow, a state can be defined depending on the port to which the terminal (e.g., terminal (520)) of the RF switch (310) is connected.

[0119] FIG. 12 illustrates a signal flow between an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)). In FIG. 12, an RF switch (310) including four ports (e.g., a first interrupt port (e.g., a first RF port (511)) (IR1), a receiving port (e.g., a second RF port (512)) (RX), a transmitting port (e.g., a third RF port (513)) (TX), and a second interrupt port (e.g., a fourth RF port (514)) (IR2)) is described as an example. In FIG. 12, the operation of the electronic device (101) can be understood as the operation of the processor (120) of the electronic device (101).

[0120] Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) can control the RF switch (310) to connect a first interrupt port (e.g., the first RF port (511)) to a serial interface (e.g., the serial interface (320)) for an external electronic device (201). The RF switch (310) is connecting the first interrupt port (511) to the serial interface (320). When the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101) while the first interrupt port (511) is connected to the serial interface (320), the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first interrupt port (511) may vary. An interrupt circuit (e.g., the first interrupt circuit (431)) connected to the first interrupt port (511) can cause an interrupt (1210) according to the voltage. The electronic device (101) can obtain an interrupt (1210) resulting from the connection of the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (201) through the first interrupt circuit (431).

[0121] In response to the interrupt (1210), the electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect a transmission port (e.g., the third RF port (513)) to the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) can identify that an external electronic device (201) is attached to the electronic device (101) based on the interrupt (1210). The electronic device (101) can identify that the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can communicate with the external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) can use the start signal (1220) to notify the external electronic device (201) that communication is possible. The electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect the transmission port (513) to the serial interface (320) to transmit a start signal (1220). The electronic device (101) can transmit the start signal (1220) through the transmission port (513). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can disable monitoring for the first interrupt port (511) before the transmission port (513) is connected. When the transmission port (513) of the RF switch (310) is connected to a terminal (e.g., terminal (520)) for the serial interface (320), the first interrupt port (511) can be connected to ground. For example, the electronic device (101) can turn off the interrupt setting for the first interrupt port (511) so as not to perform processing for a voltage drop caused by being connected to ground.

[0122] After transmitting the start signal (1220), the electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect the receiving port (512) to the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) can receive data (1230) (e.g., keyboard data, touchpad data, pen input data) input from an external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) can continuously receive data (e.g., data (1230-1), data (1230-2), data (1230-3), ... data (1230-n)) from the external electronic device (201) through serial communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201). The external electronic device (201) can be configured to continuously transmit data (1230) after receiving the start signal (1220). For example, while the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101), the external electronic device (201) can continuously transmit input data or inspection data received from the user to the electronic device (101). The external electronic device (201) can be set to transmit inspection data at regular intervals even if there is no data (e.g., keyboard data, touchpad data) input from the user, based on the start signal (1220).

[0123] For example, serial communication between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (201) may include UART (universal asynchronous serial receiver and transmitter) communication. The state of the electronic device (101) may be 'UART_TX', and the state of the external electronic device (201) may be 'UART_RX'. After the start signal (1220) is transmitted, the state of the electronic device (101) may change from 'UART_TX' to 'UART_RX'. After the start signal (1220) is received, the state of the external electronic device (201) may change from 'UART_RX' to 'UART_TX'.

[0124] When the external electronic device (201) is disconnected from the electronic device (101), the external electronic device (201) can no longer transmit data to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can identify non-reception (1241) of data within a specified period. In other words, the electronic device (101) can identify that the external electronic device (201) is disconnected from the electronic device (101) if data is not received from the external electronic device (201) within a period set in the external electronic device (201) to transmit monitoring data. The electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to identify whether the external electronic device (201) (or another device attached to the serial interface (320)) is connected to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) can control the RF switch (310) to connect the first interrupt port (511) to the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) can re-enable monitoring of the disabled first interrupt port (511). The electronic device (101) can connect the first interrupt port (511) to the serial interface (320) and enable monitoring of the first interrupt port (511). While the first interrupt port (511) is connected to the serial interface (320), the electronic device (101) can perform monitoring of the first interrupt port (511).

[0125] The electronic device (101) may operate in a power-saving state when there is no user input for a certain period of time or when a user input is received to enter a power-saving state. Since the electronic device (101) cannot continuously process data received from an external electronic device (201) in the power-saving state, the electronic device (101) may change the state of the RF switch (310). The state of the RF switch (310) may change depending on whether the electronic device (101) operates in the power-saving state or the normal power state. Hereinafter, the signal flow between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) in the power-saving state and / or the normal power state is described.

[0126] Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, the normal power state refers to a state in which the electronic device is being used by a user. For example, if a touch input on the display (210) is valid, the electronic device (101) may be in a normal power state. The normal power state may be referred to as a normal mode, a normal mode, a normal power mode, a normal power mode, a normal power state, a wake-up state, a screen-on state, an active state, a first state, a first mode, or terms having equivalent technical meanings thereto in addition to the normal power state.

[0127] Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, a power saving state refers to a state that consumes lower power than the normal power state. Similarly, the normal power state refers to a state that consumes higher power than the power saving state. For example, when a touch input on the display (210) is invalid, the electronic device (101) may be in a power saving state. In the power saving state, the screen of the electronic device (101) may be in an off state. The power saving state may be referred to as a sleep state, a sleep mode, a low power state, a low power mode, an inactive mode, a second state, a second mode, a standby state, a standby mode, a screen off state, a screen off mode, a power saving mode, a power saving state, a power saving mode, or a term having an equivalent technical meaning thereto in addition to the power saving state.

[0128] FIG. 13 illustrates a signal flow between an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)) in a power-saving state. In FIG. 13, an RF switch (310) including four ports (e.g., a first interrupt port (e.g., a first RF port (511)) (IR1), a receiving port (e.g., a second RF port (512)) (RX), a transmitting port (e.g., a third RF port (513)) (TX), and a second interrupt port (e.g., a fourth RF port (514)) (IR2)) is described as an example. In FIG. 13, a situation is described in which the electronic device (101) enters a power-saving state while an external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101). The operation of the electronic device (101) in FIG. 13 can be understood as the operation of the processor (120) of the electronic device (101).

[0129] Referring to FIG. 13, the electronic device (101) can detect an event (1301) (hereinafter, a power-saving state event) for entering a power-saving state. For example, through a user input to a power button of the electronic device (101), the state of the electronic device (101) can detect an event from a normal power state to the power-saving state. For example, if there is no user input for a specified time period on the electronic device (101), the state of the electronic device (101) can detect an event from a normal power state to the power-saving state.

[0130] The electronic device (101) may be connected to an external electronic device (201), and may be in a state to receive data from the external electronic device (201). For example, the reception port (512) of the RF switch (310) is connected to the external electronic device (201) via the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) may use a stop signal (1310) to notify the external electronic device (201) that it has entered a power saving state. The electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) to connect the transmission port (513) to the serial interface (320) to transmit the stop signal (1310). The electronic device (101) may transmit the stop signal (1310) via the transmission port (513).

[0131] After transmitting the stop signal (1310), the electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect the receiving port (512) to the serial interface (320). To receive a response to the stop signal (1310), the electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310). The electronic device (101) can receive a response signal (1320) to the stop signal (1310) from the external electronic device (201). After receiving the stop signal (1310), the external electronic device (201) can stop transmitting data. For example, the external electronic device (201) can no longer transmit inspection data that is scheduled to be transmitted periodically. The external electronic device (201) can stop transmitting the inspection data.

[0132] For example, serial communication between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (201) may include UART communication. While receiving data from the external electronic device (101), the state of the electronic device (101) may be 'UART_RX' and the state of the external electronic device (201) may be 'UART_TX'. In order to transmit the interrupt signal (1310), the state of the electronic device (101) may be changed from 'UART_RX' to 'UART_TX'. In order to receive the interrupt signal (1310), the state of the external electronic device (101) may be changed from 'UART_TX' to 'UART_RX'. In order to receive the response signal (1320) after the interrupt signal (1310) is transmitted, the state of the electronic device (101) may be changed from 'UART_TX' to 'UART_RX'. To transmit a response signal (1320) after receiving a stop signal (1310), the state of the external electronic device (201) can be changed from 'UART_RX' to 'UART_TX'.

[0133] The electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) to connect a second interrupt port (e.g., the fourth RF port (514)) to the serial interface (320) in response to receiving the response signal (1320). The second interrupt port (514) may be used to detect an input from an external electronic device (201). The second interrupt port (514) may be used for wake-up according to an input to the external electronic device (201). Since the receiving circuit (441) continuously processes transmitted data, it may consume more power than the interrupt circuit (e.g., the second interrupt circuit (432)). In order to detect an input from the external electronic device (201) at low power, the electronic device (101) may control the RF switch (310) to connect the second interrupt port (514) to the serial interface (320). Wake-up for changing the state of the electronic device (101) to a normal power state through the second interrupt port (514) is described in detail through FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0134] The electronic device (101) may perform monitoring of the second interrupt port (514) after connecting the second interrupt port (514) to the serial interface (320). For example, the electronic device (101) may re-enable monitoring of the disabled second interrupt port (514). For example, in FIG. 12, when port switching is performed from the first interrupt port (511) to the transmission port (513), the electronic device (101) may deactivate monitoring of ports that are not to be used (e.g., the first interrupt port (511), the second interrupt port (514)). For example, the interrupt setting for the second interrupt port (514) may be turned off. The electronic device (101) may re-enable monitoring of the second interrupt port (514). The electronic device (101) can change the state of the electronic device (101) from a normal power state to a power saving state (1331). In the power saving state (1331), the electronic device (101) can detect whether data is received from an external electronic device (201) through a second interrupt circuit (432). After transmitting a response signal (1320), the external electronic device (201) can change the state of the external electronic device (201) to a power saving state (1341).

[0135] FIG. 14 illustrates a signal flow between an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)) for changing from a power saving state to a normal power state according to a keyboard input. In FIG. 14, an RF switch (310) including four ports (e.g., a first interrupt port (e.g., a first RF port (511)) (IR1), a receiving port (e.g., a second RF port (512)) (RX), a transmitting port (e.g., a third RF port (513)) (TX), and a second interrupt port (e.g., a fourth RF port (514)) (IR2)) is described as an example. The operation of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 14 can be understood as the operation of the processor (120) of the electronic device (101).

[0136] Referring to FIG. 14, the RF switch (310) is connecting the second interrupt port (514) to the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) can monitor an interrupt generated from an external electronic device (201) through the second interrupt circuit (432). The external electronic device (201) can receive a user input (1405) (e.g., keyboard input, touch input). Based on the user input (1405), the external electronic device (201) can transmit input data (1410) to the electronic device (101). Due to the input data (1410), the interrupt circuit (e.g., the second interrupt circuit (432)) connected to the second interrupt port (514) can generate an interrupt. The processor (120) of the electronic device (101) can change the state of the electronic device (101) from a power saving state (e.g., power saving state (1331)) to a normal power state (1421) based on the interrupt. The electronic device (101) can wake up from the power saving state (1331).

[0137] The electronic device (101) can use a start signal (1430) to notify the external electronic device (201) that communication is possible again. The electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect the transmission port (513) to the serial interface (320) to transmit the start signal (1430). The electronic device (101) can transmit the start signal (1430) through the transmission port (513). After transmitting the start signal (1430), the electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect the reception port (512) to the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) can receive data (1440) (e.g., keyboard data, touchpad data, pen input data) input from the external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) can continuously receive data (e.g., data (1440-1), data (1440-2), data (1440-3), ... data (1440-n)) from the external electronic device (201) through serial communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201). The external electronic device (201) can be configured to continuously transmit data (1430) after receiving a start signal (1430). For example, while the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101), the external electronic device (201) can continuously transmit input data or inspection data received from the user to the electronic device (101). The external electronic device (201) can be set to transmit inspection data at regular intervals even if there is no data (e.g., keyboard data, touchpad data) input from the user based on the start signal (1430).

[0138] For example, serial communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) may include UART communication. After wake-up, the state of the electronic device (101) may be 'UART_TX', and the state of the external electronic device (201) may be 'UART_RX'. After the start signal (1430) is transmitted, the state of the electronic device (101) may change from 'UART_TX' to 'UART_RX'. After the start signal (1430) is received, the state of the external electronic device (201) may change from 'UART_RX' to 'UART_TX'. The electronic device (101) may receive data (1430) from the external electronic device (201).

[0139] FIG. 15 illustrates a signal flow between an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (201)) for changing from a power saving state to a normal power state according to a user input. In FIG. 15, an RF switch (310) including four ports (e.g., a first interrupt port (e.g., a first RF port (511)) (IR1), a receiving port (e.g., a second RF port (512)) (RX), a transmitting port (e.g., a third RF port (513)) (TX), and a second interrupt port (e.g., a fourth RF port (514)) (IR2)) is described as an example. The operation of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 15 can be understood as the operation of the processor (120) of the electronic device (101).

[0140] Referring to FIG. 15, the RF switch (310) is connecting the second interrupt port (514) to the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) can monitor an interrupt generated from an external electronic device (201) through the second interrupt circuit (432). The electronic device (101) can receive a user input (1505) (e.g., a touch input on the display (210), an input of pressing a power button of the electronic device (101). The processor (120) of the electronic device (101) can change the state of the electronic device (101) from a power saving state (e.g., power saving state (1331)) to a normal power state (1511) based on the user input (1505). The electronic device (101) can wake up from the power saving state (1331).

[0141] The electronic device (101) can use a start signal (1520) to notify the external electronic device (201) that communication is possible again. The electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect the transmission port (513) to the serial interface (320) to transmit the start signal (1520). The electronic device (101) can transmit the start signal (1520) through the transmission port (513). After transmitting the start signal (1520), the electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to connect the reception port (512) to the serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) can expect to receive data (e.g., keyboard data, touchpad data, pen input data) input from the external electronic device (201). However, the external electronic device (201) may be disconnected from the electronic device (101).

[0142] When the external electronic device (201) is disconnected from the electronic device (101), the external electronic device (201) can no longer transmit data to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can identify non-reception (1531) of data within a specified period. In other words, the electronic device (101) can identify that the external electronic device (201) is disconnected from the electronic device (101) if data is not received from the external electronic device (201) within a specified cycle (e.g., a cycle set to transmit inspection data to the external electronic device (201). The electronic device (101) can control the RF switch (310) to identify whether the external electronic device (201) (or another device attached to the serial interface (320)) is connected to the electronic device (101). An electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) can control an RF switch (310) to connect a first interrupt port (511) to a serial interface (320). The electronic device (101) can re-enable monitoring of the disabled first interrupt port (511).

[0143] For example, serial communication between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (201) may include UART communication. After wake-up, the state of the electronic device (101) may be 'UART_TX', and the state of the external electronic device (201) may be 'UART_RX'. After the start signal (1520) is transmitted, the state of the electronic device (101) may change from 'UART_TX' to 'UART_RX'. However, since the external electronic device (201) is separated from the electronic device (201), the power-saving state may be maintained.

[0144] Although FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which the state of an electronic device (101) changes from a power-saving state to a normal power state (1511) based on a user input (1505), the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As a non-limiting example, in addition to the user input (1505), the state of the electronic device (101) may change from a power-saving state to a normal power state (1511) based on the receipt of a specified notification or an operation according to an internal routine.

[0145] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of data communication between an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (201)). For example, serial communication between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) may include UART communication.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 16, a first state (1612) (AP-UART-RX) or a second state (1613) (AP-UART-TX) may be defined depending on whether the state of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) is a transmitting state (e.g., RF switch (310) connects the transmitting port (513)) or a receiving state (e.g., RF switch (310) connects the receiving port (512). For example, an external electronic device (201) connected to the electronic device (101) may include a keyboard. Depending on whether the communication state of the external electronic device (201) is a transmitting state or a receiving state, a third state (1662) (KBD-UART-RX) or a fourth state (1663) (KBD-UART-TX) may be defined.

[0147] According to one embodiment, both the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) may be in a standby state (1601). Since there is no transmission or reception of data in the standby state (1601), the electronic device (101) may be in a first state (1612) and the external electronic device (201) may be in a second state (1662). The standby state (1601) may be maintained until a state change event (e.g., reception of user input, wake-up after a specified time) of the processor (120) of the electronic device (101) or a state change event (e.g., keyboard input, touchpad input) of the external electronic device (201) occurs.

[0148] According to one embodiment, in a first data transmission state (1602), an external electronic device (201) can transmit data (1630) to an electronic device (101). The state of the external electronic device (201) may be a fourth state (1663). The external electronic device (201) can transmit data (1630). The state of the electronic device (201) may be a first state (1612). The electronic device (101) can receive data (1630). According to a UART communication method, after a certain period of time (1672), a state change may be performed to respond to the data (1630). The state of the electronic device (201) may be changed from the first state (1662) to the second state (1663). The electronic device (101) can transmit response data (1635) to the external electronic device (201). The state of the external electronic device (201) can be changed from the fourth state (1663) to the third state (1662). The external electronic device (201) can receive response data (1635) from the electronic device (101).

[0149] According to one embodiment, in a first data transmission state (1603), the electronic device (101) can transmit data (1640) to an external electronic device (201). The state of the electronic device (201) may be a second state (1613). The electronic device (101) can transmit data (1640). The state of the external electronic device (201) may be a third state (1662). The external electronic device (201) can receive data (1640). According to a UART communication method, after a certain period of time (1673), a state change may be performed to respond to the data (1640). The state of the external electronic device (201) may be changed from the third state (1662) to the fourth state (1663). The external electronic device (201) can transmit response data (1645) to the electronic device (101). The state of the electronic device (201) can be changed from the second state (1663) to the first state (1662). The electronic device (101) can receive response data (1645) from the external electronic device (201).

[0150] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device (101) can control the connection status of the serial interface (320) connected to the external electronic device (201) through the RF switch (310). By processing serial data based on the RF switch (310) and the processor (120) instead of a separate chip (e.g., FPGA, MCU), not only can current consumption be improved, but also the space inside the electronic device (101) can be secured. In particular, by disabling the monitoring function inside the processor (120) (e.g., interrupt setting off), problems caused by malfunction in response to interrupts due to the ground characteristics of the RF switch (310) can be alleviated. As the RF switch (310) is used, timing synchronization errors can be reduced compared to when the processor (120) encodes and decodes without the RF switch (310). In addition, since additional computing resources for timing errors are not unnecessarily occupied, the efficiency of the processor can be increased.

[0151] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0152] In embodiments, an electronic device (101) is provided. The electronic device (101) includes a serial interface (320) for connection with an external electronic device (201), an RF (radio frequency) switch (310) including a plurality of ports, and at least one processor (120) connected to the RF switch (310). The RF switch (310) may be configured to selectively connect one of the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320). The plurality of ports may include an interrupt port (511) for detecting whether the external electronic device (201) and the electronic device (101) are connected. The at least one processor (120) may be configured to monitor the interrupt port (511) while the serial interface (320) and the interrupt port (511) are connected through the RF switch (310), and to control the RF switch (310) to disable the monitoring of the interrupt port (511) based on detecting a connection between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) while the monitoring of the interrupt port (511) is performed, and to connect a port other than the interrupt port (511) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) while the monitoring of the interrupt port (511) is disabled. The electronic device can prevent unintended interrupts that may occur due to events such as voltage drops in serial communication (e.g., a voltage drop detected at the interrupt port (511) while monitoring is not disabled) by disabling monitoring of the interrupt port (511) when a connection is detected between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the plurality of ports may include a receiving port (512) for receiving a signal from the external electronic device (201).

[0154] According to one embodiment, among the plurality of ports, the port connected to the serial interface (320) may include a transmission port (513) for transmitting a signal to the external electronic device (201). The at least one processor (120) may be additionally configured to transmit a start signal to the external electronic device (201) through the RF switch (310) and the serial interface (320) while the transmission port (513) is connected to the serial interface (320), and to control the RF switch (310) to connect the reception port (512) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) in response to transmission of the start signal.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may be configured to, in response to the connection of the receiving port (512) and the serial interface (320), start a timer and identify whether data is received from the external electronic device (201) within a specified period of the timer. The at least one processor (120) may be configured to restart the timer if data is received from the external electronic device (201) within the specified period of the timer. The at least one processor (120) may be configured to control the RF switch (310) to connect the interrupt port (511) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) when the timer expires.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the plurality of ports may include the interrupt port (511), the receiving port (512), the transmitting port (513), and an auxiliary interrupt port (514) for a power saving state of the electronic device (101). The at least one processor (120) may be configured to control the RF switch (310) to connect the transmission port (513) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) based on detecting an event of the power saving state while the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101), transmit a stop signal to the external electronic device (201) through the RF switch (310) and the serial interface (320) while the transmission port (513) is connected to the serial interface (320), and control the RF switch (310) to connect the auxiliary interrupt port (514) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) based on the stop signal, and change the state of the electronic device (101) to the power saving state.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may be configured to control the RF switch (310) to connect the receiving port (512) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320), in response to transmission of the interrupt signal, to control the RF switch (310) to connect the auxiliary interrupt port (514) to the serial interface (320), receive a response signal to the interrupt signal from the external electronic device (201) while the receiving port (512) is connected to the serial interface (320), and control the RF switch (310) to connect the auxiliary interrupt port (514) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) in response to reception of the response signal.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may be configured to disable monitoring of the auxiliary interrupt port (514) based on detecting a connection between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (201) while performing the monitoring of the interrupt port (511). The at least one processor (120) may be configured to activate monitoring of the auxiliary interrupt port (514) after the auxiliary interrupt port (514) is connected to the serial interface (320).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may be configured to receive input data from the external electronic device (201) while the auxiliary interrupt port (514) is connected to the serial interface (320), change the state of the electronic device (101) from the power saving state to a normal power state based on the input data, control the RF switch (310) to connect the transmission port (513) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) in the normal power state, transmit a start signal to the external electronic device (201) through the RF switch (310) and the serial interface (320) while the transmission port (513) is connected to the serial interface (320), and control the RF switch (310) to connect the reception port (512) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) in response to transmission of the start signal.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may be configured to change the state of the electronic device (101) from the power saving state to the normal power state based on a user input, control the RF switch (310) to connect the transmission port (513) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) in the normal power state, transmit a start signal to the external electronic device (201) through the RF switch (310) and the serial interface (320) while the transmission port (513) is connected to the serial interface (320), and control the RF switch (310) to connect the reception port (512) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) in response to transmission of the start signal.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may be configured to, in response to the connection of the receiving port (512) and the serial interface (320), start a timer and identify whether data is received from the external electronic device (201) within a specified period of the timer. The at least one processor (120) may be configured to restart the timer if data is received from the external electronic device (201) within the specified period of the timer. The at least one processor (120) may be configured to control the RF switch (310) to connect the interrupt port (511) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) when the timer expires.

[0162] In one embodiment, the RF switch (310) may include a single pole four throw (SP4T) for the plurality of ports.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (201) may include a keyboard for user input. The serial interface (320) may include a plurality of pogo pins. The plurality of pogo pins may include a first pogo pin for power, a second pogo pin for serial data, and a third pogo pin for ground.

[0164] According to one embodiment, while the port is connected to the serial interface (320) via the RF switch (310), the interrupt port (511) of the RF switch (310) may be connected to ground. The at least one processor (120) may be configured to stop processing an interrupt resulting from a port change from the interrupt port (511) to the port while the monitoring is deactivated.

[0165] In embodiments, an electronic device (201) is provided. The electronic device (201) includes a control circuit (370), at least one input circuit (380), and a serial interface (360) for connection with an external electronic device (101). The control circuit (370) may be configured to receive a start signal from the external electronic device (101) while the electronic device (201) and the external electronic device (101) are connected, identify in response to the start signal whether a user input is received through the at least one input circuit (380) within a specified period, and transmit data regarding the user input to the external electronic device (101) through the serial interface (360) if the user input is received through the at least one input circuit (380) within the specified period, and transmit inspection data to the external electronic device (101) through the serial interface (360) if the user input is not received through the at least one input circuit (380) within the specified period. This interaction between the electronic device (201) and the external electronic device (101) facilitates management of serial communication in a power and resource efficient manner.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (370) may be configured to receive a stop signal from the external electronic device (101) through the serial interface (360). The control circuit (370) may be configured to transmit a response signal to the stop signal to the external electronic device (101) through the serial interface (360). After transmitting the response signal, the control circuit (370) may be configured to operate in a standby mode for receiving a signal from the external electronic device (101).

[0167] According to one embodiment, the serial interface (360) may include a plurality of pogo pins. The plurality of pogo pins may include a first pogo pin for power input, a second pogo pin for serial data, and a third pogo pin for ground.

[0168] In embodiments, an electronic device (101) is provided. The electronic device (101) includes a serial interface (320) for connection with an external electronic device (201), an RF (radio frequency) switch including a plurality of ports, and at least one processor (120) connected to the RF switch (310). The RF switch (310) may be configured to selectively connect one of the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320). The plurality of ports may include a first interrupt port (511) for detecting whether the external electronic device (201) and the electronic device (101) are connected, a transmission port (513) for transmitting a signal to the external electronic device (201), a reception port (512) for receiving a signal from the external electronic device (201), and a second interrupt port (514) for a power saving state of the electronic device (101).The at least one processor (120) controls the RF switch (310) to connect the second interrupt port (514) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) based on detecting an event for entering the power saving state while the external electronic device (201) is connected to the electronic device (101), and changes the state of the electronic device (101) from the power saving state to a normal power state based on a user input or input data received from the external electronic device (201), and controls the RF switch (310) to connect the transmission port (513) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320) in the normal power state, and transmits a start signal to the external electronic device (201) through the RF switch (310) and the serial interface (320) while the transmission port (513) is connected to the serial interface (320), and in response to the transmission of the start signal, controls the receiving port (514) among the plurality of ports to change the state of the electronic device (101) from the power saving state to a normal power state based on a user input or input data received from the external electronic device (201). The RF switch (310) may be configured to control the port (512) to connect to the serial interface (320). The use of the second interrupt port (514) facilitates power management of the electronic device (101). In particular, when serial communication is not actively performed and the electronic device is idle, energy efficiency can be maximized by connecting the second interrupt port (514) to the serial interface (320).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may be configured to, in response to a connection of the receiving port (512) and the serial interface (320), identify whether data is received from the external electronic device (201) within a specified period of time, and, if the data is not received within the specified period of time, control the RF switch (310) to connect the first interrupt port (511) among the plurality of ports to the serial interface (320).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may be configured to activate monitoring for the second interrupt port (514) after the second interrupt port (514) is connected to the serial interface (320). The at least one processor (120) may be configured to deactivate monitoring for the second interrupt port (514) and activate monitoring for the first interrupt port (511) after the first interrupt port (511) is connected to the serial interface (320).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may be configured to, in response to a connection of the receiving port (512) and the serial interface (320), identify whether data is received from the external electronic device (201) within a specified period of time, and, if the data is received within the specified period of time, restart a timer for the specified period of time.

[0172] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0173] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0174] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0175] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0177] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In electronic devices; Serial interface for connection to external electronic devices; A radio frequency (RF) switch comprising multiple ports; and comprising at least one processor coupled to said RF switch; The above RF switch is configured to selectively connect one of the plurality of ports to the serial interface, The above plurality of ports include an interrupt port for detecting whether the external electronic device and the electronic device are connected, At least one processor of the above, While the serial interface and the interrupt port are connected through the RF switch, monitoring of the interrupt port is performed, Based on detecting a connection between said electronic device and said external electronic device while performing said monitoring for said interrupt port, said monitoring for said interrupt port is disabled, While monitoring for said interrupt port is disabled, said RF switch is configured to control said interrupt port and another port among said plurality of ports to connect to said serial interface. Electronic devices.

2. In claim 1, The above plurality of ports include a receiving port for receiving a signal from the external electronic device. Electronic devices.

3. In claim 2, Among the above multiple ports, the port connected to the serial interface includes a transmission port for transmitting a signal to the external electronic device, At least one processor of the above, While the above transmitting port is connected to the above serial interface, a start signal is transmitted to the external electronic device through the RF switch and the above serial interface, In response to transmission of said start signal, the RF switch is further configured to control said receiving port among said plurality of ports to connect to said serial interface. Electronic devices.

4. In claim 3, at least one processor, In response to the connection of the above receiving port and the above serial interface, starting a timer and identifying whether data is received from the external electronic device within a specified period of the timer; If data is received from the external electronic device within the specified period of the above timer, the above timer is restarted, If the timer expires, the RF switch is additionally configured to control the interrupt port among the plurality of ports to connect the serial interface. Electronic devices.

5. In claim 3, The above plurality of ports include the interrupt port, the receiving port, the transmitting port, and an auxiliary interrupt port for a power saving state of the electronic device, At least one processor of the above, Controlling the RF switch to connect the transmitting port among the plurality of ports to the serial interface based on detecting an event of the power saving state while the external electronic device is connected to the electronic device; While the above transmitting port is connected to the above serial interface, a stop signal is transmitted to the external electronic device through the RF switch and the above serial interface, Based on the above interrupt signal, controlling the RF switch to connect the auxiliary interrupt port among the plurality of ports to the serial interface, additionally configured to change the state of said electronic device to said power saving state; Electronic devices.

6. In claim 5, The at least one processor controls the RF switch to connect the auxiliary interrupt port to the serial interface. In response to transmission of said stop signal, controlling said RF switch to connect said receiving port among said plurality of ports to said serial interface; While the above receiving port is connected to the above serial interface, a response signal to the above interrupt signal is received from the external electronic device, In response to receiving said response signal, said RF switch is configured to control said auxiliary interrupt port among said plurality of ports to connect to said serial interface. Electronic devices.

7. In claim 5 or claim 6, At least one processor of the above, While performing said monitoring for said interrupt port, based on detecting a connection between said electronic device and said external electronic device, monitoring for said auxiliary interrupt port is disabled, After the auxiliary interrupt port is connected to the serial interface, additionally configured to enable monitoring for the auxiliary interrupt port, Electronic devices.

8. In any one of claims 5 to 7, At least one processor of the above, While the above auxiliary interrupt port is connected to the above serial interface, input data is received from the external electronic device, Based on the above input data, change the state of the electronic device from the power saving state to the normal power state, In the above normal power state, controlling the RF switch to connect the transmission port among the plurality of ports to the serial interface, While the above transmitting port is connected to the above serial interface, a start signal is transmitted to the external electronic device through the RF switch and the above serial interface, In response to transmission of said start signal, said RF switch is configured to control said receiving port among said plurality of ports to said serial interface. Electronic devices.

9. In any one of claims 5 to 8, At least one processor of the above, Based on user input, change the state of said electronic device from said power saving state to said normal power state, In the above normal power state, controlling the RF switch to connect the transmission port among the plurality of ports to the serial interface, While the above transmitting port is connected to the above serial interface, a start signal is transmitted to the external electronic device through the RF switch and the above serial interface, In response to transmission of said start signal, said RF switch is configured to control said receiving port among said plurality of ports to said serial interface. Electronic devices.

10. In claim 9, At least one processor of the above, In response to the connection of the above receiving port and the above serial interface, starting a timer and identifying whether data is received from the external electronic device within a specified period of the timer; If data is received from the external electronic device within the specified period of the above timer, the above timer is restarted, If the timer expires, the RF switch is additionally configured to control the interrupt port among the plurality of ports to connect the serial interface. Electronic devices.

11. In any one of claims 1 to 10, The above RF switch includes a single pole four throw (SP4T) for the multiple ports. Electronic devices.

12. In any one of claims 1 to 11, The above serial interface includes a plurality of pogo pins, The above plurality of pogo pins include a first pogo pin for power, a second pogo pin for serial data, and a third pogo pin for ground. Electronic devices.

13. In any one of claims 1 to 12, While the port is connected to the serial interface through the RF switch, the interrupt port of the RF switch is connected to ground, wherein said at least one processor is configured to stop processing interrupts resulting from a port change from said interrupt port to said port while said monitoring is disabled; Electronic devices.

Images