Electronic device for processing radio frequency and method for operating same

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may include: a processor; a first transceiver configured to process a radio frequency (RF) corresponding to a first frequency range (FR1) of a first radio access technology (RAT) and / or a second RAT and to process an intermediate frequency (IF) corresponding to a third RAT; and a second transceiver configured to process an IF corresponding to a second frequency range (FR2) of the second RAT. The second circuit comprises: a first switch unit connected to the first transceiver through a second connection unit; and a second transceiver configured to process a third RF corresponding to the third RAT and connected to a second antenna array, wherein the first switch unit may be configured to connect the first transceiver to antenna elements and / or the second transceiver.

Description

Electronic device for processing radio frequencies and method of operation thereof

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device for processing radio frequencies and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Thanks to remarkable advancements in information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, the proliferation and use of various electronic devices is rapidly increasing. In particular, recent electronic devices are being developed to enable portability and communication.

[0003] An electronic device can refer to any device that performs a specific function based on the program installed on it, such as home appliances, electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, audio / video devices, desktop / laptop computers, or car navigation systems. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as audio or video. As the integration of electronic devices increases and ultra-high-speed, high-capacity wireless communications become widespread, a single electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, can now be equipped with multiple functions. For example, in addition to communication functions, entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music / video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, calendar management, or electronic wallets are being integrated into a single electronic device. These electronic devices are becoming smaller so that users can conveniently carry them.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a radio frequency (RF) circuit configuration of an electronic device supporting various wireless communication technologies.

[0006] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0007] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first circuit comprising a first transceiver coupled to a processor and configured to process a radio frequency (RF) corresponding to a first frequency range (FR1) of a first radio access technology (RAT) and / or a second RAT, and to process an intermediate frequency (IF) corresponding to a third RAT. The electronic device may include a second circuit comprising a first switching unit coupled to the first transceiver via a second connecting unit, and a second transceiver coupled to a second antenna array and configured to process RF corresponding to the third RAT, wherein the first switching unit may be configured to couple the first transceiver to antenna elements and / or the second transceiver.

[0008] A method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include controlling a first transceiver to process radio frequency (RF) signals corresponding to FR1 of a first radio access technology (RAT) and / or a second RAT in a first communication mode using a first frequency range (FR1) of the first RAT and / or the second RAT, and to process intermediate frequency (IF) signals corresponding to a third RAT in a second communication mode using a third RAT. The method may include controlling a first switch unit to connect at least one first antenna element among antenna elements to the first transceiver in the first communication mode, and to connect the at least one first antenna element to the second transceiver in the second communication mode.

[0009] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to: control a first transceiver to process radio frequency (RF) signals corresponding to a first frequency range (FR1) of a first radio access technology (RAT) and / or a second RAT in a first communication mode using the first RAT and / or a second RAT, to process intermediate frequency (IF) signals corresponding to a third RAT in a second communication mode using the third RAT, and to control a first switch unit to connect at least one first antenna element of antenna elements to the first transceiver in the first communication mode and to connect the at least one first antenna element to the second transceiver in the second communication mode.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100), according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circuit layout of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit structure of an electronic device supporting 6G according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit structure of an electronic device using RF hardware according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit structure of an electronic device supporting 6G using RF hardware according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a 6G signal transmission path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a 6G signal reception path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a transceiver structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100), according to one embodiment.

[0020] 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)).

[0021] 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 data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result 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 an auxiliary 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 with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The memory (130) may store data used by at least one component (e.g., a processor (120) or a sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) may include a volatile memory (132) or a non-volatile memory (134).

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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. According to 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.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) to 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] The 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. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 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).

[0037] 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). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of 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 (millimeter wave) band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) may support 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) may support 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.

[0038] 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 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, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected 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).

[0039] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In 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.

[0040] 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)).

[0041] 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 utilizing 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.

[0042] In one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) can use a communication service via a mobile communication system. A radio access technology (RAT) of the mobile communication system has evolved from a legacy communication technology (e.g., at least one of 2G (2nd generation), 3G (3rd generation), or 4G (3rd generation)) to a 5G communication technology (e.g., NR (new radio)). 5G (e.g., NR) can use at least one of a first frequency range (frequency range 1: FR1) below 7 GHz (e.g., referred to as Sub-6 GHz) and / or a second frequency range (FR2) above 24 GHz (e.g., mmWave (millimeter wave) spectrum). RF characteristics of the first frequency range may be similar to RF characteristics of frequency bands of the legacy communication technology (hereinafter, simply referred to as legacy).

[0043] below shows examples of RF characteristics available in the frequency bands of Legacy and / or NR first frequency range (hereinafter referred to as Legacy / FR1) and NR second frequency range (hereinafter referred to as FR2).

[0044] Item Legacy / FR1FR2 Frequency range ~ Approximately 7 GHz ~ Approximately 24 GHz ~ Antenna Element-based Array-based RF circuit configuration RFIC only IFIC + RFIC RFIC location Near the main board antenna Number of antennas 2~4 Up to 10 per array module

[0045] As shown in the above , the RF characteristics of the legacy and / or first frequency range may be very different from the RF characteristics of the second frequency range. An electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) may separately have an RF circuit (e.g., an RF integrated circuit (RFIC)) for processing the legacy and / or first frequency range and an RF circuit for processing the second frequency range. In one embodiment, an example of the difference between the legacy and / or first frequency range and the second frequency range may be as follows.

[0046] 1. Number of antennas

[0047] The second frequency range requires smaller physical antennas than the physical antennas of the legacy and / or first frequency ranges, and is characterized by a path loss (PL) greater in the channel environment than the path loss of the legacy and / or first frequency ranges. An electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) may require a larger number of antennas than the antennas of the second frequency range to handle the legacy and / or first frequency ranges. As a result, the wireless communication module (192) of the electronic device (101) may additionally require, in addition to the antenna mounting space and RF wiring for the legacy and / or first frequency ranges, an antenna mounting space for the second frequency range, and RF wiring for applying RF signals to the antennas within the antenna mounting space.

[0048] 2. Insertion loss (IL)

[0049] Since the second frequency range includes higher RF frequencies than the legacy and / or first frequency range, the insertion loss of the RF wiring for the second frequency range may be greater than the insertion loss of the legacy and / or first frequency range. The electronic device (101) may use an intermediate frequency (IF) conversion based on an intermediate frequency (IF) (e.g., 10 GHz) to process RF signals higher than 24 GHz belonging to the second frequency range. In one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) of the electronic device (101) may include both an IF integrated circuit (IFIC) configured to process an intermediate frequency band (e.g., 10 GHz) corresponding to an RF signal of the second frequency range, and an RFIC configured to process an RF signal of the second frequency range, and the RFIC may be mounted physically very close to an antenna for the second frequency range.

[0050] 6G (6th generation) communication technology after 5G (e.g., NR) may use, for example, a frequency band of 10 to 15 GHz (e.g., cmWave (centimeter wave) spectrum). cmWave is a frequency band between a first frequency range and a second frequency range, and may include RF characteristics of both the first frequency range and the second frequency range. Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an RF circuit structure (e.g., a wireless communication module (192)) for an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)) capable of supporting not only a legacy communication technology (e.g., at least one of 2G, 3G, or 4G) and a 5G communication technology, but also a 6G communication technology.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (200) (e.g., electronic device (101)) may include a first printed board assembly (PBA) (210), a millimeter wave (mmW) module (220) connected to the first PBA (210) through a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (226), and a second PBA (230) connected to the first PBA (210) through a second FPCB (216).

[0053] In one embodiment, the first PBA (210) may include a communication processor (CP) (202), a transceiver (204), at least one amplifier (e.g., one middle and high bands' frequency (OMH) low noise amplifier (LNA) power amplifier module with integrated duplexer (L-PAMiD) (206), and a low bands' frequency (LB) L-PAMiD (208)), a diplexer (DPX) (214), and a 5G IFIC (212). The diplexer (DPX) (214) may be connected to at least one of one or more lines between the OMH L-PAMiD (206) and the LB L-PAMiD (208) and the second FPCB (216).

[0054] A communication processor (CP) (202) may determine that the electronic device (200) operates in at least one of a legacy communication mode, a 5G FR1 communication mode, a 5G FR2 communication mode, or a 6G communication mode, and may generate and output a baseband signal for communication using the determined communication mode, or may analyze an input baseband signal. In one embodiment, the baseband signal may include symbols encoded and modulated according to the determined communication mode.

[0055] The transceiver (204) may be configured to process RF signals in the frequency range of legacy communication technologies and a first frequency range (e.g., less than 6 GHz). Although not shown, in one embodiment, the transceiver (204) may include at least one of at least one mixer, at least one amplifier (AMP), at least one attenuator, or at least one filter (e.g., a band pass filter (BPF)) to generate or process RF signals in a designated frequency band. In one embodiment, the transceiver (204) may be configured to include, but is not limited to, the transceiver (900) of FIG. 9 .

[0056] In one embodiment, the transceiver (204) may receive a baseband signal generated by the communication processor (202) and frequency up-convert the baseband signal to an RF signal in a frequency range of a legacy communication technology or a designated frequency band (e.g., a transmission frequency band below 6 GHz) within a first frequency range using a designated reference frequency (e.g., a local oscillator (LO) frequency). The RF signal may be transmitted to the second PBA (230) via the second FPCB (216) via at least one of the OMH L-PAMiD (206) and / or the LB L-PAMiD (208), or may be transmitted from the transceiver (204) to the second PBA (230) via the second FPCB (216) without passing through an amplifier.

[0057] In one embodiment, the transceiver (204) can receive an RF signal in a frequency range of a legacy communication technology or a designated frequency band within the first frequency range (e.g., a reception frequency band below 6 GHz) from the second PBA (230), and frequency down-convert the RF signal to a baseband signal using a designated reference frequency (e.g., an LO frequency). The RF signal can be received from the second PBA (230) to the first PBA (210) through the second FPCB (216) and then transmitted to the transceiver (204) via at least one of the OMH L-PAMiD (206) and / or the LB L-PAMiD (208), or can be received from the second PBA (230) to the first PBA (210) through the second FPCB (216) and then transmitted to the transceiver (204) without passing through an amplifier. The baseband signal output from the transceiver (204) can be transmitted to the communication processor (202).

[0058] In one embodiment, the OMH L-PAMiD (206) and / or the LB L-PAMiD (208) are components for processing RF signals between an antenna (e.g., antenna elements (234)) and a transceiver (204), and may include, for example, at least one of a switch module, an antenna switch module (ASM), one or more filters (e.g., at least one of a band pass filter (BPF), a duplexing filter, or a triplexing filter), a power amplifier (PA), a low noise amplifier, or a coupler.

[0059] In one embodiment, the LB L-PAMiD (208) may be configured to process RF signals in a frequency range of a legacy communication technology or a frequency band below 1 GHz within a first frequency range. In one embodiment, the OMH L-PAMiD (206) may be configured to process RF signals in a middle frequency band (e.g., 1.4 GHz to 2.2 GHz) and / or a high frequency band (e.g., 2.3 GHz to 2.7 GHz) within the frequency range of the legacy communication technology or the first frequency range. In one embodiment, the OMH L-PAMiD (206) may include a middle and high bands' frequency (MHB) L-PAMiD. In one embodiment, the OMH L-PAMiD (206) may be responsible for the main path of 2G, 3G, and 4G standalone (SA) and 4G carrier aggregation (CA).

[0060] In one embodiment, the 5G IFIC (212) may be configured to process intermediate frequency conversion for RF signals in a second frequency range (e.g., below 24 GHz). Although not shown, in one embodiment, the 5G IFIC (212) may include at least one of at least one mixer, at least one amplifier, at least one attenuator, or at least one filter to generate or process IF signals in a designated frequency band. In one embodiment, the 5G IFIC (204) may be configured to include, but is not limited to, the transceiver (900) of FIG. 9 .

[0061] In one embodiment, the 5G IFIC (212) may receive a baseband signal generated by the communication processor (202) and frequency up-convert the baseband signal to an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to a second frequency range using a reference frequency signal of a designated reference frequency (e.g., 500 MHz). The IF signal may be transmitted to the mmW module (220) via one or more lines within the first FPCB (226). The first FPCB (226) may include a first line transmitting the IF signal (e.g., IF1) and / or a reference frequency signal (e.g., REF) and / or a second line transmitting the IF signal (e.g., IF2).

[0062] In one embodiment, the 5G IFIC (212) may receive an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to a second frequency range from the mmW module (220) through the first FPCB (226), and may down-convert the IF signal (e.g., IF2) to a baseband signal using a designated reference frequency (e.g., 500 MHz). The IF signal may be transmitted from the mmW module (220) to the 5G IFIC (212) of the first PBA (210) through one or more lines in the first FPCB (226). The baseband signal output from the 5G IFIC (212) may be transmitted to the communication processor (202). The baseband signal output from the 5G IFIC (212) can be transmitted to the communication processor (202) and then demodulated and decoded by the communication processor (202).

[0063] The mmW module (220) may include a 5G RFIC (222) configured to process RF signals in a second frequency range. Although not shown, in one embodiment, the 5G RFIC (222) may include at least one of at least one mixer, at least one amplifier, at least one attenuator, or at least one filter to generate or process RF signals in a designated frequency band. In one embodiment, the 5G RFIC (222) may be configured to include, but is not limited to, the transceiver (900) of FIG. 9 .

[0064] In one embodiment, the 5G RFIC (222) may be configured to receive an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to a second frequency range from the 5G IFIC (212) of the first PBA (210) through the first FPCB (226) and to frequency up-convert the IF signal to an RF signal of a designated frequency band within the second frequency range (e.g., a transmission frequency band higher than 24 GHz, e.g., 28 GHz to 39 GHz). The 5G RFIC (222) may radiate the RF signal into the air through an antenna array (224) including one or more antenna elements. In one embodiment, the 5G RFIC (222) may receive an RF signal of a designated frequency band (e.g., a reception frequency band higher than 24 GHz, e.g., 28 GHz to 39 GHz) within a second frequency range via an antenna array (224), and frequency down-convert the RF signal to an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to the second frequency range. The IF signal may be transmitted to the 5G IFIC (212) of the first PBA (210) via the first FPCB (226).

[0065] The second PBA (230) can receive an RF signal (e.g., less than 6 GHz) in a frequency range of a legacy communication technology or a designated transmission frequency band within the first frequency range from the first PBA (210) via the second FPCB (216). In one embodiment, the second PBA (230) can include a middle and high bands' frequency (MHB) low noise amplifier (LNA) front-end module (LFEM) (232) and one or more antenna elements (234). In one embodiment, the antenna elements (234) can include two antenna elements used for both transmission and reception (e.g., antenna 1 (ANT1) and antenna 2 (ANT2)) and two antenna elements used exclusively for reception (e.g., antenna 3 (ANT3) and antenna 4 (ANT4)).

[0066] In one embodiment, the second FPCB (216) connecting between the first PBA (210) and the second PBA (230) may include at least one of a first line connecting an RF signal (e.g., 1.4 GHz to 2.7 GHz) from the OMH L-PAMiD (206) to antenna 2, a second line connecting an RF signal (e.g., less than 2.7 GHz) from the OMH L-PAMiD (206) or LB L-PAMiD (208) via the DPX (214) to antenna 1, or a third line connecting an RF signal (e.g., less than 6 GHz) from the transceiver (204) to the MHB LFEM (232).

[0067] The second PBA (230) can transmit an RF signal in a frequency range of a legacy communication technology or a designated frequency band (e.g., a transmission frequency band of less than 6 GHz) within the first frequency range, transmitted from the OMH L-PAMiD (206) or the LB L-PAMiD (208) of the first PBA (210) through the second FPCB (216), into the air by means of antenna 1 and / or antenna 2 among the antenna elements (234). The second PBA (230) can transmit an RF signal in a frequency range of a legacy communication technology or a designated frequency band (e.g., a reception frequency band of less than 6 GHz) within the first frequency range, received by antenna 1 and / or antenna 2 among the antenna elements (234), to the OMH L-PAMiD (206) or the LB L-PAMiD (208) of the first PBA (210) through the second FPCB (216).

[0068] The MHB LFEM (232) may amplify and filter RF signals in a frequency range of a legacy communication technology or a designated frequency band (e.g., a reception frequency band below 6 GHz) within a first frequency range, received by antennas 3 and / or 4 among the antenna elements (234), before transmitting the signals to the transceiver (204) of the first PBA (210) via the second FPCB (216). In one embodiment, the MHB LFEM (232) may include at least one of a low noise amplifier (LNA), a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter, or an (antenna) switch module, without a power amplifier (PA) or coupler. In one embodiment, the RF signal output from the MHB LFEM (232) may be transmitted to the first PBA (210) via the second FPCB (216) and then transmitted to the transceiver (204) without passing through an amplifier (e.g., OMH L-PAMiD (206) or LB L-PAMiD (208)).

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the legacy and first frequency range RF signals can share the same RF wiring (e.g., transceiver (204), OMH L-PAMiD (206), LB L-PAMiD (208), diplexer (214), second FPCB (216) and second PBA (230), and the second frequency range RF signals can exclusively use the 5G IFIC (212), first FPCB (226) and mmW module (220).

[0070] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circuit layout of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101)) may include a first PBA region (310) including a first PBA (210), a second PBA region (330) including a second PBA (230), and a mmW module region (320) including a mmW module (220). In one embodiment, the first PBA region (310) may be located in a first region on the back of the electronic device (200), the second PBA region (330) may be located in a second region on the back of the electronic device (200), and the mmW module (220) may be located on a side of the electronic device (200). A first FPCB region (326) including a first FPCB (226) may be positioned between the first PBA region (310) and the mmW module region (320), and a second FPCB region (316) including a second FPCB (216) may be positioned between the first PBA region (310) and the second PBA region (330).

[0072] below shows examples of RF characteristics for frequency bands of legacy and / or first frequency range (i.e. legacy / FR1), second frequency range (i.e. FR2), and 6G communication technology (i.e. 6G).

[0073] Item Legacy / FR16GFR2 Frequency range ~ Approximately 7 GHz ~ Approximately 10 ~ Approximately 15 GHz ~ Approximately 24 GHz ~ Antenna Element-based Element / Array Array-based RF circuit configuration RFIC only IFIC + RFIC RFIC location Near the main board antenna Number of antennas 2 ~ 4 Up to 8 per array module Up to 10 per array module

[0074] Referring to , 6G communication technology has higher IL and channel path loss than other communication technologies (e.g., legacy / FR1 or FR2), such as FR2, so RFIC for 6G must be mounted adjacent to the antenna and may require multiple antenna elements.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit structure of an electronic device supporting 6G according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device (400) (e.g., electronic device (101)) may include a first PBA (410), a mmW module (420) connected to the first PBA (410) through a first FPCB (426), a second PBA (430) connected to the first PBA (410) through a second FPCB (416), and a 6G module (440) connected to the first PBA (410) through a third FPCB (446).

[0077] In one embodiment, the first PBA (410) may include a communication processor (402), a transceiver (404), an OMH L-PAMiD (406), a LB L-PAMiD (408), a diplexer (DPX) (414), a 5G IFIC (412), and a 6G IFIC (418). The communication processor (402), the transceiver (404), the OMH L-PAMiD (406), the LB L-PAMiD (408), the diplexer (DPX) (414), and the 5G IFIC (412) may be similar to the communication processor (202), the transceiver (204), the OMH L-PAMiD (206), the LB L-PAMiD (208), the diplexer (DPX) (214), and the 5G IFIC (212) of FIG. 2 .

[0078] The mmW module (420) may include a 5G RFIC (422) configured to process RF signals in a second frequency range. In one embodiment, the 5G RFIC (422) may be configured to receive an IF signal in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to the second frequency range from the 5G IFIC (412) of the first PBA (410) through the first FPCB (426) and to frequency up-convert the IF signal to an RF signal in a designated frequency band within the second frequency range (e.g., a transmit frequency band higher than 24 GHz, e.g., 28 GHz to 39 GHz). The 5G RFIC (422) may radiate the RF signal into the air via an antenna array (424) including one or more antenna elements. In one embodiment, the 5G RFIC (422) may receive an RF signal of a designated frequency band within a second frequency range (e.g., a reception frequency band higher than 24 GHz, e.g., 28 GHz to 39 GHz) via an antenna array (424), and frequency down-convert the RF signal to an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to the second frequency range. The IF signal may be transmitted to the 5G IFIC (412) of the first PBA (410) via the first FPCB (426).

[0079] The second PBA (430) can receive an RF signal in a designated transmission frequency band (e.g., less than 6 GHz) within the frequency range of the legacy communication technology or the first frequency range from the first PBA (410) via the second FPCB (416). In one embodiment, the second PBA (430) can include an MHB LFEM (432) and one or more antenna elements (434). In one embodiment, the antenna elements (434) can include two antenna elements used for both transmission and reception (e.g., antenna 1 and antenna 2) and two antenna elements used exclusively for reception (e.g., antenna 3 and antenna 4). The MHB LFEM (432) and antenna elements (434) can be similar to the MHB LFEM (232) and antenna elements (234) of FIG. 2.

[0080] In one embodiment, the 6G IFIC (418) may be configured to process intermediate frequency conversion for RF signals in the 6G frequency range (e.g., 10 GHz to 24 GHz). Although not shown, in one embodiment, the 6G IFIC (418) may include at least one of at least one mixer, at least one amplifier, at least one attenuator, or at least one filter to generate or process IF signals in a designated frequency band. In one embodiment, the 6G IFIC (418) may be configured to include, but is not limited to, the transceiver (900) of FIG. 9 .

[0081] In one embodiment, the 6G IFIC (412) may receive baseband signals generated by the communication processor (202) and up-convert the baseband signals into IF signals of an intermediate frequency band corresponding to a 6G frequency range using a designated reference frequency. The IF signals may be transmitted to the 6G module (440) via a plurality of lines in the third FPCB (446). In one embodiment, the 6G IFIC (418) may receive an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band corresponding to a 6G frequency range from the 6G module (440) via the third FPCB (446) and down-convert the IF signal into a baseband signal using a designated reference frequency. The IF signal may be transmitted from the 6G module (440) to the 6G IFIC (418) of the first PBA (410) via a plurality of lines in the third FPCB (446). The baseband signal output from the 6G IFIC (418) can be transmitted to the communication processor (402).

[0082] The 6G module (440) may include a 6G RFIC (442) configured to process RF signals in a 6G frequency range. In one embodiment, the 6G RFIC (442) may be configured to receive an IF signal in an intermediate frequency band corresponding to the 6G frequency range from the 6G IFIC (418) of the first PBA (410) through the third FPCB (446) and to frequency up-convert the IF signal to an RF signal in a designated frequency band within the 6G frequency range (e.g., a transmit frequency band within 10 GHz to 15 GHz, for example, 13 GHz). The 6G RFIC (442) may radiate the RF signal into the air through an antenna array (444) including one or more antenna elements. In one embodiment, the 6G RFIC (442) may receive an RF signal in a designated frequency band (e.g., a reception frequency band within 10 GHz to 15 GHz, e.g., 13 GHz) within a 6G frequency range via an antenna array (444), and frequency down-convert the RF signal to an IF signal in an intermediate frequency band corresponding to the 6G frequency range. The IF signal may be transmitted to the 6G IFIC (418) of the first PBA (410) via the third FPCB (446).

[0083] The third FPCB (446) may include a plurality of lines (e.g., eight lines to support up to eight layers) that each transmit IF signals from the 6G IFIC (418) to the 6G RFIC (442) within the 6G module (440).

[0084] In the circuit structure of FIG. 4, the legacy and first frequency range RF signals can share the same RF circuit configuration (e.g., at least one of the transceiver (204), the OMH L-PAMiD (206), the LB L-PAMiD (208), the diplexer (214), the second FPCB (216), or the second PBA (230)), and the second frequency range RF signals can use a dedicated circuit configuration (e.g., at least one of the 5G IFIC (212), the first FPCB (226), or the mmW module (220)).

[0085] The RF circuit configuration for 6G communication may include intermediate frequency conversion. Since the cmWave band generates a very large insertion loss, it may be appropriate for the IFIC for 6G communication (e.g., the 6G IFIC (418)) to be mounted on a main board (e.g., the first PBA (410)), and the RFIC for 6G communication (e.g., the 6G RFIC (442)) to be mounted near an antenna (e.g., the antenna array (444)). The 6G communication system may support multi-layer (e.g., 8-layer) MIMO (multiple input multiple output) to transmit and receive data at a high data rate. To support multi-layer MIMO, eight or more RF lines (e.g., the third FPCB) may be connected between the IFIC (e.g., the 6G IFIC (418)) and the RFIC (e.g., the 6G RFIC (442)).

[0086] FIG. 5 illustrates the circuit structure of an electronic device utilizing RF hardware according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device of FIG. 5 may be viewed as a specific embodiment of the electronic device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 . Depending on the embodiments, at least one of the components described below may be omitted, modified, or connected in a different manner.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, an electronic device (500) (e.g., electronic device (101 or 200)) may include a first circuit (510) (e.g., a first PBA (210 or 610)), a third circuit (520) (e.g., a mmW module (220 or 620)), and a second circuit (530) (e.g., a second PBA (230 or 630)).

[0088] In one embodiment, the first circuit (510) may include a processor (512) (e.g., CP (202 or 602)), a first transceiver (516) (e.g., transceiver (204 or 604)), and a third transceiver (514) (e.g., 5G IFIC (212 or 612)). The processor (512) may generate a baseband communication signal for communication using at least one of a first radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., a legacy communication technology), a second RAT (e.g., 5G or NR), or a third RAT (e.g., 6G) according to a specified communication mode (e.g., at least one of a legacy communication mode, a 5G FR1 communication mode, a 5G FR2 communication mode, or a 6G communication mode), and output the baseband communication signal to the first transceiver (516) or the third transceiver (514), or analyze the baseband signal input from the first transceiver (516) or the third transceiver (514).

[0089] In one embodiment, the first transceiver (516) may be configured to process an RF (e.g., less than 6 GHz) corresponding to a first frequency range of the first RAT or the second RAT in a first communication mode (e.g., a legacy communication mode) or a second communication mode (e.g., a 5G FR1 communication mode), or to process an IF (e.g., 600 MHz to 6 GHz) corresponding to a third RAT (e.g., 6G) in a fourth communication mode (e.g., a 6G communication mode). The third transceiver (514) may be configured to process an IF (e.g., 10 GHz) corresponding to a second frequency range of the second RAT in a third communication mode (e.g., a 5G FR2 communication mode).

[0090] In one embodiment, the first circuit (510) may further include at least one amplifier (e.g., at least one of the OMH L-PAMiD (606) or the LB L-PAMiD (608)) for amplifying signals output from or input to the first transceiver (516). In one embodiment, the at least one amplifier may be connected to the second circuit (530) via a diplexer (e.g., the DPX (614)).

[0091] In one embodiment, the third circuit (520) may be connected to the first circuit (510) via a first connector (526) (e.g., an FPCB) and may include a fourth transceiver (522) (e.g., a 5G RFIC (622)) and a first antenna array (524) (e.g., the first antenna array (624)). The fourth transceiver (522) may be configured to process RF corresponding to a second frequency range of the second RAT (e.g., 28 GHz to 39 GHz). The first antenna array (524) may be configured to receive or transmit RF signals corresponding to the second frequency range of the second RAT. The first FPCB (526) may include a first line for transmitting an IF signal (e.g., IF1) and / or a reference frequency signal (e.g., REF) corresponding to FR2 of the second RAT, and / or a second line for transmitting an IF signal (e.g., IF2), similar to the first FPCB (226) of FIG. 2.

[0092] In one embodiment, the second connector (538) (e.g., FPCB) may include a first line conveying an IF signal (e.g., IF1) and / or a reference frequency signal (e.g., REF) corresponding to a second frequency range of the second RAT, similar to the second FPCB (226) of FIG. 2, and / or a second line conveying an IF signal (e.g., IF2). In one embodiment, the second FPCB (538) may include one or more lines connecting the first transceiver (516) to the second circuit (530), similar to the second FPCB (216) of FIG. 2.

[0093] In one embodiment, the second circuit (530) is connected to the first circuit (510) via a second FPCB (538) and may include a second transceiver (532) (e.g., a 6G RFIC (632)), a switch section (534) (e.g., switches (636a, 636b, 636c, 638a, and 638b)), one or more antenna elements (536a) (e.g., antenna elements (634a)), and a second antenna array (536b) (e.g., second antenna array (632a)).

[0094] In the first communication mode (e.g., legacy communication mode) or the second communication mode (e.g., 5G FR1 communication mode), the switch unit (534) may transmit RF signals corresponding to the frequency range of the first RAT or the first frequency range of the second RAT transmitted from the first transceiver (516) via the second FPCB (538) to the antenna elements (536a), or transmit RF signals received via the antenna elements (536a) to the first transceiver (516). In the fourth communication mode, the switch unit (534) may transmit IF signals corresponding to the third RAT transmitted from the first transceiver (516) via the second FPCB (538) to the second transceiver (532), or transmit IF signals output from the second transceiver (532) to the first transceiver (516).

[0095] The second transceiver (532) may be configured to process RF (e.g., 13 GHz) corresponding to a third RAT (e.g., 6G) in a fourth communication mode. The second antenna array (536b) may be configured to receive or transmit RF signals corresponding to the third RAT.

[0096] The cmWave 6G communication system has both the characteristics of mmWave and the characteristics of the legacy / first frequency band. For example, since the 6G communication system requires a larger number of antennas (e.g., the second antenna array (536b)) than the number of antennas of the legacy / first frequency band and the insertion loss (IL) of the RF band is large, the RFIC for 6G (e.g., the second transceiver (532)) can be mounted close to the antenna (e.g., the second antenna array (536b)) to reduce the insertion loss of the RF band.

[0097] The first transceiver (516) configured to support the legacy / first frequency band may be configured to provide RF signals in the 600 MHz to 6 GHz band in the first communication mode or the second communication mode. Since the 6G communication system uses the 10 GHz band, unlike mmWave, it can use a lower IF band and RF band than mmWave. Accordingly, the first transceiver (516) can process IF signals and reference frequency signals (e.g., REF CLK) in the 600 MHz to 6 GHz band for 6G communication. Through the structure illustrated in FIG. 5, design space and power consumption can be saved by not using an additional IFIC (e.g., 6G IFIC (418)) and RF wires (e.g., third FPCB (446)) for 6G.

[0098] The antenna elements (536a) of the second circuit (530) may be used to transmit or receive RF signals corresponding to the frequency range of the first RAT or the first frequency range of the second RAT, and may also be configured to transmit or receive RF signals corresponding to the third RAT. The second circuit (530) may convert at least some of the IF signals corresponding to the third RAT transmitted from the first transceiver (516) into RF signals corresponding to the third RAT by the second transceiver (532) and then radiate the same into the air through the antenna elements (536a). Similarly, the second circuit (530) can receive RF signals corresponding to the third RAT through the antenna elements (536a), and then convert the received RF signals into IF signals corresponding to the third RAT by the second transceiver (532), and then transmit the converted signals to the first transceiver (516) of the first circuit (510).

[0099] The switch section (534) of the second circuit (530) may include at least one switch (e.g., DPDT (double pole, double throw) or SPDT (single pole, double throw)) controlled to connect the first transceiver (516) to the antenna elements (536a) in the first communication mode or the second communication mode, and to connect the first transceiver (516) to at least one of the second antenna array (536b) or the antenna elements (536a) in the fourth communication mode.

[0100] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the circuit structure of an electronic device supporting 6G using RF hardware according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device of FIG. 6 may be viewed as a specific embodiment of the electronic device described with reference to FIG. 5 , for example. Depending on the embodiments, at least one of the components described below may be omitted, modified, or connected in a different manner.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 6, an electronic device (600) (e.g., electronic device (101)) may include a first PBA (610) (e.g., a first circuit (510)), a mmW module (620) (e.g., a third circuit (520)) connected to the first PBA (610) and the first FPCB (626) through a first FPCB, and a second PBA (230) (e.g., a second circuit (530)) connected to the first PBA (610) and the second FPCB (616) through a second FPCB.

[0102] In one embodiment, the first PBA (210) may include a communication processor (CP) (602) (e.g., processor (512)), a transceiver (604) (e.g., first transceiver (516)), at least one amplifier (e.g., at least one of OMH L-PAMiD (606), LB L-PAMiD (608), or MHB L-PAMiD (618)), a diplexer (DPX) (614), and a 5G IFIC (612) (e.g., third transceiver (514)). The diplexer (DPX) (614) may be connected to at least one of one or more lines between the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and the LB L-PAMiD (608) and the second FPCB (616).

[0103] A communication processor (CP) (602) determines that the electronic device (600) is to operate in at least one communication mode among a legacy communication mode, a 5G FR1 communication mode, a 5G FR2 communication mode, or a 6G communication mode, and generates and outputs a baseband signal for communication using the determined communication mode, or interprets an input baseband signal according to the determined communication mode. In one embodiment, the baseband signal may include symbols encoded and modulated according to the determined communication mode.

[0104] The transceiver (604) may be configured to process RF signals in the frequency range of legacy communication technologies and a first frequency range (e.g., below 6 GHz) and IF signals of a 6G communication mode. In one embodiment, the transceiver (604) may be configured to include, but is not limited to, the transceiver (900) of FIG. 9 .

[0105] In one embodiment, the transceiver (604) may be configured to receive a baseband signal generated by the communication processor (602) and frequency upconvert the baseband signal to an RF signal in a designated frequency band (e.g., a transmit frequency band below 6 GHz) within the frequency range of the legacy communication technology or a first frequency range using a designated reference frequency (e.g., a local oscillation (LO) frequency) or an IF signal corresponding to the 6G frequency range (e.g., 6G IF1 and / or 6G IF2). In one embodiment, the IF signal corresponding to the 6G frequency range may have a frequency band of 600 MHz to 6 GHz similar to the frequency range of the legacy communication technology or the first frequency range.

[0106] In one embodiment, the transceiver (604) may include an MHB L-PAMiD (618) (e.g., referred to as an ENDC L-PAMiD) to support ENDC (E-UTRAN new radio - dual connectivity). The MHB L-PAMiD (618) may be used together with the OMH L-PAMiD (606) to simultaneously process 6G IF1 signals and 6G IF2 signals in a non-standalone (NSA) situation where 5G and 6G communications are performed simultaneously.

[0107] The above RF signal or IF signal may be transmitted to the second PBA (630) through the second FPCB (616) via at least one of the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and / or the LB L-PAMiD (608), or may be transmitted from the transceiver (604) to the second PBA (630) through the second FPCB (616) without passing through an amplifier.

[0108] In one embodiment, the transceiver (604) may be configured to receive an RF signal in a frequency range of a legacy communication technology or a designated frequency band within the first frequency range (e.g., a reception frequency band below 6 GHz) or an IF signal corresponding to a 6G frequency range from the second PBA (630), and to frequency down-convert the RF signal or IF signal to a baseband signal using a designated reference frequency (e.g., an LO frequency).

[0109] The RF signal or IF signal may be received from the second PBA (630) through the second FPCB (616) to the first PBA (610) and then transmitted to the transceiver (604) via at least one of the MHB L-PAMiD (618), the OMH L-PAMiD (606) or the LB L-PAMiD (608), or may be received from the second PBA (230) through the second FPCB (216) to the first PBA (610) and then transmitted to the transceiver (604) without passing through an amplifier. The baseband signal output from the transceiver (604) may be transmitted to the communication processor (602). The baseband signal output from the transceiver (604) may be transmitted to the communication processor (602) and then demodulated and decoded by the communication processor (602).

[0110] In one embodiment, the MHB L-PAMiD (618), the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and / or the LB L-PAMiD (608) may include components for processing RF signals or IF signals between an antenna (e.g., antenna elements (634a) and / or second antenna array (632a)) and a transceiver (604), such as at least one of a switch module, an antenna switch module (ASM), one or more filters (e.g., at least one of a band pass filter (BPF), a duplexing filter, or a triplexing filter), a power amplifier (PA), a low noise amplifier (LNA), or a coupler.

[0111] In one embodiment, the LB L-PAMiD (608) may be configured to process RF signals or IF signals in a frequency band below 1 GHz within the frequency range of the legacy communication technology or the first frequency range. In one embodiment, the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and / or the MHB L-PAMiD (618) may be configured to process RF signals or IF signals (e.g., 6G IF1 and / or 6G IF2) in a middle frequency band (e.g., 1.4 GHz to 2.2 GHz) and / or a high frequency band (e.g., 2.3 GHz to 2.7 GHz) within the frequency range of the legacy communication technology, the first frequency range, or the 6G frequency range. In one embodiment, the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and / or the MHB L-PAMiD (618) may be responsible for the main path of 2G, 3G, and 4G SA and 4G CA.

[0112] In one embodiment, the 5G IFIC (612) may be configured to process intermediate frequency conversion for RF signals in a second frequency range (e.g., below 24 GHz). Although not shown, in one embodiment, the 5G IFIC (612) may be configured to include, but is not limited to, the transceiver (900) of FIG. 9 to generate or process IF signals in a designated frequency band (e.g., 10 MHz) corresponding to the second frequency range (e.g., below 24 GHz).

[0113] In one embodiment, the 5G IFIC (612) may receive a baseband signal generated by the communication processor (602) and frequency up-convert the baseband signal to an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to a second frequency range using a designated reference frequency (e.g., 500 MHz). The IF signal may be transmitted to the mmW module (620) via one or more lines within the first FPCB (626). The first FPCB (626) may include a first line transmitting the IF signal (e.g., IF1) and / or a reference signal (e.g., REF) and / or a second line transmitting the IF signal (e.g., IF2).

[0114] In one embodiment, the 5G IFIC (612) may receive an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to a second frequency range from the mmW module (620) via the first FPCB (626), and may down-convert the IF signal (e.g., IF2) to a baseband signal using a designated reference frequency (e.g., 500 MHz). The IF signal may be transmitted from the mmW module (620) to the 5G IFIC (612) of the first PBA (610) via one or more lines in the first FPCB (626). The baseband signal output from the 5G IFIC (612) may be transmitted to the communication processor (602) and then demodulated and decoded by the communication processor (602).

[0115] The mmW module (620) may include a 5G RFIC (622) configured to process RF signals in a second frequency range. Although not shown, in one embodiment, the 5G RFIC (622) may be configured to include, but is not limited to, the transceiver (900) of FIG. 9 to generate or process RF signals in a designated frequency band corresponding to the second frequency range.

[0116] In one embodiment, the 5G RFIC (622) may be configured to receive an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to a second frequency range from the 5G IFIC (612) of the first PBA (610) through the first FPCB (626) and to frequency up-convert the IF signal to an RF signal of a designated frequency band within the second frequency range (e.g., a transmission frequency band higher than 24 GHz, e.g., 28 GHz to 39 GHz). The 5G RFIC (622) may radiate the RF signal into the air through a first antenna array (624) including one or more antenna elements. In one embodiment, the 5G RFIC (622) may receive an RF signal of a designated frequency band within a second frequency range (e.g., a reception frequency band higher than 24 GHz, e.g., 28 GHz to 39 GHz) via the first antenna array (624), and frequency down-convert the RF signal to an IF signal of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., IF1 (=500 MHz) or IF2 (=10 GHz)) corresponding to the second frequency range. The IF signal may be transmitted to the 5G IFIC (612) of the first PBA (610) via the first FPCB (626).

[0117] The second PBA (630) can receive an RF signal in a designated transmission frequency band within the frequency range of the legacy communication technology or the first frequency range, or an IF signal in an intermediate frequency band corresponding to the 6G frequency range, from the first PBA (610) via the second FPCB (616). In one embodiment, the second PBA (630) can include an MHB LFEM (634), one or more antenna elements (634a), a 6G RFIC (632), a second antenna array (632a), and a switch unit (e.g., switches 636a, 636b, 638a, and 638b). In one embodiment, the antenna elements (634a) can include two antenna elements used for both transmission and reception (e.g., antenna 1 and antenna 2) and two antenna elements used exclusively for reception (e.g., antenna 3 and antenna 4).

[0118] In one embodiment, the second FPCB (616) connecting between the first PBA (610) and the second PBA (630) may include at least one of a first line connecting an RF / IF signal (e.g., 1.4 GHz to 2.7 GHz) from the OMH L-PAMiD (606) to antenna 2, a second line connecting an RF / IF signal (e.g., less than 2.7 GHz) from the OMH L-PAMiD (206) or LB L-PAMiD (208) via the DPX (214) to antenna 1, or a third line connecting an RF / IF signal (e.g., less than 6 GHz) from the transceiver (204) to the MHB LFEM (634). In one embodiment, at least one of the first line, the second line, and the third line may include one or more signal lines. In one embodiment, the second FPCB (616) may include one or more signal lines configured to carry RF signals of legacy or 5G FR1, and / or one or more signal lines configured to carry 6G IF3 / IF4 signals. In one embodiment, at least one of the signal lines included in the second FPCB (616) may be configured to carry RF signals of legacy or 5G FR1, and / or 6G IF3 / IF4 signals, depending on the communication mode.

[0119] In the legacy communication mode or the 5G FR1 communication mode, at least two switches (e.g., DPDT (636a) and DPDT (636b)) of the second PBA (630) can transmit an RF signal of a frequency range of the legacy communication technology or a designated frequency band (e.g., a transmission frequency band below 6 GHz) within the first frequency range transmitted from the OMH L-PAMiD (606) or the LB L-PAMiD (608) of the first PBA (610) through the second FPCB (616) to antenna 1 and / or antenna 2 among the antenna elements (634). In the legacy communication mode or the 5G FR1 communication mode, at least two switches (e.g., DPDT (636a) and DPDT (636b)) of the second PBA (630) can transmit an RF signal in a frequency range of the legacy communication technology or a designated frequency band (e.g., a reception frequency band below 6 GHz) within the first frequency range, received by antenna 1 and / or antenna 2 among the antenna elements (634), to the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and / or LB L-PAMiD (608) of the first PBA (610) via the second FPCB (616).

[0120] In the legacy communication mode or the 5G FR1 communication mode, the MHB LFEM (634) may amplify and filter RF signals in a frequency range of the legacy communication technology or a designated frequency band (e.g., a reception frequency band below 6 GHz) within the first frequency range, received by antennas 3 and / or 4 among the antenna elements (634), before transmitting them to the transceiver (604) of the first PBA (610) via the second FPCB (616). In one embodiment, the MHB LFEM (634) may include at least one of a low noise amplifier (LNA), a saw-aw (SAW) filter, or an (antenna) switch module, without a power amplifier (PA) or coupler. In one embodiment, the RF signal output from the MHB LFEM (634) may be transmitted to the first PBA (610) via the second FPCB (616) and then to the transceiver (604) without passing through an amplifier (e.g., OMH L-PAMiD (606) or LB L-PAMiD (608)).

[0121] In one embodiment, the MHB LFEM (634) may be connected to antenna 3 and antenna 4 among the antenna elements (634a) via at least two switches (e.g., S / DPDT (638a) and S / DPDT (638b)). The S / DPDT (638a) and S / DPDT (638b) may be configured to connect antenna 3 and antenna 4 to the MHB LFEM (634) in a legacy communication mode and a 5G FR1 communication mode, and to connect antenna 3 and antenna 4 to a 6G RFIC (632) in a 6G communication mode.

[0122] DPDT (636a) and DPDT (636b) can be configured to connect antenna 1 and antenna 2 to the first PBA (610) in the legacy communication mode and the 5G FR1 communication mode, and to connect antenna 1 and antenna 2 to the 6G RFIC (632) in the 6G communication mode.

[0123] In a 6G communication mode, at least two switches (e.g., DPDT (636a) and DPDT (636b)) can transmit IF signals (e.g., 6G IF1 and / or 6G IF2) corresponding to the 6G frequency range transmitted from the OMH L-PAMiD (606) or the LB L-PAMiD (608) of the first PBA (610) through the second FPCB (616) to the 6G RFIC (632). The 6G RFIC (632) can be configured to process RF signals corresponding to the 6G frequency range based on the IF signal. Although not shown, in one embodiment, the 6G RFIC (632) can be configured to include, but is not limited to, the transceiver (900) of FIG. 9 to generate or process RF signals of a designated frequency band corresponding to the 6G frequency range.

[0124] In one embodiment, the 6G RFIC (632) can be configured to receive an IF signal in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., 600 MHz to 6 GHz) corresponding to the 6G frequency range transmitted by the DPDT (636a) and / or the DPDT (636b) and frequency up-convert the IF signal to an RF signal in a designated frequency band (e.g., 13 GHz) within the 6G frequency range. The 6G RFIC (632) can radiate the RF signal into the air via a second antenna array (632a) including one or more antenna elements. In one embodiment, the 6G RFIC (632) can receive an RF signal in a designated frequency band (e.g., 13 GHz) within the 6G frequency range via the second antenna array (632a) and frequency down-convert the RF signal to an IF signal in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., 600 MHz to 6 GHz) corresponding to the 6G frequency range. The above IF signal can be switched by DPDT (636a) and / or DPDT (636b) and then transmitted to the transceiver (604) of the first PBA (610) through the second FPCB (616).

[0125] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a 6G signal transmission path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, a path through which a 6G signal is transmitted will be described based on the circuit configuration of FIG. 6, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In one embodiment, in the legacy communication mode and the 5G NR1 communication mode, the communication processor (602), the transceiver (604), the OMH L-PAMiD (606), the LB L-PAMiD (608), the diplexer (DPX) (614), and the 5G IFIC (612) may operate similarly to the communication processor (202), the transceiver (204), the OMH L-PAMiD (206), the LB L-PAMiD (208), the diplexer (DPX) (214), and the 5G IFIC (212) of FIG. 2.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 7, a transceiver (604), an MHB L-PAMiD (618), an OMH L-PAMiD (606), and an LB L-PAMiD (608) configured to support an RF corresponding to a legacy and / or first frequency range and an IF corresponding to a 6G frequency range (e.g., 600 MHz to 6 GHz) may be connected to the second PBA (630) via at least one line (702) connecting the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and the LB L-PAMiD (608) to the second PBA (630) among a plurality of lines within the second FPCB (616). The at least one line (702) is connected to switches (e.g., DPDT (636a) and DPDT (636b)). In transmit mode, the MHB L-PAMiD (618), OMH L-PAMiD (606) and LB L-PAMiD (608) can operate as power amplifiers.

[0127] In a communication mode other than the 6G communication mode (e.g., legacy communication mode or 5G FR1 communication mode), the DPDT (636a) and the DPDT (636b) can connect at least one line (702) of the second FPCB (616) to antenna 1 and antenna 2. In the 6G communication mode, the DPDT (636a) and the DPDT (636b) can transmit IF signals corresponding to the 6G frequency band (e.g., 6G IF1 and 6G IF2) received through at least one line (702) of the second FPCB (616) to the 6G RFIC (632) through RF wiring (704, 706) between the DPDT (636a) and the DPDT (636b) and the 6G RFIC (632).

[0128] In one embodiment, the DPDT (636a) may receive an IF signal (e.g., 6G IF1) corresponding to a 6G frequency band generated by the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and transmitted via the DPX (614), and / or a reference signal (e.g., REF) generated by the LB L-PAMiD (608) and transmitted via the DPX (614) through the second FPCB (616), and transmit the 6G IF1 signal and / or the REF signal to the 6G RFIC (632) through the RF wiring (704) between the DPDT (636a) and the 6G RFIC (632). The 6G RFIC (632) can convert the 6G IF1 signal into an RF signal (e.g., 6G RF1) of a 6G frequency band using the REF signal, and then radiate the 6G RF1 signal into the air through the second antenna array (632a) or transmit the signal to the DPDT (636a) through the RF wiring (704). The DPDT (636a) can transmit the 6G RF1 signal to the antenna 1 so that the signal is radiated into the air by the antenna 1.

[0129] In one embodiment, an IF signal (e.g., 6G IF2) corresponding to a 6G frequency band generated by the MHB L-PAMiD (618) may be output from the first PBA (610) via the OMH L-PAMiD (606). The DPDT (636b) may receive the 6G IF2 signal via the second FPCB (616) and transmit the 6G IF2 signal to the 6G RFIC (632) via an RF wire (706) between the DPDT (636b) and the 6G RFIC (632). The 6G RFIC (632) may convert the 6G IF2 signal into an RF signal (e.g., 6G RF2) of a 6G frequency band and then radiate the 6G RF2 signal into the air via the second antenna array (632a) or transmit the 6G RF2 signal to the DPDT (636b) via the RF wire (706). DPDT (636b) can transmit the above 6G RF2 signal to antenna 2 and radiate it into the air by antenna 2.

[0130] In one embodiment, the 6G RFIC (632) can convert the 6G IF1 signal and / or the 6G IF2 signal into at least one RF signal (e.g., 6G RF3 and / or 6G RF4) of a 6G frequency band. In a 6G communication mode, the 6G RF3 signal and / or 6G RF4 signal can be transmitted to the S / DPDT (638a) and / or the S / DPDT (638b) through an RF wiring (708) between the 6G RFIC (632) and the S / DPDT (638a) and / or the S / DPDT (638b), and transmitted to the antenna 3 and / or the antenna 4 by the S / DPDT (638a) and / or the S / DPDT (638b). The 6G RFIC (632) may support transmit MIMO by using one or more (e.g., up to four) antennas of the antenna elements (634a) via switches (e.g., DPDT (636a), DPDT (636b), S / DPDT (638a), and / or S / DPDT (638b)).

[0131] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a 6G signal reception path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, a path through which a 6G signal is received will be described based on the circuit configuration of FIG. 6, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In one embodiment, in the legacy communication mode and the 5G NR1 communication mode, the communication processor (602), the transceiver (604), the OMH L-PAMiD (606), the LB L-PAMiD (608), the diplexer (DPX) (614), and the 5G IFIC (612) may operate similarly to the communication processor (202), the transceiver (204), the OMH L-PAMiD (206), the LB L-PAMiD (208), the diplexer (DPX) (214), and the 5G IFIC (212) of FIG. 2.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device (600) can support a greater number of MIMO layers for the downlink (DL) (e.g., RF reception) than for the uplink (UL) (e.g., RF transmission). The electronic device (600) can utilize RF wiring for legacy / FR1 (e.g., RF wiring (802a, 802b)) to extend the RF wiring connected to the first PBA (610).

[0133] The transceiver (604), the MHB L-PAMiD (618), the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and the LB L-PAMiD (608), which are configured to support RF corresponding to the legacy and / or first frequency range and IF corresponding to the 6G frequency range, may be connected to the second PBA (630) via one or more lines (e.g., lines (802a, 802b)) connecting the OMH L-PAMiD (606) and the LB L-PAMiD (608) to the second PBA (630) among a plurality of lines within the second FPCB (616). The lines from the second FPCB (616) are connected to switches (e.g., DPDT (636a) and DPDT (636b)). In receive mode, the MHB L-PAMiD (618), OMH L-PAMiD (606) and LB L-PAMiD (608) can operate as low noise amplifiers.

[0134] In a communication mode other than the 6G communication mode (e.g., legacy communication mode or 5G FR1 communication mode), the DPDT (636a) and the DPDT (636b) can connect the antenna 1 and the antenna 2 to at least one line (802a) of the second FPCB (616). In the 6G communication mode, the DPDT (636a) and the DPDT (636b) can transmit RF signals corresponding to the 6G frequency band (e.g., 6G RF1 and 6G RF2) received through the antenna 1 and the antenna 2 to the 6G RFIC (632) through the RF wiring (804, 806) between the DPDT (636a) and the DPDT (636b) and the 6G RFIC (632).

[0135] In one embodiment, the DPDT (636a) may transmit a 6G RF1 signal received by antenna 1 to the 6G RFIC (632) through an RF wiring (804) between the DPDT (636a) and the 6G RFIC (632). The 6G RFIC (632) may convert the 6G RF1 signal into an IF signal (e.g., 6G IF1) corresponding to a 6G frequency band using a pre-stored REF signal, and then transmit the 6G IF1 signal to the DPDT (636a) through the RF wiring (804). The DPDT (636a) may transmit the 6G IF1 signal to the DPX (614) of the first PBA (610) through the second FPCB (616) (e.g., line (802a)). The above 6G IF1 signal may be transmitted to the OMH L-PAMiD (606) via the DPX (614), and then transmitted to the transceiver (604) via the OMH L-PAMiD (606). The transceiver (604) may convert the 6G IF1 signal into a baseband signal and transmit it to the communication processor (602).

[0136] In one embodiment, the DPDT (636b) may transmit a 6G RF2 signal received by antenna 2 to the 6G RFIC (632) through an RF wiring (806) between the DPDT (636b) and the 6G RFIC (632). The 6G RFIC (632) may convert the 6G RF2 signal into an IF signal (e.g., 6G IF2) corresponding to a 6G frequency band using a pre-stored REF signal, and then output the 6G IF2 signal to the DPDT (63b) through the RF wiring (806). The DPDT (636b) may transmit the 6G IF2 signal to the OMH L-PAMiD (606) of the first PBA (610) through the second FPCB (616) (e.g., line (802a)). The above 6G IF2 signal may be transmitted to the MHB L-PAMiD (618) via the OMH L-PAMiD (606), and then transmitted to the transceiver (604) via the OMH L-PAMiD (618). The transceiver (604) may convert the 6G IF2 signal into a baseband signal and transmit it to the communication processor (602).

[0137] The OMH L-PAMiD (606) amplifies and processes the 6G IF1 signal received from the second PBA (630) through the DPX (614) and transmits it directly to the transceiver (604), and the 6G IF2 signal received from the second PBA (630) without passing through the DPX (614) can be transmitted to the MHB L-PAMiD (618). The MHB L-PAMiD (618) can amplify and process the 6G IF2 signal and transmit it to the transceiver (604).

[0138] In one embodiment, the 6G RFIC (632) may receive additional RF signals corresponding to the 6G frequency band through the second antenna array (632a) and / or antennas 3 and 4, in addition to the 6G RF1 signal and the 6G RF2 signal received through antennas 1 and 2 among the antenna elements (634a).

[0139] In one embodiment, the 6G RFIC (632) can acquire 6G RF3 signals and / or 6G RF4 signals received by antenna 3 and / or antenna 4 via S / DPDT (638a) and / or S / DPDT (638b). In a 6G communication mode, the S / DPDT (638a) and / or S / DPDT (638b) can transmit RF signals (e.g., 6G RF3 signals and / or 6G RF4 signals) of a 6G frequency band received by antenna 3 and / or antenna 4 among the antenna elements (634a) to the 6G RFIC (632) via RF wiring (808) between the 6G RFIC (632) and the S / DPDT (638a) and / or S / DPDT (638b).

[0140] The 6G RFIC (632) can convert the 6G RF3 signal and the 6G RF4 signal into IF signals (e.g., 6G IF3 and 6G IF4) corresponding to the 6G frequency band using a pre-stored REF signal, and then transmit the 6G IF3 signal and the 6G IF4 signal to the S / DPDT (638a) and the S / DPDT (638b) through the RF wiring (808). The S / DPDT (638a) and the S / DPDT (638b) can transmit the 6G IF3 signal and the 6G IF4 signal to the MHB LFEM (634). The MHB LFEM (634) can process (e.g., perform low-noise amplification) the 6G IF3 signal and the 6G IF4 signal and then transmit them to the transceiver (604) of the first PBA (610) through the second FPCB (616) (e.g., line (802b)). The transceiver (604) can convert the 6G IF3 signal and the 6G IF4 signal into baseband signals and transmit them to the communication processor (602).

[0141] The 6G RFIC (632) can receive 6G RF signals from one or more (e.g., up to four) antennas of the antenna elements (634a) via switches (e.g., DPDT (636a), DPDT (636b), S / DPDT (638a), and / or S / DPDT (638b)), as well as receive 6G RF signals using a second antenna array (632a). This allows the 6G RFIC (632) to process 6G RF signals corresponding to up to eight layers.

[0142] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a transceiver structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure of the illustrated transceiver (900) may be included in any one of the transceiver (604), the 5G IFIC (612), the 5G RFIC (622), or the 6G RFIC (632) according to embodiments.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 9, the transceiver (900) may include at least one of a mixer (904), a BPF (906), a PA (908), a duplexer (910), an LNA (912), a BPF (914), a mixer (916), or a frequency synthesizer (920).

[0144] In the transmit mode, the mixer (904) can input a transmit signal (902) from the communication processor (602) or another transceiver (not shown), and mix (e.g., frequency up-convert) a reference signal generated by the frequency synthesizer (920) with the transmit signal (902). The BPF (906) can filter the output signal of the mixer (904) according to a specified transmit frequency band. The PA (908) can amplify the output signal of the BPF (906). The duplexer (910) can output the output signal of the PA (908) through the input / output terminal (924). For example, the input / output terminal (924) can be connected to a transmit / receive antenna (e.g., at least one of the first antenna array (624), the second antenna array (632a), or the antenna elements (634b)) or to another transceiver.

[0145] In the receiving mode, the duplexer (910) can transmit a signal (e.g., a signal received by an antenna (e.g., at least one of the first antenna array (624), the second antenna array (632a), or the antenna elements (634b)), or an output signal of another transceiver (not shown)) input through the input / output terminal (924) to the LNA (912). The LNA (912) can amplify the output signal of the duplexer (910). The BPF (914) can filter the output signal of the LNA (912) according to a designated receiving frequency band. The mixer (916) can mix (e.g., frequency down-convert) the output signal of the BPF (914) with a reference signal generated by the synthesizer (920). The mixer (916) can output a mixing result reception signal (918).

[0146] An electronic device (e.g., electronic device (500 or 600)) according to embodiments of the present disclosure does not include a separate 6G IFIC (e.g., 6G IFIC (418)), thereby saving material costs and circuit space. An electronic device (e.g., electronic device (500 or 600)) according to embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the amount of additional RF wiring for 6G support because it shares the RF configuration (e.g., at least one of the transceiver (604), the OMH L-PAMiD (606), the LB L-PAMiD (608), or the second FPCB (616)) and the antenna (e.g., the antenna elements (634a)) of the legacy / FR1. An electronic device (e.g., electronic device (500 or 600)) according to embodiments of the present disclosure has a low hardware dependency on 6G communication, so it can be flexibly developed to support or not support 6G communication.

[0147] An electronic device (500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first circuit (510) including a processor (512), a first transceiver (516) connected to the processor and configured to process a radio frequency (RF) corresponding to a first frequency range (FR1) of a first radio access technology (RAT) and / or a second RAT, and to process an intermediate frequency (IF) corresponding to a third RAT. The electronic device may include a second circuit (530) including a first switching unit (534) connected to the first transceiver via a second connecting unit (538), and a second transceiver (532) configured to process an RF corresponding to the third RAT and connected to a second antenna array (536b), wherein the first switching unit may be configured to connect the first transceiver with antenna elements (536a) and / or the second transceiver.

[0148] In one embodiment, the second transceiver may be mounted proximate to the second antenna array.

[0149] In one embodiment, the first switch unit may include at least one DPDT (double pole, double throw) switch configured to transmit IF signals corresponding to the third RAT output from the first circuit in a transmission mode of the third RAT to the second transceiver and to transmit RF signals of the third RAT output from the second transceiver to at least one first antenna element among the antenna elements.

[0150] In one embodiment, the at least one DPDT switch may be configured to transmit RF signals of the first RAT or the second RAT output from the first circuit to the at least one first antenna element in a transmit mode of the first RAT or the second RAT.

[0151] In one embodiment, the second circuit may include a second switch configured to transmit second RF signals of the third RAT output from the second transceiver to at least one second antenna element among the antenna elements in a transmission mode of the third RAT.

[0152] In one embodiment, the second switch unit may be configured to transmit RF signals of the first RAT or the second RAT output from the first circuit to the at least one first antenna element in the transmission mode of the first RAT or the second RAT.

[0153] In one embodiment, the at least one DPDT switch may be configured to transmit RF signals of the third RAT received by the at least one first antenna element in a receive mode of the third RAT to the second transceiver, and to transmit IF signals corresponding to the third RAT output from the second transceiver to the first circuit through the second connection.

[0154] In one embodiment, the second circuit may further include a low noise amplifier (LNA) front end module (LFEM) connected to the first transceiver of the first circuit via the second connection portion. In one embodiment, the second switch portion may be configured to transfer RF signals of the third RAT received by the at least one second antenna element in a reception mode of the third RAT to the second transceiver, and to transfer IF signals corresponding to the third RAT output from the second transceiver to the LFEM.

[0155] In one embodiment, the second switch unit may be configured to transmit RF signals of the first RAT or the second RAT received by the at least one second antenna element to the LFEM in the reception mode of the first RAT or the second RAT.

[0156] In one embodiment, the first RAT may include at least one of 2G, 3G, or 4G wireless communication technologies. The second RAT may include 5G wireless communication technologies using the FR1 and / or second frequency range (FR2). The third RAT may include 6G wireless communication technologies. The IF corresponding to the third RAT may be included in the RF band of the first RAT or the second RAT.

[0157] In one embodiment, the first circuit may include at least one of a first amplifier (618) connected to the first transceiver, a second amplifier (606) connected to the first transceiver and the first amplifier, a third amplifier (608) connected to the first transceiver, or a diplexer (614) connected between the second amplifier and the third amplifier and the second connector.

[0158] In one embodiment, the first amplifier is configured to amplify RF signals corresponding to the FR1 of the first RAT and / or the second RAT and IF signals corresponding to the third RAT, the second amplifier is configured to amplify RF signals corresponding to the FR1 of the first RAT and / or the second RAT and IF signals corresponding to the third RAT, and the second amplifier can be configured to generate a reference frequency signal for the RF signals corresponding to the FR1 of the first RAT and / or the second RAT and IF conversion of the third RAT.

[0159] In one embodiment, at least one of the first amplifier, the second amplifier, or the amplifiers may be configured to operate as a power amplifier (PA) in a transmit mode and as a low noise amplifier (LNA) in a receive mode.

[0160] In one embodiment, at least one of the antenna elements or the second antenna array may be included in the second circuit or disposed in a housing of the electronic device.

[0161] In one embodiment, the second connector may include one or more signal lines configured to carry RF signals corresponding to the FR1 of the first RAT or the second RAT and / or IF signals corresponding to the third RAT.

[0162] In one embodiment, the second transceiver may be configured to support multiple layers for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) using the antenna elements and one or more antennas of the second antenna array.

[0163] In one embodiment, the first circuit may include a third transceiver (514) connected to the processor and configured to process an intermediate frequency (IF) corresponding to a second frequency range (FR2) of the second RAT. In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a third circuit (520) connected to the third transceiver via a first connector (526) and including a fourth transceiver (522) configured to process an RF corresponding to the FR2 of the second RAT.

[0164] In one embodiment, the first transceiver or the second transceiver may include at least one of a frequency synthesizer (920), a first mixer (904) receiving a transmission signal and connected to the frequency synthesizer, a first bandpass filter (BPF) (906) connected to the first mixer, a power amplifier (PA) (908) connected to the first BPF, a duplexer (910) connected to the PA, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) (912) connected to the duplexer, a second BPF (914) connected to the LNA, or a second mixer (916) connected to the second BPF or the frequency synthesizer and outputting a reception signal.

[0165] A method of operating an electronic device (600) according to one embodiment may include controlling a first transceiver (604) to process radio frequency (RF) signals corresponding to FR1 of a first radio access technology (RAT) and / or a second RAT in a first communication mode using a first frequency range (FR1) of the first RAT and / or the second RAT, and to process intermediate frequency (IF) signals corresponding to a third RAT in a second communication mode using a third RAT. The method may include controlling a first switch unit (636a, 636b) to connect at least one first antenna element among antenna elements (634a) to the first transceiver in the first communication mode, and to connect the at least one first antenna element to the second transceiver (632) in the second communication mode.

[0166] In one embodiment, the method may include controlling a second switch unit (638a, 638b) to connect at least one second antenna element of the antenna elements to a low noise amplifier (LNA) front end module (LFEM) (634) in the first communication mode and to connect the at least one second antenna element to the second transceiver in the second communication mode.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first transceiver may be configured to convert a first baseband signal generated by the communication processor in the first communication mode into an RF signal corresponding to FR1 of the first RAT and the second RAT, or to convert an RF signal corresponding to FR1 of the first RAT and the second RAT into a second baseband signal and output the same to the communication processor, and may be configured to convert a third baseband signal generated by the communication processor in the second communication mode into an IF signal corresponding to the third RAT, or to convert an IF signal corresponding to the third RAT into a fourth baseband signal and output the same to the communication processor.

[0168] 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, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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).

[0171] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (240)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (236) or an external memory (238)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (201)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (220)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (201)) 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.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0173] 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 an electronic device (500), A first circuit (510) including a processor (512), and a first transceiver (516) connected to the processor and configured to process a radio frequency (RF) corresponding to a first frequency range (FR1) of a first radio access technology (RAT) and / or a second RAT, and to process an intermediate frequency (IF) corresponding to a third RAT; and An electronic device comprising a first switching unit (534) connected to the first transceiver (516) via a second connecting unit (538) and a second transceiver (532) configured to process RF corresponding to the third RAT and connected to a second antenna array (536b), wherein the first switching unit comprises a second circuit (530) configured to connect the first transceiver with antenna elements (536a) and / or the second transceiver (532).

2. In the first paragraph, the first switch part, An electronic device characterized by including at least one DPDT (double pole, double throw) switch configured to transmit IF signals corresponding to the third RAT output from the first circuit in the transmission mode of the third RAT to the second transceiver (532) and to transmit RF signals of the third RAT output from the second transceiver (532) to at least one first antenna element among the antenna elements (536a).

3. In the second paragraph, at least one DPDT switch, An electronic device characterized in that, in the transmission mode of the first RAT or the second RAT, RF signals of the first RAT or the second RAT output from the first circuit are transmitted to the at least one first antenna element.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the second circuit, A second switching unit configured to transmit second RF signals of the third RAT output from the second transceiver in the transmission mode of the third RAT to at least one second antenna element among the antenna elements, The above second switch part, An electronic device characterized in that, in the transmission mode of the first RAT or the second RAT, RF signals of the first RAT or the second RAT output from the first circuit are transmitted to the at least one second antenna element.

5. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 4, the at least one DPDT switch, An electronic device characterized in that, in the receiving mode of the third RAT, RF signals of the third RAT received by the at least one first antenna element are transmitted to the second transceiver, and IF signals corresponding to the third RAT output from the second transceiver are transmitted to the first circuit through the second connection unit.

6. In paragraph 4 or 5, The second circuit (530) includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) front end module (LFEM) connected to the first transceiver of the first circuit through the second connection portion, An electronic device characterized in that the second switching unit is configured to transmit RF signals of the third RAT received by the at least one second antenna element in the reception mode of the third RAT to the second transceiver and transmit IF signals corresponding to the third RAT output from the second transceiver to the LFEM.

7. In the 6th paragraph, the second switch part, An electronic device characterized in that, in the receiving mode of the first RAT or the second RAT, RF signals of the first RAT or the second RAT received by the at least one second antenna element are transmitted to the LFEM.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, the first RAT includes at least one of 2G, 3G, or 4G wireless communication technologies, The second RAT comprises a 5G wireless communication technology using the FR1 and / or the second frequency range (FR2), The above third RAT includes 6G wireless communication technology, An electronic device, characterized in that the IF corresponding to the third RAT is included in the RF band of the first RAT or the second RAT.

9. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the antenna elements or the second antenna array is included in the second circuit or is disposed in a housing of the electronic device.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, the second connecting part, An electronic device characterized by comprising one or more signal lines configured to carry RF signals corresponding to the FR1 of the first RAT or the second RAT and / or IF signals corresponding to the third RAT.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, the second transceiver, An electronic device characterized in that it is configured to support multiple layers for MIMO (multiple input multiple output) using the antenna elements and one or more antennas of the second antenna array.

12. In any one of claims 1 to 11, the first circuit comprises a third transceiver (514) connected to the processor and configured to process an intermediate frequency (IF) corresponding to a second frequency range (FR2) of the second RAT, An electronic device characterized in that the electronic device further comprises a third circuit (520) including a fourth transceiver (522) connected to the third transceiver through the first connector (526) and configured to process RF corresponding to the FR2 of the second RAT.

13. In the operating method of an electronic device (600), An operation of controlling a first transceiver (604) to process radio frequency (RF) signals corresponding to FR1 of the first RAT and / or the second RAT in a first communication mode using a first radio access technology (RAT) and / or a second RAT, and to process intermediate frequency (IF) signals corresponding to the third RAT in a second communication mode using a third RAT; A method characterized by comprising an operation of controlling a first switch unit (636a, 636b) to connect at least one first antenna element among the antenna elements (634a) to the first transceiver in the first communication mode and to connect the at least one first antenna element to the second transceiver (632) in the second communication mode.

14. In paragraph 13, A method characterized by comprising an operation of controlling a second switch unit (638a, 638b) to connect at least one second antenna element among the antenna elements to a low noise amplifier (LNA) front end module (LFEM) (634) in the first communication mode and to connect the at least one second antenna element to the second transceiver in the second communication mode.

15. In the 13th or 14th paragraph, the first transceiver, It is configured to convert a first baseband signal generated by a communication processor in the first communication mode into an RF signal corresponding to FR1 of the first RAT and the second RAT, or to convert an RF signal corresponding to FR1 of the first RAT and the second RAT into a second baseband signal and output it to the communication processor. A method characterized in that it is configured to convert a third baseband signal generated by the communication processor in the second communication mode into an IF signal corresponding to the third RAT, or to convert an IF signal corresponding to the third RAT into a fourth baseband signal and output the same to the communication processor.

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