Antenna switching circuit including register and electronic device for controlling antenna switching circuit

Abstract

In an antenna switching circuit and an electronic device according to an embodiment, the antenna switching circuit may comprise at least one first port electrically connected to a matching circuit. The antenna switching circuit may comprise a second port electrically connected to one port of the at least one first port and an antenna. The antenna switching circuit may comprise a signal identification circuit for identifying a characteristic of a signal input through the second port. The antenna switching circuit may comprise a register for storing data corresponding to the characteristic of the signal input through the second port. The antenna switching circuit may comprise a controller for controlling a connection between the at least one first port and the second port. The controller may transmit the data stored in the register to a processor.

Description

Antenna switching circuit including a register and an electronic device controlling the antenna switching circuit

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device, and relate to an antenna switching circuit including a register and an electronic device controlling the antenna switching circuit.

[0002] Various electronic devices such as smart phones, tablet PCs, portable multimedia players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop personal computers, and wearable devices are becoming widespread.

[0003] Recent electronic devices can support various communication methods. For example, electronic devices can support various communication methods, including cellular communication, short-range wireless communication, communication for positioning, and satellite communication. Some of these communication methods can be performed over similar frequency bands. For example, an electronic device can perform cellular communication over a specific frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) and short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) over a frequency band that overlaps at least partially with the specific frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz). Electronic devices can use the same antenna to perform communication using at least partially overlapping frequency bands. To improve communication performance, the electronic device can include an antenna switching circuit that electrically connects an antenna to one of a plurality of matching circuits for impedance matching. The electronic device can control the antenna switching circuit to electrically connect the matching circuit corresponding to the frequency band used to the antenna.

[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-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] An antenna switching circuit of an electronic device may be implemented on a printed circuit board on which an antenna is disposed (or implemented). The printed circuit board on which the antenna switching circuit and / or the antenna is disposed may be a different printed circuit board from a main printed circuit board on which various components including a processor of the electronic device are disposed. The electronic device may perform communication using the antenna and the antenna switching circuit when the printed circuit board on which the antenna switching circuit and / or the antenna is disposed and the main printed circuit board are electrically connected.

[0006] However, the printed circuit board on which the antenna switching circuit and / or the antenna is disposed and the main printed circuit board may not be electrically connected due to various causes. For example, during the manufacturing process of the electronic device, the printed circuit board on which the antenna switching circuit and / or the antenna is disposed and the main printed circuit board may not be electrically connected. In addition, if the bonding of the printed circuit board on which the antenna switching circuit and / or the antenna is disposed and the main printed circuit board is not appropriate, or if the wiring between the printed circuit board on which the antenna switching circuit and / or the antenna is disposed and the main printed circuit board is poor, the printed circuit board on which the antenna switching circuit and / or the antenna is disposed and the main printed circuit board may not be electrically connected.

[0007] An electronic device may include a circuit implemented on a main printed circuit board for checking whether an antenna switching circuit and / or a printed circuit board on which an antenna is disposed and a main printed circuit board are electrically connected, and may use the circuit to check whether the antenna switching circuit and / or the printed circuit board on which an antenna is disposed and the main printed circuit board are electrically connected. However, due to the presence of the circuit, the mounting space of the main printed circuit board may be reduced. In addition, since some of the limited number of ports included in the processor are connected to the circuit, a situation may arise where other components cannot be connected through the ports.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] An antenna switching circuit according to an example may include at least one first port electrically connected to a matching circuit. The antenna switching circuit may include one of the at least one first port and a second port electrically connected to an antenna. The antenna switching circuit may include a signal verification circuit that verifies a characteristic of a signal input through the second port. The antenna switching circuit may include a register that stores data corresponding to the characteristic of the signal input through the second port. The antenna switching circuit may include a controller that controls the connection of the at least one first port and the second port. The controller may transmit data stored in the register to a processor.

[0010] An electronic device according to an example may include a first printed circuit board including a processor, a transceiver, and a front-end module. The electronic device may include a second printed circuit board including an antenna and an antenna switching circuit. The antenna switching circuit may include at least one first port electrically connected to a matching circuit. The antenna switching circuit may include one of the at least one first port and a second port electrically connected to the antenna. The antenna switching circuit may include a signal verification circuit for verifying a characteristic of a signal input through the second port. The antenna switching circuit may include a register for storing data corresponding to a characteristic of a signal input through the second port. The antenna switching circuit may include a controller for controlling a connection of the at least one first port and the second port. The processor may transmit a signal requesting data stored in the register to the controller. The processor may receive data stored in the register from the controller. The processor may be configured to determine whether the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are electrically connected based on data stored in the register.

[0011] An antenna switching circuit according to an example may include at least one first port electrically connected to a matching circuit. The antenna switching circuit may include one of the at least one first port and a second port electrically connected to an antenna. The antenna switching circuit may include a third port for outputting a signal applied to the antenna switching circuit. The antenna switching circuit may include a signal verification circuit for verifying a characteristic of a signal output through the third port. The antenna switching circuit may include a register for storing data corresponding to a characteristic of a signal output through the third port. The antenna switching circuit may include a controller for controlling a connection of the at least one first port and the second port. The controller may transmit data stored in the register to a processor.

[0012] An electronic device according to an example may include a first printed circuit board including a processor, a transceiver, and a front-end module. The electronic device may include a second printed circuit board including an antenna and an antenna switching circuit. The antenna switching circuit may include at least one first port electrically connected to a matching circuit. The antenna switching circuit may include one of the at least one first port and a second port electrically connected to the antenna. The antenna switching circuit may include a third port that outputs a signal applied to the antenna switching circuit. The antenna switching circuit may include a signal verification circuit for verifying a characteristic of a signal output through the third port. The antenna switching circuit may include a register that stores data corresponding to a characteristic of a signal output through the third port. The antenna switching circuit may include a controller that controls a connection of the at least one first port and the second port. The processor may transmit a signal requesting data stored in the register to the controller. The processor may receive data stored in the register from the controller. The processor may be configured to determine whether the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are electrically connected based on the data stored in the register.

[0013] An antenna switching circuit according to one embodiment may include a component capable of determining whether a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board on which an antenna is disposed are electrically connected, and a register capable of storing characteristics of a signal determined using the component. The characteristics of the signal may vary depending on whether the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are electrically connected. An electronic device may determine whether the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are electrically connected based on the characteristics of the signal stored in the antenna switching circuit. Accordingly, the electronic device may save mounting space generated by implementing a circuit for determining an electrical connection between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board on the first printed circuit board, and may save a port to which the circuit is connected.

[0014] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circuit for checking whether an antenna is coupled in an electronic device according to an example.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an antenna switching circuit in an electronic device according to an example.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of checking whether an antenna is coupled using an antenna switching circuit in an electronic device according to an example.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an antenna switching circuit in an electronic device according to an example.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of checking whether an antenna is coupled using an antenna switching circuit in an electronic device according to an example.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In 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)).

[0023] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0039] 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 band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0040] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, 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).

[0041] According to various embodiments, 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.

[0042] 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)).

[0043] 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.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a block diagram (200) of an electronic device (101) for supporting legacy network communication and 5G network communication according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (101) may include a first communication processor (212), a second communication processor (214), a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (222), a second RFIC (224), a third RFIC (226), a fourth RFIC (228), a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) (232), a second RFFE (234), a first antenna module (242), a second antenna module (244), and an antenna (248). The electronic device (101) may further include a processor (120) and a memory (130). The network (199) may include a first network (292) and a second network (294). In another embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include at least one of the components described in FIG. 1, and the network (199) may further include at least one other network. In one embodiment, the first communication processor (212), the second communication processor (214), the first RFIC (222), the second RFIC (224), the fourth RFIC (228), the first RFFE (232), and the second RFFE (234) may form at least a portion of the wireless communication module (192). In another embodiment, the fourth RFIC (228) may be omitted or may be included as a portion of the third RFIC (226).

[0045] The first communication processor (212) may establish a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with the first network (292), and may support legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first network may be a legacy network including a second generation (2G), 3G, 4G, or long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor (214) may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) among the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network (294), and may support 5G network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the second network (294) may be a 5G network defined by 3GPP. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the first communication processor (212) or the second communication processor (214) may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., about 6 GHz or less) among the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network (294), and support 5G network communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the first communication processor (212) and the second communication processor (214) may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor (212) or the second communication processor (214) may be formed in a single chip or a single package with the processor (120), the auxiliary processor (123), or the communication module (190).

[0046] The first RFIC (222) may, upon transmission, convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor (212) into a radio frequency (RF) signal of about 700 MHz to about 3 GHz used in the first network (292) (e.g., a legacy network). Upon reception, the RF signal may be acquired from the first network (292) (e.g., a legacy network) via an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module (242)) and preprocessed via an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE (232)). The first RFIC (222) may convert the preprocessed RF signal into a baseband signal so that it may be processed by the first communication processor (212).

[0047] The second RFIC (224) may, upon transmission, convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor (212) or the second communication processor (214) into an RF signal (hereinafter, a 5G Sub6 RF signal) of a Sub6 band (e.g., about 6 GHz or less) used in the second network (294) (e.g., a 5G network). Upon reception, the 5G Sub6 RF signal may be acquired from the second network (294) (e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module (244)) and preprocessed via an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE (234)). The second RFIC (224) may convert the preprocessed 5G Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that the preprocessed 5G Sub6 RF signal may be processed by a corresponding communication processor among the first communication processor (212) or the second communication processor (214).

[0048] The third RFIC (226) can convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor (214) into an RF signal (hereinafter, 5G Above6 RF signal) of a 5G Above6 band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) to be used in the second network (294) (e.g., 5G network). Upon reception, the 5G Above6 RF signal can be acquired from the second network (294) (e.g., 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., antenna (248)) and preprocessed via the third RFFE (236). The third RFIC (226) can convert the preprocessed 5G Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the second communication processor (214). According to one embodiment, the third RFFE (236) can be formed as a part of the third RFIC (226).

[0049] The electronic device (101) may, according to one embodiment, include a fourth RFIC (228) separately from or at least as a part of the third RFIC (226). In this case, the fourth RFIC (228) may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor (214) into an RF signal (hereinafter, referred to as an IF signal) of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz) and then transmit the IF signal to the third RFIC (226). The third RFIC (226) may convert the IF signal into a 5G Above6 RF signal. Upon reception, the 5G Above6 RF signal may be received from the second network (294) (e.g., a 5G network) via an antenna (e.g., antenna (248)) and converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC (226). The fourth RFIC (228) can convert the IF signal into a baseband signal so that the second communication processor (214) can process it.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the first RFIC (222) and the second RFIC (224) may be implemented as a single chip or at least a portion of a single package. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE (232) and the second RFFE (234) may be implemented as a single chip or at least a portion of a single package. According to an embodiment, at least one antenna module among the first antenna module (242) or the second antenna module (244) may be omitted or combined with another antenna module to process RF signals of a corresponding plurality of bands.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the third RFIC (226) and the antenna (248) may be disposed on the same substrate to form a third antenna module (246). For example, the wireless communication module (192) or the processor (120) may be disposed on the first substrate (e.g., the main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC (226) may be disposed on a portion (e.g., the lower surface) of a second substrate (e.g., the sub PCB) separate from the first substrate, and the antenna (248) may be disposed on another portion (e.g., the upper surface) to form the third antenna module (246). By disposing the third RFIC (226) and the antenna (248) on the same substrate, it is possible to reduce the length of the transmission line therebetween. This can reduce, for example, the loss (e.g., attenuation) of signals in a high-frequency band (e.g., about 6 GHz to about 60 GHz) used in 5G network communications due to transmission line transmission. As a result, the electronic device (101) can improve the quality or speed of communication with a second network (294) (e.g., a 5G network).

[0052] According to an example, the antenna (248) may be formed as an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements that may be used for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC (226) may include a plurality of phase shifters (238) corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements, for example, as part of the third RFFE (236). Upon transmission, each of the plurality of phase shifters (238) may shift the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to an external source (e.g., a base station of a 5G network) of the electronic device (101) via its corresponding antenna element. Upon reception, each of the plurality of phase shifters (238) may shift the phase of a 5G Above6 RF signal received from the external source via its corresponding antenna element to the same or substantially the same phase. This enables transmission or reception via beamforming between the electronic device (101) and the external source.

[0053] The second network (294) (e.g., a 5G network) may operate independently (e.g., Stand-Alone (SA)) or connected to (e.g., Non-Stand Alone (NSA)) the first network (292) (e.g., a legacy network). For example, the 5G network may only have an access network (e.g., a 5G radio access network (RAN) or next generation RAN (NG RAN)) and no core network (e.g., next generation core (NGC)). In this case, the electronic device (101) may access an external network (e.g., the Internet) under the control of the core network (e.g., evolved packed core (EPC)) of the legacy network after accessing the access network of the 5G network. Protocol information for communication with a legacy network (e.g., LTE protocol information) or protocol information for communication with a 5G network (e.g., New Radio (NR) protocol information) may be stored in the memory (230) and accessed by other components (e.g., the processor (120), the first communication processor (212), or the second communication processor (214)).

[0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circuit for checking whether an antenna is coupled in an electronic device according to an example.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first printed circuit board (310) and / or a second printed circuit board (320).

[0056] The first printed circuit board (310) may be a printed circuit board on which various components of the electronic device (101) are arranged (or mounted). The first printed circuit board (310) may be referred to as a main board.

[0057] The first printed circuit board (310) may include a processor (311) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the first communication processor (212), the second communication processor (214) of FIG. 2), a transceiver (312) (e.g., the first RFIC (222), the second RFIC (224), or the fourth RFIC (228) of FIG. 2), and a front end module (FEM) (313) (e.g., the first RFFE (232) or the second RFFE (234) of FIG. 2). The description of including may be replaced with dispose or implement.

[0058] The processor (311) can perform various operations for wireless communication on a cellular network. The processor (311) can support the establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with the cellular network and wireless communication through the established communication channel. Wireless communication on a cellular network may be referred to as cellular communication. Cellular communication may include at least one of 3rd generation cellular communication, 4th generation cellular communication, and / or 5th generation cellular communication. The processor (311) may be referred to as a communication processor.

[0059] The transceiver (312) can perform various operations for processing signals received from the processor (311). The transceiver (312) can perform a modulation operation on the signals received from the processor (311). For example, the transceiver (312) can perform a frequency modulation operation for converting a baseband signal received from the processor (311) into a frequency band (e.g., an RF band) to be used for cellular communication. Alternatively, the transceiver (312) can also perform a demodulation operation on a signal received from the outside. For example, the transceiver (312) can perform a frequency demodulation operation for converting a radio frequency (RF) signal into a baseband signal.

[0060] The FEM (313) may include components that process a signal transmitted by the transceiver (312) (or a transmission signal, Tx signal) or a signal received from the outside. According to one example, the FEM (313) may include at least one of an amplifier that amplifies a signal transmitted by the transceiver, a low noise amplifier that amplifies a signal received from the outside, a filter that passes or removes a portion of a frequency band of a signal, and a multiplexer (or duplexer) that separates a signal into a transmission signal or a reception signal.

[0061] The electronic device (101) can transmit a signal through an antenna (321) or receive an external signal through the antenna (321). The antenna (321) can be placed (or mounted) on a second printed circuit board (320) that is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (310).

[0062] The electronic device (101) can change a matching circuit electrically connected to the antenna (321) to transmit and / or receive signals of various frequency bands through the antenna (321). The electronic device (101) can include an antenna switching circuit (330) to change the connection of the matching circuit.

[0063] The antenna switching circuit (330) can electrically connect one matching circuit (e.g., the first matching circuit (322-1), the second matching circuit (322-2), or the third matching circuit (322-3)) among the matching circuits (322) and the antenna (321). The antenna switching circuit (330) can select one matching circuit (e.g., the first matching circuit (322-1), the second matching circuit (322-2), or the third matching circuit (322-3)) among the matching circuits (322) according to the frequency band of a signal received or transmitted through the antenna (321). The antenna switching circuit (330) may also include an antenna tuner.

[0064] The antenna switching circuit (330) may include a controller (331) for controlling the operation of the antenna switching circuit (330). The controller (331) is a component (or entity) that controls the operation of the antenna switching circuit (330) and may operate under the control of the processor (311).

[0065] The antenna switching circuit (330) can electrically connect one of the matching circuits (322) (e.g., the first matching circuit (322-1), the second matching circuit (322-2), or the third matching circuit (322-3)) and the antenna (321) according to a control signal transmitted by the processor (311). The control signal transmitted by the processor (311) is a signal including information indicating a matching circuit to be connected to the antenna (321), and may include an antenna code. The control signal may be transmitted through a port (e.g., mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) implemented on the processor (311).

[0066] The antenna switching circuit (330) can operate using power transmitted by a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (315) placed (or mounted) on a first printed circuit board (310). The power management integrated circuit (315) is electrically connected to a controller (331) and can supply power required for the operation of the antenna switching circuit (330) to the antenna switching circuit (330). The antenna switching circuit (330) can be placed or mounted on a second printed circuit board (320).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, the antenna (321) may be placed on a second printed circuit board (320), which is a different printed circuit board from the first printed circuit board (310) on which various components of the electronic device (310) are placed (or mounted). For smooth operation of cellular communication, the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) must be electrically connected (341).

[0068] The first printed circuit board (310) may include a circuit (314) for determining whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. The circuit (314) may include at least one element (e.g., a passive element or an active element including at least one of a resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor) capable of detecting a signal having different characteristics depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. The circuit (314) may be electrically connected to the processor (311) via a port (e.g., a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) port) of the processor (311).

[0069] The intensity of the signal (or voltage of the signal) measured by the circuit (314) may vary depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. The PMIC (315) may apply (or supply) a signal to the circuit (314) that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. The signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected may be transmitted to the processor (311) through the circuit (314) and the GPIO port (316). The processor (311) can receive a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected through the GPIO port (316), and can determine the size (or voltage) of the signal. The processor (311) can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected based on the size (or voltage) of the signal.

[0070] According to one example, when a first printed circuit board (310) and a second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected (341), the intensity of a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be distributed (or determined) by the size of the resistance included in the circuit (314).

[0071] According to one example, when a first printed circuit board (310) and a second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, the intensity of a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be distributed (or determined) by the size of the resistor included in the circuit (314).

[0072] According to one example, when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected, the port that can electrically connect the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) may be in an open state (or an open state). The intensity of a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected may be substantially the same as (or similar to) the intensity of a signal supplied (or applied) by the PMIC (315). The intensity of a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected may be greater than the intensity of a signal corresponding to the case where the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected.

[0073] The processor (311) can receive a signal transmitted through the circuit (314) through the GPIO port (316) and determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected based on the strength (or voltage) of the signal.

[0074] However, as the circuit (314) is placed on the first printed circuit board (310), the mounting space of the first printed circuit board (310) may be reduced. In addition, the difficulty of placing other components may increase due to the presence of the circuit (314) and the lines for connection between the circuit (314) and the processor (311). Furthermore, the number of GPIO ports (316) implemented in the processor (311) is gradually decreasing, and as the circuit (314) is electrically connected to the processor (311) through the GPIO port (316), a situation may occur in which other components to be electrically connected to the processor (311) are not connected through the GPIO port (316).

[0075] Below, an example of an antenna switching circuit that can check whether a first printed circuit board (311) and a second printed circuit board (312) are electrically connected is described.

[0076] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an antenna switching circuit in an electronic device according to an example.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, an antenna switching circuit (400) (e.g., antenna switching circuit (330) of FIG. 3) may include at least one first port (401), a second port (402) electrically connected to an antenna (e.g., antenna (321) of FIG. 3), at least one switch (410), a signal verification circuit (403) capable of verifying the characteristics of a signal input through the second port (402), a register (406), and / or a controller (407).

[0078] The first port (401) may be a port electrically connected to one of the matching circuits (e.g., the first matching circuit (e.g., the first matching circuit (322-1) of FIG. 3), the second matching circuit (e.g., the second matching circuit (322-2) of FIG. 3), or the third matching circuit (e.g., the third matching circuit (322-3) of FIG. 3)).

[0079] At least one switch (410) can be connected between the first port (401) and the second port (402) corresponding to the matching circuit under the control of the controller (407).

[0080] The controller (407) can control the connection of at least one first port (401) and a second port (402). The controller (407) can receive power transmitted by a power control integrated circuit (e.g., the power control integrated circuit (315) of FIG. 3) through the third port (408), and the received power can be used for the operation of the controller (407).

[0081] The controller (407) can be electrically connected to a processor (e.g., processor (311) of FIG. 3) through a fourth port (409), and can control at least one switch (410) according to a control signal transmitted by the processor (e.g., processor (311) of FIG. 3).

[0082] According to one example, at least one switch (410) may be configured to connect a first port (401) electrically connected to the first matching circuit (322-1) and a second port (402) according to a control signal for connecting the first matching circuit (322-1) and the antenna (321). The first port (401) electrically connected to the second matching circuit (322-2) and the first port (401) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) may not be electrically connected to the antenna (321).

[0083] According to one example, at least one switch (410) may be configured to connect a first port (401) electrically connected to the second matching circuit (322-2) and a second port (402) according to a control signal for connecting the second matching circuit (322-2) and the antenna (321). The first port (401) electrically connected to the first matching circuit (322-1) and the first port (401) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) may not be electrically connected to the antenna (321).

[0084] According to one example, at least one switch (410) may be configured to connect a first port (401) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) and a second port (402) according to a control signal for connecting the third matching circuit (322-3) and the antenna (321). The first port (401) electrically connected to the first matching circuit (322-1) and the first port (401) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) may not be electrically connected to the antenna (321).

[0085] The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a signal verification circuit (403) for verifying whether a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (310) of FIG. 3) and a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (320) of FIG. 3) are electrically connected. Alternatively, the signal verification circuit (403) may be for verifying whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0086] The second port (402) is a port electrically connected to the antenna (321), and at least a portion of the signals output to the antenna (321) can be transmitted to the antenna switching circuit (400) through the second port (402). According to one example, the processor (311) can transmit a signal to the antenna (321) that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected.

[0087] According to one example, when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be transmitted to the antenna switching circuit (400).

[0088] When the antenna switching circuit (400) receives a signal that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, the signal that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be transmitted to the signal confirmation circuit (403).

[0089] As an example, if the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected, a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected may not be transmitted to the antenna switching circuit (400).

[0090] If the antenna switching circuit (400) does not receive a signal that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, the signal that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected may not be transmitted to the signal confirmation circuit (403).

[0091] The signal verification circuit (403) can verify (or detect, measure) the characteristics of a signal input through the second port (402) (or a signal that can verify whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected).

[0092] The signal verification circuit (403) may include an element (e.g., a passive element and / or an active element including at least one of a resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor) (405) having an impedance value greater than a specified size and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (404) that converts a signal transmitted through the element (405) into a digital signal. The specified size may be a size for reducing (or minimizing) power loss of at least one switch (410). According to one example, the element (405) may be implemented to have a relatively high impedance value in order to reduce (or minimize) power loss of at least one switch (410). The ADC (404) may convert a signal (which may be an analog signal) transmitted through the element (405) into a digital signal. The value of the converted digital signal may vary depending on the characteristics of the signal.

[0093] According to one example, the value of the converted digital signal may vary depending on the characteristics (or voltage) of the signal input through the second port (402) (or a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected). If the voltage of the signal is equal to or greater than a specified value (e.g., 2 V), the value of the converted digital signal may be 1. If the voltage of the signal is equal to or less than a specified value (or less than a specified value), the value of the converted digital signal may be 0. Conversely, if the voltage of the signal is equal to or greater than a specified value (e.g., 2 V), the value of the converted digital signal may be 0. If the voltage of the signal is equal to or less than a specified value (or less than a specified value), the value of the converted digital signal may be 1.

[0094] As described above, the characteristics of the signal input through the second port (402) (or, a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected) may differ depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. Accordingly, the value of the converted digital signal may differ depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. For example, when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, the value of the converted digital signal may be 1, and when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected, the value of the converted digital signal may be 0.

[0095] The ADC (404) can transmit the value of the converted digital signal (or the characteristic of the signal) to the register (406). The register (406) may be a component that can temporarily or non-temporarily store the characteristic of the signal transmitted by the ADC (404) (or the value of the converted digital signal). Although described as the register (406) in the present disclosure, it may be replaced with various components (e.g., storage, memory) that can store specific data. The register (406) can store the characteristic of the signal transmitted by the ADC (404) (or the signal verification circuit (403)).

[0096] The controller (407) is electrically connected to the register (406) and can check (or read) data stored in the register (406). The controller (407) can check and / or transmit the characteristics of the signal (or the value of the converted digital signal) stored in the register (406) to the processor (311).

[0097] According to one example, the controller (407) may receive a signal requesting transmission of data stored in a register (406) from the processor (311). The controller (407) may transmit the characteristics of the signal stored in the register (406) (or the value of the converted digital signal) to the processor (311) via the fourth port (409).

[0098] The processor (311) can check the characteristics of the signal (or the value of the converted digital signal) and, based on the check result, check whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the antenna (321)) are electrically connected.

[0099] According to one example, the processor (311) can determine (or confirm) that the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the antenna (321)) are electrically connected when the value of the converted digital signal is 1. The processor (411) can determine (or confirm) that the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the antenna (321)) are not electrically connected when the value of the converted digital signal is 0.

[0100] The antenna switching circuit (400) described above can check whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the first printed circuit board (310) and the antenna (321)) are electrically connected. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can omit the circuit (314) illustrated in FIG. 3, and can secure the mounting space of the first printed circuit board (310) due to the omission of the circuit (314). Furthermore, since the antenna switching circuit (400) is connected through the MIPI port (317) of the processor (311), the GPIO port (316) due to the circuit (314) can be saved, and a situation in which other components to be electrically connected to the processor (311) are not connected through the GPIO port (316) can be prevented.

[0101] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of checking whether an antenna is coupled using an antenna switching circuit in an electronic device according to an example.

[0102] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) using the antenna switching circuit illustrated in FIG. 4 (e.g., the antenna switching circuit (410) of FIG. 4) to check whether a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (310) of FIG. 3) and a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (320) of FIG. 3) are electrically connected.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first printed circuit board (310) and / or a second printed circuit board (320).

[0104] The first printed circuit board (310) may be a printed circuit board on which various components of the electronic device (101) are arranged (or mounted). The first printed circuit board (310) may be referred to as a main board.

[0105] The first printed circuit board (310) may include a processor (311) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the first communication processor (212), the second communication processor (214) of FIG. 2), a transceiver (312) (e.g., the first RFIC (222), the second RFIC (224), or the fourth RFIC (228) of FIG. 2), and a front end module (FEM) (313) (e.g., the first RFFE (232) or the second RFFE (234) of FIG. 2). The description of including may be replaced with dispose or implement.

[0106] The processor (311) can perform various operations for wireless communication on a cellular network. The processor (311) can support the establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with the cellular network and wireless communication through the established communication channel. Wireless communication on a cellular network may be referred to as cellular communication. Cellular communication may include at least one of 3rd generation cellular communication, 4th generation cellular communication, and / or 5th generation cellular communication. The processor (311) may be referred to as a communication processor.

[0107] The transceiver (312) can perform various operations for processing signals received from the processor (311). The transceiver (312) can perform a modulation operation on the signals received from the processor (311). For example, the transceiver (312) can perform a frequency modulation operation for converting a baseband signal received from the processor (311) into a frequency band (e.g., an RF band) to be used for cellular communication. Alternatively, the transceiver (312) can also perform a demodulation operation on a signal received from the outside. For example, the transceiver (312) can perform a frequency demodulation operation for converting a radio frequency (RF) signal into a baseband signal.

[0108] The FEM (313) may include components that process a signal transmitted by the transceiver (312) (or a transmission signal, Tx signal) or a signal received from the outside. According to one example, the FEM (313) may include at least one of an amplifier that amplifies a signal transmitted by the transceiver, a low noise amplifier that amplifies a signal received from the outside, a filter that passes or removes a portion of a frequency band of a signal, and a multiplexer (or duplexer) that separates a signal into a transmission signal or a reception signal.

[0109] The electronic device (101) can transmit a signal through an antenna (321) or receive an external signal through the antenna (321). The antenna (321) can be placed (or mounted) on a second printed circuit board (320) that is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (310).

[0110] The electronic device (101) can change a matching circuit electrically connected to the antenna (321) to transmit and / or receive signals of various frequency bands through the antenna (321). The electronic device (101) can include an antenna switching circuit (400) to change the connection of the matching circuit.

[0111] The antenna switching circuit (400) may include at least one first port (401), a second port (402) electrically connected to the antenna (321), at least one switch (410), a signal verification circuit (403) capable of verifying the characteristics of a signal input through the second port (402), a register (406), and / or a controller (407).

[0112] The first port (401) may be a port electrically connected to one of the matching circuits (e.g., the first matching circuit (e.g., the first matching circuit (322-1) of FIG. 3), the second matching circuit (e.g., the second matching circuit (322-2) of FIG. 3), or the third matching circuit (e.g., the third matching circuit (322-3) of FIG. 3)).

[0113] At least one switch (410) can be connected between the first port (401) and the second port (402) corresponding to the matching circuit under the control of the controller (407).

[0114] The controller (407) can control the connection of at least one first port (401) and a second port (402). The controller (407) can receive power transmitted by a power control integrated circuit (e.g., the power control integrated circuit (315) of FIG. 3) through the third port (408), and the received power can be used for the operation of the controller (407).

[0115] The controller (407) can be electrically connected to a processor (e.g., processor (311) of FIG. 3) via a fourth port (409) and can control at least one switch (410) according to a control signal transmitted by the processor (e.g., processor (311) of FIG. 3). The processor (311) can be electrically connected to the controller (407) via a MIPI port (317).

[0116] The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a signal verification circuit (403) for verifying whether a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (310) of FIG. 3) and a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (320) of FIG. 3) are electrically connected. Alternatively, the signal verification circuit (403) may be for verifying whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0117] The second port (402) is a port electrically connected to the antenna (321), and at least a portion of the signals output to the antenna (321) can be transmitted to the antenna switching circuit (400) through the second port (402). According to one example, the processor (311) can transmit a signal (521) to the antenna (321) that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected.

[0118] According to one example, if the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected, a signal (521) that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected may not be transmitted to the antenna switching circuit (400).

[0119] If the antenna switching circuit (400) does not receive a signal (521) that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, the signal (521) that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected may not be transmitted to the signal confirmation circuit (403).

[0120] According to one example, when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, a signal (521) that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be transmitted to the antenna switching circuit (400).

[0121] When the antenna switching circuit (400) receives a signal (521) that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, the signal (521) that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be transmitted to the signal confirmation circuit (403).

[0122] Referring to FIG. 5, when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected (511), a signal (521) that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be input to the antenna switching circuit (400) through the second port (402).

[0123] The signal verification circuit (403) can verify (or detect, measure) the characteristics of a signal (521) input through the second port (402) (or a signal that can verify whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected).

[0124] The signal verification circuit (403) may include an element (e.g., a passive element and / or an active element including at least one of a resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor) (405) having an impedance value greater than a specified size and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (404) that converts a signal transmitted through the element (405) into a digital signal. The specified size may be a size for reducing (or minimizing) power loss of at least one switch (410). According to one example, the element (405) may be implemented to have a relatively high impedance value in order to reduce (or minimize) power loss of at least one switch (410). The ADC (404) may convert a signal (which may be an analog signal) transmitted through the element (405) into a digital signal. The value of the converted digital signal may vary depending on the characteristics of the signal.

[0125] According to one example, the value of the converted digital signal may vary depending on the characteristics (or voltage) of the signal (521) input through the second port (402) (or a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected). If the voltage of the signal is equal to or greater than a specified value (e.g., 2 V), the value of the converted digital signal may be 1. If the voltage of the signal is equal to or less than a specified value, the value of the converted digital signal may be 0. Conversely, if the voltage of the signal is equal to or greater than a specified value (e.g., 2 V), the value of the converted digital signal may be 0. If the voltage of the signal is equal to or less than a specified value, the value of the converted digital signal may be 1.

[0126] As described above, the characteristics of the signal (521) input through the second port (402) (or, a signal that can determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected) may differ depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. Accordingly, the value of the converted digital signal may differ depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. For example, when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, the value of the converted digital signal may be 1, and when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected, the value of the converted digital signal may be 0.

[0127] The ADC (404) can transmit the value of the converted digital signal (or the characteristic of the signal) to the register (406). The register (406) may be a component that can temporarily or non-temporarily store the characteristic of the signal transmitted by the ADC (404) (or the value of the converted digital signal). Although described as the register (406) in the present disclosure, it may be replaced with various components (e.g., storage, memory) that can store specific data. The register (406) can store the characteristic of the signal transmitted by the ADC (404) (or the signal verification circuit (403)).

[0128] The controller (407) is electrically connected to the register (406) and can check (or read) data stored in the register (406). The controller (407) can check and / or transmit the characteristics of the signal (or the value of the converted digital signal) stored in the register (406) to the processor (311).

[0129] According to one example, the controller (407) may receive a signal requesting transmission of data stored in a register (406) from the processor (311). The controller (407) may transmit the characteristics of the signal stored in the register (406) (or the value of the converted digital signal) to the processor (411) via the fourth port (409).

[0130] The processor (311) can check the characteristics of the signal (or the value of the converted digital signal) and, based on the check result, check whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the antenna (321)) are electrically connected.

[0131] According to one example, the processor (311) can determine (or confirm) that the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the antenna (321)) are electrically connected when the value of the converted digital signal is 1. The processor (311) can determine (or confirm) that the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the antenna (321)) are not electrically connected when the value of the converted digital signal is 0.

[0132] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an antenna switching circuit in an electronic device according to an example.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 6, the antenna switching circuit (600) (e.g., the antenna switching circuit (330) of FIG. 3) may include at least one first port (601), a second port (602) electrically connected to an antenna (e.g., the antenna (321) of FIG. 3), a third port (611) electrically connected to the antenna (321), at least one switch (610), a signal verification circuit (605) capable of verifying the characteristics of a signal input through the third port (611), a register (606), and / or a controller (607).

[0134] The first port (601) may be a port electrically connected to one of the matching circuits (e.g., the first matching circuit (e.g., the first matching circuit (322-1) of FIG. 3), the second matching circuit (e.g., the second matching circuit (322-2) of FIG. 3), or the third matching circuit (e.g., the third matching circuit (322-3) of FIG. 3)).

[0135] At least one switch (610) can be connected between the first port (601) and the second port (602) corresponding to the matching circuit under the control of the controller (607).

[0136] The controller (607) can control the connection of at least one first port (601) and one or more second ports (602). The controller (607) can receive power transmitted by a power control integrated circuit (e.g., the power control integrated circuit (315) of FIG. 3) through the fourth port (608), and the received power can be used for the operation of the controller (607).

[0137] The controller (607) can be electrically connected to a processor (e.g., processor (311) of FIG. 3) through a fifth port (609), and can control at least one switch (610) according to a control signal transmitted by the processor (e.g., processor (311) of FIG. 3).

[0138] According to one example, at least one switch (610) may be configured to connect a first port (601) electrically connected to the first matching circuit (322-1) and a second port (602) according to a control signal for connecting the first matching circuit (322-1) and the antenna (321). The first port (601) electrically connected to the second matching circuit (322-2) and the first port (601) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) may not be electrically connected to the antenna (321).

[0139] According to one example, at least one switch (610) may be configured to connect a first port (601) electrically connected to the second matching circuit (322-2) and a second port (602) according to a control signal for connecting the second matching circuit (322-2) and the antenna (321). The first port (601) electrically connected to the first matching circuit (322-1) and the first port (601) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) may not be electrically connected to the antenna (321).

[0140] According to one example, at least one switch (610) may be configured to connect a first port (601) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) and a second port (602) according to a control signal for connecting the third matching circuit (322-3) and the antenna (321). The first port (601) electrically connected to the first matching circuit (322-1) and the first port (601) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) may not be electrically connected to the antenna (321).

[0141] The antenna switching circuit (600) may include a signal verification circuit (605) for verifying whether a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (310) of FIG. 3) and a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (320) of FIG. 3) are electrically connected. Alternatively, the signal verification circuit (605) may be for verifying whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0142] The third port (611) is a port electrically connected to the antenna (321), and may be a port from which a signal for confirming whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected is output. According to one example, the processor (311) may control the power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (315) to transmit a signal for confirming whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected to the antenna switching circuit (600). The power management integrated circuit (315) may transmit a signal for confirming whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected to the antenna switching circuit (600) through the fourth port (608) under the control of the processor (311).

[0143] When the antenna switching circuit (600) receives a signal that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, the signal that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be output to the third port (611) through the signal confirmation circuit (605).

[0144] The signal verification circuit (605) can verify (or detect, measure) the characteristics of a signal input through the fourth port (608) (or a signal that can verify whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected).

[0145] The register (606) may be a component electrically connected to the signal verification circuit (605) and capable of temporarily or non-temporarily storing the characteristics of a signal. Although described as a register (606) in the present disclosure, it may be replaced with various components (e.g., storage, memory) capable of storing specific data. The register (606) may store the characteristics of a signal transmitted through the signal verification circuit (605).

[0146] As an example, the characteristics (or voltage) of a signal measured using the signal verification circuit (605) may vary depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected.

[0147] According to one example, when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, a signal that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be transmitted to the first printed circuit board (310) through a line generated between the third port (611) and the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320). In this case, the voltage (or characteristic) of the signal measured using the signal confirmation circuit (605) can be a voltage of the first magnitude.

[0148] In one example, when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected, the third port (611) may be in an open state (or open state). Therefore, the impedance (or resistance) measurable through the third port (611) may be measured to be very large. The impedance (or resistance) of the first printed circuit board (310) may be measured to be very large. In this case, the voltage (or characteristic) of the signal measured using the signal verification circuit (605) may be a voltage of a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude.

[0149] The register (606) can store different values ​​depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. In one example, the register (606) can store low (or 0) when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. The register (606) can store high (or 1) when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected.

[0150] The controller (607) is electrically connected to the register (606) and can check (or read) data stored in the register (606). The controller (607) can check and / or transmit the characteristics of the signal (or the value of the converted digital signal) stored in the register (606) to the processor (311).

[0151] According to one example, the controller (607) may receive a signal from the processor (311) requesting transmission of data stored in the register (606). The controller (607) may transmit the characteristics of the signal stored in the register (606) to the processor (311) via the fifth port (609).

[0152] The processor (311) can check the characteristics of the signal and, based on the check result, check whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the antenna (321)) are electrically connected.

[0153] According to one example, the processor (311) may determine (or confirm) that the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected when the characteristic of the signal transmitted by the controller (607) indicates Low (or 0). The processor (311) may determine (or confirm) that the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected when the characteristic of the signal transmitted by the controller (607) indicates High (or 1).

[0154] The antenna switching circuit (600) described above can check whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the first printed circuit board (310) and the antenna (321)) are electrically connected. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can omit the circuit (314) illustrated in FIG. 3, and can secure the mounting space of the first printed circuit board (310) due to the omission of the circuit (314). Furthermore, since the antenna switching circuit (600) is connected through the MIPI port (317) of the processor (311), the GPIO port (316) due to the circuit (314) can be saved, and a situation in which other components to be electrically connected to the processor (311) are not connected through the GPIO port (316) can be prevented.

[0155] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of checking whether an antenna is coupled using an antenna switching circuit in an electronic device according to an example.

[0156] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) using the antenna switching circuit illustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., the antenna switching circuit (610) of FIG. 6) to check whether a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (310) of FIG. 3) and a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (320) of FIG. 3) are electrically connected.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 7, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first printed circuit board (310) and / or a second printed circuit board (320).

[0158] The first printed circuit board (310) may be a printed circuit board on which various components of the electronic device (101) are arranged (or mounted). The first printed circuit board (310) may be referred to as a main board.

[0159] The first printed circuit board (310) may include a processor (311) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the first communication processor (212), the second communication processor (214) of FIG. 2), a transceiver (312) (e.g., the first RFIC (222), the second RFIC (224), or the fourth RFIC (228) of FIG. 2), and a front end module (FEM) (313) (e.g., the first RFFE (232) or the second RFFE (234) of FIG. 2). The description of including may be replaced with dispose or implement.

[0160] The processor (311) can perform various operations for wireless communication on a cellular network. The processor (311) can support the establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with the cellular network and wireless communication through the established communication channel. Wireless communication on a cellular network may be referred to as cellular communication. Cellular communication may include at least one of 3rd generation cellular communication, 4th generation cellular communication, and / or 5th generation cellular communication. The processor (311) may be referred to as a communication processor.

[0161] The transceiver (312) can perform various operations for processing signals received from the processor (311). The transceiver (312) can perform a modulation operation on the signals received from the processor (311). For example, the transceiver (312) can perform a frequency modulation operation for converting a baseband signal received from the processor (311) into a frequency band (e.g., an RF band) to be used for cellular communication. Alternatively, the transceiver (312) can also perform a demodulation operation on a signal received from the outside. For example, the transceiver (312) can perform a frequency demodulation operation for converting a radio frequency (RF) signal into a baseband signal.

[0162] The FEM (313) may include components that process a signal transmitted by the transceiver (312) (or a transmission signal, Tx signal) or a signal received from the outside. According to one example, the FEM (313) may include at least one of an amplifier that amplifies a signal transmitted by the transceiver, a low noise amplifier that amplifies a signal received from the outside, a filter that passes or removes a portion of a frequency band of a signal, and a multiplexer (or duplexer) that separates a signal into a transmission signal or a reception signal.

[0163] The electronic device (101) can transmit a signal through an antenna (321) or receive an external signal through the antenna (321). The antenna (321) can be placed (or mounted) on a second printed circuit board (320) that is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (310).

[0164] The electronic device (101) can change a matching circuit electrically connected to the antenna (321) to transmit and / or receive signals of various frequency bands through the antenna (321). The electronic device (101) can include an antenna switching circuit (600) to change the connection of the matching circuit.

[0165] The antenna switching circuit (600) may include at least one first port (601), a second port (602) electrically connected to an antenna (e.g., antenna (321) of FIG. 3), a third port (611) electrically connected to the antenna (321), at least one switch (610), and at least one component (605, register (606) and / or controller (607)) capable of checking the characteristics of a signal input through the third port (611).

[0166] The first port (601) may be a port electrically connected to one of the matching circuits (e.g., the first matching circuit (e.g., the first matching circuit (322-1) of FIG. 3), the second matching circuit (e.g., the second matching circuit (322-2) of FIG. 3), or the third matching circuit (e.g., the third matching circuit (322-3) of FIG. 3)).

[0167] At least one switch (610) can be connected between the first port (601) and the second port (602) corresponding to the matching circuit under the control of the controller (607).

[0168] The controller (607) can control the connection of at least one first port (601) and one or more second ports (602). The controller (607) can receive power transmitted by a power control integrated circuit (e.g., the power control integrated circuit (315) of FIG. 3) through the fourth port (608), and the received power can be used for the operation of the controller (607).

[0169] The controller (607) can be electrically connected to a processor (e.g., processor (311) of FIG. 3) through a fifth port (609), and can control at least one switch (610) according to a control signal transmitted by the processor (e.g., processor (311) of FIG. 3).

[0170] According to one example, at least one switch (610) may be configured to connect a first port (601) electrically connected to the first matching circuit (322-1) and a second port (602) according to a control signal for connecting the first matching circuit (322-1) and the antenna (321). The first port (601) electrically connected to the second matching circuit (322-2) and the first port (601) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) may not be electrically connected to the antenna (321).

[0171] According to one example, at least one switch (610) may be configured to connect a first port (601) electrically connected to the second matching circuit (322-2) and a second port (602) according to a control signal for connecting the second matching circuit (322-2) and the antenna (321). The first port (601) electrically connected to the first matching circuit (322-1) and the first port (601) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) may not be electrically connected to the antenna (321).

[0172] According to one example, at least one switch (610) may be configured to connect a first port (601) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) and a second port (602) according to a control signal for connecting the third matching circuit (322-3) and the antenna (321). The first port (601) electrically connected to the first matching circuit (322-1) and the first port (601) electrically connected to the third matching circuit (322-3) may not be electrically connected to the antenna (321).

[0173] The antenna switching circuit (600) may include a signal verification circuit (605) for verifying whether a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (310) of FIG. 3) and a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (320) of FIG. 3) are electrically connected. Alternatively, the signal verification circuit (605) may be for verifying whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0174] The third port (611) is a port electrically connected to the antenna (321), and may be a port from which a signal (721) for confirming whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected is output. According to one example, the processor (311) may control the power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (315) to transmit the signal (721) for confirming whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected to the antenna switching circuit (600). The power management integrated circuit (315) may transmit the signal (721) for confirming whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected to the antenna switching circuit (600) through the fourth port (608) under the control of the processor (311).

[0175] When the antenna switching circuit (600) receives a signal (721) that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, the signal (721) that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be output to the third port (611) through the signal confirmation circuit (605).

[0176] The signal verification circuit (605) can verify (or detect, measure) the characteristics of a signal input through the fourth port (608) (or a signal that can verify whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected).

[0177] The register (606) may be a component electrically connected to the signal verification circuit (605) and capable of temporarily or non-temporarily storing the characteristics of a signal. Although described as a register (606) in the present disclosure, it may be replaced with various components (e.g., storage, memory) capable of storing specific data. The register (606) may store the characteristics of a signal transmitted through the signal verification circuit (605).

[0178] As an example, the characteristics (or voltage) of a signal measured using the signal verification circuit (605) may vary depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected.

[0179] According to one example, when a first printed circuit board (310) and a second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected, a signal (721) that can confirm whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected can be transmitted to the first printed circuit board (310) through a line (711) generated between the third port (611) and the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320). In this case, the voltage (or characteristic) of the signal measured using the signal confirmation circuit (605) can be a voltage of the first magnitude. According to one example, the voltage of a signal measured using the signal verification circuit (605) can be determined according to the ratio of the size of the impedance (or resistance) of the signal verification circuit (605) and the size of the impedance (or resistance) of the component (731) connected through the third port (611).

[0180] For example, if the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected, the port (732) that should be connected to the first printed circuit board (310) may be in an open state (or open state). Accordingly, when measuring impedance through the third port (611), the impedance may be measured to be very large. In this case, the voltage (or characteristic) of the signal measured using the signal verification circuit (605) may be a voltage of a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude.

[0181] The register (606) can store different values ​​depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. In one example, the register (606) can store low (or 0) when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected. The register (606) can store high (or 1) when the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected.

[0182] The controller (607) is electrically connected to the register (606) and can check (or read) data stored in the register (606). The controller (607) can check and / or transmit the characteristics of the signal (or the value of the converted digital signal) stored in the register (606) to the processor (311).

[0183] According to one example, the controller (607) may receive a signal from the processor (311) requesting transmission of data stored in the register (606). The controller (607) may transmit the characteristics of the signal stored in the register (606) to the processor (311) via the fifth port (609).

[0184] The processor (311) can check the characteristics of the signal and, based on the check result, check whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) (or the antenna (321)) are electrically connected.

[0185] According to one example, the processor (311) may determine (or confirm) that the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected when the characteristic of the signal transmitted by the controller (607) indicates Low (or 0). The processor (311) may determine (or confirm) that the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are not electrically connected when the characteristic of the signal transmitted by the controller (607) indicates High (or 1).

[0186] An antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example may include at least one first port (401) electrically connected to a matching circuit (322). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include one of the at least one first port (401) and a second port (402) electrically connected to an antenna (321). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a signal verification circuit (403) that verifies a characteristic of a signal input through the second port (402). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a register (406) that stores data corresponding to the characteristic of the signal input through the second port (402). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a controller (407) that controls a connection of the at least one first port (401) and the second port (402). The above controller (407) can transmit data stored in the register (406) to the processor (311).

[0187] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, the characteristics of a signal input through the second port (402) may vary depending on whether the printed circuit board including the processor (311) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0188] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, a signal input through the second port (402) may be a signal for checking whether the printed circuit board and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0189] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, the controller (407) may receive a request for transmission of data stored in the register (406) from the processor (311). The controller (407) may be set to transmit the data stored in the register (406) to the processor (311).

[0190] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, the controller (407) may be connected to the processor (311) through a MIPI (multiple input multiple output) port of the processor (311).

[0191] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, the signal confirmation circuit (403) may include an element (405) having an impedance greater than a specified size. The signal confirmation circuit (403) may include an ADC (404) that converts a signal applied through the element (405) into a digital signal.

[0192] According to an example, an electronic device (101) may include a first printed circuit board (310) including a processor (311), a transceiver, and a front-end module. The electronic device (101) may include a second printed circuit board (320) including an antenna (321) and an antenna switching circuit (400). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include at least one first port (401) electrically connected to a matching circuit (322). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include one of the at least one first port (401) and a second port (402) electrically connected to the antenna (321). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a signal verification circuit (403) for verifying a characteristic of a signal input through the second port (402). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a register (406) that stores data corresponding to the characteristics of a signal input through the second port. The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a controller (407) that controls the connection of at least one first port (401) and the second port. The processor (311) may transmit a signal requesting data stored in the register (406) to the controller (407). The processor (311) may receive the data stored in the register (406) from the controller (407). The processor (311) may be configured to determine whether the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are electrically connected based on the data stored in the register (406).

[0193] In an electronic device (101) according to an example, the characteristics of a signal input through the second port (402) may vary depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected.

[0194] In an electronic device (101) according to an example, a signal input through the second port (402) may be a signal for checking whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected.

[0195] In an electronic device (101) according to an example, the controller (407) may be connected to the processor (311) through a MIPI (multiple input multiple output) port of the processor (311).

[0196] In an electronic device (101) according to an example, the signal verification circuit (403) may include an element (405) having an impedance greater than a specified size. The signal verification circuit (403) may include an ADC (404) that converts a signal applied through the element into a digital signal.

[0197] An antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example may include at least one first port (601) electrically connected to a matching circuit (322). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include one of the at least one first port (601) and a second port (602) electrically connected to an antenna (321). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a third port (611) for outputting a signal applied to the antenna switching circuit (600). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a signal verification circuit (605) for verifying a characteristic of a signal output through the third port (611). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a register (606) for storing data corresponding to a characteristic of a signal output through the third port (611). The antenna switching circuit (400) may include a controller (607) that controls the connection of at least one first port (601) and the second port (602). The controller (607) may transmit data stored in the register (606) to the processor (311).

[0198] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, the characteristics of a signal output through the third port (611) may vary depending on whether the printed circuit board (310) including the processor (311) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0199] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, the signal output through the third port (611) may be a signal for checking whether the printed circuit board (310) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0200] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, the controller (607) can receive transmission of data stored in the register (606) from the processor (311). The controller (607) can be set to transmit the data stored in the register (606) to the processor (311).

[0201] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, the controller (607) may be connected to the processor (311) through a MIPI (multiple input multiple output) port of the processor (311).

[0202] In an antenna switching circuit (400) according to an example, the signal confirmation circuit (605) may include an element having an impedance greater than a specified size.

[0203] According to an example, an electronic device (101) may include a first printed circuit board (310) including a processor (311), a transceiver (312), and a front-end module (313). The electronic device (101) may include a second printed circuit board (320) including an antenna (321) and an antenna switching circuit (600). The antenna switching circuit (600) may include at least one first port (601) electrically connected to a matching circuit (322). The antenna switching circuit (600) may include one of the at least one first port (601) and a second port (602) electrically connected to the antenna (321). The antenna switching circuit (600) may include a third port (611) that outputs a signal applied to the antenna switching circuit (600). The antenna switching circuit (600) may include a signal verification circuit (605) for verifying the characteristics of a signal output through the third port (611). The antenna switching circuit (600) may include a register (606) for storing data corresponding to the characteristics of a signal output through the third port (611). The antenna switching circuit (600) may include a controller (607) for controlling the connection of at least one first port (601) and the second port (602). The processor (311) may transmit a signal requesting data stored in the register (606) to the controller (607). The processor (311) may receive data stored in the register (606) from the controller (607). The processor (311) may be set to determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected based on data stored in the register (606).

[0204] In an electronic device (101) according to an example, the characteristics of a signal output through the third port (611) may vary depending on whether the printed circuit board (310) including the processor (311) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0205] In an electronic device (101) according to an example, the signal output through the third port (611) may be a signal for checking whether the printed circuit board (310) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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 (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.

[0208] 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).

[0209] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0211] 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 the antenna switching circuit (400), At least one first port (401) electrically connected to a matching circuit (322); A second port (402) electrically connected to at least one of the first ports (401) and the antenna (321); A signal verification circuit (403) for verifying the characteristics of a signal input through the second port (402); A register (406) that stores data corresponding to the characteristics of a signal input through the second port (402); Including a controller (407) that controls the connection of at least one first port (401) and the second port (402), The above controller (407) An antenna switching circuit (400) that transmits data stored in the above register (406) to the processor (311).

2. In paragraph 1, The characteristics of the signal input through the above second port (402) are An antenna switching circuit (400) that varies depending on whether the printed circuit board including the above processor (311) and the above antenna (321) are electrically connected.

3. In clauses 1 and 2, The signal input through the above second port (402) An antenna switching circuit (400) which is a signal for checking whether the printed circuit board and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

4. In clauses 1 to 3, The above controller (407) Receive a request for transmission of data stored in the above register (406) from the processor (311), An antenna switching circuit (400) set to transmit data stored in the above register (406) to the processor (311).

5. In clauses 1 to 4, The above controller (407) An antenna switching circuit (400) connected to the processor (311) through the MIPI (multiple input multiple output) port of the processor (311).

6. In clauses 1 to 5, The above signal confirmation circuit (403) A device (405) having an impedance greater than a specified size; and An antenna switching circuit (400) including an ADC (404) that converts a signal applied through the above element (405) into a digital signal.

7. In electronic devices, A first printed circuit board (310) including a processor (311), a transceiver, and a front end module; A second printed circuit board (320) including an antenna (321) and an antenna switching circuit (400), The above antenna switching circuit (400) At least one first port (401) electrically connected to a matching circuit (322); A second port (402) electrically connected to at least one of the first ports (401) and the antenna (321); A signal verification circuit (403) for verifying the characteristics of a signal input through the second port (402); A register (406) that stores data corresponding to the characteristics of a signal input through the second port; Including a controller (407) that controls the connection of at least one first port (401) and the second port, The above processor (311) A signal requesting data stored in the above register (406) is transmitted to the controller (407), Receive data stored in the above register (406) from the controller (407), An electronic device set to determine whether the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are electrically connected based on data stored in the register (406).

8. In paragraph 7, The characteristics of the signal input through the above second port (402) are An electronic device that varies depending on whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected.

9. In clauses 7 to 8, The signal input through the above second port (402) An electronic device which is a signal for checking whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected.

10. In clauses 7 to 9, The above controller (407) An electronic device connected to the processor (311) through a MIPI (multiple input multiple output) port of the processor (311).

11. In clauses 7 to 10, The above signal confirmation circuit (403) A device (405) having an impedance greater than a specified size; and An electronic device including an ADC (404) that converts a signal applied through the above element into a digital signal.

12. In electronic devices, A first printed circuit board (310) including a processor (311), a transceiver (312), and a front end module (313); A second printed circuit board (320) including an antenna (321) and an antenna switching circuit (600), The above antenna switching circuit (600) At least one first port (601) electrically connected to a matching circuit (322); A second port (602) electrically connected to at least one of the first ports (601) and the antenna (321); A third port (611) for outputting a signal applied to the antenna switching circuit (600); A signal verification circuit (605) for verifying the characteristics of the signal output through the third port (611); A register (606) that stores data corresponding to the characteristics of a signal output through the third port (611); Including a controller (607) that controls the connection of at least one first port (601) and the second port (602), The above processor (311) A signal requesting data stored in the above register (606) is transmitted to the controller (607), Receive data stored in the above register (606) from the controller (607), An electronic device set to determine whether the first printed circuit board (310) and the second printed circuit board (320) are electrically connected based on data stored in the register (606).

13. In paragraph 12, The characteristics of the signal output through the above third port (611) are An electronic device that varies depending on whether the printed circuit board (310) including the processor (311) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

14. In clauses 12 to 13, The signal output through the above third port (611) An electronic device that is a signal for checking whether the printed circuit board (310) and the antenna (321) are electrically connected.

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