Electronic device comprising antenna module and bracket

Abstract

This electronic device comprises: an antenna module including a printed circuit board, and a plurality of antennas arranged on the printed circuit board so as to face the sidewall direction of the electronic device; a bracket which includes a first conductive part arranged behind the printed circuit board of the antenna module and a second conductive part vertically extending from the first conductive part and including a first set of openings, and which accommodates the antenna module; and a conductive structure which is spaced apart from the second conductive part and which includes a second set of openings. Each opening of the first set of openings is arranged between each antenna of the plurality of antennas and each opening of the second set of openings.

Description

Electronic device including antenna module and bracket

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including an antenna module and a bracket.

[0002] An electronic device may include one or more antenna modules for wireless communication with external electronic devices. For example, the electronic device may include an antenna module for 5G communication. The antenna module can meet the performance requirements of 5G communication through beamforming, which focuses signals in a specific direction.

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

[0004] An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include an antenna module including a printed circuit board and a plurality of antennas disposed on the printed circuit board so as to face a sidewall of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a bracket that accommodates the antenna module, the bracket including a first conductive portion disposed behind the printed circuit board of the antenna module, and a second conductive portion extending vertically from the first conductive portion and including a first set of openings. The electronic device may include a conductive structure spaced apart from the second conductive portion and including a second set of openings. Each opening of the first set of openings may be disposed between a respective antenna of the plurality of antennas and a corresponding opening of the second set of openings.

[0005] An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include an antenna module including a printed circuit board and a plurality of antennas disposed on the printed circuit board so as to face a sidewall of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a bracket that accommodates the antenna module, the bracket including a first conductive portion disposed behind the printed circuit board of the antenna module, a second conductive portion extending vertically from the first conductive portion and including a first set of openings, and a conductive structure spaced from the second conductive portion and including a second set of openings. Each opening of the first set of openings may be disposed between a respective antenna of the plurality of antennas and a respective opening of the second set of openings.

[0006] An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include: an antenna module including a printed circuit board (PCB) and a plurality of antennas disposed on the PCB so as to face one direction; a bracket configured to receive the antenna module, the bracket including: a first conductive portion disposed behind the PCB of the antenna module with respect to the one direction, and a second conductive portion extending vertically from the first conductive portion, the second conductive portion having a first set of openings formed therein; and a conductive structure spaced apart from the first conductive portion and having a second set of openings formed therein, wherein each opening of the first set of openings may be disposed between one of the plurality of antennas and one of the openings of the second set of openings.

[0007] An electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises: an antenna module comprising a PCB and a plurality of antennas arranged on a first surface and facing in a first direction perpendicular to the first surface; a bracket configured to receive the antenna module, the bracket comprising: a first conductive portion arranged to face a second surface of the PCB of the antenna module, the second surface being opposite the first surface, and a second conductive portion extending perpendicularly in the first direction from the first conductive portion and facing a third surface of the PCB of the antenna module, wherein the third surface is positioned between the first surface and the second surface to connect the two surfaces, and the second conductive portion includes a first set of openings formed along the second direction perpendicular to the third surface; And a conductive structure including a second set of openings spaced apart from the second conductive portion in the second direction and formed along the second direction, wherein each opening of the first set of openings can be positioned between one antenna of the plurality of antennas and one of the openings of the second set of openings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a front view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate an antenna module according to one embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 3c is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module of Fig. 3a taken along line A-A'.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5a is a drawing for explaining constructive interference by a double slit.

[0014] FIG. 5b illustrates the current distribution of the bracket due to the operation of the antenna module according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates a layout structure of an antenna module and a bracket according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6b illustrates the antenna module and bracket of Figure 6a.

[0017] Figure 6c illustrates a first set of openings formed within the second conductive portion of the bracket of Figure 6a.

[0018] FIG. 7a illustrates a layout structure of an antenna module and a bracket according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7b illustrates the antenna module and bracket of Figure 7a.

[0020] Figure 7c illustrates a first set of openings formed within the second conductive portion of the bracket of Figure 7a.

[0021] Figure 8a illustrates a view of the conductive structure of the bracket of Figure 6a from below.

[0022] Figure 8b illustrates a view of the conductive structure of the bracket of Figure 7a from below.

[0023] FIG. 9a illustrates a layout structure of an antenna module and a bracket according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9b illustrates the antenna module and bracket of Figure 9a.

[0025] FIG. 10a is a CDF-EIRP graph of an electronic device according to a comparative example including a bracket that does not include openings.

[0026] FIG. 10b is a CDF-EIRP graph of an electronic device according to a comparative example including a bracket including only a first opening set.

[0027] FIG. 10c is a CDF-EIRP graph of an electronic device according to one embodiment including a bracket including a first opening set and a second opening set.

[0028] FIG. 11a illustrates a radiation pattern formed around an electronic device according to a comparative example including a bracket including a first opening set.

[0029] FIG. 11B illustrates a radiation pattern formed around the periphery of an electronic device according to one embodiment, including a bracket including a first set of openings and a second set of openings.

[0030] Fig. 12 is a front view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13 illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 14 illustrates a part of the electronic device of Fig. 13.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0035] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0036] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part 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, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0053] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0054] 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)).

[0055] 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.

[0056] Within the present disclosure, terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” and “lower” should be understood as terms that indicate relative positional relationships rather than terms that indicate absolute positional relationships, and are terms that are specified for convenience of explanation.

[0057] Figure 2 is a front view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0058] An electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include an antenna module (200) (e.g., antenna module (197) of FIG. 1) for wireless communication with an external electronic device.

[0059] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) may be configured to communicate with an external electronic device using an antenna module (200). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a printed circuit board (201) on which at least one processor (120) and a wireless communication module (e.g., wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) are arranged, and a flexible printed circuit board (400) for electrically connecting the antenna module (200). The flexible printed circuit board (400) may be configured to transmit an electrical signal between the at least one processor and the antenna module (200) by being connected to each of the antenna module (200) and the printed circuit board (201).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (200) may be placed within a housing (500) of an electronic device (101). The housing (500) may include a peripheral part (510) and a supporting part (520).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the edge part (510) may define at least a portion of a side wall of the electronic device (101). The support part (520) may be wrapped by the edge part (510). The support part (520) may support or accommodate components (e.g., one or more electronic components) of the electronic device (101). For example, the support part (520) may support a printed circuit board (201), a battery (e.g., the battery 189 of FIG. 1 ), a camera module (e.g., the camera module 180 of FIG. 1 ), and / or an antenna module (200) that are disposed on the support part (520). The support part (520) may be disposed below (e.g., in the -z direction) a display module (e.g., the display module 160 of FIG. 1 ) and may not be visible from the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0062] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a bracket (300) that supports and accommodates an antenna module (200). The bracket (300) may be fixed to a support part (520) while accommodating the antenna module (200), thereby protecting the antenna module (200) and maintaining the position of the antenna module (200) at a fixed position. For example, the bracket (300) may include a through hole (370) through which a fastener passes. The fastener may be coupled to the support part (520) by passing through the through hole (370). For example, the fastener may include, but is not limited to, a screw.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (200) may include a mmWave module capable of supporting a high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave (millimeter wave) band). The mmWave module may be used to transmit and / or receive signals on a millimeter wave frequency band (e.g., about 24 GHz or higher). The mmWave module may improve the communication performance of the electronic device (101) by providing high-speed data transmission and a wide bandwidth.

[0064] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate an antenna module according to one embodiment. Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module of Figure 3a taken along line A-A'.

[0065] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate an example of the structure of the antenna module (200) described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 3a is a perspective view of the antenna module (200) viewed from one side, and Figure 3b is a perspective view of the antenna module (200) viewed from the other side opposite to the one side.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3A, the antenna module (200) may include a printed circuit board (210) and a plurality of antennas (220). For example, the plurality of antennas (220) may include, but are not limited to, a first antenna element (221), a second antenna element (222), a third antenna element (223), a fourth antenna element (224), and / or a fifth antenna element (225). The plurality of antennas (220) may be arranged on a first surface (211) of the printed circuit board (210). The plurality of antennas (220) may be arranged in parallel on the first surface (211) of the printed circuit board (210). For example, the plurality of antennas (220) may be arranged in the y-axis direction of FIG. 3A.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board (210) may include a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of non-conductive layers alternately stacked with the plurality of conductive layers. The printed circuit board (210) may provide electrical connections between various electronic components arranged on the printed circuit board (210) and / or the exterior of the printed circuit board (210) using wires and conductive vias formed on the conductive layers. According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board (210) may include a first side (211) facing one direction (e.g., +x direction) and a second side (212) opposite the first side (211).

[0068] According to one embodiment, a plurality of antennas (220) may be configured to form a directional beam. The plurality of antennas (220) may be arranged on a first surface (211) of a printed circuit board (210). The plurality of antennas (220) may all have the same shape, or may each have a different shape. The plurality of antennas (220) may be arranged to provide directivity to the directional beam. The antenna module (200) may be configured to form a highly directional beam through the arrangement of the plurality of antennas (220) and a polarization beam radiated from each of the plurality of antennas (220), and to communicate using the beam.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 3b and 3c, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (301) and a power management IC (PMIC) (302) may be disposed on a second surface (212) of a printed circuit board (210). For example, at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) may generate a baseband signal. The baseband signal may be up-converted into a signal of a designated frequency band through the RFIC (301). The up-converted signal may be filtered through a radio frequency front end module (RFFE) and radiated to the outside of the electronic device (101) through the antenna module (200). For example, a signal received from an external electronic device through the antenna module (200) may be pre-processed through the RFFE. The RFIC (301) may down-convert the pre-processed radio signal into a baseband signal so that the pre-processed radio signal may be processed by at least one processor. The down-converted signal can be provided to a wireless communication module (e.g., wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed on a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board (201) of FIG. 1) and at least one processor.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the RFIC (301) can up-convert an IF signal obtained from an intermediate frequency integrate circuit (IFIC) to an RF signal of a selected band during transmission. The RFIC (301) can down-convert an RF signal obtained through an antenna array to an IF signal and transmit it to the IFIC during reception.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the PMIC (302) may receive voltage from a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board (201) of FIG. 2) and provide power required for electronic components (e.g., RFIC (301)) placed on the printed circuit board (210).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the RFIC (301) and the PMIC (302) may be covered by a shielding member (303). The shielding member (303) may be disposed on the second side (212) of the printed circuit board (210) to electromagnetically shield at least one of the RFIC (301) or the PMIC (302). For example, the shielding member (303) may include a shield can.

[0073] According to one embodiment, a connector (304) may be disposed on a second side (212) of a printed circuit board (210). A flexible printed circuit board (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (400) of FIG. 2) may be connected to the connector (304) to provide an electrical connection between the printed circuit board (210) and the antenna module (200). Through the flexible printed circuit board (400) connected to the connector (304), an RFIC (301) and / or a PMIC (302) of the antenna module (200) may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board (201).

[0074] FIG. 4 is a side view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, the antenna module (200) may include a printed circuit board (210) and a plurality of antennas (220). The antenna module (200) including the plurality of antennas (220) may be referred to as an array antenna. The plurality of antennas (220) may support beamforming technology through a multi-antenna array and may form a directional beam to transmit and / or receive signals in a high-frequency band. The electronic device (101) may form the directional beam by having a main lobe of a radiation pattern in a specified direction and minimizing side lobes by using elements such as a phase shifter and a power amplifier.

[0076] For example, the antenna module (200) may include, but is not limited to, five antennas (e.g., a first antenna element (221), a second antenna element (222), a third antenna element (223), a fourth antenna element (224), and a fifth antenna element (225)) having a 1×5 array configured to form the beam. The antenna module (200) may form the beam using a combination of at least some of the plurality of antennas (220). Since the beam formed by the plurality of antennas (220) has strong straightness, it may be arranged to face a direction in which signal transmission and / or reception are easy.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the plurality of antennas (220) of the antenna module (200) may be arranged on the printed circuit board (210) so as to face the direction of the side wall of the electronic device (101). The arrangement of the plurality of antennas (220) so as to face the side wall of the electronic device (101) may refer to the arrangement of the plurality of antennas (220) located within the housing (500) so as to face a portion of the edge part (510) of the electronic device (101). The beam formed from the plurality of antennas (220) may be formed in one direction (e.g., +x direction) substantially toward a portion of the edge part (510). However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the plurality of antennas (220) facing the direction of the side wall of the electronic device (101). In some embodiments, the plurality of antennas (220) (or the first surface (211) of the printed circuit board (210)) may be oriented toward the front or rear of the electronic device (101), and a beam formed from the plurality of antennas (220) may be formed in a direction substantially oriented toward the front or rear of the electronic device (101) (e.g., +z or -z direction). The antenna module (200) may be configured to receive a signal from an external electronic device and / or transmit a signal to an external electronic device using the beam.

[0078] Since the antenna module (200) transmits and / or receives signals using the beam, the coverage of the antenna module (200) may be related to the beam. A directional beam may enable high-speed data transmission and cover relatively long distances because it is formed by concentrating in a specific direction, but may have relatively low coverage.

[0079] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a bracket (300) including a plurality of openings (e.g., a first set of openings (340) and / or a second set of openings (360) of FIG. 6A) to expand the coverage of an antenna module (200). The bracket (300) may include a plurality of openings (e.g., slits) to cause reflection and / or diffraction of electromagnetic waves from a plurality of antennas (220). The electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas (220) may be reflected and / or diffracted through the plurality of openings (e.g., slits). The reflection and / or diffraction of the electromagnetic waves may cause a change in a radiation pattern of the antenna module (200), thereby expanding the coverage of the antenna module (200).

[0080] Fig. 5a is a diagram illustrating constructive interference by a double slit. Fig. 5b illustrates the current distribution of a bracket due to the operation of an antenna module according to one embodiment.

[0081] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing Thomas Young's double slit experiment, and the coverage expansion of an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module (200) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment can be supported by, for example, the diffraction effect and Huygens' principle due to double slits (S1, S2) spaced at regular intervals. Referring to FIG. 5A, when an electromagnetic wave is radiated into space, the electromagnetic wave propagates while forming a wavefront according to Huygens' principle. When an electromagnetic wave passes through the double slits (S1, S2), the electromagnetic wave passing through the slits diffracts and propagates while forming a plurality of wavefronts, and the plurality of wavefronts overlap and propagate. The electromagnetic wave passing through the double slits (S1, S2) causes constructive interference or destructive interference depending on the phase, so that the electromagnetic wave is strengthened or weakened.

[0082] The cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 5B, when the antenna module (200) transmits or receives a signal, current may be concentrated within a specific region of the antenna module (200). When the antenna module (200) operates, current flows through a radiator (e.g., a plurality of antennas (220) of FIG. 4), and an electromagnetic field may be formed around the antenna module (200) due to the current. Since the antenna module (200) may radiate electromagnetic waves through the electromagnetic field, the reflection or diffraction effect of the electromagnetic waves may be increased within the region where the current is concentrated.

[0083] The current distribution diagram illustrated in Fig. 5b represents the distribution of current formed in the bracket (300) when the antenna module (200) operates. The regions illustrated in the distribution diagram are regions having currents of substantially the same intensity, and the currents within the same region may have substantially the same intensity. In the current distribution diagram in Fig. 5b, the density of hatching marks within the regions is depicted as higher as the current intensity increases.

[0084] According to one embodiment, when the antenna module (200) operates, current may be concentrated in a portion of the bracket (300) (e.g., the second conductive portion (330)) that is close to a plurality of antennas (e.g., the plurality of antennas (220) of FIG. 4). Referring to the current distribution diagram illustrated in FIG. 5b, regions where current is concentrated may be formed at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of antennas (220) within the second conductive portion (330). When openings (e.g., slits) are formed in the regions where current is concentrated within the second conductive portion (330), reflection and / or diffraction effects of electromagnetic waves due to the openings may be expected. The regions where current is concentrated may be regions corresponding to each of the plurality of antennas (220). Since electromagnetic waves may be smoothly radiated in the regions where current is concentrated, reflection and / or diffraction of electromagnetic waves may be caused by forming openings (e.g., slits) within the regions. Reflection and / or diffraction of electromagnetic waves can cause constructive interference of electromagnetic waves, thereby altering the radiation pattern. In one embodiment, the coverage of the antenna module (200) can be expanded by altering the radiation pattern.

[0085] FIG. 6A illustrates a configuration of an antenna module and a bracket according to one embodiment. FIG. 6B illustrates the antenna module and bracket of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C illustrates a first set of openings formed within a second conductive portion of the bracket of FIG. 6A.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 6A, a printed circuit board (210) of an antenna module (200) may be connected to a flexible printed circuit board (400). The flexible printed circuit board (400) may include a first connector (401) connected to a connector (e.g., connector (304) of FIG. 3B) on a second surface (212) of the printed circuit board (210) and a second connector (402) connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board (201) of FIG. 2). A plurality of antennas (220) may be arranged on the first surface (211) of the printed circuit board (210). The first surface (211) of the printed circuit board (210) may face one direction (e.g., +x direction). For example, an antenna module (200) may include five antennas (220) having a 1×5 array (e.g., a first antenna element (221), a second antenna element (222), a third antenna element (223), a fourth antenna element (224), and a fifth antenna element (225)).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the bracket (300) may include a first conductive portion (310) and a second conductive portion (330). The first conductive portion (310) may be positioned to face at least a portion of a second side (212) of the printed circuit board (210). The second conductive portion (330) may be positioned to face at least a portion of a third side of the printed circuit board (210) disposed between the first side (211) and the second side (212) (i.e., a side surface of the printed circuit board). For example, the first conductive portion (310) and the second conductive portion (330) may have a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the antenna module (200) in order to support the antenna module (200). The antenna module (200) can be supported by the bracket (300) by having at least a portion of the second side (212) of the printed circuit board (210) in contact with the first conductive portion (310), and having the lower / third side (e.g., the side of the printed circuit board (210) facing the -z direction) of the printed circuit board (210) in contact with the second conductive portion (330). In addition, the first conductive portion (310) can be in contact with a portion of the upper side of the printed circuit board (210) (e.g., the side of the printed circuit board (210) facing the +z direction), and the second conductive portion (330) can be in contact with another portion of the upper side of the printed circuit board (210) and at least a portion of the side of the printed circuit board (210) (e.g., the side of the printed circuit board (210) facing the +x direction, the side of the printed circuit board (210) facing the -x direction).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the second conductive portion (330) can extend substantially perpendicularly from the first conductive portion (310). For example, at least a portion of the second conductive portion (330) can extend substantially in the first direction. For example, at least a portion of the second conductive portion (330) can protrude in a direction perpendicular to the lower portion of the first conductive portion (310) (e.g., in the +x direction). A space (601) in which the antenna module (200) can be placed can be formed by the first conductive portion (310) and the second conductive portion (330) being perpendicular to each other, and the antenna module (200) can be accommodated in the bracket (300) by being inserted into the space (601). The first conductive portion (310) may be referred to as a sidewall portion, and the second conductive portion (330) may be referred to as a bottom portion.

[0089] The flexible printed circuit board (400) connected to the connector (304) of the printed circuit board (210) can be bent at least partially along the outer surface of the bracket (300). With the antenna module (200) inserted into the space (601), the bracket (300) is coupled to a support part (e.g., the support part (520) of FIG. 2), so that the bracket (300) can fix the antenna module (200) to a designated position inside the housing (e.g., the housing (500) of FIG. 2).

[0090] According to one embodiment, since the plurality of antennas (220) are arranged on the first surface (211) of the printed circuit board (210) facing one direction (e.g., +x direction), the plurality of antennas (220) may face the one direction. For example, the one direction may be referred to as a direction of a side wall of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2) formed by an edge part (e.g., the edge part (510) of FIG. 2). A beam formed from the plurality of antennas (220) may have a directivity substantially corresponding to the one direction. For example, a main lobe of a radiation pattern formed by the plurality of antennas (220) may substantially face the one direction, and the beam may have a directivity in the one direction corresponding to the direction of the main lobe.

[0091] As described above, the antenna module (200) may be configured to communicate with an external electronic device through beamforming, which focuses a signal in a specific direction through a plurality of antennas (220). Although beamforming may improve coverage in a specific direction, the beam may have a relatively narrow beamwidth, resulting in relatively narrow coverage. The bracket (300) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of openings (e.g., slits) that cause reflection and / or diffraction of electromagnetic waves to expand the coverage of the antenna module (200).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the second conductive portion (330) can extend from a lower portion of the first conductive portion (310) in a direction perpendicular to the first conductive portion (310) (e.g., in the +x direction). The second conductive portion (330) can include a first set of openings (340). Each opening can be formed through the second conductive portion (330). For example, each opening can completely penetrate the second conductive portion (330) from one side to the other. That is, each opening can have an entrance on one side of the second conductive portion (330) and can penetrate the entire thickness of the second conductive portion (330) to an exit on the opposite side of the second conductive portion (330). For example, the first set of openings (340) can be formed below (e.g., in the -z direction) the antenna module (200). Each opening of the first opening set (340) may correspond to a corresponding antenna of the plurality of antennas (220). For example, if the antenna module (200) includes five antennas (220) having a 1×5 array, the first opening set (340) may include five openings corresponding to each of the five antennas (220). For example, the first opening set (340) may include a first opening (341) corresponding to the first antenna element (221), a second opening (342) corresponding to the second antenna element (222), a third opening (343) corresponding to the third antenna element (223), a fourth opening (344) corresponding to the fourth antenna element (224), and a fifth opening (345) corresponding to the fifth antenna element (225). The spacing between the openings of the first set of openings (340) may substantially correspond to the spacing between the plurality of antennas (220). In one embodiment, the first set of openings (340) may include slits.For example, at least one of the first opening (341), the second opening (342), the third opening (343), the fourth opening (344), and the fifth opening (345) may correspond to a slit.

[0093] According to one embodiment, each opening of the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position where a corresponding antenna is disposed among the plurality of antennas (220) when the antenna module (200) is accommodated in the bracket (300). For example, the first opening set (340) may be aligned with each of the plurality of antennas (220). For example, each opening of the first opening set (340) may be aligned with one antenna among the plurality of antennas (220). For example, the opening and the antenna may be aligned with an axis perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the z-axis).

[0094] For example, a first opening (341) corresponding to a first antenna element (221) among the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first antenna element (221) within the second conductive portion (330). A second opening (342) corresponding to a second antenna element (222) among the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position corresponding to the second antenna element (222) within the second conductive portion (330). A third opening (343) corresponding to a third antenna element (223) among the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position corresponding to the third antenna element (223) within the second conductive portion (330). The fourth opening (344) corresponding to the fourth antenna element (224) among the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position corresponding to the fourth antenna element (224) within the second conductive portion (330). The fifth opening (345) corresponding to the fifth antenna element (225) among the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position corresponding to the fifth antenna element (225) within the second conductive portion (330).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first opening set (340) may cause a change in the radiation pattern formed by the electromagnetic wave by causing diffraction and / or reflection of the electromagnetic wave from the plurality of antennas (220). The first opening set (340) may be formed to cause a change in the radiation pattern such that the coverage by the beam is expanded. For example, when the electromagnetic wave is radiated from the plurality of antennas (220), the radiation pattern that was concentrated in one direction may be changed by the reflection and / or diffraction of the electromagnetic wave. The first opening set (340) may be formed to expand the radiation pattern, thereby expanding the coverage of the antenna module (200). As the coverage of the antenna module (200) is expanded, the communication performance of the electronic device (101) in the millimeter wave frequency band may be improved. The effect of improving the communication performance by the first opening set (340) will be described later through [Table 1] and FIG. 10B.

[0096] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a conductive structure (350). For example, the conductive structure (350) may be spaced apart from the second conductive portion (330) in a second direction perpendicular to a side (e.g., a third / lower) surface connecting the first side (211) and the second side (212) of the printed circuit board (210). For example, the conductive structure (350) may be spaced apart from the second conductive portion (330) in a downward (e.g., -z direction). In one embodiment, the conductive structure (350) may be an independent component from the bracket (300), or may be formed integrally with the bracket (300) and be a part of the bracket (300). For example, if the conductive structure (350) is a separate component from the bracket (300), the conductive structure (350) may be positioned below the bracket (300) (e.g., in the -z direction). For example, the conductive structure (350) may be a conductive plate. For example, if the conductive structure (350) is formed integrally with the bracket (300) and is a part of the bracket (300), the conductive structure (350) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first conductive portion (310) (e.g., in the +x direction) below the contact point between the second conductive portion (330) and the first conductive portion (310).

[0097] In one embodiment, the conductive structure (350) may include a second set of openings (360). Each opening may be formed through the conductive structure (350). That is, each opening may completely penetrate the conductive structure (350) from one side to the other. That is, each opening may have an inlet on one side of the conductive structure (350) and an outlet on the opposite side of the conductive structure (350) through the entire thickness of the conductive structure (350). The second set of openings (360), together with the first set of openings (340) disposed within the second conductive portion (330), may form a double slit for causing reflection and / or diffraction of electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas (220). The second opening set (360) can amplify the radiation range by operating as a double slit together with the first opening set (340) and causing constructive interference through diffraction. The communication performance improvement effect of the first opening set (340) and the second opening set (360) will be described later through [Table 1] and FIG. 10c.

[0098] In one embodiment, the second set of openings (360) may each correspond to the first set of openings (340). For example, if the antenna module (200) includes five antennas (220) having a 1×5 arrangement, the first set of openings (340) may include five openings corresponding to each of the five antennas (220), and the second set of openings (360) may include five openings corresponding to each of the five first sets of openings (340). For example, the first set of openings (340) may have the same number of openings as the second set of openings (360), and for each opening in the first set of openings (340), there may also be a corresponding opening in the second set of openings (360). For example, the second opening set (360) may include a sixth opening (361) corresponding to the first opening (341), a seventh opening (362) corresponding to the second opening (342), an eighth opening (363) corresponding to the third opening (343), a ninth opening (364) corresponding to the fourth opening (344), and a tenth opening (365) corresponding to the fifth opening (345).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the second set of openings (360) may be formed at a location corresponding to a corresponding opening among the first set of openings (340) within the conductive structure (350). For example, the second set of openings (360) may be aligned with each of the first set of openings (340). For example, each opening of the first set of openings (340) may be aligned with an opening of the second set of openings (360). For example, the openings may be aligned with respect to an axis perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the z-axis).

[0100] For example, the sixth opening (361) corresponding to the first opening (341) of the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position facing the first opening (341) within the conductive structure (350). The seventh opening (362) corresponding to the second opening (342) of the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position facing the second opening (342) within the conductive structure (350). The eighth opening (363) corresponding to the third opening (343) of the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position facing the third opening (343) within the conductive structure (350). The ninth opening (364) corresponding to the fourth opening (344) of the first opening set (340) may be formed at a position facing the fourth opening (344) within the conductive structure (350). The tenth opening (365) corresponding to the fifth opening (345) among the first opening sets (340) can be formed at a position facing the fifth opening (345) within the conductive structure (350).

[0101] According to one embodiment, each opening (or at least a portion of each opening) of the first set of openings (340) can be positioned between a corresponding antenna among the plurality of antennas (220) and a corresponding opening of the second set of openings (360). For example, the first opening (341) can be positioned between the first antenna element (221) and the sixth opening (361). The second opening (342) can be positioned between the second antenna element (222) and the seventh opening (362). The third opening (343) can be positioned between the third antenna element (223) and the eighth opening (363). The fourth opening (344) can be positioned between the fourth antenna element (224) and the ninth opening (364). The fifth opening (345) can be positioned between the fifth antenna element (225) and the tenth opening (365).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the second set of openings (360) may, together with the first set of openings (340), cause diffraction and / or reflection of electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas (220), thereby causing a change in a radiation pattern formed by the electromagnetic waves. For example, the first set of openings (340) and the second set of openings (360) may be formed to cause a change in a radiation pattern such that the coverage by the beam is expanded through constructive interference of the electromagnetic waves. For example, when electromagnetic waves are radiated from the plurality of antennas (220), a radiation pattern that was concentrated in one direction (e.g., +x direction) may be changed by reflection and / or diffraction of the electromagnetic waves. The first set of openings (340) and the second set of openings (360) may be formed to expand the radiation pattern, thereby expanding the coverage of the antenna module (200). As the coverage of the antenna module (200) expands, the communication performance of the electronic device (101) in the millimeter wave frequency band can be improved. The communication performance improvement effect by the first opening set (340) and the second opening set (360) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10c and 11b.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the spacing between the second conductive portion (330) and the conductive structure (350) may be based on an operating frequency of a signal transmitted and / or received through the antenna module (200). The spacing (602) between the second conductive portion (330) and the conductive structure (350) may correspond to the spacing between the first set of openings (340) and the second set of openings (360) forming the double slit. For example, when the first antenna element (221) is in operation, the effect through the double slit may be enhanced when the spacing between the first opening (341) and the sixth opening (361) corresponds to 1 / 2n of a wavelength corresponding to the frequency of a signal transmitted and / or received through the first antenna element (221).

[0104] For example, the antenna module (200) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal having a specified operating frequency. In this case, the gap (602) between the second conductive portion (330) and the conductive structure (350) may be 1 / 4 to 1 / 8 of the wavelength corresponding to the specified operating frequency. For example, when the operating frequency transmitted and / or received through the antenna module (200) is 28 GHz of the n261 band defined in the 3GPP standard, the wavelength may be about 10.7 mm, and the gap (602) may be about 1.3 mm to about 2.7 mm, but the above numerical range is exemplary, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The gap (602) between the second conductive portion (330) and the conductive structure (350) affects the thickness of the housing of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the housing (500) of FIG. 2), so that in order to reduce the thickness of the housing (500), the gap (602) may be 1 / 8 of the wavelength corresponding to a specified operating frequency.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 6B, each of the first opening sets (340) formed within the second conductive portion (330) may include a first portion (711) and a second portion (712). The first portion (711) and the second portion (712) may intersect each other. For example, the openings formed by the first portion (711) and the second portion (712) may have a cross shape for cross-polarization. For example, the openings formed by the first portion (711) and the second portion (712) may have a cross shape for cross-polarization.

[0106] For example, the first portion (711) may be parallel to the direction in which the plurality of antennas (220) are directed or the direction of the side wall (e.g., +x direction). The second portion (712) intersecting the first portion (711) may be perpendicular to the direction (e.g., the direction of the side wall).

[0107] For example, the second conductive portion (330) may extend in a direction in which the plurality of antennas (220) are arranged (e.g., in the y-axis direction). As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the first portion (711) may be substantially parallel to the extending direction of the second conductive portion (330) (e.g., in the y-axis direction), and the second portion (712) may be substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the second conductive portion (330). The second portion (712) may intersect the first portion (711) substantially perpendicularly, but is not limited thereto. For example, each opening of the first opening set (340) may have a '+' shape.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first length (L1) of the first portion (711) and the second length (L2) of the second portion (712) may be substantially the same. According to one embodiment, the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may be set based on a wavelength corresponding to an operating frequency of a signal transmitted and / or received through the antenna module (200). The first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may be about 1 / 4 to about 1 / 2 of the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency. For example, when the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency of the signal is L, the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may be about L / 4, but is not limited thereto. The first length (L1) and the second length (L2) can effectively enhance the coverage expansion effect by constructive interference in a state where the impedance of the feeding point of the antenna module (200) is at its lowest. When the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) are formed to be approximately L / 4, the coverage expansion effect can be enhanced by forming the impedance to be approximately 50 ohms.

[0109] According to one embodiment, each opening of the first opening set (340) may have a first width (W1). The first width (W1) may be set based on a second width (W2), which is a width of each antenna of the plurality of antennas (220). Here, the width may be referred to as a length in the y-axis direction. When the antenna module (200) is a mmWave module, the frequency band supported by the antenna module (200) may be in the range of about 28 GHz to about 40 GHz, and in this case, the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may be in the range of about 1.6 mm to about 2.5 mm. The size of each of the plurality of antennas (220) may be in the range of about 3 mm to about 4 mm. Even when the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) for each opening of the first opening set (340) are at a maximum (e.g., about 2.5 mm), the first width (W1) may be set to about 2 / 3 to about 3 / 4 of the second width (W2) so that the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) can be included within the first width (W1). For example, when the second width (W2) is A, the first width (W1) may be about 2A / 3, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] Referring to Fig. 6c, the first opening set (340) may have a roughly + shape. For example, the second portion (712) may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first portion (711). For example, the first portion (711) and the second portion (712) may be substantially parallel to the extension direction (e.g., y-axis direction) of the second conductive portion (330). Since the first opening set (340) may be formed by punching a portion of the second conductive portion (330), when the first opening set (340) has a roughly + shape, the punching process may be simply performed.

[0111] According to one embodiment, when the first opening set (340) has a roughly + shape, the first width (W1) of each of the first opening sets (340) may substantially correspond to the first length (L1) and the second length (L2). For example, when the target frequency band for improving coverage is the n260 band of the 3GPP standard (e.g., an operating frequency of approximately 38 GHz), the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may be approximately 1.9 mm.

[0112] FIG. 7A illustrates the arrangement structure of an antenna module and a bracket according to one embodiment. FIG. 7B illustrates the antenna module and bracket of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C illustrates a first set of openings formed within the second conductive portion of the bracket of FIG. 7A.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 7A, the shape of the first opening set (340) may be different from the shape of the first opening set (340) illustrated in FIG. 6A. As described above, the shape of the first opening set (340) may roughly have a + shape, but in this case, the area of ​​the second conductive portion (330) may be insufficient to form the first opening set (340).

[0114] For example, when the operating frequency of the target frequency band of the antenna module (200) decreases, the first length (e.g., the first length (L1) of FIG. 6C) and the second length (e.g., the second length (L2) of FIG. 6C) based on the operating frequency may increase. As the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) increase, a relatively wide area of ​​the second conductive portion (330) may be required to form the first opening set (340) in a roughly + shape. For example, when the target frequency band for improving coverage is the n261 band of the 3GPP standard (e.g., operating frequency of about 28 GHz), the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may be about 2.5 mm. For example, when the length of the second conductive portion (330) in the x-axis direction is about 2.3 mm, and the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) are about 2.5 mm, the first portion (711) and the second portion (712) having a vertically intersecting shape cannot be perforated within the second conductive portion (330). Since the area of ​​the second conductive portion (330) may be limited within the internal space of a limited housing (e.g., the housing (500) of FIG. 2), the first opening set (340) may be formed in a form in which the first portion (711) and the second portion (712) are inclined with respect to each other in order to improve space utilization.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 7b, the first opening set (340) may have a roughly X-shaped shape.

[0116] For example, the first part (711) and the second part (712) can be inclined with respect to the direction in which the plurality of antennas (220) face (e.g., the direction of the side wall or the +x direction). For example, the first part (711) and the second part (712) can be substantially inclined with respect to the extension direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) of the second conductive part (330). Even if the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) are formed relatively long, since the first opening set (340) has an approximately X-shape, the space utilization of the second conductive part (330) including the first opening set (340) can be improved. Even without increasing the area of ​​the second conductive part (330), the first opening set (340) having the X-shape can be arranged within the second conductive part (330). If the first opening set (340) has a roughly X shape, space utilization can be improved.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 7c, for example, assuming that the second width (W2) of each of the plurality of antennas (220) is 4 mm, and if the frequency band for improving coverage is the n261 band of the 3GPP standard (e.g., operating frequency of about 28 GHz), the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) may be about 2.5 mm, and the first width (W1) of each of the first opening sets (340) may be about 2.6 mm. Even when the length of the second conductive portion (330) in the x-axis direction is about 2.3 mm, the first length (L1) and the second length (L2) of about 2.5 mm can be secured, and thus space utilization can be improved.

[0118] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a view of a conductive structure according to various embodiments from below (i.e., when viewed in a direction in which the conductive structure (350) is positioned between the second conductive portion (330) and the viewer).

[0119] Referring to FIG. 8A, each opening of the second set of openings (360) is aligned with a corresponding opening of the first set of openings (340), so that when the conductive structure (350) is viewed from below (e.g., when the conductive structure (350) is viewed in the +z direction), the second set of openings (360) may overlap the first set of openings (340), respectively. For example, each opening of the second set of openings (360) may partially or fully overlap a corresponding opening of the first set of openings (340). The second set of openings (360) may be sized to include the first set of openings (340) so as to cause constructive interference by diffraction with the first set of openings (340).

[0120] According to one embodiment, each of the second sets of openings (360) may have a size such that, when viewing the conductive structure (350) from below, each of the first sets of openings (340) is contained within each of the second sets of openings (360). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, when viewing the conductive structure (350) from below, each of the first sets of openings (340) may be externally visible through each of the second sets of openings (360) formed within the conductive structure (350). For example, when viewed through one of the openings of the second set of openings (360), the corresponding opening of the first set of openings (340) may be fully visible. When the first set of openings (340) has a roughly + shape, the second set of openings (360) may have a rectangular shape having sides corresponding to a first length (L1) and sides corresponding to a second length (L2).

[0121] Referring to FIG. 8B, even if the first set of openings (340) has a roughly X-shape, each of the second sets of openings (360) may have a size such that each of the first sets of openings (340) is included within each of the second sets of openings (360). For example, when one of the openings of the second set of openings (360) is viewed through, the corresponding opening of the first set of openings (340) may be fully visible. When the first set of openings (340) has a roughly X-shape, the second set of openings (360) may have a rectangular shape having a length corresponding to the first width (W1) of the first set of openings (340).

[0122] Fig. 9a illustrates a layout structure of an antenna module and a bracket according to one embodiment. Fig. 9b illustrates the antenna module and bracket of Fig. 9a.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 9A, the shape of each of the first opening sets (340) may be independent. For example, if there are multiple target frequency bands for which coverage is to be improved, each of the first opening sets (340) may have different shapes in order to improve coverage for the multiple frequency bands. For example, some of the openings of the first opening set (340) may have an approximate + shape, and the remaining openings of the first opening set (340) may have an approximate X shape.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 9b, when the target frequency band is the n261 band (e.g., operating frequency of about 28 GHz) and the n260 band (e.g., operating frequency of about 38 GHz) of the 3GPP standard, the first opening set (340) may include one or more X-shaped openings for the n261 band and one or more +-shaped openings for the n260 band.

[0125] For example, the first opening (341) corresponding to the first antenna element (221) may have an approximately X-shape, and the second opening (342) corresponding to the second antenna element (222) may have an approximately +-shape. In this case, the first width (W1) of each opening of the first opening set (340) may be 2 / 3 to 3 / 4 of the second width (W2) of each antenna of the antennas (220). The first portion (911) and the second portion (912) of the first opening (341) having an approximately X-shape may be inclined with respect to the extension direction (e.g., y-axis direction) of the second conductive portion (330). The first part (921) of the second opening (342), which has a roughly + shape, may be parallel to the extension direction of the second conductive part (330), and the second part (922) of the second opening (342) may be perpendicular to the extension direction of the second conductive part (330). Even if the shapes of the first opening sets (340) are different from each other, each opening of the second opening set (360) may have a size that can include the corresponding opening among the first opening sets (340).

[0126] FIG. 10A is a CDF-EIRP graph of an electronic device according to a comparative example including a bracket that does not include openings. FIG. 10B is a CDF-EIRP graph of an electronic device according to a comparative example including a bracket that includes only a first set of openings. FIG. 10C is a CDF-EIRP graph of an electronic device according to an embodiment including a bracket that includes a first set of openings and a second set of openings.

[0127] CDF(cumulative distribution function)- EIRP(effective isotropic radiated power) is a probability distribution that expresses the EIRP of the antenna module (200) as a cumulative distribution. [Table 1] below shows the CDF for the EIRP of an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment and electronic devices according to a comparative example in the n261 band (e.g., operating frequency of about 28 GHz) of the 3GPP standard. The electronic device (101) according to an embodiment and the electronic devices according to the comparative example include the same antenna module (200). The bracket (300) of the electronic device (101) according to an embodiment includes a second conductive portion (330) including a first opening set (340) and a conductive structure (350) including a second opening set (360). The bracket (300) of the electronic device according to the first comparative example includes only the second conductive portion (330) including the first opening set (340). The bracket (300) of the electronic device according to the second comparative example does not include openings within the second conductive portion (330).

[0128] Classification CDF-EIRP (dBm) CDF 20% CDF 50% CDF 100% Electronic device according to the embodiment 11.917.529.1 Electronic device according to the first comparative example 10.716.828.2 Electronic device according to the second comparative example 9.816.227.5

[0129] Referring to the above [Table 1], it can be confirmed that the EIPR values ​​for CDF 20%, CDF 50%, and CDF 100% of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment are the highest for the signal of the n261 band. By the first opening set (340) and the second opening set (360) operating as double slits, reflection and / or diffraction of electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas (220) may be caused, and the communication performance of the electronic device (101) may be improved due to constructive interference of electromagnetic waves due to reflection and / or diffraction. The electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may have improved communication performance compared to the electronic device according to the first comparative example and the electronic device according to the second comparative example. The electronic device according to the first comparative example may have lower communication performance than the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment, as it includes only a single slit (e.g., the first set of openings (340)), but may have higher communication performance than the electronic device according to the second comparative example, which does not include openings.

[0130] Fig. 10a is a CDF-EIRP graph of an electronic device according to a second comparative example. Fig. 10b is a CDF-EIRP graph of an electronic device according to a first comparative example. Fig. 10c is a CDF-EIRP graph of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0131] The CDF-EIRP graph represents the probability of exceeding a specific EIRP value. A higher probability of having a higher EIRP value indicates that the antenna module (200) can cover a wider range.

[0132] In the first graph (1010) of Fig. 10a, the ERIP value corresponding to CDF 20% is approximately 9.8 dBm, the ERIP value corresponding to CDF 50% is approximately 16.2 dBm, and the ERIP value corresponding to CDF 80% is approximately 22.7 dBm. The maximum ERIP value corresponding to CDF 100% is approximately 27.5 dBm.

[0133] In the second graph (1020) of Fig. 10b, the ERIP value corresponding to CDF 20% is approximately 10.7 dBm, the ERIP value corresponding to CDF 50% is approximately 16.8 dBm, and the ERIP value corresponding to CDF 80% is approximately 24.4 dBm. The maximum ERIP value corresponding to CDF 100% is approximately 28.2 dBm.

[0134] In the third graph (1030) of Fig. 10c, the ERIP value corresponding to CDF 20% is approximately 11.91 dBm, the ERIP value corresponding to CDF 50% is approximately 17.5 dBm, and the ERIP value corresponding to CDF 80% is approximately 24.6 dBm. The maximum ERIP value corresponding to CDF 100% is approximately 29.1 dBm.

[0135] When comparing the EIPR values ​​for the CDFs represented by the first graph (1010), the second graph (1020), and the third graph (1030), the third graph (1030) represents the highest gain, and the first graph (1010) represents the lowest gain. Since the first graph (1010) represents the communication performance of the electronic device according to the second comparative example including the bracket (300) that does not include openings, it can be confirmed that the communication performance of the electronic device according to the second comparative example is the lowest. Since the beam formed from the plurality of antennas (220) is concentrated in a specific direction, the coverage of the antenna module (200) of the electronic device according to the second comparative example is the narrowest.

[0136] The second graph (1020) represents the communication performance of the electronic device according to the first comparative example including the bracket (300) including only the first opening set (340), so it can be confirmed that the communication performance of the electronic device according to the first comparative example is higher than that of the electronic device according to the second comparative example, and lower than that of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment. Since the electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas (220) are reflected and / or diffracted through the first opening set (340), the coverage of the antenna module (200) of the electronic device according to the first comparative example is wider than the coverage of the antenna module (200) of the electronic device according to the second comparative example, but narrower than the coverage of the antenna module (200) of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0137] The third graph (1030) represents the communication performance of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment including the bracket (300) including both the first opening set (340) and the second opening set (360), so it can be confirmed that the communication performance of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment is the highest. Since the electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas (220) are reflected and / or diffracted through the first opening set (340) and the second opening set (360) forming a double slit, constructive interference is caused, thereby amplifying the radiation area. The coverage of the antenna module (200) of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment is the widest.

[0138] FIG. 11A illustrates a radiation pattern formed around the periphery of an electronic device according to a comparative example, which includes a bracket including only a first set of openings. FIG. 11B illustrates a radiation pattern formed around the periphery of an electronic device according to an embodiment, which includes a bracket including a first set of openings and a second set of openings.

[0139] Figures 11a and 11b show radiation patterns of the antenna module for an operating frequency of 28 GHz in the n261 band.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 11A, a radiation pattern can be formed around an electronic device according to a comparative example by the antenna module (200). The radiation patterns illustrated in FIG. 11A represent radiation patterns according to the posture of the electronic device according to a comparative example including a bracket (300) including only a first opening set (340). 1101 of FIG. 11A represents a radiation pattern formed by the antenna module (200) based on the front surface of the electronic device (101). 1102 of FIG. 11A represents a radiation pattern formed by the antenna module (200) based on the top surface of the electronic device (101). 1103 of FIG. 11B represents a radiation pattern formed by the antenna module (200) based on the side wall of the electronic device (101).

[0141] The radiation patterns illustrated in FIG. 11b represent radiation patterns according to the posture of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment, which includes a bracket (300) including both a first opening set (340) and a second opening set (360). 1104 of FIG. 11b represents a radiation pattern formed by the antenna module (200) with respect to the front surface of the electronic device (101). 1105 of FIG. 11b represents a radiation pattern formed by the antenna module (200) with respect to the top surface of the electronic device (101). 1106 of FIG. 11b represents a radiation pattern formed by the antenna module (200) with respect to the side wall of the electronic device (101).

[0142] Comparing the radiation patterns illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B , a radiation pattern formed from an antenna module (200) of an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may have a wider area and stronger intensity than a radiation pattern formed from an antenna module (200) of an electronic device according to a comparative example. Referring to FIG. 11B , a plurality of antennas (220) may form a strong beam in a front direction of the electronic device (101) (e.g., +z direction and -z direction of 1106) in addition to one direction with respect to a side wall of the electronic device (101) (e.g., +x direction of 1104). By the bracket (300) including the first opening set (340) and the second opening set (360), electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas (220) may be reflected and / or diffracted, thereby expanding the coverage of the beam in other directions different from the one direction.

[0143] Fig. 12 is a front view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 12, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of antenna modules. For example, the electronic device (101) may include the aforementioned antenna module (200) and another antenna module (1200). The antenna module (200) may be referred to as the antenna module (200) illustrated in FIG. 3A. The other antenna module (1200) may be positioned at a different location from the antenna module (200) within the housing (500). The other antenna module (1200) may be positioned in a different direction from the antenna module (200). For example, the antenna module (200) may be positioned to face one direction (e.g., the +x direction), and the other antenna module (1200) may be positioned to face another direction different from the one direction.

[0145] In one embodiment, the other antenna module (1200) may be substantially identical to the antenna module (200) except for the arrangement structure. For example, the other antenna module (1200) may include a different substrate (1210) and a different plurality of antennas (1220). The other substrate (1210) may include a third surface facing in a different direction than the one direction and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The other plurality of antennas (1220) may be arranged on the third surface of the other substrate (1210). The descriptions given above with respect to the antenna module (200) may be substantially identically applied to the other antenna module (1200), and any redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include another bracket (1240) for supporting another antenna module (1200). The other bracket (1240) may be substantially identical to the bracket (300) described above. The other bracket (1240) may include a second conductive portion (1250) including a first set of openings (1251) and a conductive structure (1260) including a second set of openings (1261). The descriptions given above for the bracket (300) may be substantially equally applied to the other bracket (1240), and any redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (200) may be arranged to face one direction (e.g., +x direction) of a side wall of the electronic device (101). Another antenna module (1200) may be arranged to face a direction different from the one direction. For example, the other antenna module (1200) may be arranged to face the rear side (e.g., -z direction) of the electronic device (101), but is not limited thereto. For example, the other antenna module (1200) may be arranged to face the front side (e.g., +z direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the antenna module (200) may be arranged parallel to the y-axis, and the other antenna module (1200) may be arranged parallel to the x-axis. In addition to this, various arrangement structures may be possible.

[0148] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may be configured to communicate with an external electronic device using the antenna module (200) and another antenna module (1200). Since the antenna module (200) and the other antenna module (1200) are arranged in different directions, a radiation pattern formed around the electronic device (101) may be expanded, and beams may be formed in different directions, thereby improving the communication performance of the electronic device (101).

[0149] Figure 13 illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0150] In the drawings for explaining the electronic device (101) described above, the electronic device (101) is illustrated as a bar-type device, but the structure of the electronic device (101) is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may be implemented as a foldable device.

[0151] The electronic device (101) described below may be substantially identical to the electronic device (101) described above, except for the foldable structure. Components identical to the components described above may be given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 13, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a foldable housing (1303). The foldable housing (1303) may include a first housing part (1310) and a second housing part (1320). The first housing part (1310) and the second housing part (1320) may be rotatably coupled by a hinge assembly (1360). For example, the first housing part (1310) may be rotatable relative to the second housing part (1320) about a folding axis (f). For example, the electronic device (101) may be configured to provide a folded state (1301) in which the first housing part (1310) and the second housing part (1320) are folded, an unfolded state (1302) in which the first housing part (1310) and the second housing part (1320) are unfolded, and a plurality of intermediate states between the folded state (1301) and the unfolded state (1302).

[0153] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a flexible display (1330). The flexible display (1330) may include a first display area (1331), a second display area (1332), and a third display area (1333). The first display area (1331) may be supported by a first housing part (1310). The second display area (1332) may be supported by a second housing part (1320). The third display area (1333) may be positioned between the first display area (1331) and the second display area (1332). The third display area (1333) may be at least partially bendable based on rotation of the first housing part (1310) or the second housing part (1320). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a cover display (1350) that is externally visible in an unfolded state (1302).

[0154] Fig. 14 illustrates a part of the electronic device of Fig. 13.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include one or more antenna modules (200). For example, the electronic device (101) may include an antenna module (200) and another antenna module (1410). The antenna module (200) and the other antenna module (1410) may be disposed within, for example, a first housing part (1310), but is not limited thereto. For example, the antenna module (200) and the other antenna module (1410) may be disposed within a second housing part (1320). For example, the antenna module (200) may be disposed within the first housing part (1310), and the other antenna module (1410) may be disposed within the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (1320) of FIG. 13).

[0156] In one embodiment, the antenna module (200) and the other antenna module (1410) may include mmWave modules. The antenna module (200) and the other antenna module (1410) may be positioned at different locations within the foldable housing (1303). The antenna module (200) and the other antenna module (1410) may be positioned facing different directions. For example, the antenna module (200) may be positioned facing one side of a side wall of the foldable housing (1303) (e.g., in the +x direction), and the other antenna module (1410) may be positioned facing the top of the foldable housing (1303) (e.g., in the +y direction), but is not limited thereto. The antenna module (200) and the other antenna module (1410) may be substantially the same as the antenna module (200) described above.

[0157] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a bracket (300) for an antenna module (200) and another bracket (1420) for another antenna module (1410). The bracket (300) and the other bracket (1420) may be substantially the same as the bracket (300) described above.

[0158] An electronic device (101) is provided. The electronic device (101) may include an antenna module (200) including a printed circuit board (210) and a plurality of antennas (220) disposed on the printed circuit board (210) so as to face a side wall of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include a bracket (300) that accommodates the antenna module (200), the bracket including a first conductive portion (310) disposed behind the printed circuit board (210) of the antenna module (200), and a second conductive portion (330) extending vertically from the first conductive portion (310) and including a first set of openings (340). The electronic device (101) may include a conductive structure (350) spaced apart from the second conductive portion (330) and including a second set of openings (360). Each opening of the first set of openings (340) may be positioned between each antenna of the plurality of antennas (220) and each opening of the second set of openings (360).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first opening set (340) may include slits.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the conductive structure (350) may extend vertically from the first conductive portion (310) and be formed integrally with the bracket (300).

[0161] According to one embodiment, each opening of the first opening set (340) may have a cross shape for cross polarization.

[0162] According to one embodiment, each opening of the first opening set (340) may include a first portion (711) and a second portion (712) intersecting the first portion (711). The first portion (711) may be parallel to the direction of the side wall of the electronic device (101). The second portion (712) may be perpendicular to the direction of the side wall of the electronic device (101).

[0163] According to one embodiment, each opening of the first opening set (340) may include a first portion (711) and a second portion (712) intersecting the first portion (711). The first portion (711) and the second portion (712) may be inclined with respect to the direction of the side wall of the electronic device (101).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (200) may be configured to transmit or receive a signal having a designated operating frequency. The first length of the first portion (711) and the second length of the second portion (712) may correspond to 1 / 4 of the wavelength corresponding to the designated operating frequency.

[0165] According to one embodiment, each opening of the second set of openings (360) may have a size such that, when viewing the conductive structure (350) from below, each opening of the first set of openings (340) is contained within the corresponding opening of the second set of openings (360).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (200) may be configured to transmit or receive a signal having a designated operating frequency. The distance between the second conductive portion (330) and the conductive structure (350) may correspond to 1 / 8 of a wavelength corresponding to the designated operating frequency.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a housing (500) including an edge part (510) defining at least a portion of the side wall of the electronic device (101) and a support part (520) surrounded by the edge part (510) and supporting one or more electronic components of the electronic device (101). The antenna module (200) may be disposed within the housing (500) such that the plurality of antennas (220) disposed on the printed circuit board (210) face the side wall.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include another antenna module (200) disposed within the housing (500), the antenna module including antennas arranged to face a different direction from the side wall direction of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may further include another bracket (300) that accommodates the other antenna module (200).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the other direction may correspond to the direction of the front side of the electronic device (101) or the direction of the back side of the electronic device (101).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the bracket (300) may include a through hole (370) through which a fastener coupled to the support part (520) passes. The bracket (300) may be fixed to the support part (520) through the fastener.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the first set of openings (340) and the second set of openings (360) may be configured to extend the coverage of the antenna module (200) in other directions different from the one direction by causing diffraction or reflection of the electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas (220).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a foldable housing (1303) including a first housing part (1310) and a second housing part (1320) rotatably coupled to the first housing part (1310). The antenna module (200) may be disposed within the first housing part (1310).

[0173] An electronic device (101) is provided. The electronic device (101) may include an antenna module (200) including a printed circuit board (210) and a plurality of antennas (220) disposed on the printed circuit board (210) so as to face a side wall of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include a bracket (300) that accommodates the antenna module (200), including a first conductive portion (310) disposed behind the printed circuit board (210) of the antenna module (200), a second conductive portion (330) extending vertically from the first conductive portion (310) and including a first set of openings (340), and a conductive structure (350) spaced from the second conductive portion (330) and including a second set of openings (360). Each opening of the first opening set (340) may be positioned between each antenna of the plurality of antennas (220) and each opening of the second opening set (360).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the first opening set (340) may include slits.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the conductive structure (350) may extend vertically from the first conductive portion (310).

[0176] According to one embodiment, each opening of the first opening set (340) may have a cross shape for cross polarization.

[0177] According to one embodiment, each opening of the first opening set (340) may include a first portion (711) and a second portion (712) intersecting the first portion (711). The first length of the first portion (711) and the second length of the second portion (712) may correspond to 1 / 4 of a wavelength corresponding to the specified operating frequency.

[0178] According to one embodiment, each of the first sets of openings may include a first portion and a second portion transverse to the first portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion may be inclined in one direction.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the antenna module can be configured to transmit or receive a signal at a specified operating frequency, and the first length of the first portion and the second length of the second portion can correspond substantially to one-quarter of a wavelength corresponding to the specified operating frequency.

[0180] In one embodiment, when the challenging structure is viewed from below, the size of each of the openings of the second set can be set such that each of the first set of openings is visible through a corresponding opening of the second set.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the antenna module can be configured to transmit or receive a signal at a specified operating frequency, and a spacing between the second conductive portion and the conductive structure can be substantially equal to 1 / 8 of a wavelength corresponding to the specified operating frequency.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a housing including an edge portion configured to define at least a portion of a side wall of the electronic device, and a support portion configured to support one or more electronic components of the electronic device, the support portion being surrounded by the edge portion. In addition, the antenna module may be arranged within the housing such that a plurality of antennas on the PCB face in one direction.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include: another antenna module disposed within the housing, the antenna module including antennas facing one direction and the other direction, and another bracket accommodating the another antenna module.

[0184] In one embodiment, one direction may correspond to a side wall of the electronic device, and the other direction may correspond to a front or back side of the electronic device.

[0185] In one embodiment, the bracket may include a through hole through which a fastener is passed to be coupled to the support, and the bracket may be secured to the support via the fastener.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the first set of openings and the second set of openings can be configured to extend the coverage of the antenna module in a direction distinct from the one direction by inducing diffraction or reflection of electromagnetic waves emitted from the plurality of antennas.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include: a foldable housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably coupled to the first housing portion, and an antenna module disposed within the first housing portion.

[0188] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0189] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0190] 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).

[0191] 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 (120) (e.g., the processor (120)) of a 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.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium, such as a memory (130) of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0193] 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.

[0194] In a first example, an electronic device is provided, comprising: an antenna module comprising a printed circuit board and a plurality of antennas disposed on the printed circuit board, the antenna module facing in one direction; a bracket configured to receive the antenna module, the bracket comprising a first conductive portion disposed behind the printed circuit board of the antenna module with respect to the one direction, and a second conductive portion extending vertically from the first conductive portion, the second conductive portion including a first set of openings; a bracket for receiving the antenna module, the bracket comprising a first conductive portion disposed behind the printed circuit board of the antenna module, and a second conductive portion extending vertically from the first conductive portion, the second conductive portion including a first set of openings; and a conductive structure spaced apart from the second conductive portion, the conductive structure including a second set of openings, each opening of the first set of openings being disposed between an antenna of the plurality of antennas and an opening of the second set of openings.

[0195] In a second example, the electronic device of the first example is provided, wherein the first set of openings includes slits.

[0196] In a third example, an electronic device of the first or second example is provided, wherein the conductive structure extends vertically from the first conductive portion and is formed integrally with the bracket.

[0197] In a fourth example, an electronic device according to any one of the first to third examples is provided, wherein each opening of the first set of openings has a cross shape for cross polarization.

[0198] In a fifth example, an electronic device of the fourth example is provided, wherein each opening of the first set of openings comprises a first portion and a second portion intersecting the first portion, the first portion being parallel to the one direction of the electronic device, and the second portion being perpendicular to the one direction of the electronic device.

[0199] In a sixth example, an electronic device of the fourth example is provided, wherein each opening of the first set of openings comprises a first portion and a second portion intersecting the first portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are inclined with respect to the one direction of the electronic device.

[0200] In a seventh example, an electronic device of the fifth example is provided, wherein the antenna module is configured to transmit or receive a signal having a specified operating frequency, and a first length of the first portion and a second length of the second portion substantially correspond to 1 / 4 of a wavelength corresponding to the specified operating frequency.

[0201] In an eighth example, the electronic device of the fifth example is provided, wherein each opening of the second set of openings has a size such that, when viewing the conductive structure from below, each opening of the first set of openings is visible through the corresponding opening of the second set of openings.

[0202] In a ninth example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 1 to 8 is provided, wherein the antenna module is configured to transmit or receive a signal having a specified operating frequency, and a spacing between the second conductive portion and the conductive structure substantially corresponds to 1 / 8 of a wavelength corresponding to the specified operating frequency.

[0203] In a tenth example, an electronic device of one of examples 1 to 9 is provided, the electronic device further comprising a housing including an edge part defining at least a portion of a side wall of the electronic device, and a support part surrounded by the edge part and configured to support one or more electronic components of the electronic device, wherein the antenna module is disposed within the housing such that the plurality of antennas disposed on the printed circuit board face in the one direction.

[0204] In an eleventh example, an electronic device of the tenth example is provided, the electronic device further comprising: another antenna module disposed within the housing, the antennas being arranged to face in a different direction than the one direction; and another bracket configured to accommodate the other antenna module.

[0205] In the twelfth example, the electronic device of the tenth example is provided, wherein the one direction corresponds to the direction of the side wall of the electronic device, and the other direction corresponds to the direction of the front side of the electronic device or the direction of the back side of the electronic device.

[0206] In a 13th example, an electronic device of one of examples 1 to 12 is provided, wherein the bracket includes a through hole through which a fastener coupled to the support part passes, and is fixed to the support part through the fastener.

[0207] In a fourteenth example, an electronic device of one of examples 1 to 13 is provided, wherein the first set of openings and the second set of openings are configured to extend the coverage of the antenna module in other directions different from the direction by causing diffraction or reflection of electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas.

[0208] In a fifteenth example, an electronic device of one of examples 1 to 14 is provided, the electronic device further comprising a foldable housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part, wherein the antenna module is disposed within the first housing part.

[0209] In a sixteenth example, an electronic device is provided, comprising: an antenna module comprising a PCB and a plurality of antennas disposed on a first surface of the PCB and oriented in a first direction perpendicular to the first surface; a bracket configured to receive the antenna module, the bracket comprising: a first conductive portion disposed to face a second surface of the PCB of the antenna module, wherein the second surface is located opposite the first surface; and a second conductive portion extending vertically in the first direction from the first conductive portion and disposed to face a third surface of the PCB, wherein the third surface is located between the first surface and the second surface and connects the first surface and the second surface, the second conductive portion including a first set of openings formed in a second direction (a direction perpendicular to the third surface); and a conductive structure spaced apart from the second conductive portion in the second direction, the conductive structure including a second set of openings formed in the second direction. Each of the first sets of openings is disposed between one antenna of the plurality of antennas and one of the second sets of openings.

[0210] In a seventeenth example, an electronic device of example sixteen is provided, and further comprises one or more of the features of examples two through fifteen.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, An antenna module comprising a printed circuit board and a plurality of antennas arranged on the printed circuit board so as to face in one direction; A bracket configured to accommodate the above antenna module, the bracket comprising: With respect to the above direction, a first conductive portion disposed behind the printed circuit board of the antenna module, and A second conductive portion extending vertically from the first conductive portion and including a first set of openings; A bracket for accommodating the antenna module, the bracket comprising a first conductive portion disposed behind the printed circuit board of the antenna module, and a second conductive portion extending vertically from the first conductive portion and including a first set of openings; and a conductive structure spaced apart from the second conductive portion and including a second set of openings; Each opening of the above first opening set is, located between one antenna of the plurality of antennas and one opening of the second opening set, Electronic devices.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first opening set is, including slits, Electronic devices.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above challenging structure is, Extending vertically from the first conductive portion, and formed integrally with the bracket, Electronic devices.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, Each opening of the above first opening set is, Having a cross shape for cross polarization, Electronic devices.

5. In paragraph 4, Each of the above openings of the above first opening set comprises a first portion and a second portion intersecting the first portion, The above first part is, Parallel to the above direction of the above electronic device, The second part above is, Perpendicular to the above direction of the above electronic device, Electronic devices.

6. In paragraph 4, Each of the above openings of the above first opening set comprises a first portion and a second portion intersecting the first portion, The first part and the second part, tilted with respect to the above one direction of the above electronic device, Electronic devices.

7. In paragraph 5, The above antenna module, configured to transmit or receive a signal having a specified operating frequency, The first length of the first part and the second length of the second part are, substantially corresponding to 1 / 4 of the wavelength corresponding to the above-mentioned operating frequency, Electronic devices.

8. In paragraph 5, Each opening of the above second opening set is: When the above challenging structure is viewed from below, each opening of the first opening set has a size that is visible through the corresponding opening of the second opening set. Electronic devices.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above antenna module, configured to transmit or receive a signal having a specified operating frequency, The gap between the second conductive portion and the conductive structure is substantially corresponding to 1 / 8 of the wavelength corresponding to the above-mentioned operating frequency, Electronic devices.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, Further comprising a housing including an edge part defining at least a portion of a side wall of the electronic device, and a support part surrounded by the edge part and configured to support one or more electronic components of the electronic device, The above antenna module, The plurality of antennas arranged on the printed circuit board are arranged within the housing so as to face in the one direction. Electronic devices.

11. In paragraph 10, Another antenna module disposed within the housing, comprising antennas arranged to face a different direction from the above-described one direction; and Further comprising another bracket configured to accommodate said other antenna module; Electronic devices.

12. In paragraph 10, The above direction is, Corresponding to the direction of the side wall of the electronic device, The other direction above is, corresponding to the direction of the front of the electronic device or the direction of the back of the electronic device, Electronic devices.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above brackets are, A fastener is connected to the support part and includes a through hole through which the fastener passes, and is fixed to the support part through the fastener. Electronic devices.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above first opening set and the above second opening set, By causing diffraction or reflection of electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas, the coverage of the antenna module is configured to be extended in other directions different from the direction. Electronic devices.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, Further comprising a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part, The above antenna module, Positioned within the first housing part, Electronic devices.

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