Electronic device comprising antenna

Abstract

An electronic device may comprise: a first conductive portion including a first path portion that extends from a first region corresponding to a first side of the electronic device to a second region corresponding to a second side opposite the first side; a second conductive portion including a second path portion that extends from a first region corresponding to the first side to a second region corresponding to the second side opposite to first side of the electronic device; a PCB; and an NFC circuit disposed on the PCB, wherein the first region among the first region and the second region of the first path portion may be connected to a first terminal of the NFC circuit through a first signal path, and the second region among the first region and the second region of the second path portion may be connected to a second terminal of the NFC circuit through a second signal path.

Description

Electronic device including an antenna

[0001] The descriptions below relate to electronic devices that include antennas.

[0002] NFC (near field communication) is a short-range communication that can be used to transfer data between devices over short distances using the NFC standard protocol.

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

[0004] In embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include: a hinge assembly; a foldable housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably connected to the hinge assembly; a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the first housing portion; a near field communication (NFC) circuit for differential output disposed on the PCB; a conductive portion disposed on the first housing portion; and a conductive loop disposed on the second housing portion. The conductive portion may include a first path portion formed between a first region adjacent to a first side of the electronic device and a second region adjacent to a second side of the electronic device opposite the first side. The conductive loop may include a second path portion, which is closest to the first path portion in a folded state of the electronic device and in which a current is induced in the same direction as the first path portion, and may include a first end connected to a portion of the second path portion adjacent to the first side and a second end connected to another portion of the second path portion adjacent to the second side. The first region may be electrically connected to a first terminal of the NFC circuit, and the second region may be electrically connected to a ground of the PCB. The first end may be electrically connected to the ground of the PCB, and the second end may be electrically connected to a second terminal of the NFC circuit.

[0005] In embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include: a hinge assembly; a foldable housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably connected to the hinge assembly; a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the first housing portion; a near field communication (NFC) circuit for differential output disposed on the PCB; a conductive portion disposed between non-conductive portions of the first housing portion; and a conductive loop disposed on the second housing portion. The conductive portion may include a first path portion formed between a first region corresponding to a first side of the electronic device and a second region corresponding to a second side opposite to the first side of the electronic device. The conductive loop may include a second path portion formed between the first region corresponding to the first side of the electronic device and the second region corresponding to the second side opposite to the first side of the electronic device, and including a region closest to the first path portion in a folded state of the electronic device. The first region of the first path portion may be electrically connected to a first terminal of the NFC circuit, and the second region of the first path portion may be electrically connected to a ground of the PCB. The first region of the second path portion may be electrically connected to a ground of the PCB, and the second region of the second path portion may be electrically connected to a second terminal of the NFC circuit.

[0006] In embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include: a first conductive portion including a first path portion formed from a first region corresponding to a first side of the electronic device to a second region corresponding to a second side of the electronic device opposite the first side; a second conductive portion including a second path portion formed from the first region corresponding to the first side of the electronic device to a second region corresponding to a second side of the electronic device opposite the first side; a printed circuit board (PCB); and a near field communication (NFC) circuit for differential output arranged on the PCB. Among the first region and the second region of the first path portion, the first region may be connected to a first terminal of the NFC circuit via a first signal path. Among the first region and the second region of the second path portion, the second region may be connected to a second terminal of the NFC circuit via a second signal path.

[0007] In embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first conductive portion including a first path portion formed from a first region adjacent to a first side of the electronic device to a second region adjacent to a second side of the electronic device opposite to the first side; a second conductive portion including a second path portion in which a current is induced in the same direction as the first path portion, the second conductive portion including a first end connected to a portion of the second path portion adjacent to the first side and a second end connected to another portion of the second path portion adjacent to the second side; a printed circuit board (PCB); and a near field communication (NFC) circuit for differential output arranged on the PCB. Among the first region and the second region of the first conductive portion, the first region may be connected to a first terminal of the NFC circuit via a first signal path. Among the first end and the second end of the second conductive portion, the second end can be connected to the second terminal of the NFC circuit through a second signal path.

[0008] In embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a first conductive portion disposed in the first housing portion; a second conductive portion disposed in the second housing portion; a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the second housing portion; a near field communication (NFC) circuit for differential output disposed on the PCB; and a switching circuit. The switching circuit may be configured to operate in a first connection mode in a first state of the electronic device, and in a second connection mode different from the first connection mode in a second state of the electronic device. In the first state of the electronic device, a first current of the first conductive portion induced by an external electronic device may flow toward a first terminal of the NFC circuit, while a second current of the second conductive portion induced by the external electronic device may flow from a second terminal of the NFC circuit. In the second state of the electronic device, the first current of the first conductive portion induced by the external electronic device can flow from the first terminal while the second current of the second conductive portion induced by the external electronic device can flow toward the second terminal.

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment.

[0010] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate examples of electronic devices including near field communication (NFC) circuits.

[0011] Figure 3 shows examples of communication between two devices using NFC.

[0012] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are drawings illustrating communication between an electronic device including conductive parts for an NFC circuit and an external electronic device.

[0013] Figure 5 illustrates functional components of an electronic device including conductive parts for NFC circuitry.

[0014] Figures 6a and 6b show examples of bar-type electronic devices.

[0015] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate examples of electronic devices including conductive parts for NFC circuitry.

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an electronic device including conductive parts for NFC circuitry.

[0017] Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c illustrate examples of foldable-type electronic devices.

[0018] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D illustrate examples of electronic devices including NFC circuitry and conductive parts.

[0019] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate examples of electronic devices including NFC circuitry and conductive parts.

[0020] Figures 12a, 12b, and 12c illustrate examples of foldable-type electronic devices.

[0021] FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate examples of foldable-type electronic devices having a first connection structure for NFC circuits and conductive parts.

[0022] FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate examples of foldable-type electronic devices having NFC circuits and a second connection structure for conductive parts.

[0023] FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C illustrate examples of multi-foldable-type electronic devices having a first connection structure for NFC circuits and conductive parts.

[0024] FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C illustrate examples of multi-foldable-type electronic devices having a second connection structure for NFC circuits and conductive parts.

[0025] Figures 17a and 17b illustrate examples of electronic devices including switching circuits.

[0026] The terms used in this disclosure are used only to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art described in this disclosure. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this disclosure may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this disclosure, it cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described below illustrate a hardware-based approach as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques utilizing both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0028] Terms referring to parts of electronic devices used in the following description (e.g., substrate, printed circuit board (PCB), flexible PCB (FPCB), printed board assembly (PBA), module, antenna, antenna element, circuit, processor, chip, component, or device), terms referring to antennas (e.g., antenna radiator, radiator, conductive part, conductive line pattern, coil, conductive member, radiating member, radiating material, radiating part, antenna structure, antenna structure), terms referring to the location of components (e.g., part, location, area, point), terms referring to the shape of components (e.g., structure, structure, support, contact, or protrusion), terms referring to connections between structures (e.g., connection, contact, support, contact structure, conductive member, or assembly), terms referring to open structures (e.g., slot, slit, or opening), terms referring to circuits (e.g., PCB, FPCB, signal line, ground line, feeding line, data line, RF signal) Lines, antenna lines, RF paths, RF modules, RF circuits, splitters, dividers, couplers, or combiners are examples for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used. In addition, terms such as '... part', '... device', '... object', or '... body' used below may mean at least one shape structure or a unit that processes a function.

[0029] In addition, in the present disclosure, expressions such as "more than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled, but this is merely a description for expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions such as "more than" or "less than." A condition described as "more than" may be replaced with "more than," a condition described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and a condition described as "more than and less than" may be replaced with "more than and less than." In addition, hereinafter, "A" to "B" mean at least one of elements from A (including A) to B (including B). hereinafter, "C" and / or "D" mean at least one of "C" or "D," that is, including {"C", "D", "C" and "D"}.

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0032] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0033] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB (decibel) or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each, or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0049] 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).

[0050] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0051] 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)).

[0052] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0053] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate examples of electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101)) including near field communication (NFC) circuits.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2A, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator (i.e., an NFC antenna) for NFC communication. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may use both the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) as an NFC antenna to expand an NFC communication area. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive portion disposed between non-conductive portions of a housing of the electronic device (101), and the second conductive portion (212) may be a coil. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be used as a metal antenna for top coverage of the electronic device (101), and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a loop antenna for back coverage of the electronic device (101). In addition to the combinations of the above examples, other combinations may be used for the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212). For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive portion corresponding to a portion of the housing of the electronic device (101), and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive portion corresponding to a portion of the housing of the electronic device (101), and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive portion corresponding to another portion of the housing or another housing. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a coil and the second conductive portion (212) may be another coil. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a coil and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a coil and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive portion corresponding to a portion of a housing of the electronic device (101).For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate and the second conductive portion (212) may be a coil. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive pattern formed on another dielectric substrate or another conductive pattern formed on the dielectric substrate. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive portion corresponding to a part of the housing of the electronic device (101). In addition to the above examples, if it is a conductive portion for a radiator of an NFC signal, it may correspond to the examples of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212).

[0055] The NFC circuit (220) may include terminals. The NFC circuit (220) may include a first terminal (221) and a second terminal (222). The electronic device (101) may include transmission lines electrically connecting the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a first signal path (231) electrically connecting the first conductive portion (211) and the NFC circuit (220). The electronic device (101) may include a second signal path (232) electrically connecting the second conductive portion (212) and the NFC circuit (220). The first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) may be connected to the first conductive portion (211) via the first signal path (231). The second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) can be connected to the second conductive portion (212) via the second signal path (232). The NFC circuit (220) can output a first signal of differential output via the first terminal (221). The NFC circuit (220) can transmit the first signal from the first terminal (221) to the first conductive portion (211) via the first signal path (231). The NFC circuit (220) can output a second signal of the differential output via the second terminal (222). The NFC circuit (220) can transmit the second signal from the second terminal (222) to the second conductive portion (212) via the second signal path (232). The first phase of the first signal and the second phase of the second signal can be about 180 degrees apart. For example, in terms of a signal being output through a terminal, the first terminal (221) may be referred to as a (+)Tx output terminal or a TX1 output terminal, and the second terminal (222) may be referred to as a (-)Tx output terminal or a TX2 output terminal. For example, the first signal may be a positive signal and the second signal may be a negative signal.For another example, the first signal may be a negative signal, and the second signal may be a positive signal. In one embodiment, the first signal may be connected to the first conductive portion (211) via a first signal path (231) through an impedance matching circuit (not shown). For example, the second signal may be connected to the second conductive portion (212) via a second signal path (232) through an impedance matching circuit (not shown).

[0056] The electronic device (101) may include a ground. The ground may correspond to a member providing a reference potential. For example, the ground may include a ground layer of a printed circuit board (PCB) or a support member of the electronic device (101). The ground may include one or more ground portions. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a first ground portion (251) and a second ground portion (252). The first conductive portion (211) may be connected to the first ground portion (251) of the ground through a first ground path (241). The second conductive portion (212) may be connected to the second ground portion (252) of the ground through a second ground path (242). For example, the first ground portion (251) may be a different portion of the same ground (e.g., a ground layer of a PCB, or a support member of an electronic device (101)). In another example, the first ground portion (251) and the second ground portion (252) may correspond to physically different members. In FIG. 2A, the first ground portion (251) and the second ground portion (252) are independently illustrated, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Unlike FIG. 2A, a structure in which the first ground portion (251) and the second ground portion (252) are short-circuited at a node, and the node is electrically connected to a ground portion, may also be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2B, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). For each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220), the description of FIG. 2A may be referred to. In FIG. 2B, a circuit structure is described in which the conductive portions are electrically connected through the NFC circuit (220), unlike the circuit structure illustrated in FIG. 2A in which the conductive portions electrically form a loop through the ground portions. The circuit structure of FIG. 2A may be referred to by terms such as a first connection structure, a first circuit structure, a series structure, a series connection structure, a first connection arrangement, a first circuit arrangement, a series arrangement, a series circuit arrangement, a first path arrangement, or a first NFC path arrangement. The circuit structure of FIG. 2B may be referred to by terms such as a second connection structure, a second circuit structure, a parallel structure, a parallel connection structure, a second connection arrangement, a second circuit arrangement, a parallel arrangement, a parallel circuit arrangement, a second path arrangement, or a second NFC path arrangement.

[0058] The electronic device (101) may include a first signal path (261) electrically connecting a first conductive portion (211) and an NFC circuit (220). The electronic device (101) may include a second signal path (262) electrically connecting a second conductive portion (212) and an NFC circuit (220). The electronic device (101) may include a third signal path (263) and a fourth signal path (264). The third signal path (263) may connect the first conductive portion (211) and a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). A loop may be formed in the following order: the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), the first signal path (261), the first conductive portion (211), the third signal path (263), and the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). The second signal path (262) can connect the second conductive portion (212) and the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The fourth signal path (264) can connect the second conductive portion (212) and the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In addition, a loop can be formed in the following order: the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), the second signal path (262), the second conductive portion (212), the fourth signal path (264), and the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).

[0059] Figure 3 illustrates examples of communication between two devices using NFC. As the use of services utilizing NFC communication increases, the types of NFC readers are also diversifying. Accordingly, the methods by which a user tags an electronic device (101) to the NFC reader may also vary.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (101) can communicate with an external electronic device (301) (e.g., an NFC reader). Assume that an NFC signal flows in a conductive portion (e.g., a conductive loop) of the external electronic device (301). As the external electronic device (301) approaches within a certain distance from the electronic device (101), a magnetic field around the conductive portion (e.g., the first conductive portion (211) or the second conductive portion (212)) of the electronic device (101) may change. Due to the change in the magnetic field, a current may be induced in the conductive portion (e.g., the first conductive portion (211) or the second conductive portion (212)) of the electronic device (101). NFC communication may be performed based on a voltage difference according to the induced current.

[0061] In example (300), a user of the electronic device (101) may tag the electronic device (101) such that the upper side of the electronic device (101) faces the external electronic device (301). All conductive portions (e.g., the first conductive portion (211) or the second conductive portion (212)) of the electronic device (101) may face the external electronic device (301) in the same direction (e.g., the upper side of the electronic device (101). Accordingly, as the external electronic device (301) approaches within a certain distance from the electronic device (101), a current may be induced in the conductive portion (e.g., the first conductive portion (211) or the second conductive portion (212)) of the electronic device (101). At this time, the direction of the current induced in each conductive portion may be the same. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, a communication aspect such as in example (300) may be referred to as a first type, a first proximity type, a first proximity method, a first tag type, a first tag method, a first linking type, a first linking method, a vertical tag, a vertical contact, and / or terms equivalent thereto.

[0062] In example (350), a user of the electronic device (101) can tag the electronic device (101) such that the rear side of the electronic device (101) faces the external electronic device (301). The direction of the induced current may vary depending on which area of ​​the conductive portion of the electronic device (101) is adjacent to the conductive portion of the external electronic device (301). For example, the conductive portion of the external electronic device (301) may be a coil having a loop shape. The first conductive portion (211) may correspond to at least a portion of the housing of the electronic device (101), and the second conductive portion (212) may be located within the electronic device (101). For tagging, the coil of the external electronic device (301) may be positioned to overlap at least a portion of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212). Within the coil, if the direction of the current flowing in the coil portion adjacent to the first conductive portion (211) is different from the direction of the current flowing in the coil portion region adjacent to the second conductive portion (212), the direction of the current induced in each conductive portion may be different. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, a communication aspect such as in example (350) may be referred to as a second type, a second proximity type, a second proximity method, a second tag type, a second tag method, a second linking type, a second linking method, a horizontal tag, a horizontal contact, and / or terms equivalent thereto.

[0063] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining communication between an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) including conductive portions for NFC circuitry and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)). In each of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that each conductive portion of the electronic device (101) is a cylindrical conductor having a length in one direction. The electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. A first end of the first conductive portion (211) may be electrically connected to a first terminal (221) of an NFC circuit (220), and a second end of the first conductive portion (211) may be electrically connected to a first ground portion (251). A first end of the second conductive portion (212) may be electrically connected to a second terminal (222) of an NFC circuit (220), and a second end of the second conductive portion (212) may be electrically connected to a second ground portion (252). For each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220), reference may be made to the description of FIG. 2A.

[0064]

[0065]

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B , even if the conductive portions of the electronic device (101) are positioned on one side of the external electronic device (301), the potential difference, i.e., voltage, applied to both ends of the NFC circuit (220) according to the induced current may vary depending on how the ground and the NFC circuit (220) are connected to each conductive portion. As the magnitude of the voltage at both ends of the NFC circuit (220) increases, the coverage (e.g., recognition distance) of NFC communication may increase. Therefore, a connection structure of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) and the NFC circuit (220) and the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251) or the second ground portion (252)) may be required to prevent the induced currents from canceling each other.

[0067]

[0068] Although FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate a circuit structure in which each terminal of the NFC circuit is connected to the ground through a conductive portion (e.g., the circuit structure of FIG. 2A), the technical principles described above may also be applied to a circuit structure in which the terminals of the NFC circuit are connected to each conductive portion (e.g., the circuit structure of FIG. 2B). As an induced current flows in each conductive portion, the ends of the corresponding conductive portions may have a (+) polarity and a (-) polarity. It may be required that the polarity of the voltage applied to the same terminal of the NFC circuit (220) be the same. This is because if the polarity of the voltages at the same terminal is different, an offset between the voltages may occur, which may deteriorate the performance of NFC communication. For example, if the current induced in the first conductive portion (211) is directed from the first terminal (221) and the first signal path (261) to the second terminal (222) via the third signal path (263), the current induced in the second conductive portion (212) may also be required to be directed from the first terminal (221) and the second signal path (262) to the second terminal (222) via the fourth signal path (264).

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates functional components of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) including conductive parts for an NFC circuit (e.g., NFC circuit (220)).

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. For each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220), the description of FIG. 2A may be referred to.

[0071] Electromagnetic induction can be used for NFC communication. Electromagnetic induction refers to a phenomenon in which a changing magnetic field induces a current in a conductor. Depending on the NFC communication mode of the electronic device (101), a current (hereinafter, induced current) may be induced in the conductive portion (e.g., the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212)) of the electronic device (101) based on the proximity of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (301)) (e.g., an NFC reader). For example, an NFC signal may flow in the conductive portion (e.g., the conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301). The NFC signal forms a magnetic field, and an induced electromotive force may be generated around the conductive portion depending on the proximity of the external electronic device (301). By causing an induced current to flow in the conductive portion of the electronic device (101) according to the induced electromotive force, NFC communication may be performed. An induced current may be generated depending on the proximity of the external electronic device (301). Therefore, regardless of the location of the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251) or the second ground portion (252)) connected to the conductive portion of the electronic device (101), an induced current may flow on the conductive portion of the electronic device (101) in a direction opposite to the direction of the current of the NFC signal of the external electronic device (301).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211) and a second conductive portion (212). As described in FIG. 2A, the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may have various shapes. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive portion disposed between non-conductive portions of a housing of the electronic device (101), and the second conductive portion (212) may be a coil. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive portion corresponding to a portion of the housing of the electronic device (101), and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive portion corresponding to a portion of the housing of the electronic device (101), and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive portion corresponding to another portion of the housing or another portion of another housing. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a coil, and the second conductive portion (212) may be another coil. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a coil, and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a coil, and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive portion corresponding to a portion of the housing of the electronic device (101). For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, and the second conductive portion (212) may be a coil. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive pattern formed on another dielectric substrate or another conductive pattern formed on the dielectric substrate. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, and the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive portion corresponding to a portion of a housing of the electronic device (101).

[0073] As an external electronic device (301) approaches the electronic device (101), an induced current is generated in the conductive portion of the electronic device (101), and thus, the portion where the induced current is generated due to a change in the magnetic field may vary depending on the shape of the conductive portion of the electronic device (101). Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, among the conductive portions of the electronic device (101), a portion where a current is induced in the opposite direction to the current of the NFC signal due to the current of the NFC signal of the external electronic device (301) may be referred to as a path portion. For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be a conductive portion that is arranged as part of the housing of the electronic device (101). As an example, the first conductive portion (211) may be arranged so as to be adjacent to or on the upper side of the electronic device (101) as a metal antenna. As the external electronic device (301) approaches the upper side of the electronic device (101), current may flow through at least a portion of the first conductive portion (211). The at least portion of the first conductive portion (211) may correspond to the first path portion (581). For example, the second conductive portion (212) may include a conductive pattern disposed within the housing of the electronic device (101). As an example, the conductive pattern may be disposed in a loop shape on a dielectric substrate. As the external electronic device (301) approaches the upper side of the electronic device (101), current may flow through at least a portion of the second conductive portion (212). The at least portion of the second conductive portion (212) may correspond to the second path portion (582).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first path portion (581) may include a region for determining a path of a current to be induced in the first conductive portion (211) among the first conductive portions (211). For example, in order to determine a path of a current to be induced in the first conductive portion (211), the first path portion (581) may include a region located closest to a location in a direction (e.g., the (+) x-axis direction) that is most likely to be close to the conductive portion of the external electronic device (301) among the first conductive portions (211). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, if the first conductive portion (211) is a conductor having a specific longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-axis), all of the first conductive portions (211) may correspond to the first path portion (581). As another example, if the first conductive portion (211) is a conductor extending in various directions, a portion of the conductor that is closest to a position in one direction may correspond to the first path portion (581). The first path portion (581) may have a first region (591a) that is closer to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) than a second region (591b), and a second region (591b) that is closer to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) than the first region (591a). As an example, the first path portion (581) may refer to a portion of the first conductive portion (211) that occupies a space between the first region (591a) and the second region (591b).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the second path portion (582) may include a region among the second conductive portions (212) for determining a path of a current to be induced in the second conductive portion (212). In order to determine a path of a current to be induced in the second conductive portion (212), the second path portion (582) may include a region among the second conductive portions (212) that is located closest to a position in one direction (e.g., the (+) x-axis direction) that is most likely to be close to the conductive portion of the external electronic device (301). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, if the second conductive portion (212) is a conductive pattern having a loop shape, a portion among the conductors that is located closest to the position in the one direction may correspond to the second path portion (582). As another example, if the second conductive portion (212) is a conductor having a specific longitudinal direction (e.g., y-axis), the entire second conductive portion (212) may correspond to the second path portion (582). The second path portion (582) may have a first region (592a) adjacent to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (592b) adjacent to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). As an example, the second path portion (582) may represent a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that occupies a region between the first region (592a) and the second region (592b).

[0076] As described through FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the greater the potential difference between the two ends of the NFC circuit (220) (e.g., the first terminal (221) or the second terminal (222)), the greater the coverage of NFC communication. In other words, the greater the magnitude of the voltage applied to the two ends of the NFC circuit (220), the greater the recognition distance of NFC communication. When the magnetic field around the path portion (e.g., the first path portion (581) or the second path portion (582)) of each conductive portion changes due to the external electronic device (301), a current may be induced in the conductive portion (e.g., the first conductive portion (211) or the second conductive portion (212)) in a direction that suppresses the change in the magnetic field. The current flowing in the first conductive portion (211) may flow from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) to the first ground portion (251) or may flow from the first ground portion (251) to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The current flowing in the second conductive portion (212) may flow from the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) to the second ground portion (252) or may flow from the second ground portion (252) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). If both the current flowing in the first conductive portion (211) and the current flowing in the second conductive portion (212) flow toward the ground or both the current flowing in the first conductive portion (211) and the current flowing in the second conductive portion (212) flow toward the NFC circuit (220), the currents may cancel each other out. Therefore, the arrangement of the first path portion (581) of the first conductive portion (211) and the second path portion (582) of the second conductive portion (212) may be required to prevent the induced currents from canceling each other.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the direction (500) of a current of an NFC signal of a conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). Due to the induced current in the first path portion (581), a current may flow from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) through the first conductive portion (211) to the first ground portion (251). In this case, the second path portion (582) may be arranged so that the current flowing in the second conductive portion (212) flows from the second ground portion (252) in the direction of the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). Due to the induced current in the second path portion (582), the current may flow from the second ground portion (252) through the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).

[0077] Structurally, the circuit arrangement for the second path portion (582) of the second conductive portion (212) (e.g., the connection structure of each of the NFC circuit (220) and the second ground portion (252) and the second path portion (582)) can be designed based on the arrangement of the circuit arrangement for the first path portion (581) of the first conductive portion (211) (e.g., the connection structure of each of the NFC circuit (220) and the first ground portion (251) and the first path portion (581)). According to one embodiment, a current induced in the first path portion (581) by the external electronic device (301) can flow from the first side (e.g., the side facing the (+) y-axis) of the electronic device (101) to the second side (e.g., the side facing the (-) y-axis) of the electronic device (101). Current can flow from the first region (591a) of the first path portion (581) to the second region (591b). Current induced in the second path portion (582) by the external electronic device (301) can flow from the first side (e.g., the side facing the (+) y-axis) of the electronic device (101) to the second side (e.g., the side facing the (-) y-axis) of the electronic device (101). Current can flow from the first region (592a) of the second path portion (582) to the second region (592b). The circuit structure for the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582) can be formed such that if the current in the first conductive portion (211) is directed to the ground, the current in the second conductive portion (212) is directed from the ground. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, if the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) is electrically connected to the first area (591a) of the first path portion (581) and the first ground portion (251) is electrically connected to the second area (591b) of the first path portion (581), the second ground portion (252) may be electrically connected to the first area (592a) of the second path portion (582), and the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to the second area (592b) of the second path portion (582).

[0078] The arrangement of the ground and NFC circuit (220) connected to each of the path portions (e.g., the first path portion (581) or the second path portion (582)) is independent of the current direction (500) of the NFC signal of the external electronic device (301), but the path portions may be required to be relative to each other. The purpose of the arrangement of the path portions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is to increase the magnitude of the voltage applied to both ends of the NFC circuit (220). Therefore, when one path portion is connected to the ground at a first side of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the side facing the (+) y-axis direction) and connected to the NFC circuit (220) at a second side opposite to the first side (e.g., the side facing the (-) y-axis direction), it can be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure if another path portion is connected to the NFC circuit (220) at the first side and connected to the ground at the second side. Unlike as shown in FIG. 5, if the first ground portion (251) is electrically connected to the first area (591a) of the first path portion (581) and the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) is electrically connected to the second area (591b) of the first path portion (581), the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to the first area (592a) of the second path portion (582) and the second ground portion (252) may be electrically connected to the second area (592b) of the second path portion (582).

[0079] In terms of circuitry, a first circuit including a first terminal (221), a first conductive portion (211), and a first ground portion (251) of an NFC circuit (220) can be designed based on the direction of current on a second circuit including a second terminal (222), a second conductive portion (212), and a second ground portion (252) of an NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, if a current induced in the first conductive portion (211) due to an external electronic device (301) flows from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) to the first ground portion (251), a current induced in the second conductive portion (212) due to the external electronic device (301) can flow from the second ground portion (252) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). The arrangement of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582) may be required so that the currents induced in the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) do not cancel each other out in the NFC circuit (220). In other words, if the induced current flows away from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582) may be arranged so that the current flows toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In FIG. 5, an example is described in which the direction (500) of the current of the NFC signal of the external electronic device (301) is in the first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis), but the arrangement of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582) may be independent of the position of the external electronic device (301). Since electromagnetic induction refers to the induced electromotive force acting in a direction that offsets the change in an external magnetic field, an induced current can be generated in each path section in a direction opposite to the current direction (500) of the NFC signal of the external electronic device (301).For example, if the direction (500) of the current of the NFC signal is a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction, an induced current in the first direction may be generated in each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582). According to one embodiment, if the current induced in the first conductive portion (211) due to the external electronic device (301) flows from the first ground portion (251) to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), the current induced in the second conductive portion (212) due to the external electronic device (301) may flow from the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) to the second ground portion (252).

[0080] Although FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit structure in which each terminal of the NFC circuit is connected to the ground through a conductive portion (e.g., the circuit structure of FIG. 2a), the technical principles described above can also be applied to a circuit structure in which the terminals of the NFC circuit are connected to each conductive portion (e.g., the circuit structure of FIG. 2b, hereinafter, a parallel structure). In the parallel structure, the current flowing in the first conductive portion (211) can flow from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220), or can flow from the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). In a parallel structure, the current flowing in the second conductive portion (212) can flow from the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) or can flow from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). If the current flowing in the first conductive portion (211) flows to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and the current flowing in the second conductive portion (211) also flows to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), the currents can cancel each other out. In addition, if the current flowing in the first conductive portion (211) flows toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and the current flowing in the second conductive portion (211) also flows toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220), the currents may cancel each other out. Therefore, the arrangement of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582) may be required to prevent the induced currents from canceling each other.For example, in response to the proximity of an external electronic device (301) for NFC communication, when a current flowing from a first terminal (221) of an NFC circuit (220) to a first conductive portion (211) flows toward a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220), a first path portion (581) and a second path portion (582) may be arranged within the electronic device (101) so that a current flowing from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) to a second conductive portion (212) flows toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). For example, in response to the proximity of an external electronic device for NFC communication, when a current flowing in the first conductive portion (211) flows from the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) toward the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582) can be arranged within the electronic device (101) such that a current flowing in the second conductive portion (212) flows toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).

[0081] By increasing the voltage difference across both ends of the NFC circuit (220) using the above-described technical principle, the electronic device (101) according to embodiments of the present disclosure can provide improved recognition distance performance of NFC communication.

[0082] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate examples of bar-type electronic devices (e.g., electronic device (101)).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6A, for example, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (610) forming an exterior of the electronic device (101). For example, the housing (610) may include a front surface (600A), a rear surface (600B), and a side surface (600C) surrounding a space between the front surface (600A) and the rear surface (600B). For example, the housing (610) may also refer to a structure forming at least a portion of the front surface (600A), the rear surface (600B), and / or the side surface (600C).

[0084] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a substantially transparent front plate (602). For example, the front plate (602) may form at least a portion of the front surface (600A). For example, the front plate (602) may include, but is not limited to, a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers.

[0085] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a substantially opaque back plate (611). For example, the back plate (611) may form at least a portion of the back surface (600B). For example, the back plate (611) may be formed of a coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials.

[0086] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a side bezel structure (or side member) (618). For example, the side bezel structure (618) may be coupled with the front plate (602) and / or the back plate (611) to form at least a portion of the side surface (600C) of the electronic device (101). For example, the side bezel structure (618) may form the entire side surface (600C) of the electronic device (101), or, for another example, the side bezel structure (618) may form the side surface (600C) of the electronic device (101) together with the front plate (602) and / or the back plate (611). As an example, the side bezel structure (618) may include a conductive portion (e.g., a first conductive portion (211) or a second conductive portion (212)) that forms a portion of the housing.

[0087] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, when the side surface (600C) of the electronic device (101) is partially formed by the front plate (602) and / or the rear plate (611), the front plate (602) and / or the rear plate (611) may include a region that extends seamlessly from its edge toward the rear plate (611) and / or the front plate (602). The extending region of the front plate (602) and / or the rear plate (611) may be located at both ends of a long edge of the electronic device (101), for example, but is not limited to the above-described example.

[0088] For example, the side bezel structure (618) may include a metal and / or a polymer. For example, the back plate (611) and the side bezel structure (618) may be formed integrally and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum), but are not limited thereto. For example, the back plate (611) and the side bezel structure (618) may be formed as separate components and / or may include different materials.

[0089] For example, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a display (601) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1), an audio module (603, 604, 607) (e.g., the audio module (170) of FIG. 1), a sensor module (not shown) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), a camera module (605, 612) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1), a key input device (617) (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1), a light emitting element (not shown), and / or a connector hole (608). For example, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of the above components (e.g., the key input device (617) or the light emitting element (not shown)), or may additionally include other components.

[0090] For example, the display (601) may be visually exposed through a significant portion of the front plate (602). For example, at least a portion of the display (601) may be visible through the front plate (602) forming the front surface (600A). For example, the display (601) may be disposed on the back surface of the front plate (602).

[0091] For example, the outer shape of the display (601) may be formed to be substantially the same as the outer shape of the front plate (602) adjacent to the display (601). For example, in order to expand the area where the display (601) is visually exposed, the gap between the outer shape of the display (601) and the outer shape of the front plate (602) may be formed to be substantially the same.

[0092] For example, the display (601) (or the front surface (600A) of the electronic device (101)) may include a screen display area (601A). For example, the display (601) may provide visual information to the user through the screen display area (601A). In the illustrated embodiment, when the front surface (600A) is viewed from the front, the screen display area (601A) is depicted as being positioned on the inside of the front surface (600A) and spaced apart from the outer edge of the front surface (600A), but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, when the front surface (600A) is viewed from the front, at least a portion of an edge of the screen display area (601A) may substantially coincide with an edge of the front surface (600A) (or the front plate (602)).

[0093] For example, the screen display area (601A) may include a sensing area (601B) configured to acquire the user's biometric information. Here, the meaning of "the screen display area (601A) includes the sensing area (601B)" may be understood to mean that at least a portion of the sensing area (601B) may overlap the screen display area (601A). For example, the sensing area (601B) may be an area that, like other areas of the screen display area (601A), can display visual information by the display (601) and additionally acquire the user's biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint). For example, the sensing area (601B) may also be formed in the key input device (617).

[0094] For example, the display (601) may include an area where the first camera (605) is positioned. For example, an opening may be formed in the area of ​​the display (601), and the first camera (605) (e.g., a punch hole camera) may be at least partially positioned within the opening so as to face the front (600A). In this case, the screen display area (601A) may surround at least a portion of an edge of the opening. For example, the first camera (605) (e.g., an under display camera (UDC)) may be positioned below the display (601) so as to overlap the area of ​​the display (601). In this case, the display (601) may provide visual information to the user through the area, and additionally, the first camera (605) may acquire an image corresponding to a direction facing the front (600A) through the area of ​​the display (601).

[0095] For example, the display (601) may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

[0096] For example, the audio module (603, 604, 607) may include a microphone hole (603, 604) and a speaker hole (607).

[0097] For example, the microphone holes (603, 604) may include a first microphone hole (603) formed in a portion of the side (600C) and a second microphone hole (604) formed in a portion of the rear (600B). A microphone (not shown) for acquiring external sound may be placed inside the microphone holes (603, 604). The microphone may include multiple microphones to detect the direction of the sound.

[0098] For example, a second microphone hole (604) formed in a portion of the rear (600B) may be positioned adjacent to a camera module (605). For example, the second microphone hole (604) may acquire sound according to the operation of the camera module (605). However, this is not limited thereto.

[0099] The speaker hole (607) may include an external speaker hole (607) and a call receiver hole (not shown). The external speaker hole (607) may be formed in a part of the side surface (600C) of the electronic device (101). For example, the external speaker hole (607) may be implemented as a single hole with the microphone hole (603). Although not shown, the call receiver hole (not shown) may be formed in another part of the side surface (600C). For example, the call receiver hole may be formed on the opposite side of the external speaker hole (607) in the side surface (600C). For example, with reference to the illustration in FIG. 6A, the external speaker hole (607) may be formed in the side surface (600C) corresponding to the lower portion of the electronic device (101), and the call receiver hole may be formed in the side surface (600C) corresponding to the upper portion of the electronic device (101). However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the call receiver hole may be formed in a location other than the side (600C). For example, the call receiver hole may be formed by a spaced space between the front plate (602) (or display (601)) and the side bezel structure (618).

[0100] For example, the electronic device (101) may include at least one speaker (not shown) configured to output sound to the outside of the housing through an external speaker hole (607) and / or a call receiver hole (not shown). For example, the speaker may include a piezo speaker configured to output audio by vibrating a diaphragm within the speaker using a piezoelectric element, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] For example, a sensor module (not shown) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state. For example, the sensor module may include at least one of a proximity sensor, a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0102] For example, the camera module (605, 612) may include a first camera (605) positioned to face the front (600A) of the electronic device (101), and a second camera (612) positioned to face the rear (600B).

[0103] For example, the second camera (612) may include multiple cameras (e.g., dual cameras, triple cameras, or quad cameras). However, the second camera (612) is not necessarily limited to including multiple cameras and may include one camera.

[0104] For example, the first camera (605) and the second camera (612) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors.

[0105] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a flash (613) positioned to face the rear (600B). For example, the flash (613) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. For example, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be positioned on one side of the electronic device (101).

[0106] For example, the key input device (617) may be positioned on a side (600C) of the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) may not include some or all of the key input devices (617), and the key input devices (617) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as soft keys, on the display (601).

[0107] For example, a connector hole (608) may be formed on a side surface (600C) of the electronic device (101) so that a connector of an external device can be accommodated. A connection terminal (e.g., a connection terminal (178) of FIG. 1) electrically connected to a connector of an external device may be arranged within the connector hole (608). For example, the electronic device (101) may include an interface module (e.g., an interface (177) of FIG. 1) for processing electrical signals transmitted and received through the connection terminal.

[0108] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a light-emitting element (not shown). For example, the light-emitting element (not shown) may be disposed on the front surface (600A) of the housing. The light-emitting element (not shown) may provide status information of the electronic device (101) in the form of light. For example, the light-emitting element (not shown) may provide a light source that is linked to the operation of the first camera (605). For example, the light-emitting element (not shown) may include an LED, an IR LED, and / or a xenon lamp.

[0109] Figure 6b is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device (101). In the following, redundant descriptions of components having the same reference numerals as those described above are omitted.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6B, for example, the electronic device (101) may include a display (601), a front plate (602), a rear plate (611), a frame structure (640), a first printed circuit board (650), a second printed circuit board (652), a cover plate (660), and a battery (670) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1).

[0111] For example, the frame structure (640) may include a side bezel structure (618) forming an exterior of the electronic device (101) (e.g., side surface (600C) of FIG. 6A) and a support structure (643) extending inwardly from the side bezel structure (618). For example, the frame structure (640) may be disposed between the display (601) and the back plate (611). For example, the side bezel structure (618) of the frame structure (640) may surround a space between the back plate (611) and the front plate (602) (and / or the display (601)), and the support structure (643) of the frame structure (640) may extend from the side bezel structure (618) within the space.

[0112] For example, the frame structure (640) may support or accommodate other components included in the electronic device (101). For example, a display (601) may be disposed on one side of the frame structure (640) facing one direction (e.g., the (+) z direction), and the display (601) may be supported by a support structure (643) of the frame structure (640). For example, a first printed circuit board (650), a second printed circuit board (652), a battery (670), and a second camera (612) may be disposed on the other side of the frame structure (640) facing the opposite direction (e.g., the (-) z direction). The first printed circuit board (650), the second printed circuit board (652), the battery (670), and the second camera (612) can be mounted in recesses defined by the side bezel structure (618) and / or the support structure (643) of the frame structure (640).

[0113] For example, the first printed circuit board (650), the second printed circuit board (652), and the battery (670) may be respectively coupled to the frame structure (640). For example, the first printed circuit board (650) and the second printed circuit board (652) may be fixedly disposed to the frame structure (640) through a coupling member such as a screw. For example, the battery (670) may be fixedly disposed to the frame structure (640) through an adhesive member (e.g., double-sided tape). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0114] For example, the cover plate (660) may be placed between the first printed circuit board (650) and the back plate (611). For example, the cover plate (660) may be placed on the first printed circuit board (650). For example, the cover plate (660) may be placed on a surface of the first printed circuit board (650) facing the (-) z-axis direction.

[0115] For example, the cover plate (660) may at least partially overlap the first printed circuit board (650) with respect to the z-axis. For example, the cover plate (660) may cover at least a portion of the first printed circuit board (650). In this way, the cover plate (660) may protect the first printed circuit board (650) from physical impact or prevent detachment of a connector coupled to the first printed circuit board (650).

[0116] For example, the cover plate (660) may be fixedly positioned on the first printed circuit board (650) via a joining member (e.g., a screw), or may be joined to the frame structure (640) together with the first printed circuit board (650) via the joining member.

[0117] For example, the display (601) may be positioned between the frame structure (640) and the front plate (602). For example, the front plate (602) may be positioned on one side (e.g., in the +z direction) of the display (601), and the frame structure (640) may be positioned on the other side (e.g., in the -z direction).

[0118] For example, the front plate (602) can be coupled with the display (601). For example, the front plate (602) and the display (601) can be bonded to each other through an optical adhesive material (e.g., optically clear adhesive (OCA) or optically clear resin (OCR)) interposed therebetween.

[0119] For example, the front plate (602) may be coupled with the frame structure (640). For example, the front plate (602) may include an outer portion extending outside the display (601) when viewed in the z-axis direction, and may be coupled to the frame structure (640) through an adhesive member (e.g., double-sided tape) disposed between the outer portion of the front plate (602) and the frame structure (640) (e.g., side bezel structure (618)). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0120] For example, the first printed circuit board (650) and / or the second printed circuit board (652) may be equipped with a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a memory (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1), and / or an interface (e.g., the interface (177) of FIG. 1). The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory (e.g., the volatile memory (132) of FIG. 1) or a nonvolatile memory (e.g., the nonvolatile memory (134) of FIG. 1). The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device (101) to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card / MMC (multimedia card) connector, or an audio connector. For example, the first printed circuit board (650) and the second printed circuit board (652) may be operatively or electrically connected to each other via a connecting member (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board).

[0121] For example, the battery (670) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). For example, the battery (670) may include a rechargeable secondary battery or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery (670) may be disposed substantially coplanar with the first printed circuit board (650) and / or the second printed circuit board (652).

[0122] For example, the electronic device (101) may include an antenna module (not shown). For example, the antenna module may be disposed between the rear plate (611) and the battery (670). The antenna module may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna module may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power with an external device.

[0123] For example, a first camera (605) (e.g., a front camera) may be positioned on at least a portion of a frame structure (640) (e.g., a support structure (643)) such that the lens can receive external light through a portion of the front plate (602) (e.g., the camera area (637)) (e.g., the front (600A) of FIG. 6A).

[0124] For example, a second camera (612) (e.g., a rear camera) may be positioned between the frame structure (640) and the rear plate (611). For example, the second camera (612) may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (650) via a connecting member (e.g., a connector). For example, the second camera (612) may be positioned such that the lens can receive external light through the camera area (684) of the rear plate (611) of the electronic device (101).

[0125] For example, the camera area (684) may be formed on a surface of the rear plate (611) (e.g., the rear surface (600B) of FIG. 6A). For example, the camera area (684) may be formed to be at least partially transparent so that external light may be incident on the lens of the second camera (612). For example, at least a portion of the camera area (684) may protrude from the surface of the rear plate (611) by a predetermined height. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the camera area (684) may form a substantially same plane as the surface of the rear plate (611).

[0126] For example, the housing (e.g., the housing (610) of FIG. 6A) of the electronic device (101) may refer to a configuration or structure that forms at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (101). In this respect, at least a portion of the front plate (602), the frame structure (640), and / or the rear plate (611) that form the exterior of the electronic device (101) may be referred to as the housing (610) of the electronic device (101).

[0127] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate examples of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)) including conductive portions (e.g., a first conductive portion (211) or a second conductive portion (212)) for an NFC circuit (e.g., an NFC circuit (220)). FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the arrangement of conductive portions in an electronic device (101) having the circuit structure of FIG. 2A (hereinafter, referred to as the first connection structure). Identical reference numerals may represent identical or similar descriptions.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 7A, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). The description of FIG. 5 may be referred to for each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582).

[0129] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, a housing (e.g., housing (610) of FIGS. 6A and 6B , side bezel structure (618) of FIGS. 6A and 6B ) of the electronic device (101) may include the plurality of conductive portions as a metal frame. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a third conductive portion (711), a fourth conductive portion (712), a fifth conductive portion (713), or a sixth conductive portion (714). For example, the plurality of non-conductive portions may include a first non-conductive portion (721), a second non-conductive portion (722), a third non-conductive portion (723), and / or a fourth non-conductive portion (724). The third conductive portion (711) may be disposed between the first non-conductive portion (721) and the second non-conductive portion (722). The fourth conductive portion (712) may be disposed between the second non-conductive portion (722) and the third non-conductive portion (723). The fifth conductive portion (713) may be disposed between the third non-conductive portion (723) and the fourth non-conductive portion (724). The sixth conductive portion (714) may be disposed between the fourth non-conductive portion (724) and the first non-conductive portion (721). For example, at least some of the third conductive portion (711), the fourth conductive portion (712), the fifth conductive portion (713), and / or the sixth conductive portion (714) may be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the first conductive portion (211) may correspond to at least a portion of the third conductive portion (711) as a part of the metal frame of the electronic device (101). The first signal path (231) may electrically connect the first conductive portion (211) and the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The first signal path (231) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting the first conductive portion (211) and a PCB (not shown) on which the NFC circuit (220) is arranged. The first ground path (241) may electrically connect the first conductive portion (211) and the first ground portion (251). For example, the first ground path (241) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting a PCB (not shown) on which an NFC circuit (220) is arranged and a first conductive portion (211). The first ground portion (251) may correspond to one area of ​​a ground layer of the PCB. The second conductive portion (212) may include a conductive loop (e.g., a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, or a conductive pattern of LDS (laser direct structuring)). The conductive pattern may have a loop shape. A first end of the conductive pattern may be connected to a second signal path (232), and a second end of the conductive pattern may be connected to a second ground path (242). For example, the second ground portion (252) may correspond to another area of ​​a ground layer of the PCB.

[0131] The direction (700) of the current of the NFC signal of the conductive portion (e.g., the conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (301)) may be a first direction (e.g., the (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., the (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., the (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). The induced current of the first path portion (581) may flow from the first side (e.g., the side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) to the second side (e.g., the side facing the (-) y-axis) of the electronic device (101). For example, current may flow from a first region (591a) of a first path portion (581) to a second region (591b). An induced current of a second path portion (582) may flow from a first side of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis) to a second side of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis). For example, current may flow from a first region (592a) of the second path portion (582) to a second region (592b). The circuit arrangement for the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582) may be formed such that if the current in the first conductive portion (211) is directed to ground, the current in the second conductive portion (212) is directed from ground. If the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) is electrically connected to the first area (591a) of the first path portion (581) and the first ground portion (251) is electrically connected to the second area (591b) of the first path portion (581), the second ground portion (252) may be electrically connected to the first area (592a) of the second path portion (582), and the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to the second area (592b) of the second path portion (582).

[0132] For example, in the first exemplary structure (the structure illustrated in FIG. 7a), a first terminal (221) of an NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to a first area (591a) of a first path portion (581), a first ground portion (251) may be electrically connected to a second area (591b) of the first path portion (581), a second ground portion (252) may be electrically connected to a first area (592a) of a second path portion (582), and a second terminal (222) of an NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to a second area (592b) of the second path portion (582). In the second example structure (not shown), the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to the first area (591a) of the first path portion (581), the first ground portion (251) may be electrically connected to the second area (591b) of the first path portion (581), the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to the first area (592a) of the second path portion (582), and the second ground portion (252) may be electrically connected to the second area (592b) of the second path portion (582). The maximum recognition distances of NFC communication in each of the first example structure and the second example structure are as shown in the table below.

[0133]

[0134] [Table 1] shows the maximum recognition distance (unit: mm (millimeter)) for each angle between the top of the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (301) for each example structure. Through this, it can be confirmed that the first example structure provides improved recognition distance performance compared to the second example structure at each angle. Furthermore, as the recognition distance increases, the electronic device (101) using the first example structure can provide a relatively wide recognition range.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 7B, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). For each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582), the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to. The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For the plurality of conductive portions and the plurality of non-conductive portions, the description of FIG. 7A may be referred to.

[0136] The purpose of the arrangement of the path portions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is to increase the magnitude of the voltage applied to both ends of the NFC circuit (220). In one embodiment, the path connected to the first path portion (581) (e.g., the first signal path (231) or the first ground path (241)) may be symmetrical with the path connected to the second path portion (582) (e.g., the second signal path (232) or the second ground path (242)). For example, when one path portion (e.g., the second path portion (582)) is connected to ground at a first side (e.g., the side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and connected to the NFC circuit (220) at a second side (e.g., the side facing the (-) y-axis direction) opposite to the first side, another path portion (e.g., the first path portion (581)) may be connected to the NFC circuit (220) at the first side and connected to the ground at the second side. For example, a first ground portion (251) may be electrically connected to a first area (591a) of the first path portion (581) via a first ground path (241), and a first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to a second area (591b) of the first path portion (581) via a first signal path (231). In this case, the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to the first area (592a) of the second path portion (582) through the second signal path (232), and the second ground portion (252) may be electrically connected to the second area (592b) of the second path portion (582) through the second ground path (242).

[0137] While FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a conductive pattern in which conductors are arranged to once surround the periphery of a region, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The conductive pattern may include conductors that repeatedly surround the periphery of the region. For example, the conductors may have a periodic structure that surrounds the periphery of the region from the periphery.

[0138] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) including conductive portions (e.g., first conductive portion (211), second conductive portion (212)) for an NFC circuit (e.g., NFC circuit (220)). FIG. 8 illustrates the arrangement of conductive portions in an electronic device (101) having the circuit structure of FIG. 2B (hereinafter, referred to as the second connection structure). Identical reference numerals may represent identical or similar descriptions.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). For each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582), the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to.

[0140] The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the housing of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the housing (610) of FIGS. 6A and 6B , the side bezel structure (618) of FIGS. 6A and 6B ) may be a metal frame and include the plurality of conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a third conductive portion (811), a fourth conductive portion (812), a fifth conductive portion (813), or a sixth conductive portion (814). For example, the plurality of non-conductive portions may include a first non-conductive portion (821), a second non-conductive portion (822), a third non-conductive portion (823), and / or a fourth non-conductive portion (824). A third conductive portion (811) may be formed between the first non-conductive portion (821) and the second non-conductive portion (822). A fourth conductive portion (812) may be formed between the second non-conductive portion (822) and the third non-conductive portion (823). A fifth conductive portion (813) may be formed between the third non-conductive portion (823) and the fourth non-conductive portion (824). A sixth conductive portion (814) may be formed between the fourth non-conductive portion (824) and the first non-conductive portion (821). For example, at least some of the third conductive portion (811), the fourth conductive portion (812), the fifth conductive portion (813), and / or the sixth conductive portion (814) may be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the first conductive portion (211) may correspond to at least a portion of the third conductive portion (811) as a portion of the metal frame of the electronic device (101). The first signal path (231) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting the first conductive portion (211) to a PCB (not shown) on which the NFC circuit (220) is disposed. The first ground path (241) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting the first conductive portion (211) to a PCB (not shown) on which the NFC circuit (220) is disposed. The first ground portion (251) may correspond to an area of ​​a ground layer of the PCB. The second conductive portion (212) may include a conductive pattern (e.g., a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, or a conductive pattern of an LDS). For example, the conductive pattern may have a loop shape. A first end of the conductive pattern may be connected to a second signal path (232), and a second end of the conductive pattern may be connected to a second ground path (242). The second ground portion (252) may correspond to another area of ​​the ground layer of the PCB.

[0142] The direction (800) of the current of the NFC signal of the conductive portion (e.g., the conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (301)) may be a first direction (e.g., the (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., the (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., the (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). The induced current of the first path portion (581) may flow from the first side (e.g., the side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) to the second side (e.g., the side facing the (-) y-axis) of the electronic device (101). For example, current may flow from a first region (591a) of a first path portion (581) to a second region (591b). An induced current in a second path portion (582) may flow from a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis) of the electronic device (101) to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis) of the electronic device (101). For example, current may flow from a first region (592a) of a second path portion (582) to a second region (592b). Due to the induced current in the first path portion (581), current may flow in a loop including the first conductive portion (211). Due to the induced current in the second path portion (582), current may flow in a loop including the second conductive portion (212). If the current flowing in the first conductive portion (211) flows to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and the current flowing in the second conductive portion (211) also flows to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), the currents can cancel each other out.In addition, if the current flowing in the first conductive portion (211) flows toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and the current flowing in the second conductive portion (211) also flows toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220), the currents may cancel each other out. Therefore, the arrangement of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582) may be required to prevent the induced currents from canceling each other.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the circuit arrangement for the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582) can be formed such that if the current of the first conductive portion (211) in the second connection structure is directed toward the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), the current of the second conductive portion (212) is directed toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). If the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) is electrically connected to the first area (591a) of the first path portion (581) and the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) is electrically connected to the second area (591b) of the first path portion (581), the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) can be electrically connected to the first area (592a) of the second path portion (582) and the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) can be electrically connected to the second area (592b) of the second path portion (582).

[0144] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate examples of foldable-type electronic devices (e.g., electronic device (101)). FIG. 9A illustrates an unfolded state of the electronic device (101). FIG. 9B illustrates a folded state of the electronic device (101). FIG. 9C is an exploded view of the electronic device (101).

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing portion (910), a second housing portion (920), and a display (930).

[0146] The first housing portion (910) may include a first surface (911), a second surface (912) facing away from the first surface (911), and a first side surface (913) surrounding at least a portion of the first surface (911) and the second surface (912). The first housing portion (910) may further include at least one camera (934) and a display panel (935) exposed through a portion of the second surface (912). The first housing portion (910) may provide a space formed by the first surface (911), the second surface (912), and the first side surface (913) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101). The second housing portion (920) can include a third side (921), a fourth side (922) facing and spaced from the third side (921), and a second side (923) surrounding at least a portion of the third side (921) and the fourth side (922). The fourth side (922) can further include a back plate (990) disposed on the fourth side (922). The first side (913) and the second side (923) can include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof. For example, the first side (913) and the second side (923) can include a conductive portion (928) and a non-conductive portion (929). The conductive portion (928) can include a plurality of conductive members, and the plurality of conductive members can be spaced apart from each other. The non-conductive portion (929) can be disposed between the plurality of conductive members. An antenna structure can be formed by some or a combination of a plurality of conductive members and a plurality of non-conductive members.

[0147] The first housing portion (910) can be pivotally connected to the second housing portion (920) via a hinge structure (950) disposed on the hinge cover (955). The hinge structure (950) can include a hinge plate. For example, the hinge plate can include a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate. The first hinge plate can be connected to the first housing portion (910), and the second hinge plate can be connected to the second housing portion (920). The second housing portion (920) may provide a space formed by a third surface (921), a fourth surface (922) facing and separated from the third surface (921), and a side surface (923) surrounding at least a portion of the third surface (921) and the fourth surface (922), as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101). The display (930) may include a window exposed to the outside. The window may protect the surface of the display (930) and may be formed of a transparent material to transmit visual information provided from the display (930) to the outside. The window may include a glass material such as ultra-thin glass (UTG) or a polymer material such as polyimide (PI). The display (930) may include a first display area (931) disposed on a first surface (911) of a first housing portion (910), a second display area (932) disposed on a third surface (921) of a second housing portion (920), and a third display area (933) between the first display area (931) and the second display area (932). At least a portion of the third display area (933) may be disposed on a hinge structure (950).

[0148] For example, an opening may be formed in a portion of a screen display area of ​​the display (930), or a recess or opening may be formed in a supporting portion (e.g., a bracket) that supports the display (930). The electronic device (101) may include at least one camera aligned with the recess or opening. For example, the first display area (931) may further include at least one camera (936) that can acquire an image from the outside through a portion of the first display area (931). For example, at least one camera (936) may be included on the back of the display (930) corresponding to the first display area (931) or the second display area (932) of the display (930). For example, the at least one camera (936) may be disposed below the display (930) and surrounded by the display (930). At least one camera (936) may be enclosed by the display (930) and not exposed to the outside. However, the display (930) may include an opening that exposes the at least one camera (936) to the outside. Although not shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , the display (930) may further include a back surface opposite the front surface. The display (930) may be supported by a first support portion (915) of the first housing portion (910) and a second support portion (927) of the second housing portion (920).

[0149] The hinge structure (950) may be configured to rotatably connect a first support portion (915) coupled to a first hinge plate and a second support portion (927) coupled to a second hinge plate. A hinge cover (955) surrounding the hinge structure (950) may be at least partially exposed between the first housing portion (910) and the second housing portion (920) while the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. The hinge cover (955) may be covered by the first housing portion (910) and the second housing portion (920) while the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state.

[0150] The electronic device (101) can be folded about a folding axis (f) passing through the hinge cover (955). For example, the hinge cover (955) can be disposed between the first housing portion (910) and the second housing portion (920) of the electronic device (101) to enable the electronic device (101) to be bent, curved, or folded. For example, the first housing portion (910) is connected to the second housing portion (920) through a hinge structure (950) disposed in the hinge cover (955) and can rotate about the folding axis (f).

[0151] The electronic device (101) can be folded so that the first housing portion (910) and the second housing portion (920) face each other by rotating around the folding axis (f). The electronic device (101) can be folded so that the first housing portion (910) and the second housing portion (920) cover or overlap each other.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 9c, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing portion (910), a second housing portion (920), a hinge structure (950), a display (930), a printed circuit board (961), a display panel (935), and a back plate (990). For example, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of the components or additionally include other components.

[0153] For example, the hinge structure (950) may include a hinge plate. For example, the hinge structure (950) may include a hinge gear that allows the first housing portion (910) and the second housing portion (920) to pivot.

[0154] For example, the first support portion (915) may be partially wrapped by the first side (913). For example, the first support portion (915) may be formed integrally with the first side (913). For example, the second support portion (927) may be partially wrapped by the second side (923). For example, the second support portion (927) may be formed integrally with the second side (923). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first support portion (915) may be formed separately from the first side (913). For example, the second support portion (927) may be formed separately from the second side (923).

[0155] For example, one side of the first support portion (915) may be coupled with the display (930), and the other side of the first support portion (915) may be coupled with the display panel (935). One side of the second support portion (927) may be coupled with the display (930), and the other side of the second support portion (927) may be coupled with the rear plate (990).

[0156] For example, a printed circuit board (961) and a battery may be placed between the surface formed by the first support portion (915) and the second support portion (927) and the surface formed by the display panel (935) and the rear plate (990). The printed circuit board (961) may be electrically connected to components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (101).

[0157] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D illustrate examples of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)) including an NFC circuit (e.g., an NFC circuit (220)) and conductive portions (e.g., a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212)). FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D illustrate the arrangement of conductive portions in an electronic device (101) having the circuit structure of FIG. 2A (hereinafter, referred to as a first connection structure). The same reference numerals may represent the same or similar descriptions.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 10A, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). For each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582), the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to.

[0159] The electronic device (101) may include a first housing portion (910). The first housing portion (910) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a third conductive portion (1011a), a fourth conductive portion (1012a), a fifth conductive portion (1013a), a sixth conductive portion (1014a), a seventh conductive portion (1015a), an eighth conductive portion (1016a), and a ninth conductive portion (1017a). For example, the plurality of non-conductive portions may include a first non-conductive portion (1021a), a second non-conductive portion (1022a), a third non-conductive portion (1023a), a fourth non-conductive portion (1024a), a fifth non-conductive portion (1025a), and a sixth non-conductive portion (1026a). The third conductive portion (1011a) may be disposed between the sixth non-conductive portion (1026a) and the first non-conductive portion (1021a). The fourth conductive portion (1012a) may be disposed between the first non-conductive portion (1021a) and the second non-conductive portion (1022a). The fifth conductive portion (1013a) may be disposed between the second non-conductive portion (1022a) and the third non-conductive portion (1023a). The sixth conductive portion (1014a) may be disposed between the third non-conductive portion (1023a) and the hinge structure (950). The seventh conductive portion (1015a) may be disposed between the hinge structure (950) and the fourth non-conductive portion (1024a). The eighth conductive portion (1016a) may be disposed between the fourth non-conductive portion (1024a) and the fifth non-conductive portion (1025a). The ninth conductive portion (1017a) may be disposed between the fifth non-conductive portion (1025a) and the sixth non-conductive portion (1026a).At least some of the third conductive portion (1011a), the fourth conductive portion (1012a), the fifth conductive portion (1013a), the sixth conductive portion (1014a), the seventh conductive portion (1015a), the eighth conductive portion (1016a), and the ninth conductive portion (1017a) can be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0160] The electronic device (101) may include a second housing portion (920). The second housing portion (920) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a tenth conductive portion (1011b), an eleventh conductive portion (1012b), a twelfth conductive portion (1013b), a thirteenth conductive portion (1014b), a fourteenth conductive portion (1015b), a fifteenth conductive portion (1016b), and a sixteenth conductive portion (1017b). For example, the plurality of non-conductive portions may include a seventh non-conductive portion (1021b), an eighth non-conductive portion (1022b), a ninth non-conductive portion (1023b), a tenth non-conductive portion (1024b), an eleventh non-conductive portion (1025b), and a twelfth non-conductive portion (1026b). The tenth conductive portion (1011b) may be disposed between the twelfth non-conductive portion (1026b) and the seventh non-conductive portion (1021b). The eleventh conductive portion (1012b) may be disposed between the seventh non-conductive portion (1021b) and the eighth non-conductive portion (1022b). The twelfth conductive portion (1013b) may be disposed between the eighth non-conductive portion (1022b) and the ninth non-conductive portion (1023b). The thirteenth conductive portion (1014b) may be disposed between the ninth non-conductive portion (1023b) and the hinge structure (950). The fourteenth conductive portion (1015b) may be disposed between the hinge structure (950) and the tenth non-conductive portion (1024b). The fifteenth conductive portion (1016b) may be disposed between the tenth non-conductive portion (1024b) and the eleventh non-conductive portion (1025b). The sixteenth conductive portion (1017b) may be disposed between the eleventh non-conductive portion (1025b) and the twelfth non-conductive portion (1026b).At least some of the tenth conductive portion (1011b), the eleventh conductive portion (1012b), the twelfth conductive portion (1013b), the thirteenth conductive portion (1014b), the fourteenth conductive portion (1015b), the fifteenth conductive portion (1016b), and the sixteenth conductive portion (1017b) can be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0161] In one embodiment, the first conductive portion (211) may correspond to at least a portion of the third conductive portion (711) of the first housing portion (910). The first signal path (231) may electrically connect the first conductive portion (211) and the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) in the first housing portion (910). The first signal path (231) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting the first conductive portion (211) and a PCB (not shown) on which the NFC circuit (220) is arranged. The first ground path (241) may electrically connect the first conductive portion (211) and the first ground portion (251) in the first housing portion (910). The first ground path (241) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting a PCB (not shown) on which an NFC circuit (220) is arranged and a first conductive portion (211). The first ground portion (251) may correspond to an area of ​​a ground layer of the PCB. The second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive loop (e.g., a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, a conductive pattern of LDS (laser direct structuring)) in the second housing portion (920). The second signal path (232) may electrically connect the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and the second conductive portion (212). The second ground path (242) may electrically connect the second ground portion (252) and the second conductive portion (212). The conductive pattern may have a loop shape. For example, the first end (1031) of the second conductive portion (212) may be connected to the second signal path (232), and the second end (1032) of the second conductive portion (212) may be connected to the second ground path (242).For example, the second ground portion (252) may correspond to the same area or a different area of ​​the ground layer of the PCB of the first housing portion (910).

[0162] Since the NFC circuit (220) and the PCB are positioned in the first housing portion (910) and the second conductive portion (212) is positioned in the second housing portion (920), the second signal path (232) and the second ground path (242) can be arranged across the first housing portion (910) and the second housing portion (920). The electronic device (101) can include an FPCB (not shown) for the second signal path (232) and the second ground path (242). The FPCB can include at least a portion of the second signal path (232). Through the FPCB, the NFC circuit (220) in the first housing portion (910) can be electrically connected to the second conductive portion (212) in the second housing portion (920). The FPCB can include at least a portion of the second ground path (242). Through the above FPCB, the second ground portion (252) of the first housing portion (910) can be electrically connected to the second conductive portion (212) within the second housing portion (920).

[0163] The first conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a first path portion (581). The first path portion (581) may have a first region (591a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (591b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the first path portion (581) may refer to a portion of the first conductive portion (211) that occupies a region between the first region (591a) and the second region (591b). The second conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a second path portion (582). The second path portion (582) may have a first region (592a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (592b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the second path portion (582) may represent a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that occupies a space between the first region (592a) and the second region (592b). The second path portion (582) may be a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that has a region closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. According to one embodiment, the first region (582a) of the second path portion (582) may be electrically connected to the NFC circuit (220), and the second region (582b) of the second path portion (582) may be electrically connected to the second ground portion (252).

[0164] FIG. 10A illustrates a situation in which an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) approaches the electronic device (101) in a first proximity manner (e.g., example (300) of FIG. 3) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state. The direction (1000) of the current of an NFC signal of a conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current may be generated in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction in the first path portion (581). The second conductive portion (212) may include a third path portion (1083). The third path portion (1083) may be a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that has a region closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state. In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the third path portion (1083). In response to the induced current of the third path portion (1083), a current in the first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis) may flow in the second path portion (582). The current flows in a direction from the second ground portion (252) in the second conductive portion (212) toward the second terminal (222). Since an induced current flows in the direction from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221) in the first conductive portion (211), from the perspective of the NFC circuit (220), the two currents can cancel each other out.

[0165] FIG. 10B illustrates a situation in which an external electronic device (301) approaches the electronic device (101) in a first proximity manner (e.g., example (300) of FIG. 3) when the electronic device (101) having the structure of FIG. 10A is in a folded state. The direction (1000) of the current of the NFC signal of the conductive portion (310) of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). According to the induced current, a current flows in the first conductive portion (211) in a direction from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582) closest to the conductive portion of the external electronic device (301). According to the induced current, a current flows in the second conductive portion (212) from the second terminal (22) toward the second ground portion (252). Since a current also flows in the first conductive portion (211) from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221), the two currents flowing in the two conductive portions may flow in the same direction. A voltage difference between the two terminals of the NFC circuit (220) (e.g., the first terminal (221) or the second terminal (222)) may correspond to the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion.

[0166] FIG. 10C illustrates a situation in which an external electronic device (301) approaches the electronic device (101) in a second proximity manner (e.g., example (350) of FIG. 3) when the electronic device (101) having the structure of FIG. 10A is in an unfolded state. A conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may have a shape of a loop (1050). Current of an NFC signal may flow through the loop (1050). The direction of the current of the loop (1050) adjacent to the first path portion (581) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the approach of the external electronic device (301), an induced current may be generated in the first path portion (581) in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction. According to the above induced current, a current may flow in the first conductive portion (211) from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221). The second conductive portion (212) may include a third path portion (1083). The third path portion (1083) may be a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that has a region closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state. The direction of the current in the loop (1050) adjacent to the third path portion (1083) may be the second direction. In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in the first direction (e.g., the (+) y-axis) opposite to the second direction may be generated in the third path portion (1083). In response to the induced current of the third path portion (1083), a current in the second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis)) can flow in the second path portion (582). In the second conductive portion (212), a current flows in a direction from the second terminal (222) toward the second ground portion (252). The two currents of the two conductive portions can flow in directions that do not cancel each other out.The voltage difference between the two terminals of the NFC circuit (220) (e.g., the first terminal (221) or the second terminal (222)) may correspond to the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion.

[0167] FIG. 10D illustrates a situation in which an external electronic device (301) approaches the electronic device (101) in a second proximity manner (e.g., example (350) of FIG. 3) when the electronic device (101) having the structure of FIG. 10A is in a folded state. A conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may have a shape of a loop (1050). Current of an NFC signal may flow through the loop (1050). The direction of the current of the loop (1050) adjacent to the first path portion (581) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the approach of the external electronic device (301), an induced current may be generated in the first path portion (581) in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction. According to the above induced current, a current may flow in the first conductive portion (211) from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221). The direction of the current in the loop (1050) adjacent to the third path portion (1083) may be a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis). An induced current in the first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis) opposite to the second direction may be generated in the third path portion (1083). A current may flow in the second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) in the second path portion (582). The current in the second conductive portion (212) may flow in a direction from the second terminal (222) toward the second ground portion (252). In the first conductive portion (211), an induced current flows in a direction from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221), so that the two currents can flow in directions that do not cancel each other out. The voltage difference between the two terminals of the NFC circuit (220) (e.g., the first terminal (221) or the second terminal (222)) can correspond to the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion.

[0168] Referring to the circuit structure described in FIGS. 10A to 10D, if the current of the first conductive portion (211) flows from the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)) toward the first terminal (221), the current of the second conductive portion (212) can flow from the second terminal (222) toward the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)). Conversely, if the current of the first conductive portion (211) flows from the first terminal (221) toward the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)), the current of the second conductive portion (212) can flow from the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)) toward the second terminal (222).

[0169] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate examples of electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101)) including NFC circuitry and conductive parts. FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate the arrangement of conductive parts in an electronic device (101) having the circuit structure of FIG. 2A (hereinafter, referred to as the first connection structure). The same reference numerals may represent the same or similar descriptions.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 11A, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). For each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582), the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to.

[0171] The electronic device (101) may include a first housing portion (910). The first housing portion (910) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For the first conductive portion (211), each conductive portion and each non-conductive portion of the first housing portion (910), the descriptions of FIG. 10A may be referred to. The electronic device (101) may include a second housing portion (920). The second housing portion (920) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For the second conductive portion (212), each conductive portion and each non-conductive portion of the second housing portion (920), the descriptions of FIG. 10A may be referred to.

[0172] The first conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a first path portion (581). The first path portion (581) may have a first region (591a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (591b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the first path portion (581) may refer to a portion of the first conductive portion (211) that occupies a region between the first region (591a) and the second region (591b). The second conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a second path portion (582). The second path portion (582) may have a first region (592a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (592b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the second path portion (582) may represent a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that occupies a space between the first region (592a) and the second region (592b). The second path portion (582) may be a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that has a region closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. According to one embodiment, the first region (582a) of the second path portion (582) may be electrically connected to the second ground portion (252), and the second region (582b) of the second path portion (582) may be electrically connected to the NFC circuit (220).

[0173] FIG. 11A illustrates a situation in which an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) approaches the electronic device (101) in a first proximity manner (e.g., example (300) of FIG. 3) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state. The direction (1000) of the current of an NFC signal of a conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The second conductive portion (212) may include a third path portion (1083). The third path portion (1083) may be a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that has a region closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state. In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the third path portion (1083). In response to the induced current of the third path portion (1083), a current in the first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis) may flow in the second path portion (582). The current may flow in a direction from the second terminal (222) in the second conductive portion (211) toward the second ground portion (252). In the first conductive portion (211), an induced current flows in a direction from the first ground portion (251) to the first terminal (221), so that the two currents flowing in the two conductive portions can flow in directions that do not cancel each other out. The voltage difference between the two terminals of the NFC circuit (220) (e.g., the first terminal (221), the second terminal (222)) can correspond to the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion.

[0174] FIG. 11B illustrates a situation in which an external electronic device (301) approaches the electronic device (101) in a first proximity manner (e.g., example (300) of FIG. 3) when the electronic device (101) having the structure of FIG. 11A is in a folded state. The direction (1000) of the current of the NFC signal of the conductive portion (310) of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). According to the induced current, a current may flow in the first conductive portion (211) in a direction from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582) adjacent to the conductive portion of the external electronic device (301). According to the induced current, a current may flow in the second conductive portion (212) from the second ground portion (252) toward the second terminal (222). Since a current also flows in the first conductive portion (211) from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221), from the perspective of the NFC circuit (220), the two currents may cancel each other out.

[0175] FIG. 11C illustrates a situation in which an external electronic device (301) approaches the electronic device (101) in a second proximity manner (e.g., example (350) of FIG. 3) when the electronic device (101) having the structure of FIG. 11A is in an unfolded state. A conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may have a shape of a loop (1050). Current of an NFC signal may flow through the loop (1050). The direction of the current of the loop (1050) adjacent to the first path portion (581) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the approach of the external electronic device (301), an induced current may be generated in the first path portion (581) in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction. According to the above induced current, a current may flow in the first conductive portion (211) from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221). The second conductive portion (212) may include a third path portion (1083). The third path portion (1083) may be a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that has a region closest to the loop (1050) of the external electronic device (301) and the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state. The direction of the current of the loop (1050) adjacent to the third path portion (1083) may be the second direction. In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis) opposite to the second direction may be generated in the third path portion (1083). In response to the induced current in the third path portion (1083), a current in the second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis)) can flow in the second path portion (582). In the second conductive portion (212), a current can flow in the direction from the second ground portion (252) toward the second terminal (222).Since current flows in the direction from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221) in the first conductive portion (211), from the perspective of the NFC circuit (220), the two currents can cancel each other out.

[0176] FIG. 11D illustrates a situation in which an external electronic device (301) approaches the electronic device (101) in a second proximity manner (e.g., example (350) of FIG. 3) when the electronic device (101) having the structure of FIG. 11A is in a folded state. A conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may have a shape of a loop (1050). Current of an NFC signal may flow through the loop (1050). The direction of the current of the loop (1050) adjacent to the first path portion (581) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the approach of the external electronic device (301), an induced current may be generated in the first path portion (581) in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction. According to the above induced current, a current may flow in the first conductive portion (211) in a direction from the first ground portion (251) toward the first terminal (221). The direction of the current in the loop (1050) adjacent to the third path portion (1083) may be a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis). An induced current in the first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis) opposite to the second direction may be generated in the third path portion (1083). A current may flow in the second path portion (582) in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis). The current in the second conductive portion (212) may flow in a direction from the second ground portion (252) toward the second terminal (222). Since current flows in the direction from the first ground portion (251) in the first conductive portion (211), from the perspective of the NFC circuit (220), the two currents can cancel each other out.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D, the circuit structure that maximizes the voltage applied to both ends of the NFC circuit (220) may be different depending on whether the state is folded or unfolded, or whether it is the first proximity method (e.g., example (300) of FIG. 3) or the second proximity method (e.g., example (350) of FIG. 3). As the voltage applied to both ends of the NFC circuit (220) increases, the recognition distance for NFC communication may increase. This is because the portion of the second conductive portion (212) that includes the area adjacent to the first path portion (581) varies depending on whether the state of the electronic device (101) is folded or unfolded. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include the circuit structures illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D to provide high recognition distance performance in a folded state. According to another embodiment, assuming the first proximity method (e.g., example (300) of FIG. 3), the electronic device (101) may include the circuit structures illustrated in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D to provide high recognition distance performance in an unfolded state.

[0178] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate examples of foldable-type electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101)) (hereinafter, referred to as foldable electronic devices). FIG. 12A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an exemplary foldable electronic device. FIG. 12B illustrates an example of a folded state of an exemplary foldable electronic device. FIG. 12C is an exploded view of an exemplary foldable electronic device.

[0179] FIG. 12a illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an exemplary foldable electronic device. FIG. 12b illustrates an example of a folded state of an exemplary foldable electronic device. FIG. 12c is an exploded view of an exemplary foldable electronic device.

[0180] Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C, a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (1201), a flexible display (1230) (e.g., display module (160) of FIG. 1), and at least one camera (1240).

[0181] For example, the housing (1201) may form the exterior of the foldable electronic device (101). For example, the housing (1201) may be a physical exterior of the foldable electronic device (101) that is exposed to the outside, and may be disposed inside the foldable electronic device (101) to enclose components that are not exposed to the outside. For example, the housing (1201) may include a first housing portion (1210), a second housing portion (1220), and a hinge structure (1250).

[0182] For example, the first housing portion (1210) may include a first surface (1211), a second surface (1212) opposite the first surface (1211), and a first side surface (1213) surrounding at least a portion of the first surface (1211) and the second surface (1212). For example, the first surface (1211) may be referred to as a front surface of the first housing portion (1210), and the second surface (1212) may be referred to as a rear surface of the first housing portion (1210). The first side surface (1213) may be connected to a periphery of the first surface (1211) and a periphery of the second surface (1212). The first surface (1211), the second surface (1212), and the first side surface (1213) may form an internal space of the first housing portion (1210). For example, at least one component may be placed within the space enclosed by the first surface (1211), the second surface (1212), and the first side surface (1213).

[0183] For example, the second housing portion (1220) may include a third surface (1221), a fourth surface (1222) opposite the third surface (1221), and a second side surface (1223) surrounding at least a portion of the third surface (1221) and the fourth surface (1222). For example, the third surface (1221) may be referred to as a front surface of the second housing portion (1220), and the fourth surface (1222) may be referred to as a rear surface of the second housing portion (1220). The second side surface (1223) may be connected to a periphery of the third surface (1221) and a periphery of the fourth surface (1222). The third side (1221), the fourth side (1222), and the second side (1223) may form an internal space of the second housing portion (1220). For example, at least one component may be placed within the space surrounded by the third side (1221), the fourth side (1222), and the second side (1223).

[0184] For example, the flexible display (1230) may be configured to display visual information. For example, the flexible display (1230) may include a display area including a plurality of pixels. For example, the active area may be referred to as an active area that displays visual information. For example, the flexible display (1230) may form at least a portion of the front surface of the housing (1201). For example, the flexible display (1230) may at least partially form the first surface (1211) and the third surface (1221).

[0185] For example, the flexible display (1230) may include a first display area (1231) forming at least a portion of a first surface (1211) of a first housing portion (1210), a second display area (1232) forming at least a portion of a third surface (1221) of a second housing portion (1220), and a third display area (1233) disposed between the first display area (1231) and the second display area (1232). For example, the first display area (1231), the second display area (1232), and the third display area (1233) may at least partially form a front surface of the housing (1201). For example, the foldable electronic device (101) may further include a sub-display (1235) distinct from the flexible display (1230). The sub-display (1235) may be placed on the fourth side (1222) of the second housing portion (1220). The sub-display (1235) may be referred to as a cover display.

[0186] For example, at least one camera (1240) may be configured to acquire an image based on receiving light from a subject outside the foldable electronic device (101). For example, the at least one camera (1240) may include first cameras (1241), second cameras (1242), or third cameras (1243). For example, the first cameras (1241) may be disposed within the first housing portion (1210). For example, the first housing portion (1210) may include at least one opening (1241a) that overlaps the first cameras (1241) when the foldable type electronic device (101) is viewed from above. The first cameras (1241) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the foldable electronic device (101) through the at least one opening (1241a).

[0187] For example, the second camera (1242) may be disposed within the second housing portion (1220). The second housing portion (1220) may include at least one opening (1242a) that overlaps the second camera (1242) when the foldable electronic device (101) is viewed from above. The second camera (1242) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the foldable electronic device (101) through the at least one opening (1242a).

[0188] For example, the third camera (1243) may be positioned within the first housing portion (1210). For example, the first display area (1231) of the flexible display (1230) may include at least one opening that overlaps the third camera (1243) when the flexible display (1230) is viewed from above. The third camera (1243) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the flexible display (1230) through the at least one opening.

[0189] For example, the second camera (1242) and the third camera (1243) may be positioned below (e.g., in the (+) z-axis direction) the flexible display (1230). For example, the second camera (1242) and / or the third camera (1243) may include an under-display camera (UDC) and / or a punch-hole camera.

[0190] For example, the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220) may be rotatably coupled. For example, the second housing portion (1220) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing portion (1210) via a hinge structure (1250) with respect to the first housing portion (1210).

[0191] For example, the hinge structure (1250) can rotatably connect the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220). The hinge structure (1250) can be disposed between the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220) of the foldable electronic device (101) so that the foldable electronic device (101) can be folded. The hinge structure (1250) can enable the foldable electronic device (101) to change from an unfolding state to a folding state. The hinge structure (1250) can enable the foldable electronic device (101) to change from a folded state to an unfolding state. The hinge structure (1250) can maintain the foldable electronic device (101) in an intermediate state between the unfolding state and the folded state.

[0192] For example, the unfolded state may be referred to as a state in which the first direction toward which the first display area (1230a) faces and the second direction toward which the second display area (1230b) faces are the same. For example, the folded state may be referred to as a state in which the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the foldable electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220) may be covered or overlapped.

[0193] For example, when the foldable electronic device (101) is in a folded state and an intermediate state, the first direction and the second direction may be different from each other. For example, when the foldable electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the first direction and the second direction may be opposite to each other. For example, when the foldable electronic device (101) is in an intermediate state, the first direction may have an inclination (e.g., an angle between 0 and 180 degrees) with respect to the second direction.

[0194] For example, the foldable electronic device (101) may be rotatable about a folding axis (f). The folding axis (f) may be referred to as an imaginary line extending along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the foldable electronic device (101) (e.g., y-axis) or a direction parallel to the width direction of the foldable electronic device (101) (e.g., x-axis).

[0195] For example, the foldable electronic device (101) may include at least one conductive portion (1214a, 224a) and at least one non-conductive portion (1214b, 1224b) included within the first side (1213) and / or the third side (1223). For example, the at least one conductive portion (1214a, 1224a) may be separated from other conductive portions within the first side (1213) and / or the third side (1223) by being in contact with the at least one non-conductive portion (1214b, 1224b). The at least one conductive portion (1214a, 1224a) may operate as an antenna radiator to be used for communication with an external electronic device.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 12C, the hinge structure (1250) may include a hinge cover (1251), a first hinge plate (1252), a second hinge plate (1253), and a hinge module (1254). The hinge cover (1251) may surround internal components of the hinge structure (1250) and form an outer surface of the hinge structure (1250). For example, when the foldable electronic device (101) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge cover (1251) may be exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device (101) through a space between the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220). According to another embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (1251) may be covered by the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220) and may not be exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device (101).

[0197] For example, the first hinge plate (1252) and the second hinge plate (1253) can be operatively coupled with the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220), respectively, thereby rotatably connecting the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220). For example, the first hinge plate (1252) can be operatively coupled with the first frame (1215) of the first housing portion (1210), and the second hinge plate (1253) can be operatively coupled with the second frame (1227) of the second housing portion (1220). As the first hinge plate (1252) and the second hinge plate (1253) are operatively coupled to the first frame (1215) and the second frame (1227), respectively, the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220) can be rotated according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (1252) and the second hinge plate (1253).

[0198] The hinge module (1254) can rotate the first hinge plate (1252) and the second hinge plate (1253). For example, the hinge module (1254) can rotate the first hinge plate (1252) and the second hinge plate (1253) about the folding axis (f) by including gears that are interlocked with each other and can rotate.

[0199] For example, the first housing portion (1210) may include a first frame (1215) and a rear cover (1216). The first frame (1215) may be disposed inside the first housing portion (1210) and may support at least one component disposed inside the first housing portion (1210). The rear cover (1216) may at least partially form a second surface (1222) of the first housing portion (1210). For example, the second housing portion (1220) may include a second frame (1227). The second frame (1227) may be disposed inside the second housing portion (1220) and may support at least one component disposed inside the second housing portion (1220). For example, the sub-display (1235) may be disposed below (e.g., in the (+) z-axis direction) the second frame (1227).

[0200] An exemplary foldable electronic device (101) may include a plurality of electronic components for implementing various functions, in addition to at least one camera (1240) described above. For example, the foldable electronic device (101) may include a first printed circuit board (1261), a second printed circuit board (1262), a connection structure (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board) (1263), and / or a battery (189). The electronic components described above are merely exemplary and are not limited thereto.

[0201] For example, the first printed circuit board (1261) and the second printed circuit board (1262) may each provide electrical connections between components within the foldable electronic device (101). For example, the first printed circuit board (1261) may be disposed within the first housing portion (1210), and the second printed circuit board (1262) may be disposed within the second housing portion (1220). The first printed circuit board (1261) may provide electrical connections between electronic components disposed within the first housing portion (1210). The second printed circuit board (1262) may provide electrical connections between electronic components disposed within the second housing portion (1220). The connection structure (1263) may electrically connect the first printed circuit board (1261) and the second printed circuit board (1262). For example, the connection structure (1263) may extend from the first printed circuit board (1261) across the hinge structure (1250) to the second printed circuit board (1262). For example, the connection structure (1263) may at least partially overlap the hinge structure (1250).

[0202] For example, the battery (189) may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the foldable electronic device (101), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery and / or a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0203] For example, the foldable electronic device (101) may include a plurality of antennas (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, ANT4) to be used for communication with an external electronic device. For example, the foldable electronic device (101) may include a main antenna (ANT1), a sub antenna (ANT2), an ultra-wide band (UWB) antenna (ANT3), and / or an antenna for short-range wireless communication (ANT4). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0204] Hereinafter, one or more components to be described with reference to the drawings may be implemented together with components of the foldable electronic device (101) described with reference to FIGS. 12a, 12b, and 12c. The same reference numerals are assigned to components identical to those described above, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0205] In this disclosure, relative terms such as "above" and "under" may be used to describe relative positions between components. For example, if the foldable electronic device (101) illustrated in the drawing is flipped over, "above" and "under" may be interchanged.

[0206] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate examples of a foldable-type electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) having a first connection structure (e.g., circuit structure of FIG. 2A) for an NFC circuit (e.g., NFC circuit (220)) and conductive portions (e.g., first conductive portion (211), second conductive portion (212)). The same reference numerals may represent the same or similar descriptions.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 13A, the state of the electronic device (101) may be an unfolded state. The electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). For each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582), the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to.

[0208] The electronic device (101) may include a first housing portion (1210). The first housing portion (1210) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a third conductive portion (1311a), a fourth conductive portion (1312a), and / or a fifth conductive portion (1313a). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a first non-conductive portion (1321a) and / or a second non-conductive portion (1322a). The first non-conductive portion (1321a) may be formed between the third conductive portion (1311a) and the fourth conductive portion (1312a). The second non-conductive portion (1322a) may be formed between the third conductive portion (1311a) and the fifth conductive portion (1313a). For example, at least some of the third conductive portion (1311a), the fourth conductive portion (1312a), and the fifth conductive portion (1313a) may be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal. The electronic device (101) may include a second housing portion (1220). The second housing portion (1220) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a sixth conductive portion (1311b), a seventh conductive portion (1312b), and / or an eighth conductive portion (1313b). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a third non-conductive portion (1321b) and / or a fourth non-conductive portion (1322b). The third non-conductive portion (1321b) may be formed between the sixth conductive portion (1311a) and the seventh conductive portion (1312a). The fourth non-conductive portion (1322b) may be formed between the sixth conductive portion (1311a) and the eighth conductive portion (1313a). For example, at least some of the sixth conductive portion (1311b), the seventh conductive portion (1312b), and the eighth conductive portion (1313b) may be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0209] In one embodiment, the first conductive portion (211) may correspond to at least a portion of the third conductive portion (1311a) of the first housing portion (1210). The first signal path (231) may electrically connect the first conductive portion (211) and the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). Since the NFC circuit (220) is disposed in the second housing portion (1220), the first signal path (231) may electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211) across the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220), for example, via a connecting member (1361) (e.g., FPCB). The first signal path (231) may include a first partial path (231a) corresponding to the first housing portion (1210) and a second partial path (231b) corresponding to the second housing portion (1220). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting a PCB (not shown) on which at least a portion of the first partial path (231a) is disposed and the first conductive portion (211). The first ground path (241) may electrically connect the first conductive portion (211) and the first ground portion (251) in the first housing portion (1210). For example, the first ground path (241) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting a PCB (not shown) disposed in the first housing portion (1210) and the first conductive portion (211). For example, the first ground portion (251) may correspond to an area of ​​a ground layer of the PCB. According to one embodiment, the second conductive portion (212) may include a conductive loop (e.g., a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, or a conductive pattern of LDS (laser direct structuring)) in the second housing portion (1220).The second signal path (232) can electrically connect the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and the second conductive portion (212). The second ground path (242) can electrically connect the second ground portion (252) and the second conductive portion (212). The conductive pattern can have, for example, a loop shape. For example, the second ground portion (252) can correspond to the ground layer of the PCB of the second housing portion (1210).

[0210] When an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) approaches the electronic device (101), an NFC signal of a conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may cause current to flow in each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212). The first conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a first path portion (581). The first path portion (581) may have a first region (591a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (591b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the first path portion (581) may represent a portion of the first conductive portion (211) that occupies a region between the first region (591a) and the second region (591b). The direction (1300) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The second conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a second path portion (582). The second path portion (582) may have a first region (592a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (592b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the second path portion (582) may represent a region occupying a space between the first region (592a) and the second region (592b) among the second conductive portion (212). The second path portion (582) may include a region of the second conductive portion (212) that is closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state.In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582).

[0211] The greater the voltage difference between the two terminals (e.g., the first terminal (221) or the second terminal (222)) of the NFC circuit (220), the greater the recognition distance of NFC communication. In order to increase the voltage difference between the two terminals, the current flowing in the circuit including the first conductive portion (211) must not cancel out the current flowing in the circuit including the second conductive portion (211). In other words, when the electrical path of the first conductive portion (211) and the electrical path of the second conductive portion (211) are assumed to be a closed circuit, the directions of the currents within the closed circuit must be the same. Here, the same direction of the current may indicate that if the current of the first conductive portion (211) flows from the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)) toward the first terminal (211), the current of the second conductive portion (212) flows from the second terminal (222) toward the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)). When the directions of the currents are the same, the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion does not cancel each other out, so the voltage difference between the two terminals of the NFC circuit (220) (e.g., the first terminal (221) or the second terminal (222)) may correspond to the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion. However, while the conductive portions within the electronic device (101) are fixedly arranged, the state of the electronic device (101) may be fluid, such as a folded state or an unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a switching circuit (1350). Through the switching circuit (1350), the performance of NFC communication can be guaranteed to be above a certain level even if the state of the electronic device (101) changes.

[0212] According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1350) can be connected to a first end (1331) of the second conductive portion (212), a second end (1332) of the second conductive portion (212), a second ground portion (252), and a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1350), in a first connection mode, can electrically connect the first end (1331) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252) and electrically connect the second end (1332) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1350) may electrically connect a first end (1331) of the second conductive portion (212) to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) in the second connection mode, and electrically connect a second end (1332) of the second conductive portion (212) to a second ground portion (252). For example, the switching circuit (1350) may be a double pole double throw (DPDT). A first pole (1351) of the DPDT may correspond to a first end (1331) of the second conductive portion (212). A second pole (1352) of the DPDT may correspond to a second end (1332) of the second conductive portion (212). A first throw (1353) of the DPDT may correspond to a second ground portion (252). The second throw (1354) of the above DPDT can correspond to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).

[0213] For example, the direction (1300) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). The current of the first conductive portion (211) may flow in a direction from the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)) toward the first terminal (221). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the second conductive portion (212) may be required to flow in a direction from the second terminal (222) toward the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the switching circuit (1350) may be controlled to electrically connect the first end (1331) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and to electrically connect the second end (1332) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252). In other words, since an area (e.g., a first area (591a)) close to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the first path portion (581) is electrically connected to the ground, an area (e.g., a second area (592b)) close to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the second path portion (582) may be required to be electrically connected to the ground, so that the switching circuit (1350) can operate in the second connection mode.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 13B, the state of the electronic device (101) may be a folded state. FIG. 13B illustrates a structure in which the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220) of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 13A are folded. The direction (1300) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). The current of the first conductive portion (211) may flow in a direction from the first terminal (221) toward the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the second conductive portion (212) may be required to flow in a direction from the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)) toward the second terminal (222). According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the switching circuit (1350) may be controlled to electrically connect the first end (1331) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252) and to electrically connect the second end (1332) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In other words, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, an area (e.g., a first area (591a)) close to the second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the first path portion (581) is electrically connected to the ground, and therefore, an area (e.g., a first area (592a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) of the second path portion (582) may be required to be electrically connected to the ground. The switching circuit (1350) may operate in the first connection mode.

[0215] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate examples of a foldable-type electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) having a second connection structure (e.g., circuit structure of FIG. 2B) for an NFC circuit (e.g., NFC circuit (220)) and conductive portions (e.g., first conductive portion (211) or second conductive portion (212)). The same reference numerals may represent the same or similar descriptions.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 14A, the state of the electronic device (101) may be an unfolded state. The electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). For each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582), the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to.

[0217] The electronic device (101) may include a first housing portion (1210). The first housing portion (1210) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a third conductive portion (1411a), a fourth conductive portion (1412a), and a fifth conductive portion (1414a). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a first non-conductive portion (1421a) and a second non-conductive portion (1422a). The first non-conductive portion (1421a) may be formed between the third conductive portion (1411a) and the fourth conductive portion (1412a). The second non-conductive portion (1422a) may be formed between the third conductive portion (1411a) and the fifth conductive portion (1414a). For example, at least some of the third conductive portion (1411a), the fourth conductive portion (1412a), and the fifth conductive portion (1414a) may be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal. The electronic device (101) may include a second housing portion (1220). The second housing portion (1220) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a sixth conductive portion (1411b), a seventh conductive portion (1412b), and an eighth conductive portion (1414b). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a third non-conductive portion (1421b) and a fourth non-conductive portion (1422b). The third non-conductive portion (1421b) may be formed between the sixth conductive portion (1411b) and the seventh conductive portion (1412b). The fourth non-conductive portion (1422b) may be formed between the sixth conductive portion (1411b) and the eighth conductive portion (1414b). For example, at least some of the sixth conductive portion (1411b), the seventh conductive portion (1412b), and the eighth conductive portion (1413b) may be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the first conductive portion (211) may correspond to at least a portion of the third conductive portion (1411a) of the first housing portion (1210). The first conductive portion (211) may be electrically connected to the NFC circuit (220). For example, the NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to the first conductive portion (211) via the first signal path (261) and the third signal path (263). The electronic device (101) may include a switching circuit (1450) to provide stable NFC performance depending on the state of the electronic device (101), as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B . The switching circuit (1450) may be connected to the first signal path (261) and the third signal path (263). The electronic device (101) may include a first connection path (1441) and a second connection path (1442) to electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211). The first connection path (1441) may be connected to an area (e.g., a first area (591a)) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the first conductive portion (211) (e.g., the first path portion (581)). The second connection path (1442) may be connected to an area (e.g., a second area (591b)) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the first conductive portion (211) (e.g., the first path portion (581)). Since the first conductive portion (211) is disposed in the first housing portion (1210) and the NFC circuit (220) is disposed in the second housing portion (1220), each of the first connection path (1441) and the second connection path (1442) can electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211) across the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220) via a connection member (1461) (e.g., FPCB).The first connection path (1441) may include a first partial connection path (1441a) corresponding to the first housing portion (1210) and a second partial connection path (1441b) corresponding to the second housing portion (1220). The second connection path (1442) may include a third partial connection path (1442a) corresponding to the first housing portion (1210) and a fourth partial connection path (1442b) corresponding to the second housing portion (1220). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (101) may include a connection member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting the first partial connection path (1441a) and the first conductive portion (211). The electronic device (101) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting the third portion connection path (1442a) and the first conductive portion (211). According to one embodiment, the second conductive portion (212) may include a conductive loop (e.g., a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, or a conductive pattern of LDS (laser direct structuring)) in the second housing portion (1220). For example, the conductive pattern may have a loop shape. The second signal path (262) may electrically connect the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and the second conductive portion (212). The fourth signal path (264) may electrically connect the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and the second conductive portion (212).

[0219] When an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) approaches the electronic device (101), an NFC signal of a conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may cause current to flow in each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212). The first conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a first path portion (581). The first path portion (581) may have a first region (591a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (591b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the first path portion (581) may represent a portion of the first conductive portion (211) that occupies a region between the first region (591a) and the second region (591b). The direction (1400) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The second conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a second path portion (582). The second path portion (582) may have a first region (592a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (592b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the second path portion (582) may represent a region occupying a space between the first region (592a) and the second region (592b) among the second conductive portion (212). The second path portion (582) may include a region of the second conductive portion (212) that is closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state.In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582).

[0220] Since the electronic device (101) operates in a folded state or an unfolded state, the electronic device (101) may include a switching circuit (1450). Through the switching circuit (1450), the performance of NFC communication may be guaranteed to be above a certain level even if the state of the electronic device (101) changes. The switching circuit (1450) may be connected to a first signal path (261), a third signal path (263), a first connection path (1441), and a second connection path (1442). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1450), in the first connection mode, may electrically connect the first connection path (1441) and the first signal path (261), and electrically connect the second connection path (1442) and the third signal path (263). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1450) may electrically connect the first connection path (1441) and the third signal path (263) in the second connection mode, and electrically connect the second connection path (1442) and the first signal path (261). For example, the switching circuit (1450) may be a double pole double throw (DPDT). The first pole (1451) of the DPDT may correspond to the second connection path (1442). The second pole (1452) of the DPDT may correspond to the first connection path (1441). The first throw (1453) of the DPDT may correspond to the first signal path (261) connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The second throw (1454) of the above DPDT can correspond to the third signal path (263) connected to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).

[0221] In order to increase the recognition distance of NFC communication, the directions of the currents flowing in the conductive portions may be required to be the same. When the directions of the currents are the same, the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion does not cancel each other out, so the voltage difference between the two terminals of the NFC circuit (220) (e.g., the first terminal (221) or the second terminal (222)) may correspond to the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion. For example, the direction (1400) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis)). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The current in the second conductive portion (212) may flow in a direction from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current in the first conductive portion (211) may be required to flow in a direction from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the switching circuit (1450) may be controlled to electrically connect a first signal path (261) corresponding to a first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and a first connection path (1441), and to electrically connect a third signal path (263) corresponding to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and a second connection path (1442).In other words, since an area (e.g., a first area (592a)) close to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the second path portion (582) is electrically connected to a first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), an area (e.g., a second area (592a)) close to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the first path portion (581) may be required to be electrically connected to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). The switching circuit (1450) may operate in the first connection mode.

[0222] Referring to Fig. 14b, the state of the electronic device (101) may be a folded state. Fig. 14b illustrates a structure in which the first housing portion (1210) and the second housing portion (1220) of the electronic device (101) of Fig. 14a are folded. The direction (1400) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The induced current may flow from the second region (591b) to the first region (591a). The current of the second conductive portion (212) may flow in a direction coming from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and may flow in a direction toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the first conductive portion (211) may be required to flow in a direction coming from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and may flow in a direction toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the switching circuit (1450) may be controlled to electrically connect a first signal path (261) corresponding to a first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and a second connection path (1442), and to electrically connect a third signal path (263) corresponding to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and the first connection path (1441).In other words, since an area (e.g., a first area (592a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the second path portion (582) is electrically connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), an area (e.g., a second area (591b)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the first path portion (581) may be required to be electrically connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The switching circuit (1450) may operate in the second connection mode.

[0223] FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C illustrate examples of a multi-foldable-type electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) having a first connection structure (e.g., circuit structure of FIG. 2A) for an NFC circuit (e.g., NFC circuit (220)) and conductive portions (e.g., first conductive portion (211), second conductive portion (212)). The same reference numerals may represent the same or similar descriptions.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 15A, the state of the electronic device (101) may be an unfolded state. The electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). For each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582), the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to.

[0225] The electronic device (101) may include a first housing portion (1530a), a second housing portion (1530b), and a third housing portion (1530c). The electronic device (101) may include a first hinge structure (1535a) and a second hinge structure (1535b). The first housing portion (1530a) may be rotatably coupled to the second housing portion (1530b) via the first hinge structure (1535a). The second housing portion (1530b) may be rotatably coupled to the third housing portion (1530c) via the second hinge structure (1535b). The first housing portion (1530a) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a third conductive portion (1511a), a fourth conductive portion (1512a), and / or a fifth conductive portion (1513a). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a first non-conductive portion (1521a) and / or a second non-conductive portion (1522a). The first non-conductive portion (1521a) may be formed between the third conductive portion (1511a) and the fourth conductive portion (1512a). The second non-conductive portion (1522a) may be formed between the third conductive portion (1511a) and the fifth conductive portion (1513a). For example, at least some of the third conductive portion (1511a), the fourth conductive portion (1512a), and the fifth conductive portion (1513a) can be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0226] The second housing portion (1530b) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a sixth conductive portion (1511b), a seventh conductive portion (1512b), and / or an eighth conductive portion (1513b). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a third non-conductive portion (1521b) and / or a fourth non-conductive portion (1522b). The third non-conductive portion (1521b) may be formed between the sixth conductive portion (1511b) and the seventh conductive portion (1512b). The fourth non-conductive portion (1522b) may be formed between the sixth conductive portion (1511b) and the eighth conductive portion (1513b). For example, at least some of the sixth conductive portion (1511b), the seventh conductive portion (1512b), and the eighth conductive portion (1513b) can be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0227] The third housing portion (1530c) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a ninth conductive portion (1511c), a tenth conductive portion (1512c), and / or an eleventh conductive portion (1513c). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a fifth non-conductive portion (1521c) and / or a sixth non-conductive portion (1522c). The fifth non-conductive portion (1521c) may be formed between the ninth conductive portion (1511c) and the tenth conductive portion (1512c). The sixth non-conductive portion (1522c) may be formed between the ninth conductive portion (1511c) and the eleventh conductive portion (1513c). For example, at least some of the ninth conductive portion (1511c), the tenth conductive portion (1512c), and the eleventh conductive portion (1513c) can be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0228] In one embodiment, the first conductive portion (211) may correspond to at least a portion of the third conductive portion (1511a) of the first housing portion (1530a). The first signal path (231) may electrically connect the first conductive portion (211) and the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). Since the NFC circuit (220) is disposed in the third housing portion (1530c), the first signal path (231) may electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211) across the first housing portion (1530a), the second housing portion (1530b), and the third housing portion (1530c). For example, the first signal path (231) may electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211) across the first housing portion (1530a) and the second housing portion (1530b) via the first connecting member (1561) (e.g., FPCB). For example, the first signal path (231) may electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211) across the second housing portion (1530b) and the third housing portion (1530c) via the second connecting member (1562) (e.g., FPCB). The first signal path (231) may include a first partial path (231a) corresponding to the first housing portion (1530a), a second partial path (231b) corresponding to the second housing portion (1530b), and a third partial path (231c) corresponding to the third housing portion (1530c). The electronic device (101) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting the first partial path (231a) and the first conductive portion (211). The first ground path (241) may electrically connect the first conductive portion (211) and the first ground portion (251) in the first housing portion (1210).The first ground path (241) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting with the first conductive portion (211). For example, the first ground portion (251) may correspond to an area of ​​a ground layer of a PCB positioned in the first housing portion (1210). According to one embodiment, the second conductive portion (212) may include a conductive loop (e.g., a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, or a conductive pattern of LDS (laser direct structuring)) in the third housing portion (1530c). The second signal path (232) may electrically connect the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and the second conductive portion (212). The second ground path (242) may electrically connect the second ground portion (252) and the second conductive portion (212). For example, the conductive pattern may have a loop shape. For example, the second ground portion (252) may correspond to the ground layer of the PCB of the second housing portion (1210).

[0229] When an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) approaches the electronic device (101), an NFC signal of a conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may cause current to flow in each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212). The first conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a first path portion (581). The first path portion (581) may have a first region (591a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (591b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the first path portion (581) may represent a portion of the first conductive portion (211) that occupies a region between the first region (591a) and the second region (591b). The direction (1500) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The second conductive portion (212) of the electronic device (101) may include a second path portion (582). The second path portion (582) may have a first region (592a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (592b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the second path portion (582) may represent a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that occupies a space between the first region (592a) and the second region (592b).The second path portion (582) may include a region of the second conductive portion (212) that is closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., the first housing portion (1530a), the second housing portion (1530a), and the third housing portion (1530a) are all folded). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., the (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582).

[0230] As the voltage difference between the two terminals (e.g., the first terminal (221) or the second terminal (222)) of the NFC circuit (220) increases, the recognition distance of NFC communication can increase. In order to increase the voltage difference between the two terminals, the direction of the current flowing in the circuit including the first conductive portion (211) must be the same as the direction of the current flowing in the circuit including the second conductive portion (211). Here, the same direction of the current may mean that if the current of the first conductive portion (211) flows from the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)) to the first terminal (221), the current of the second conductive portion (212) flows in a direction from the second terminal (222) to the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)). When the directions of the currents are the same, the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion does not cancel each other out, so the voltage difference between the two terminals of the NFC circuit (220) (e.g., the first terminal (221), the second terminal (222)) can correspond to the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion. However, while the conductive portions within the electronic device (101) are fixedly arranged, the state of the electronic device (101) can be flexible, such as a folded state, a half-folded state (e.g., a state in which the first housing portion (1530a) and the second housing portion (1530b) are folded and the second housing portion (1530b) and the third housing portion (1530c) are unfolded, or a state in which the second housing portion (1530b) and the third housing portion (1530c) are folded and the second housing portion (1530b) and the first housing portion (1530a) are unfolded), or an unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a switching circuit (1550). Through the switching circuit (1550), the performance of NFC communication may be guaranteed to a certain level or higher even when the state of the electronic device (101) changes.

[0231] The switching circuit (1550) can be connected to a first end (1531) of the second conductive portion (212), a second end (1532) of the second conductive portion (212), a second ground portion (252), and a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1550), in a first connection mode, can electrically connect the first end (1531) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252) and electrically connect the second end (1532) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1550) may, in the second connection mode, electrically connect a first end (1531) of the second conductive portion (212) to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220), and electrically connect a second end (1532) of the second conductive portion (212) to a second ground portion (252). For example, the switching circuit (1550) may be a double pole double throw (DPDT). A first pole (1551) of the DPDT may correspond to a first end (1531) of the second conductive portion (212). A second pole (1552) of the DPDT may correspond to a second end (1532) of the second conductive portion (212). A first throw (1553) of the DPDT may correspond to a second ground portion (252). The second throw (1554) of the above DPDT can correspond to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).

[0232] The direction (1500) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). The current of the first conductive portion (211) may flow in a direction from the first terminal (221) toward the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the second conductive portion (212) may be required to flow in a direction from the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)) toward the second terminal (222). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the switching circuit (1550) may be controlled to electrically connect the first end (1531) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252) and to electrically connect the second end (1532) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In other words, since an area (e.g., a second area (591b)) close to the second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the first path portion (581) is electrically connected to the ground, an area (e.g., a first area (592a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the second path portion (582) may be required to be electrically connected to the ground. The switching circuit (1550) may operate in the first connection mode.

[0233] Referring to Fig. 15b, the state of the electronic device (101) may be a half-folded state. In Fig. 15b, a structure is illustrated in which the first housing portion (1530a) and the second housing portion (1530b) of the electronic device (101) of Fig. 15a are folded, and the second housing portion (1530b) and the third housing portion (1530c) are not folded. The direction (1500) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current may be generated in the second path portion (582) in a second direction (e.g., the (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction. The current in the first conductive portion (211) may flow in a direction from the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)) toward the first terminal (221). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current in the second conductive portion (212) may be required to flow in a direction from the second terminal (222) toward the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a semi-folded state, the switching circuit (1350) can be controlled to electrically connect the first end (1531) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and electrically connect the second end (1532) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252). In other words, when the electronic device (101) is in a semi-folded state, an area (e.g., a first area (591a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the first path portion (581) is electrically connected to the ground, and therefore, an area (e.g., a first area (592a)) close to the second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) of the second path portion (582) may be required to be electrically connected to the ground.The switching circuit (1350) can operate in a second connection mode.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 15C, the state of the electronic device (101) may be a folded state. FIG. 15C illustrates a structure in which a first housing portion (1530a) and a second housing portion (1530b) are folded through a first hinge structure (1535a), and a second housing portion (1530b) and a third housing portion (1530c) are folded through a second hinge structure (1535b). FIG. 15C illustrates a structure in which the third housing portion (1530c) of FIGS. 15A and 15B does not move, and only the other housing portions (e.g., the first housing portion (1530a), the second housing portion (1530b)) move. The direction (1500) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., the (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., the (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., the (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). The current of the first conductive portion (211) may flow from the first terminal (221) toward the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the second conductive portion (212) may be required to flow from the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)) to the second terminal (222). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the switching circuit (1350) may be controlled to electrically connect the first end (1531) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252) and to electrically connect the second end (1532) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).In other words, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, an area (e.g., a second area (591b)) close to the second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the first path portion (581) is electrically connected to the ground, and therefore, an area (e.g., a first area (592a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) of the second path portion (582) may be required to be electrically connected to the ground. The switching circuit (1550) may operate in the first connection mode.

[0235] FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C illustrate examples of a multi-foldable-type electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) having a second connection structure (e.g., circuit structure of FIG. 2B) for an NFC circuit (e.g., NFC circuit (220)) and conductive portions (e.g., first conductive portion (211), second conductive portion (212)). The same reference numerals may represent the same or similar descriptions.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 16A, the state of the electronic device (101) may be an unfolded state. The electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). For each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582), the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to.

[0237] The electronic device (101) may include a first housing portion (1630a), a second housing portion (1630b), and a third housing portion (1630c). The electronic device (101) may include a first hinge structure (1635a) and a second hinge structure (1635b). The first housing portion (1630a) may be rotatably coupled to the second housing portion (1630b) via the first hinge structure (1635a). The second housing portion (1630b) may be rotatably coupled to the third housing portion (1630c) via the second hinge structure (1635b).

[0238] The first housing portion (1630a) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a third conductive portion (1611a), a fourth conductive portion (1612a), and / or a fifth conductive portion (1613a). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a first non-conductive portion (1621a) and / or a second non-conductive portion (1622a). The first non-conductive portion (1621a) may be formed between the third conductive portion (1611a) and the fourth conductive portion (1612a). The second non-conductive portion (1622a) may be formed between the third conductive portion (1611a) and the fifth conductive portion (1613a). For example, at least some of the third conductive portion (1611a), the fourth conductive portion (1612a), and the fifth conductive portion (1613a) can be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0239] The second housing portion (1630b) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a sixth conductive portion (1611b), a seventh conductive portion (1612b), and / or an eighth conductive portion (1613b). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a third non-conductive portion (1621b) and / or a fourth non-conductive portion (1622b). The third non-conductive portion (1621b) may be formed between the sixth conductive portion (1611b) and the seventh conductive portion (1612b). The fourth non-conductive portion (1622b) may be formed between the sixth conductive portion (1611b) and the eighth conductive portion (1613b). For example, at least some of the sixth conductive portion (1611b), the seventh conductive portion (1612b), and the eighth conductive portion (1613b) can be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0240] The third housing portion (1630c) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For example, the plurality of conductive portions may include a ninth conductive portion (1611c), a tenth conductive portion (1612c), and / or an eleventh conductive portion (1613c). The plurality of non-conductive portions may include a fifth non-conductive portion (1621c) and / or a sixth non-conductive portion (1622c). The fifth non-conductive portion (1621c) may be formed between the ninth conductive portion (1611c) and the tenth conductive portion (1612c). The sixth non-conductive portion (1622c) may be formed between the ninth conductive portion (1611c) and the eleventh conductive portion (1613c). For example, at least some of the ninth conductive portion (1611c), the tenth conductive portion (1612c), and the eleventh conductive portion (1613c) can be used as a radiator of an antenna for transmitting a wireless signal.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the first conductive portion (211) may correspond to at least a portion of the third conductive portion (1611a) of the first housing portion (1630a). The first conductive portion (211) may be electrically connected to the NFC circuit (220). For example, the NFC circuit (220) may be electrically connected to the first conductive portion (211) via the first signal path (261) and the third signal path (263). The electronic device (101) may include a switching circuit (1650) to provide stable NFC performance depending on the state of the electronic device (101), as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C. The switching circuit (1650) may be connected to the first signal path (261) and the third signal path (263). The switching circuit (1650) may be connected to a first connection path (1641) and a second connection path (1642) to electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211). The first connection path (1641) may be connected to an area (e.g., a first area (591a)) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the first conductive portion (211) (e.g., the first path portion (581)). The second connection path (1642) may be connected to an area (e.g., a second area (591b)) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the first conductive portion (211) (e.g., the first path portion (581)). In one embodiment, the first conductive portion (211) may be disposed in the first housing portion (1630a) and the NFC circuit (220) may be disposed in the third housing portion (1630c), such that each of the first connection path (1641) and the second connection path (1642) may electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211) across the first housing portion (1630a), the second housing portion (1630b), and the third housing portion (1630c).For example, each of the first connection path (1641) and the second connection path (1642) may electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211) across the first housing portion (1630a) and the second housing portion (1630b) via the first connection member (1661) (e.g., FPCB). For example, each of the first connection path (1641) and the second connection path (1642) may electrically connect the NFC circuit (220) and the first conductive portion (211) across the second housing portion (1630b) and the third housing portion (1630c) via the second connection member (1662) (e.g., FPCB). For example, the first connection path (1641) may include a first partial connection path (1641a) corresponding to the first housing portion (1630a), a second partial connection path (1641b) corresponding to the second housing portion (1630b), and a third partial connection path (1641c) corresponding to the third housing portion (1630c). For example, the second connection path (1642) may include a fourth partial connection path (1642a) corresponding to the first housing portion (1630a), a fifth partial connection path (1642b) corresponding to the second housing portion (1630b), and a sixth partial connection path (1642c) corresponding to the third housing portion (1630c). As a non-limiting example, the electronic device (101) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting the first partial connection path (1641a) and the first conductive portion (211). The electronic device (101) may include a connecting member (e.g., a C-clip, a metal sheet, or a conductive member) for electrically connecting the fourth partial connection path (1642a) and the first conductive portion (211). In one embodiment, the second conductive portion (212) may be a conductive loop (e.g., a conductive pattern formed on a dielectric substrate, or a conductive pattern of LDS (laser direct structuring)) in the second housing portion (1220).The above conductive pattern may have a loop shape. The second signal path (262) may electrically connect the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and the second conductive portion (212). The fourth signal path (264) may electrically connect the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and the second conductive portion (212).

[0242] When an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) approaches the electronic device (101), an NFC signal of a conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may cause current to flow in each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212). The first conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a first path portion (581). The first path portion (581) may have a first region (591a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (591b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the first path portion (581) may represent a portion of the first conductive portion (211) that occupies a region between the first region (591a) and the second region (591b). The direction (1600) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The second conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a second path portion (582). The second path portion (582) may have a first region (592a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (592b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the second path portion (582) may represent a region occupying a space between the first region (592a) and the second region (592b) among the second conductive portion (212). The second path portion (582) may include a region of the second conductive portion (212) that is closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state.In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582).

[0243] According to one embodiment, since the state of the electronic device (101) can operate in a folded state, a half-force state, or an unfolded state, the electronic device (101) can include a switching circuit (1650). Through the switching circuit (1650), the performance of NFC communication can be guaranteed to be above a certain level even if the state of the electronic device (101) changes. The switching circuit (1650) can be connected to a first signal path (261), a third signal path (263), a first connection path (1641), and a second connection path (1642). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1650), in the first connection mode, can electrically connect the first connection path (1641) and the first signal path (261) and electrically connect the second connection path (1642) and the third signal path (263). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1650) may electrically connect the first connection path (1641) and the third signal path (263) in the second connection mode, and electrically connect the second connection path (1642) and the first signal path (261). For example, the switching circuit (1650) may be a double pole double throw (DPDT). The first pole (1651) of the DPDT may correspond to the first connection path (1641). The second pole (1652) of the DPDT may correspond to the second connection path (1642). The first throw (1653) of the DPDT may correspond to the first signal path (261) connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The second throw (1654) of the above DPDT can correspond to the third signal path (263) connected to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).

[0244] In order to increase the recognition distance of NFC communication, the directions of the currents flowing in the conductive portions may be required to be the same. When the directions of the currents are the same, the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion does not cancel each other out, so the voltage difference between the two terminals (e.g., the first terminal (221) or the second terminal (222)) of the NFC circuit (220) may correspond to the sum of the voltages applied to each conductive portion. The direction (1600) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis)). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The current of the second conductive portion (212) may flow in a direction coming from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and may flow in a direction toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the first conductive portion (211) may be required to flow in a direction coming from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and may flow in a direction toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the switching circuit (1650) may be controlled to electrically connect a first signal path (261) corresponding to a first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and a first connection path (1641), and to electrically connect a third signal path (263) corresponding to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and a second connection path (1642).In other words, since an area (e.g., a first area (592a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the second path portion (582) is electrically connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), an area (e.g., a first area (591a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the first path portion (581) may be required to be electrically connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The switching circuit (1650) may operate in the first connection mode.

[0245] Referring to Fig. 16b, the state of the electronic device (101) may be a semi-folded state. In Fig. 16b, the first housing portion (1630a) and the second housing portion (1630b) of the electronic device (101) of Fig. 16a are folded, and the second housing portion (1630b) and the third housing portion (1630c) are not folded. The direction (1600) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current may be generated in the second path portion (582) in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction. In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The induced current may flow from the second region (591b) to the first region (591a). The second region (591b) may be electrically connected to the second connection path (1642), and the first region (591a) may be electrically connected to the first connection path (1641). The current of the second conductive portion (212) may flow in a direction from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the first conductive portion (211) may be required to flow in a direction from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and to flow in a direction toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a half-folded state, the switching circuit (1650) may be controlled to electrically connect the first signal path (261) and the second connection path (1642) corresponding to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and to electrically connect the third signal path (263) and the first connection path (1641) corresponding to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).In other words, since an area (e.g., a first area (592a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the second path portion (582) is electrically connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), an area (e.g., a second area (591b)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the first path portion (581) may be required to be electrically connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The switching circuit (1650) may operate in the second connection mode.

[0246] Referring to Fig. 16c, the state of the electronic device (101) may be a folded state. In Fig. 16c, a structure is illustrated in which a first housing part (1630a) and a second housing part (1630b) are folded through a first hinge structure (1635a), and a second housing part (1630b) and a third housing part (1630c) are folded through a second hinge structure (1635b). In Fig. 16c, a structure is illustrated in which the third housing part (1630c) in Figs. 16a and 16b does not move, and only the other housing parts (e.g., the first housing part (1630a), the second housing part (1630b)) move. The direction (1600) of the current of the external electronic device (301) may be a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis)). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the second path portion (582). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in the first path portion (581). The induced current may flow from the first region (591a) to the second region (591b). The first region (591a) may be electrically connected to the first connection path (1641), and the second region (591b) may be electrically connected to the second connection path (1642). The current of the second conductive portion (212) may flow in a direction from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the first conductive portion (211) may be required to flow in a direction from the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and toward the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the switching circuit (1650) may be controlled to electrically connect a first signal path (261) corresponding to a first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) and a first connection path (1641), and to electrically connect a third signal path (263) corresponding to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and a second connection path (1642). In other words, since an area (e.g., a first area (592a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the second path portion (582) is electrically connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), an area (e.g., a first area (591a)) close to the first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) in the first path portion (581) may be required to be electrically connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The switching circuit (1650) may operate in the first connection mode.

[0247] Figures 17a and 17b illustrate examples of electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101)) including switching circuits. Like reference numerals may represent like or similar descriptions.

[0248] Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212), and an NFC circuit (220). Each of the first conductive portion (211) and the second conductive portion (212) may be used as a radiator for NFC communication. The description of FIG. 2A may be referred to for each of the first conductive portion (211), the second conductive portion (212), and the NFC circuit (220). The first conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581), and the second conductive portion (212) may include a second path portion (582). For each of the first path portion (581) and the second path portion (582), the description of FIG. 5 may be referred to.

[0249] The electronic device (101) may include a first housing portion (910). The first housing portion (910) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For the first conductive portion (211), each conductive portion and each non-conductive portion of the first housing portion (910), the descriptions of FIG. 10A may be referred to. The electronic device (101) may include a second housing portion (920). The second housing portion (920) may include a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of non-conductive portions. For the second conductive portion (212), each conductive portion and each non-conductive portion of the second housing portion (920), the descriptions of FIG. 10A may be referred to.

[0250] The first conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a first path portion (581). The first path portion (581) may have a first region (591a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (591b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the first path portion (581) may refer to a portion of the first conductive portion (211) that occupies a region between the first region (591a) and the second region (591b). The second conductive portion (211) of the electronic device (101) may include a second path portion (582). The second path portion (582) may have a first region (592a) corresponding to a first side (e.g., a side facing the (+) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second region (592b) corresponding to a second side (e.g., a side facing the (-) y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, the second path portion (582) may represent a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that occupies a space between the first region (592a) and the second region (592b). The second path portion (582) may be a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that has a region closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. The second conductive portion (212) may include a third path portion (1083). The third path portion (1083) may be a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that has an area closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state.

[0251] The electronic device (101) may include a switching circuit (1750). The switching circuit (1750) may be connected to a first end (1731) of the second conductive portion (212), a second end (1732) of the second conductive portion (212), a second ground portion (252), and a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1750), in a first connection mode, may electrically connect the first end (1731) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252) and electrically connect the second end (1732) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In one embodiment, the switching circuit (1750) may electrically connect a first end (1731) of the second conductive portion (212) to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) in the second connection mode, and electrically connect a second end (1732) of the second conductive portion (212) to a second ground portion (252). For example, the switching circuit (1750) may be a double pole double throw (DPDT). A first pole (1751) of the DPDT may correspond to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). A second pole (1752) of the DPDT may correspond to a second ground portion (252). A first throw (1753) of the DPDT may correspond to a first end (1731) of the second conductive portion (212). The second throw (1754) of the above DPDT can correspond to the second end (1732) of the second conductive portion (212).

[0252] Referring to FIG. 17A, a situation is described in which an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) approaches an electronic device (101) in a first proximity manner (e.g., example (300) of FIG. 3). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in a first path portion (581). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction may be generated in a third path portion (1083). In response to the induced current in the third path portion (1083), a current in the first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis) may flow in the second path portion (582). The current of the first conductive portion (211) may flow from the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)) to the first terminal (221). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the second conductive portion (212) may be required to flow in a direction from the second terminal (222) toward the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)). According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1750) may be controlled to electrically connect the first end (1731) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252) and to electrically connect the second end (1732) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In other words, the switching circuit (1750) may operate in the first connection mode.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 17B, a situation is described in which an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) approaches an electronic device (101) in a second proximity manner (e.g., example (350) of FIG. 3). A conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (310)) of the external electronic device (301) may have a shape of a loop (1755). Current of an NFC signal may flow through the loop (1050). The direction of the current in the loop (1050) adjacent to the first path portion (581) may be in a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis). In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current may be generated in the first path portion (581) in a second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis) opposite to the first direction. According to the above induced current, a current may flow from the first ground portion (251) to the first terminal (221) in the first conductive portion (211). The second conductive portion (212) may include a third path portion (1083). The third path portion (1083) may be a portion of the second conductive portion (212) that has a region closest to the first path portion (581) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state. The direction of the current in the loop (1050) adjacent to the third path portion (1083) may be the second direction. In response to the proximity of the external electronic device (301), an induced current in a first direction (e.g., (+) y-axis) opposite to the second direction may be generated in the third path portion (1083). In response to the induced current of the third path portion (1083), a current in the second direction (e.g., (-) y-axis)) may flow in the second path portion (582). The current of the first conductive portion (211) may flow from the ground (e.g., the first ground portion (251)) to the first terminal (221). Therefore, in order for the voltages at each conductive portion to be added, the current of the second conductive portion (212) may be required to flow in a direction from the second terminal (222) toward the ground (e.g., the second ground portion (252)).In one embodiment, the switching circuit (1750) may be controlled to electrically connect the second end (1732) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second ground portion (252) and to electrically connect the first end (1731) of the second conductive portion (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In other words, the switching circuit (1750) may operate in the second connection mode.

[0254] As the distance between the conductive parts of the electronic device (101) increases, the polarity of the voltage applied to each terminal may change depending on how the external electronic device (301) approaches the electronic device (101), even if they have the same circuit structure. In one embodiment, in order to improve NFC communication performance, the polarity of the voltage applied to each terminal may be changed at regular intervals even if the way the external electronic device (301) approaches the electronic device (101) changes. According to one embodiment, the switching circuit (1750) may operate alternately between the first connection mode and the second connection mode. For example, the switching circuit (1750) may be controlled to switch the connection mode at regular intervals. This is because the electronic device (101) cannot accurately know the location of the external electronic device (301) (e.g., an NFC reader). For example, the switching circuit (1750) may operate in the first connection mode for a regular period of time, in the second connection mode for a subsequent regular period of time, and in the first connection mode for a subsequent regular period of time. As switching is performed at set intervals, the voltage applied to both ends of the NFC circuit (220) increases over a set period of time, so that the user of the electronic device (101) can perceive the recognition distance of NFC communication. Although a foldable type electronic device is exemplified in FIGS. 17A and 17B , the operation of changing the connection mode of the switching circuit at set intervals to improve the perceived performance of NFC communication can be substantially equally applied to other types of form factors (e.g., bar-type devices, rollable devices, or sliding devices).

[0255] In embodiments, an electronic device (101) is provided. The electronic device (101) comprises: a hinge assembly; a foldable housing including a first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a) and a second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c) rotatably connected to the hinge assembly; a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a); a near field communication (NFC) circuit for differential output disposed on the PCB; a conductive portion (211) disposed between non-conductive portions (211) of the first housing portions (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a); And it may include a conductive loop (212) arranged in the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c). The conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion formed between a first region adjacent to a first side of the electronic device (101) and a second region adjacent to a second side of the electronic device (101) opposite to the first side. The conductive loop (212) may include a second path portion that is closest to the first path portion and in which a current is induced in the same direction as the first path portion when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. The conductive loop (212) may include a first end connected to a part of the second path portion adjacent to the first side and a second end connected to another part of the second path portion adjacent to the second side. The first region may be electrically connected to a first terminal of the NFC circuit, and the second region may be electrically connected to a ground of the PCB. The first end may be electrically connected to the ground of the PCB, and the second end may be electrically connected to a second terminal of the NFC circuit.

[0256] In embodiments, an electronic device (101) is provided. The electronic device (101) includes a first conductive portion (211) including a first path portion formed from a first region adjacent a first side of the electronic device (101) to a second region adjacent a second side of the electronic device (101) opposite the first side; a second conductive portion (212) including a second path portion in which a current is induced in the same direction as the first path portion, the second conductive portion (212) including a first end connected to a portion of the second path portion adjacent to the first side and a second end connected to another portion of the second path portion adjacent to the second side; a printed circuit board (PCB); and a near field communication (NFC) circuit for differential output arranged on the PCB. Among the first region and the second region of the first conductive portion (211), the first region may be connected to a first terminal of the NFC circuit via a first signal path. Among the first end and the second end of the second conductive portion (212), the second end may be connected to a second terminal of the NFC circuit via a second signal path.

[0257] For example, the NFC circuit may be configured to provide a first signal for the differential output to the first conductive portion (211) via the first signal path, and a second signal for the differential output to the second conductive portion (212) via the second signal path. The second area of ​​the first conductive portion (211) may be connected to the ground of the PCB via a first ground path. The first end of the second conductive portion (212) may be electrically connected to the ground of the PCB via a second ground path. The NFC circuit may be configured to provide a first signal for the differential output to the first conductive portion (211) via the first signal path, and a second signal for the differential output to the second conductive portion (212) via the second signal path. The second region of the first conductive portion (211) may be connected to the second terminal of the NFC circuit via a third signal path. The first end of the second conductive portion (212) may be connected to the first terminal of the NFC circuit via a fourth signal path.

[0258] For example, when the potential in the first region of the first conductive portion (211) is higher than the potential in the second region of the first conductive portion (211), the potential in the first end of the second conductive portion (212) may be lower than the potential in the second end of the second conductive portion (212). When the potential in the first region of the first conductive portion (211) is lower than the potential in the second region of the first conductive portion (211), the potential in the first end of the second conductive portion (212) may be higher than the potential in the second end of the second conductive portion (212).

[0259] In embodiments, an electronic device (101) is provided. The electronic device (101) comprises: a hinge assembly (950; 1250; 1535a, 1535b); a foldable housing including a first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a) and a second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c) rotatably connected to the hinge assembly (950; 1250; 1535a, 1535b); a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed on the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a); an NFC (near field communication) circuit for differential output disposed on the PCB; It may include a conductive portion (211) disposed between non-conductive portions of the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a); and a conductive loop (212) disposed in the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c). The conductive portion (211) may include a first path portion (581) formed between a first region corresponding to a first side of the electronic device (101) and a second region corresponding to a second side opposite to the first side of the electronic device (101). The conductive loop (212) may be formed between a first region corresponding to a first side of the electronic device (101) and a second region corresponding to a second side of the electronic device (101) opposite to the first side, and may include a second path portion (582) including a region closest to the first path portion (581) in a folded state of the electronic device (101). The first region of the first path portion (581) may be electrically connected to a first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), and the second region of the first path portion (581) may be electrically connected to a ground of the PCB.The first region of the second path portion (582) may be electrically connected to the ground of the PCB, and the second region of the second path portion (582) may be electrically connected to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220).

[0260] For example, in the folded state of the electronic device (101), when the first current of the conductive portion (211) induced by the external electronic device (101) flows in the direction from the first terminal (221) to the first ground portion (251) of the ground, the second current of the conductive loop (212) induced by the external electronic device (101) can flow from the second ground portion (252) of the ground to the second terminal (222). In the folded state of the electronic device (101), when the first current of the conductive portion (211) induced by the external electronic device (101) flows in a direction from the first ground portion (251) to the first terminal (221), the second current of the conductive loop (212) induced by the external electronic device (101) can flow from the second terminal (222) to the second ground portion (252).

[0261] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for the conductive loop (212). A first end of the conductive loop (212) may be electrically connected to a second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) through the FPCB. A second end of the conductive loop (212) may be electrically connected to the ground of the PCB through the FPCB.

[0262] For example, the folding axes for the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a) and the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c) may be located between a top side of the electronic device (101) and a bottom side of the electronic device (101). The first side and the second side may correspond to the left side of the electronic device (101) and the right side of the electronic device (101), respectively, or may correspond to the right side of the electronic device (101) and the left side of the electronic device (101), respectively. The second path portion (582) may include, among the winding portions located on the periphery of the conductive loop (212), an area that is closest to the bottom side of the electronic device (101) in an unfolded state of the electronic device (101).

[0263] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) disposed on the PCB. The switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) may be controlled to electrically connect a first end of the conductive loop (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) in a first connection mode and electrically connect the second end of the conductive loop (212) to the ground, and in a second connection mode different from the first connection mode, electrically connect the second end of the conductive loop (212) to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and electrically connect the first end of the conductive loop (212) to the ground.

[0264] For example, the switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) may be configured to operate in the first connection mode during a first time interval and in the second connection mode during a second time interval following the first time interval.

[0265] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a support member connected to the ground of the PCB. The ground of the PCB may include a first ground portion (251) and a second ground portion (252). The conductive portion (211) may be electrically connected to the first ground portion (251), and the conductive loop (212) may be electrically connected to the second ground portion (252).

[0266] In embodiments, an electronic device (101) is provided. The electronic device (101) may include a first conductive portion (211) including a first path portion (581) formed from a first region corresponding to a first side of the electronic device (101) to a second region corresponding to a second side of the electronic device (101) opposite the first side; a second conductive portion (212) including a second path portion (582) formed from a first region corresponding to the first side of the electronic device (101) to a second region corresponding to a second side of the electronic device (101) opposite the first side; a printed circuit board (PCB); and a near field communication (NFC) circuit for differential output arranged on the PCB. Among the first region and the second region of the first path portion (581), the first region can be connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) through a first signal path. Among the first region and the second region of the second path portion (582), the second region can be connected to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) through a second signal path.

[0267] For example, the NFC circuit (220) may be configured to provide a first signal for the differential output to the first conductive portion (211) through the first signal path, and a second signal for the differential output to the second conductive portion (212) through the second signal path. The second region of the first path portion (581) may be connected to the ground of the PCB through a first ground path. The first region of the second path portion (582) may be electrically connected to the ground of the PCB through a second ground path.

[0268] For example, the NFC circuit (220) may be configured to provide a first signal for the differential output to the first conductive portion (211) through the first signal path, and a second signal for the differential output to the second conductive portion (212) through the second signal path. The second region of the first path portion (581) may be connected to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) through a third signal path. The first region of the second path portion (582) may be connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) through a fourth signal path.

[0269] For example, when the first current of the first conductive portion (211) induced by the external electronic device (101) flows from the first terminal (221), the second current of the second conductive portion (212) induced by the external electronic device (101) can flow toward the second terminal (222). When the first current of the first conductive portion (211) induced by the external electronic device (101) flows toward the first terminal (221), the second current of the second conductive portion (212) induced by the external electronic device (101) can flow from the second terminal (222).

[0270] For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be disposed between non-conductive portions of the housing of the electronic device (101). The second conductive portion (212) may include a conductive loop. The first side and the second side may correspond to the left side of the electronic device (101) and the right side of the electronic device (101), respectively, or may correspond to the right side of the electronic device (101) and the left side of the electronic device (101), respectively. The first path portion (581) may include an area located at an upper end of the metal frame of the electronic device (101). The second path portion (582) may include an area closest to the first path portion (581) among the winding portions located at the outer edge of the conductive loop.

[0271] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) disposed on the PCB. The second conductive portion (212) may include a conductive loop. The switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) may be controlled to electrically connect a first end of the conductive loop to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) in a first connection mode and electrically connect the second end of the conductive loop to the ground, and in a second connection mode different from the first connection mode, electrically connect the second end of the conductive loop to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) and electrically connect the first end of the conductive loop to the ground. The above switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) may be configured to operate in the first connection mode during a first time interval and in the second connection mode during a second time interval following the first time interval.

[0272] For example, when the potential in the first region of the first path portion (581) is higher than the potential in the second region of the first path portion (581), the potential in the first region of the second path portion (582) may be lower than the potential in the second region of the second path portion (582). When the potential in the first region of the first path portion (581) is lower than the potential in the second region of the first path portion (581), the potential in the first region of the second path portion (582) may be higher than the potential in the second region of the second path portion (582).

[0273] In embodiments, an electronic device (101) is provided. The electronic device (101) comprises: a foldable housing including a first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a) and a second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c); a first conductive portion (211) disposed in the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a); a second conductive portion (212) disposed in the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c); a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c); an NFC (near field communication) circuit for differential output disposed in the PCB; And it may include a switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750). The switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) may be configured to operate in a first connection mode in a first state of the electronic device (101), and to operate in a second connection mode different from the first connection mode in a second state of the electronic device (101). In the first state of the electronic device (101), while the first current of the first conductive portion (211) induced by the external electronic device (101) flows toward the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), the second current of the second conductive portion (212) induced by the external electronic device (101) may flow from the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In the second state of the electronic device (101), the first current of the first conductive portion (211) induced by the external electronic device (101) can flow from the first terminal (221), while the second current of the second conductive portion (212) induced by the external electronic device (101) can flow toward the second terminal (222).

[0274] For example, the first conductive portion (211) may include a conductive portion disposed between non-conductive portions of the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a). The second conductive portion (212) may include a conductive loop disposed within the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c).

[0275] For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be electrically connected to the first ground portion (251) and the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220). The switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) may be controlled to connect the first end of the conductive loop to the second ground portion (252) and to connect the second end of the conductive loop to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) in the first connection mode. The above switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) can be controlled to connect the second end of the conductive loop to the second ground portion (252) and to connect the first end of the conductive loop to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) in the second connection mode.

[0276] For example, the first conductive portion (211) may be electrically connected to the first terminal (221) and the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). A first end of the conductive loop may be connected to the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220), and a second end of the conductive loop may be electrically connected to the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220). In the first connection mode, the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) may be connected to a first region of the conductive portion, and the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) may be connected to a second region of the first conductive portion (211). In the second connection mode, the second terminal (222) of the NFC circuit (220) may be controlled to connect with the first area of ​​the conductive portion and the first terminal (221) of the NFC circuit (220) may be controlled to connect with the second area of ​​the first conductive portion (211).

[0277] For example, the NFC circuit (220) may be configured to provide a first signal for the differential output to the first conductive portion (211) through the first signal path, and a second signal for the differential output to the second conductive portion (212) through the second signal path.

[0278] For example, the foldable housing may include a third housing portion disposed between the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a) and the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c). The first state of the electronic device (101) may represent a state in which the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a), the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c), and the third housing portion are all unfolded. The second state of the electronic device (101) may represent a state in which the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a) is folded with respect to the third housing portion and the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c) is unfolded with respect to the third housing portion, or a state in which the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c) is folded with respect to the third housing portion and the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a) is unfolded with respect to the third housing portion. The above switching circuit (1350; 1450; 1550; 1650; 1750) may be configured to operate in the first connection mode in a third state in which the first housing portion (910; 1210; 1530a; 1630a) is folded relative to the third housing portion and the second housing portion (920; 1220; 1530c; 1630c) is folded relative to the third housing portion.

[0279] An electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101)) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an NFC circuit (e.g., NFC circuit (220)) and conductive portions (e.g., a first conductive portion (211), a second conductive portion (212)). The conductive portions may be used as radiators for NFC communication. The conductive portions may be arranged so that when an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (301)) (e.g., an NFC reader) is adjacent to the electronic device (101), currents of the conductive portions induced in the same circuit direction flow. A potential difference applied to both ends of the NFC circuit (220) may correspond to the sum of the voltages applied to the conductive portions. Since the directions of the currents of the conductive portions are the same, the currents do not cancel each other out and the potential difference between both ends of the NFC circuit (220) increases, so that a recognition distance of NFC communication may increase.

[0280] 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.

[0281] 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.

[0282] 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).

[0283] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0284] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0285] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

In electronic devices, Hinge assembly; A foldable housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion rotatably connected to the hinge assembly; A printed circuit board (PCB) arranged in the first housing portion; A near field communication (NFC) circuit for differential output, arranged on the above PCB; a conductive portion disposed between non-conductive portions of the first housing portion; and including a conductive loop disposed in the second housing portion; The conductive portion includes a first path portion formed between a first region adjacent to a first side of the electronic device and a second region adjacent to a second side opposite to the first side of the electronic device, The conductive loop includes a second path portion, which is closest to the first path portion in a folded state of the electronic device and in which a current is induced in the same direction as the first path portion; The conductive loop includes a first end connected to a portion of the second path portion adjacent to the first side and a second end connected to another portion of the second path portion adjacent to the second side, The first region is electrically connected to the first terminal of the NFC circuit, and the second region is electrically connected to the ground of the PCB. The first end is electrically connected to the ground of the PCB, and the second end is electrically connected to the second terminal of the NFC circuit. Electronic devices. In claim 1, In the folded state of the electronic device, when a first current of the conductive portion induced by an external electronic device flows in a direction from the first terminal to the first ground portion of the ground, a second current of the conductive loop induced by the external electronic device flows from the second ground portion of the ground to the second terminal, In the folded state of the electronic device, when the first current of the conductive portion induced by the external electronic device flows in the direction from the first ground portion to the first terminal, the second current of the conductive loop induced by the external electronic device flows from the second terminal to the second ground portion. Electronic devices. In claim 1, Further comprising an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board) for the above-mentioned conductive loop, The first end of the conductive loop is electrically connected to the second terminal of the NFC circuit through the FPCB, The second end of the conductive loop is electrically connected to the ground of the PCB through the FPCB. Electronic devices. In claim 3, The folding axis for the first housing portion and the second housing portion is located between the top side of the electronic device and the bottom side of the electronic device, The first side and the second side correspond to the left side of the electronic device and the right side of the electronic device, respectively, or correspond to the right side of the electronic device and the left side of the electronic device, respectively, The second path portion includes, among the winding portions located on the periphery of the conductive loop, an area closest to the lower side of the electronic device in the unfolded state of the electronic device. Electronic devices. In claim 3, Further comprising a switching circuit arranged on the PCB, The above switching circuit: In the first connection mode, the first end of the conductive loop is electrically connected to the second terminal of the NFC circuit, and the second end of the conductive loop is electrically connected to the ground. In a second connection mode different from the first connection mode, the second end of the conductive loop and the second terminal of the NFC circuit are electrically connected, and the first end of the conductive loop is electrically connected to the ground. Electronic devices. In claim 5, The switching circuit is configured to operate in the first connection mode during a first time interval and to operate in the second connection mode during a second time interval following the first time interval. Electronic devices. In claim 3, Including a support member connected to the ground of the above PCB, The ground of the above PCB includes a first ground portion and a second ground portion, The conductive portion is electrically connected to the first ground portion and the conductive loop is electrically connected to the second ground portion. Electronic devices. In electronic devices, A first conductive portion including a first path portion formed from a first region adjacent to a first side of the electronic device to a second region adjacent to a second side opposite to the first side of the electronic device; A second conductive portion comprising a second path portion in which a current is induced in the same direction as the first path portion, the second conductive portion comprising a first end connected to a portion of the second path portion adjacent to the first side and a second end connected to another portion of the second path portion adjacent to the second side; printed circuit board (PCB); and Includes an NFC (near field communication) circuit for differential output placed on the above PCB, Among the first region and the second region of the first conductive portion, the first region is connected to the first terminal of the NFC circuit through a first signal path, Among the first end and the second end of the second conductive portion, the second end is connected to the second terminal of the NFC circuit through a second signal path. Electronic devices. In claim 8, The NFC circuit is configured to provide a first signal for the differential output to the first conductive portion through the first signal path, and a second signal for the differential output to the second conductive portion through the second signal path, The second region of the first conductive portion is connected to the ground of the PCB through the first ground path, The first end of the second conductive portion is electrically connected to the ground of the PCB through a second ground path, Electronic devices. In claim 8, The NFC circuit is configured to provide a first signal for the differential output to the first conductive portion through the first signal path, and a second signal for the differential output to the second conductive portion through the second signal path, The second region of the first conductive portion is connected to the second terminal of the NFC circuit via a third signal path, The first end of the second conductive portion is connected to the first terminal of the NFC circuit through a fourth signal path, Electronic devices. In claim 8, When the first current of the first conductive portion induced by the external electronic device flows from the first terminal, the second current of the second conductive portion induced by the external electronic device flows toward the second terminal, When the first current of the first conductive portion induced by the external electronic device flows toward the first terminal, the second current of the second conductive portion induced by the external electronic device flows from the second terminal. Electronic devices. In claim 8, The first conductive portion is disposed between non-conductive portions of the housing of the electronic device, The second conductive portion includes a conductive loop, The first side and the second side correspond to the left side of the electronic device and the right side of the electronic device, respectively, or correspond to the right side of the electronic device and the left side of the electronic device, respectively, The first path portion includes an area located on the top of the metal frame of the electronic device, The second path portion includes an area closest to the first path portion among the winding portions located on the periphery of the conductive loop. Electronic devices. In claim 12, Further comprising a switching circuit arranged on the PCB, The second conductive portion includes a conductive loop, The above switching circuit: In the first connection mode, the first end of the conductive loop is electrically connected to the second terminal of the NFC circuit, and the second end of the conductive loop is electrically connected to ground. In a second connection mode different from the first connection mode, the second end of the conductive loop is electrically connected to the second terminal of the NFC circuit, and the first end of the conductive loop is electrically connected to the ground. The switching circuit is configured to operate in the first connection mode during a first time interval and to operate in the second connection mode during a second time interval following the first time interval. Electronic devices. In claim 8, When the potential in the first region of the first conductive portion is higher than the potential in the second region of the first conductive portion, the potential in the first end of the second conductive portion is lower than the potential in the second end of the second conductive portion, When the potential in the first region of the first conductive portion is lower than the potential in the second region of the first conductive portion, the potential in the first end of the second conductive portion is higher than the potential in the second end of the second conductive portion. Electronic devices. In electronic devices, A foldable housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion; A first conductive portion disposed in the first housing portion; A second conductive portion disposed in the second housing portion; A PCB (printed circuit board) placed in the second housing portion; NFC (near field communication) circuit for differential output arranged on the above PCB; and Contains a switching circuit, The above switching circuit, In the first state of the above electronic device, the electronic device operates in the first connection mode, In a second state of the electronic device, the electronic device is configured to operate in a second connection mode different from the first connection mode, In the first state of the electronic device, a first current of the first conductive portion induced by the external electronic device flows toward the first terminal of the NFC circuit while a second current of the second conductive portion induced by the external electronic device flows from the second terminal of the NFC circuit. In the second state of the electronic device, the first current of the first conductive portion induced by the external electronic device flows from the first terminal while the second current of the second conductive portion induced by the external electronic device flows toward the second terminal. Electronic devices.

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