Electronic device for providing secure connection and operating method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device, according to one embodiment, comprises: a main portion; a communication portion; an intermediary portion comprising a frequency filter and a diplexer; a first connection unit connecting the intermediary portion and the main portion; a second connection unit connecting the communication portion and the intermediary portion; and at least one first antenna, wherein the frequency filter is connected between the first antenna and the diplexer, and the diplexer may be connected to each of the frequency filter, the first connection unit, and the second connection unit.

Description

Electronic device providing a secure connection, method of operation thereof

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device that provides a secure connection and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Modern wireless communication systems are based on technology that transmits and receives data across various frequency bands using RF (Radio Frequency) signals. These communication systems aim to ensure connectivity between terminals, signal transmission stability, and the minimization of frequency interference, making technology capable of efficiently processing signals in each frequency band essential.

[0003] In particular, special-purpose communication systems, such as disaster communication networks, can be distinguished from general commercial communication systems. These systems require rapid communication in emergency situations and necessitate stable signal reception and transmission within specific frequency bands. Therefore, technology capable of processing signals across various frequency bands within a single system is critical.

[0004] RF signal processing technology focuses on providing structures that enable the proper transmission or reception of individual frequency bands through antennas by efficiently separating or combining them. To this end, various filtering and frequency conversion techniques are used, and these technologies have evolved as means to reduce signal interference within the system and maximize communication performance.

[0005] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0006] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a main part, a communication part, an intermediate part including a frequency filter and a diplexer, a first connection part connecting the intermediate part and the main part; a second connection part connecting the communication part and the intermediate part, and at least one first antenna. The frequency filter is connected between the first antenna and the diplexer, and the diplexer may be connected to the frequency filter, the first connection part, and the second connection part, respectively.

[0007] A method of operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may include an operation of receiving an RF signal of a second frequency band and an RF signal of a third frequency band through a first antenna. The method of operation may include an operation of filtering the RF signal of the second frequency band and transmitting only the RF signal of the third frequency band to a diplexer. The method of operation may include an operation of receiving a signal of a first frequency band through a second antenna. The method of operation may include an operation of converting the signal of the first frequency band into an RF signal of the second frequency band. The method of operation may include an operation of transmitting the converted RF signal of the second frequency band to the diplexer through a connection part. The method of operation may include an operation of combining the converted RF signal of the second frequency band and the RF signal of the third frequency band received from the frequency filter.

[0008] A method of operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may include an operation of converting a baseband signal into an RF signal and transmitting it to a diplexer. The method of operation may include an operation of converting the RF signal into an RF signal of a second frequency band and an RF signal of a third frequency band. The method of operation may include an operation in which the diplexer transmits the RF signal of the third frequency band to a frequency filter, and the frequency filter transmits only the RF signal of the third frequency band to the first antenna. The method of operation may include an operation in which the diplexer transmits the RF signal of the second frequency band to a communication part through a connection part. The method of operation may include an operation in which the communication part converts the RF signal of the second frequency band into a signal of the first frequency band and transmits it to a second antenna.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2a is a diagram illustrating security issues caused by antenna radiation between an electronic device and an external electronic device.

[0011] Figure 2b is a diagram illustrating the coupling between an electronic device and an external electronic device.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the main part according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication module according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the connection structure between the antenna module of the main part and the intermediate module according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary form connecting the main part and the intermediate part.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an example of a method in which a main part, an intermediate part, and a communication part constitute a single electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 12 shows an example of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are given the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through 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) through 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) through the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0024] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0025] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) 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. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may 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 may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Oltzmann 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 the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0026] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0027] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0028] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0029] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0030] The display module (160) can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a user). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch. The display module (160) may be implemented as an exemplary foldable structure and / or a rollable structure. For example, the size of the display screen of the display module (160) may be reduced when folded and expanded when unfolded.

[0031] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0032] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0033] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to 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.

[0034] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can 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).

[0035] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0036] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0037] 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 part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0038] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0039] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an 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 include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and 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., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., 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 may 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 identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0040] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), 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), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., 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 realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for realizing URLLC.

[0041] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to 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 a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a 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. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0042] According to one embodiment, 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 to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0043] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0044] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through 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 performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or 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 provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. 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 neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a 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.

[0045] Figure 2a is a diagram illustrating security issues caused by antenna radiation between an electronic device and an external electronic device.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2a, an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) (e.g., a smartphone) may include a processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (211), a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) (213), a first antenna (215), a second RFIC (221), a second RFFE (223), and / or a second antenna (225).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can support the establishment of a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with a cellular network (e.g., the second network (199) of FIG. 1), and network communication through the established communication channel.

[0048] The first RFIC (211) can convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (120) into an RF signal in a band used in a cellular network during transmission. During reception, the RF signal is received from the cellular network through the first antenna (215) and can be preprocessed through the first RFFE (213). The first RFIC (211) can convert the RF signal preprocessed through the first RFFE (213) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (120).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can support the establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with a short-range communication network (e.g., the first network (198) of FIG. 1), and network communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the short-range communication network may include a network based on Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) methods.

[0050] The second RFIC (221) can convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (120) into an RF signal in a band used in a near-field communication network during transmission. During reception, the RF signal is received from the near-field communication network through the second antenna (225) and can be preprocessed through the second RFFE (223). The second RFIC (221) can convert the RF signal preprocessed through the second RFFE (223) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (120).

[0051] An external electronic device (200) (e.g., electronic device (102) of FIG. 1) (e.g., dongle) may include a processor (250), a first RFIC (271), a first RFFE (273), a first antenna (275), a second RFIC (261), a second RFFE (263), and / or a second antenna (265).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the processor (250) can support the establishment of a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with a cellular network (e.g., the second network (199) of FIG. 1), and network communication through the established communication channel.

[0053] The first RFIC (271) can convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (250) into an RF signal in a band used in a cellular network (e.g., B31 band or B26 band) during transmission. During reception, the RF signal is received from the cellular network through the first antenna (275) and can be preprocessed through the first RFFE (273). The first RFIC (271) can convert the RF signal preprocessed through the first RFFE (273) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (250).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the processor (250) can support the establishment of a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with a short-range communication network (e.g., the first network (198) of FIG. 1), and network communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the short-range communication network may include a network based on Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi.

[0055] The second RFIC (261) can convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (250) into an RF signal in a band used in a near-field communication network during transmission. During reception, the RF signal is received from the near-field communication network through the second antenna (265) and can be preprocessed through the second RFFE (263). The second RFIC (261) can convert the RF signal preprocessed through the second RFFE (263) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (250).

[0056] According to one embodiment, a 4G mobile communication system may support various bands, and among the various bands, the B31 band is a 450 MHz band and can be used for communication requiring a relatively high security level (e.g., a security level above a threshold security level). For example, an external electronic device (200) supporting the B31 band can generally be implemented in the form of a dongle, and the external electronic device (200) implemented in the form of a dongle can be wirelessly combined with the electronic device (101) for use.

[0057] According to one embodiment, communication between an external electronic device (200) and an electronic device (101) may be communication based on Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi. The external electronic device (200) and the electronic device (101) may each transmit and receive signals in the B31 band or B26 band (e.g., a signal with a security level above a threshold security level) through an antenna (e.g., a second antenna (265) in the case of the external electronic device (200), and a second antenna (225) in the case of the electronic device (101)). A user may establish a connection based on Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (200) by running an application on the electronic device (101) that enables the use of the external electronic device (200) for a connection between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (200). The electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (200) may perform communication based on the established connection.

[0058] When an electronic device (101) transmits a signal in the B31 band, which has a security level higher than a critical security level, to an external electronic device (200), even if the security level of the B31 band signal itself is higher than the critical level, if the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (200) communicate through a connection based on Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi, they may become vulnerable to security risks due to antenna radiation. This type of antenna radiation communication can have security vulnerabilities, such as hacker attacks, and therefore may not be suitable for transmitting or receiving signals where security is critical.

[0059] Figure 2b is a diagram illustrating the coupling between an electronic device and an external electronic device.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2b, an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2a) (e.g., a smartphone) may include a processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2a), a first RFIC (211) (e.g., the first RFIC (211) of FIG. 2a), a first RFFE (213) (e.g., the first RFFE (213) of FIG. 2a), a first antenna (215) (e.g., the first antenna (215) of FIG. 2a), a second RFIC (221) (e.g., the second RFIC (221) of FIG. 2a), a second RFFE (223) (e.g., the second RFFE (223) of FIG. 2a), a second antenna (225) (e.g., the second antenna (225) of FIG. 2a), and / or a connector (280).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can support the establishment of a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with a cellular network (e.g., the second network (199) of FIG. 1), and network communication through the established communication channel.

[0062] The first RFIC (211) can convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (120) into an RF signal in a band used in a cellular network during transmission. During reception, the RF signal is received from the cellular network through the first antenna (215) and can be preprocessed through the first RFFE (213). The first RFIC (211) can convert the RF signal preprocessed through the first RFFE (213) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (120).

[0063] The second RFIC (221) can convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (120) into an RF signal of a band used in a short-range communication network during transmission.

[0064] When receiving, the RF signal is received from a short-range communication network through the second antenna (225) and can be preprocessed through the second RFFE (223). The second RFIC (221) can convert the RF signal preprocessed through the second RFFE (223) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (120).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the connector (280) may provide an electrical and / or operational connection between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (102) of FIG. 1, or the external electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) (e.g., a dongle).

[0066] The external electronic device (200) may include a processor (250) (e.g., the processor (250) of FIG. 2), a first RFIC (271) (e.g., the first RFIC (271) of FIG. 2), a first RFFE (273) (e.g., the first RFFE (273) of FIG. 2), a first antenna (275) (e.g., the first antenna (275) of FIG. 2), a second RFIC (261) (e.g., the second RFIC (261) of FIG. 2), a second RFFE (263) (e.g., the second RFFE (263) of FIG. 2), and / or a connector (290).

[0067] The first RFIC (271) can convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (250) during transmission into an RF signal in a band used in a cellular network (e.g., B31 band or B26 band). During reception, the RF signal is received from the cellular network through the second antenna (275) and can be preprocessed through the first RFFE (273). The first RFIC (271) can convert the RF signal preprocessed through the first RFFE (273) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (250).

[0068] The second RFIC (261) can convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (250) into an RF signal in a band used in a near-field communication network during transmission. During reception, the RF signal is received from the electronic device (101) through the connector (290) and can be preprocessed through the second RFFE (263). The second RFIC (261) can convert the RF signal preprocessed through the second RFFE (263) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (250).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the connector (290) may provide an electrical and / or operational connection between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (200). The connector (290) may include at least one pin and may be combined with a connector (280) included in the electronic device (101) to provide an electrical and / or operational connection. In one embodiment, the connector (290) may provide a physical connection between the external electronic device (200) and the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the connector (290) may transmit and receive various signals for an interface between the external electronic device (200) and the electronic device (101).

[0070] As described in FIG. 2b, in a 4G mobile communication system, an external electronic device (200) supporting the B31 band or B26 band used for communication requiring a relatively high security level (e.g., a security level above the threshold security level) is not wirelessly coupled with the electronic device (101), but can be coupled using connectors (280, 290).

[0071] Since the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device (200) are physically connected via connectors (280, 290) rather than wirelessly, there may be no security issues caused by antenna radiation as described in FIG. 2a. However, in order for the electronic device (101) to transmit a signal in the B31 band or B26 band to the external electronic device (200) through the connection between the connectors (280, 290), circuit modifications to the electronic device (101) are required. For example, a divider or splitter may need to be added to the electronic device (101). Furthermore, a separate control signal may be required for the electronic device (101) to transmit a signal in the B31 band or B26 band to the external electronic device (200) through the connection between the connectors (289, 290).

[0072] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. The contents described with reference to FIG. 1 can be applied in the same way to FIG. 3.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (300) (e.g., a smartphone) may include a main part (310), an intermediary part (320), and a communication part (330). However, not all of the illustrated components are essential components. The electronic device (300) may be implemented by more components than illustrated, or by fewer components. Furthermore, the term “part” used in the main part (310), intermediary part (320), and communication part (330) according to one embodiment may refer to a component that performs a respective role within the electronic device (300), and may mean a unit that is independent but operates together with other components.

[0074] A main part (310) according to one embodiment may include modules for performing the operation of a smartphone (e.g., a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197) of FIG. 1). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the main part (310), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)). The main part (310) according to one embodiment may be referred to as a first terminal, a primary terminal, or a host device.

[0075] A communication unit (330) according to one embodiment is a device that receives and transmits RF signals in a specific frequency band, such as the B31 band or the B26 band. This device processes signals in a specific band that are not directly supported by the main unit (310) and can serve to transmit them to the main unit (310). For example, when the communication unit (330) receives a signal from a disaster communication network, it processes it internally and transmits it to the main unit (310) so that the necessary data can be used. The communication unit (330) can generally be implemented in the form of a dongle. A communication unit (330) according to one embodiment may be referred to as a dongle, a B31 dongle, an auxiliary communication device, or a communication module.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the mediation part (320) is a device that physically connects the main part (310) and the communication part (330) and can mediate the transmission and reception of RF signals. The mediation part (320) includes signal processing devices such as frequency filters and diplexers, and can appropriately convert or filter and transmit signals between the main part (310) and the communication part (330). According to one embodiment, the mediation part (320) may be referred to as an interface module, a bridge module, a bridge PBA (Printed Board Assembly), or a mediation device.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the main part (310), the mediating part (320), and the communication part (330) are not separated into independent devices and can operate together as one integrated electronic device (300). The main part (310), the mediating part (320), and the communication part (330) each perform specific roles but can form a single integrated system without being physically detachable. The main part (310) and the mediating part (320) can be physically connected through a first connecting part (340), and the mediating part (320) and the communication part (330) can be physically connected through a second connecting part (350).

[0078] In one embodiment, the electronic device (300) physically connects the main part (310) through the communication part (330) and the intermediary part (320), so compared to a case where the connection between the external electronic device (200) and the electronic device (300) is based on Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi, it can reduce security vulnerabilities such as hacker attacks that may occur due to antenna radiation. Furthermore, since the electronic device (300) utilizes the existing circuit or configuration of the main part (310) as is without changing it, no additional circuit modification is required, and the main part (310) can be connected to the communication part (330) without a separate control signal.

[0079] The first connection part (340) according to one embodiment may be, for example, a Flat Ribbon Cable (FRC) connector. An FRC connector is a connector for connecting a Flat Ribbon Cable, which allows a flat ribbon-shaped cable to be connected to a connection port composed of multiple pins. An FRC connector includes multiple pins and can provide a flexible and simple connection method for transmitting electrical signals or data between a main part (310) and an intermediate part (320). For example, an FRC connector may be used to transmit signals between a main board corresponding to the main part (310) and an intermediate part (320) on a circuit board of an electronic device (300). However, the first connection part (340) is not limited to an FRC connector.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the second connection part (350) may be, for example, a coaxial cable connector. The intermediate part (320) and the communication part (330) may be connected via a coaxial cable connector, thereby allowing the RF signal to be transmitted stably. The coaxial cable connector plays an important role in transmitting the RF signal received from the communication part (330) to the intermediate part (320), and in processing the signal appropriately at the intermediate part (320) and transmitting it to the main part (310). However, the second connection part (350) is not limited to a coaxial cable connector.

[0081] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a main part according to one embodiment. The description with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 can be applied in the same way to FIG. 4.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4, a main part (310) according to one embodiment (e.g., the main part (310) of FIG. 3) may include a first antenna (410-1, 410-2), a radio frequency front end (RFFE) (420), a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (430-1, 430-2), and a processor (440) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the processor (440) may include an application processor and / or a communication processor. According to one embodiment, the main part (310) may further include at least one of the parts described in FIG. 1. According to one embodiment, the first RFIC (430-1, 430-2) and RFFE (420) may form at least a part of the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the main part (310) may be connected to the first antenna (410-1, 410-2). The first antenna (410-1, 410-2) may be connected to the main part (310) through an intermediate part (320). The first antenna (410-1, 410-2) is an element responsible for transmitting and receiving RF signals of the main part (310), and the first antenna (410-1) and the first antenna (410-2) may transmit and receive signals in different frequency bands. For example, the first antenna (410-1) may transmit and receive signals in the N77, N78, N79, DRX, and GPS L1 bands. For example, the first antenna (410-2) may transmit and receive signals in the Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and the GPS L5 band. However, the signal in the frequency band that can be transmitted and received by the first antenna (410-1, 410-2) is not limited to the examples described above.

[0085] According to one embodiment, an RF signal received from the first antenna (410-1, 410-2) can be transmitted to the RFFE (420). The RFFE (420) filters and processes the signal according to the frequency band and can appropriately distribute the signal to the first RFIC (430-1, 430-2) and other wireless communication modules.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the RFFE (420) may include a power amplifier (PA) and / or a low noise amplifier (LNA) and may perform power amplification and filtering operations.

[0087] The first RFIC (430-1) may be a transceiver (TRCV) module. When transmitting, the first RFIC (430-1) can convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (440) into an RF signal in a band used in a cellular network (e.g., N77, N78, N79 bands), a DRX band, or a GPS L1 band. When receiving, the RF signal is received from the cellular network through the first antenna (410-2) and can be preprocessed through the RFFE (420). The first RFIC (430-1) can convert the RF signal preprocessed through the RFFE (420) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (440). However, the bands that the first RFIC (430-1) can process are not limited to the examples described above.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the processor (440) may support the establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with a cellular network (e.g., the second network (199) of FIG. 1), and network communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the cellular network may include a 2nd generation (2G) network, a 3rd generation (3G) network, a 4th generation (4G) network, a long term evolution (LTE) network, and / or a 5th generation (5G) network.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first RFIC (430-2) may be a WLAN IC. When transmitting, the first RFIC (430-2) may convert a baseband signal generated by the processor (440) into an RF signal in a band used in a short-range communication network (e.g., a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band (e.g., a band used in a short-range communication network based on Wi-Fi)) or a GPS L5 band. When receiving, the RF signal may be received from the short-range communication network through the first antenna (410-1) and preprocessed through the RFFE (420). The first RFIC (430-2) may convert the RF signal preprocessed through the RFFE (420) into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the processor (440). However, the bands that the first RFIC (430-2) can process are not limited to the examples described above.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor (440) can support the establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with a short-range communication network (e.g., the first network (198) of FIG. 1) and network communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the short-range communication network may include a network based on a Bluetooth method (e.g., Bluetooth low energy (BLE) method, and / or legacy Bluetooth method), and / or a Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) method.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication module according to one embodiment. The contents described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 can be applied in the same way to FIG. 5.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 5, a communication part (330) according to one embodiment (e.g., the communication part (330) of FIG. 3) may include a second antenna (510) and a second RFIC (530). A communication part (330) according to one embodiment may further include a modem (520).

[0093] A communication portion (330) according to one embodiment may be connected to a second antenna (510). The communication portion (330) may transmit and receive a signal (e.g., a signal in the B31 band or B26 band) having a security level higher than or equal to a threshold security level through the second antenna (510). For convenience of explanation, a signal in the B31 band or B26 band is used as an example of a signal having a security level higher than or equal to a threshold security level. However, a signal having a security level higher than or equal to a threshold security level is not limited to a signal in the B31 band or B26 band.

[0094] According to one embodiment, an RF signal received through the second antenna (510) can be transmitted to a modem (520). The modem (520) can convert the received RF signal into a digital signal. The modem (520) may include a commercial modem chipset, such as a GCT modem, for example. The GCT modem is designed to handle frequency bands used in disaster communication networks and special-purpose communication systems and can be responsible for the stable processing and conversion of such signals.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the second RFIC (530) may be a WLAN IC. The second RFIC (530) may, at the time of transmission, convert an RF signal of a band used in a local area communication network (e.g., a 2.4 GHz band or a 5 GHz band (e.g., a band used in a local area communication network based on Wi-Fi)) received from the main part (310) through the intermediate part (320) into an RF signal of the B31 band or B26 band. Upon reception, an RF signal of the B31 band or B26 band (e.g., a signal with a security level above a threshold security level) is received from a local area communication network through the second antenna (510) and can be converted into a digital signal through the modem (520), and the second RFIC (530) can convert the digital signal converted by the modem (520) into an RF signal of a band used in the local area communication network (e.g., a 2.4 GHz band or a 5 GHz band (e.g., a band used in a local area communication network based on Wi-Fi)). However, the bands that the second RFIC (530) can process are not limited to the examples described above.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. The description with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 can be substantially applied to FIG. 6.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 6, an electronic device (300) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (300) of FIG. 3) (e.g., a smartphone) may include a main part (310) (e.g., the main part (310) of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), an intermediate part (320) (e.g., the intermediate part (320) of FIG. 3), and a communication part (330) (e.g., the communication part (330) of FIG. 3 or FIG. 5).

[0098] In one embodiment, the main part (310) and the intermediate part (320) may be electrically connected through a first connection part (340) (e.g., the first connection part (340) of FIG. 3), and the intermediate part (320) and the communication part (330) may be electrically connected through a second connection part (350) (e.g., the second connection part (350) of FIG. 3). For example, the first connection part (340) may include a first cable (340-3), a first-1 port (340-1) connected to a connector located at one end of the first cable (340-3), and a first-2 port (340-2) connected to a connector located at the other end of the first cable (340-3). The first-1 port (340-1) may be located at one end of the main part (310), and the first-2 connector (340-2) may be located at one end of the intermediate part (320). The first cable (340-3) according to one embodiment may be, for example, a flexible RF cable (FRC).

[0099] In one embodiment, the first connection part (340) may include a first terminal for signal transmission and reception with the first antenna (410-1) and a second terminal for signal transmission and reception with the second antenna (410-2).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the communication portion (330) and the intermediary portion (320) may be physically connected through a second connection portion (350), and the intermediary portion (320) and the communication portion (330) may be electrically connected through the second connection portion (350). For example, the second connection portion (350) may include a second cable (350-3), a second-1 port (350-1) connected to a connector located at one end of the second cable (350-3), and a second-2 port (350-2) connected to a connector located at the other end of the second cable (350-3). The second-1 port (350-1) may be located at one end of the communication portion (330), and the second-2 connector (350-2) may be located at one end of the intermediary portion (320). According to one embodiment, the second cable (350-3) may be a coaxial cable.

[0101]

[0102] In one embodiment, the communication portion (330) can convert an RF signal of a first frequency band (e.g., B31 band or B26 band) into an RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band). At this time, a low-pass filter (LPF) is used as the frequency filter (610) to remove the RF signal of the second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz) obtained through the first antenna (410-2) and transmit only the RF signal of the third frequency band (2.4 GHz band) to the main portion (310). The low-pass filter may be a filter that passes only frequency components below a set cutoff frequency and blocks frequency components above it. The cutoff frequency of the frequency filter (610) according to one embodiment may be set to a value between approximately 2.4 GHz and approximately 6 GHz.

[0103] In another embodiment, the communication portion (330) may convert an RF signal of a first frequency band (e.g., B31 band or B26 band) into an RF signal of a third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band). In this case, the frequency filter (610) may use a high-pass filter (HPF) instead of a low-pass filter (LPF), and may remove the RF signal of the third frequency band (e.g., about 2.4 GHz) obtained through the first antenna (410-2) and transmit only the RF signal of the second frequency band (e.g., about 5 GHz band) to the main portion (310). The high-pass filter may be a filter that passes only frequency components above a set cutoff frequency and blocks frequency components below it.

[0104] Below, for convenience of explanation, an RF signal of a first frequency band (e.g., B31 band or B26 band) in the communication part (330) is converted into an RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5GHz band), and a low-pass filter is used as the frequency filter (610) for the explanation.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the intermediate section (320) may include a frequency filter (610) and a diplexer (620). The frequency filter (610) is connected between the first antenna (410-2) and the diplexer (620), and the diplexer (620) may be connected to the frequency filter (610), the first connection section (340), and the second connection section (350), respectively. According to one embodiment, the frequency filter (610) may be a low-pass filter. The diplexer (620) may mix or separate signals of different frequency bands. According to one embodiment, the intermediate section (320) may further include an attenuator (630). The attenuator (630) may be connected between the diplexer (620) and the second connection section (350). The attenuator (630) can adjust the strength of the RF signal transmitted from the communication part (330) so that it can be transmitted to the main part (310) with an appropriate signal strength. The attenuator (630) can support stable communication by adjusting the signal strength so that the signal is not distorted during transmission and reception.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first antenna (410-1) (e.g., the first antenna (410-1) of FIG. 4) and the first antenna (410-2) (e.g., the first antenna (410-2) of FIG. 4) each transmit and / or receive signals of different frequency bands, and only the signal received by the first antenna (410-2) can be processed through the frequency filter (610). The signal received by the first antenna (410-1) is not input to the frequency filter (610) and can be directly transmitted to the main part (310).

[0107] Upon reception, the communication portion (330) according to one embodiment converts the RF signal of the first frequency band (e.g., B31 band or B26 band) entering through the second antenna (510) (e.g., the second antenna (510) of FIG. 5) into an RF signal of the second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) and can transmit the RF signal of the second frequency band to the diplexer (620) through the second connection portion (350). The RF signal entering through the first antenna (410-2) according to one embodiment is transmitted to the frequency filter (610), and the frequency filter (610) filters out the RF signal of the second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) and can transmit only the RF signal of the other third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band) or other frequency band to the diplexer (620). A diplexer (620) according to one embodiment can combine an RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) received through a second connection part (350) with an RF signal of a third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band) or another frequency band received from a frequency filter (610), and can transmit the combined signal to a main part (310) through a first connection part (340).

[0108] A combined signal according to one embodiment enters the main part (310) through the first connection part (340) and can be transmitted to the first RFIC (430-2) (e.g., the first RFIC (430-2) of FIG. 4) after passing through the RFFE (420) (e.g., the RFFE (420) of FIG. 4). The RFIC (430-2) may be a WLAN IC, and the first RFIC (430-2) may convert the combined signal into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by a processor (440) (e.g., the processor (440) of FIG. 4). Through this, the processor (440) can process the signal received from the second antenna (510) of the communication part (330) and the signal received from the first antenna (410-2).

[0109] When transmitting, the main part (310) according to one embodiment can transmit a digital signal generated by the processor (440) to the first RFIC (430-2). The first RFIC (430-2) may be a WLAN IC and may convert the digital signal into an RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) or a third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band). The converted signal may be processed through the RFFE (420) and then transmitted to the diplexer (620) of the intermediate part (320) through the first connection part (340).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the diplexer (620) can process signals to be transmitted through the first antenna (410-2) and signals to be transmitted to the communication section (330). Among the RF signals of the second frequency band (5GHz band) or the third frequency band (2.4GHz band) transmitted from the main section, the diplexer (620) can transmit the RF signal of the third frequency band (2.4GHz band) to the first antenna (410-2) through the frequency filter (610) and transmit the RF signal of the corresponding frequency band. Meanwhile, the RF signal of the second frequency band (5GHz band) can be transmitted to the communication section (330) through the second connection section (350).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the second RFIC (530) of the communication part (330) can convert an RF signal of the second frequency band (5 GHz band) received through the second connection part (350) into a signal of the first frequency band (e.g., B31 band or B26 band). The signal of the first frequency band (e.g., B31 band or B26 band) converted by the second RFIC (530) can be transmitted externally through the second antenna (510) via the modem (520). In this way, a signal generated in the main part (310) can be converted into an RF signal of the first frequency band (e.g., B31 band or B26 band) through the communication part (330) and transmitted.

[0112] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the connection structure between the antenna module of the main part and the intermediate module according to one embodiment. The description with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 can be substantially applied to FIG. 7.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 7, a main part (310) according to one embodiment (e.g., the main part (310) of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 or FIG. 6) may include a main PCB (not shown) on which a processor is placed and a sub PCB (Printed Circuit Board) (700) connected to a first antenna (410-1, 410-2). The sub PCB (700) may include the first antenna (410-1, 410-2) (e.g., the first antenna (410-1, 410-2) of FIG. 4 or FIG. 6).

[0114] A sub-PCB (700) according to one embodiment may be connected to an intermediate portion (320) (e.g., the intermediate portion (320) of FIG. 3 or FIG. 6) through a first connection portion (340) (e.g., the first connection portion (340) of FIG. 3, the first connection portion (340) of FIG. 6).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first antenna (410-2) can receive and transmit RF signals in the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. The first antenna (410-2) can be connected to a frequency filter (610) of the intermediate part (320) (e.g., the frequency filter (610) of FIG. 6). The RF signal received through the first antenna (410-2) is transmitted to the frequency filter (610), and the frequency filter (610) can filter the signal in the second frequency band (e.g., 5GHz) and transmit the RF signal in the third frequency band (e.g., 2.4GHz) to a diplexer (620) (e.g., the diplexer (620) of FIG. 6). The diplexer (620) serves to combine or separate RF signals of different frequency bands, thereby allowing the signal received from the main part (310) and the signal received from the communication part (330) (e.g., the communication part (330) of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 or FIG. 6) to be separated or combined.

[0116] The intermediate section (320) according to one embodiment may include an attenuator (630) (e.g., the attenuator (630) of FIG. 6) and may adjust the strength of the signal through the attenuator (630). The attenuator (630) may reduce the signal strength when the signal becomes excessively strong so that distortion does not occur when transmitted to the main section (310). For example, the attenuator (630) may attenuate the signal at a level of about 5 dB.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the second connection part (350) is responsible for the connection between the mediation part (320) and the communication part (330), and can enable an RF signal received from the outside to be transmitted to the mediation part (320).

[0118] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary form connecting a main part and an intermediate part. The description with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 through FIG. 7 can be substantially applied to FIG. 8.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 8, the connection structure between the main part (310) (e.g., the main part (310) of FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6 or FIG. 7) and the intermediate part (320) (e.g., the intermediate part (320) of FIG. 3, FIG. 6 or FIG. 7) according to one embodiment is not implemented in only a specific way, but various structural variations may be possible. In other words, the connection form shown in FIG. 8 is only one embodiment, and various other connection methods may also be applied.

[0120] In the form illustrated in FIG. 8, the antenna module (700) of the main part (310) according to one embodiment (e.g., the antenna module (197) of FIG. 1 or the antenna module (700) of FIG. 7) and the intermediate part (320) may be physically closely coupled. For example, the antenna module (700) may be electrically connected to the intermediate part (320) through a first connection part (340) (e.g., the first connection part (340) of FIG. 3, the first connection part (340) of FIG. 6 or the first connection part (340) of FIG. 7).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the intermediate portion (320) may be designed to be positioned to fit the side or a portion of the surface of the antenna module (700) of the main portion (310) so as to transmit signals while physically in close contact with each other. For example, the intermediate portion (320) may be positioned to span the top of the antenna module (700) of the main portion (310) and may form a rigid structural connection. The intermediate portion (320) may be positioned to wrap around a portion of the antenna module (700) of the main portion (310). In this case, the intermediate portion (320) may be exposed to the outside through an opening formed in the rear cover (312) of the main portion (310), making it easy to electrically connect with the communication portion (330). This coupling method may contribute to minimizing signal interference or signal loss by keeping the signal transmission path between the intermediate portion (320) and the main portion (310) short.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method in which a main part, an intermediate part, and a communication part constitute a single electronic device according to one embodiment. The contents described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 to FIG. 8 can be applied in the same way to FIG. 9.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 9, a main part (e.g., the main part (310) of FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, or FIG. 8) according to one embodiment, an intermediate part (e.g., the intermediate part (320) of FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, or FIG. 8), and a communication part (e.g., the communication part (330) of FIG. 3, FIG. 4, or FIG. 6) may form an electronic device (300) (e.g., the electronic device (300) of FIG. 1, FIG. 3, or FIG. 6) (e.g., a smartphone). Additionally, the electronic device (300) may include a back-cover (312) located in a rear area without a display of the main part (310), and a front rugged case (311) covering a front area where the display of the main part (310) is located.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the intermediary part (320) is positioned to penetrate the rear cover (312) of the main part (310) and can be connected to the antenna module of the main part (310) (e.g., antenna module (197) of FIG. 1, antenna module (700) of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8). At the same time, the intermediary part (320) can be connected to the communication part (330) through a second connection part (350) (e.g., second connection part (350) of FIG. 3, second connection part (350-1, 350-2) of FIG. 6).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the main part (310), the intermediate part (320), and the communication part (330) can be combined in an integrated structure. For example, the intermediate part (320) and the communication part (330) can form an integrated electronic device (300) without being detachable from the main part (310). However, the configuration shown in FIG. 9 is merely a specific embodiment, and various variations are possible. For example, the location or method of combination of the intermediate part (320) and the method of connection between each terminal may vary depending on design requirements.

[0126] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment. The description with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 to FIG. 9 can be substantially applied to FIG. 10.

[0127] The operations (1010 to 1060) are described as being performed using an electronic device (300) (e.g., the electronic device (300) of FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 9) (e.g., a smartphone). However, these operations (3000 to 1060) may be used through any other suitable electronic device and within any suitable system.

[0128] Furthermore, the operations of FIG. 10 may be performed in the illustrated order and manner, but the order of some operations may be changed or some operations may be omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the illustrated embodiment. Multiple operations illustrated in FIG. 10 may be performed in parallel or simultaneously.

[0129] In operation (1010), an electronic device (300) according to one embodiment can receive an RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) and an RF signal of a third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band) through a first antenna (410-1, 410-2) (e.g., the first antenna (410-1, 410-2) of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 or FIG. 7).

[0130] In operation (1020), the electronic device (300) according to one embodiment may filter out RF signals of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) through a frequency filter (610) (e.g., the frequency filter (610) of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7) and transmit only RF signals of a third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band) to a diplexer (620) (e.g., the diplexer (620) of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7). The frequency filter (610) may be a low-pass filter.

[0131] In operation (1030), an electronic device (300) according to one embodiment can receive a signal of a first frequency band (e.g., B31 or B26 band) through a second antenna (510) (e.g., the second antenna (510) of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6).

[0132] In operation (1040), the electronic device (300) according to one embodiment can convert a signal of a first frequency band (e.g., B31 or B26 band) into an RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band).

[0133] In operation (1050), an electronic device (300) according to one embodiment can transmit a converted RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) to a diplexer (620) through a second connection (350) (e.g., the second connection (350) of FIG. 3, FIG. 9 or the second connection (350-1, 350-2) of FIG. 6).

[0134] In operation (1060), an electronic device (300) according to one embodiment can combine a converted RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) and an RF signal of a third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) received from a frequency filter (610).

[0135] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment. The contents described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 to FIG. 10 can be applied in the same way to FIG. 11.

[0136] The operations (1110 to 1160) are described as being performed using an electronic device (111) (e.g., the electronic device (111) of FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 9, or FIG. 10) (e.g., a smartphone). However, these operations (1110 to 1160) may be used through any other suitable electronic device and within any suitable system.

[0137] Furthermore, the operations of FIG. 11 may be performed in the illustrated order and manner, but the order of some operations may be changed or some operations may be omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the illustrated embodiment. Multiple operations illustrated in FIG. 11 may be performed in parallel or simultaneously.

[0138] In operation (1110), an electronic device (300) according to one embodiment may convert a baseband signal into an RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) and / or an RF signal of a third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band) and transmit it to a diplexer (620) (e.g., the diplexer (620) of FIG. 6, FIG. 7 or FIG. 10).

[0139] In operation (1120), a diplexer (620) according to one embodiment transmits an RF signal of a third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band) to a frequency filter (610) (e.g., frequency filter (611) of FIG. 6, FIG. 7 or FIG. 10), and the frequency filter (610) transmits only the RF signal of the third frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band) to a first antenna (410-1, 410-2) (e.g., first antenna (411-1, 411-2) of FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 or FIG. 10). At this time, the frequency filter may be a low-pass filter.

[0140] In operation (1130), a diplexer (620) according to one embodiment can transmit an RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) to a communication part (330) (e.g., the second connection part (350) of FIG. 3, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 or the second connection part (350-1, 350-2) of FIG. 6) through a second connection part (350) (e.g., the communication part (330) of FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6 or FIG. 7).

[0141] In operation (1140), the communication part (330) can convert an RF signal of a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz band) back into an RF signal of a first frequency band (e.g., B31 or B26 band) and transmit it externally through a second antenna (510) (e.g., the second antenna (510) of FIG. 5, FIG. 6 or FIG. 10).

[0142] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an electronic device according to one embodiment. The description with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 to FIG. 11 can be substantially applied to FIG. 12.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 12, an electronic device (1200) (e.g., the electronic device (111) of FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, or FIG. 11) (e.g., a smartphone) may include a memory (1210) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1) and a processor (1230) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 or the processor (440) of FIG. 4).

[0144] The memory (1210) can store instructions (e.g., programs) executable by the processor (1230). For example, the instructions may include instructions for executing the operation of the processor (1230) and / or the operation of each component of the processor (1230).

[0145] The memory (1210) can be implemented as a volatile memory device or a non-volatile memory device.

[0146] Volatile memory devices can be implemented as DRAM (dynamic random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), T-RAM (thyristor RAM), Z-RAM (zero capacitor RAM), or TTRAM (Twin Transistor RAM).

[0147] Non-volatile memory devices can be implemented as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash memory, MRAM (Magnetic RAM), Spin-Transfer Torque (STT)-MRAM, Conductive Bridging RAM (CBRAM), FeRAM (Ferroelectric RAM), PRAM (Phase change RAM), Resistive RAM (RRAM), Nanotube RRAM, Polymer RAM (PoRAM), Nano Floating Gate Memory (NFGM), holographic memory, Molecular Electronic Memory Device, or Insulator Resistance Change Memory.

[0148] The processor (1230) can process data stored in memory (1210). The processor (1230) can execute computer-readable code (e.g., software) stored in memory (1210) and instructions triggered by the processor (1230).

[0149] The processor (1230) may be a data processing device implemented in hardware having a circuit having a physical structure for executing desired operations. For example, the desired operations may include code or instructions included in a program.

[0150] For example, a data processing device implemented in hardware may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a processor core, a multi-core processor, a multiprocessor, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0151] An electronic device (300) according to one embodiment may be stored in memory (1210) and executed by a processor (1230) or embedded in a processor (1230). The processor (1230) may perform substantially the same operation of the electronic device (300) with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 through FIG. 11. A detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0152] An electronic device (300, 1200) according to one embodiment comprises a main part (310), a communication part (330), an intermediate part (320) including a frequency filter (610) and a diplexer (620), a first connecting part (340) connecting the intermediate part (320) and the main part (310), a second connecting part (350) connecting the communication part (330) and the intermediate part (320), and at least one first antenna (410-1, 410-2), wherein the frequency filter (610) is connected between the first antenna (410-1, 410-2) and the diplexer (620), and the diplexer (620) may be connected to the frequency filter (610), the first connecting part (340), and the second connecting part (350), respectively.

[0153] The main part (310) may include a radio frequency circuit comprising at least one first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (430-1, 430-2), and at least one processor (120, 440, 1230) operatively connected to the radio frequency circuit.

[0154] The above-mentioned mediating portion (320) may further include an attenuator (630) connected between the diplexer (620) and the second connecting portion (350).

[0155] The above-mentioned mediating portion (320) may include at least one second antenna (510) and at least one second radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (530).

[0156] The second antenna (510) receives a signal in the first frequency band, the second radio frequency integrated circuit (530) converts the signal in the first frequency band into an RF signal in the second frequency band, and the RF signal in the second frequency band can be transmitted to the diplexer (620) through the second connection part (350).

[0157] The above-mentioned mediating portion (320) further includes an attenuator (630) connected between the diplexer (620) and the second connecting portion (350), and the RF signal of the second frequency band is transmitted to the attenuator (630) through the second connecting portion (350), and the attenuator (630) can attenuate the RF signal of the second frequency band and transmit it to the diplexer (620).

[0158] The first antenna (410-1, 410-2) receives an RF signal of the second frequency band and an RF signal of the third frequency band, and the frequency filter (610) filters the RF signal of the second frequency band and transmits only the RF signal of the third frequency band to the diplexer (620).

[0159] The second frequency band is larger than the third frequency band, and the frequency filter (610) may include a low-pass filter (LPF).

[0160] The above diplexer (620) can combine the RF signal of the second frequency band received through the second connection part (350) and the RF signal of the third frequency band received from the frequency filter (610), and transmit the combined signal to the main part (310) through the first connection part (340).

[0161] The first frequency band may include a B31 band or a B26 band, the second frequency band may include a 5 GHz band, and the third frequency band may include a 2.4 GHz band.

[0162] The main part (310) comprises a radio frequency circuit including at least one first radio frequency integrated circuit (430-1, 430-2) and at least one processor (120, 440, 1230) operatively connected to the radio frequency circuit, and the first radio frequency integrated circuit (430-1, 430-2) can convert the combined signal into a baseband signal and transmit it to the processor (120, 440, 1230).

[0163] The main part (310) comprises a radio frequency circuit including at least one first radio frequency integrated circuit (430-1, 430-2) and at least one processor (120, 440, 1230) operatively connected to the radio frequency circuit, and the first radio frequency integrated circuit (430-1, 430-2) converts a baseband signal received from the processor (120, 440, 1230) into an RF signal, and the RF signal can be transmitted to the diplexer (620) through the first connection part (340).

[0164] The above diplexer (620) can convert the RF signal into an RF signal of a second frequency band and an RF signal of a third frequency band.

[0165] The above diplexer (620) transmits the RF signal of the third frequency band to the frequency filter (610), and the frequency filter (610) can transmit only the RF signal of the third frequency band to the first antenna (410-1, 410-2).

[0166] The above-mentioned mediating portion (320) includes at least one second antenna (510) and at least one second radio frequency integrated circuit (530), and the diplexer (620) transmits an RF signal of the second frequency band to the second radio frequency integrated circuit through the second connection portion (350), and the second radio frequency integrated circuit (530) can convert the RF signal of the second frequency band into a signal of the first frequency band and transmit it to the second antenna (510).

[0167] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include receiving an RF signal of a second frequency band and an RF signal of a third frequency band through a first antenna (410-1, 410-2); filtering the RF signal of the second frequency band through a frequency filter (610) and transmitting only the RF signal of the third frequency band to a diplexer (620); receiving a signal of the first frequency band through a second antenna (510); converting the signal of the first frequency band into an RF signal of the second frequency band; transmitting the converted RF signal of the second frequency band to the diplexer (620) through a second connection part (350); and combining the converted RF signal of the second frequency band and the RF signal of the third frequency band received from the frequency filter (610).

[0168] The second frequency band is larger than the third frequency band, and the frequency filter (610) may include a low-pass filter (LPF).

[0169] The first frequency band may include a B31 band or a B26 band, the second frequency band may include a 5 GHz band, and the third frequency band may include a 2.4 GHz band.

[0170] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include converting a baseband signal into a second frequency band RF signal and a third frequency band RF signal and transmitting them to a diplexer (620); the diplexer (620) transmitting the third frequency band RF signal to a frequency filter (610), and the frequency filter (610) transmitting only the third frequency band RF signal to the first antenna (410-1, 410-2); the diplexer (620) transmitting the second frequency band RF signal to an intermediate part (320) through a second connection part (350); and the intermediate part (320) converting the second frequency band RF signal into a first frequency band RF signal and transmitting it to the second antenna (510).

[0171] The effects obtainable from the disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure belongs from the description of the disclosure.

[0172] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0173] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said 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 said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "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" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0174] The term “module” as used in the 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, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0175] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (1740)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (1736) or external memory (1738)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (1701)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (1720)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (1701)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated 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 that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

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

Claims

1. In an electronic device (300, 1200), Main part (310); Communication part (330); Intermediary part (320) including a frequency filter (610) and a diplexer (620); A first connecting part (340) connecting the above intermediate part (320) and the above main part (310); A second connecting part (350) connecting the communication part (330) and the mediating part (320); and At least one first antenna (410-1, 410-2) Includes, The above frequency filter (610) Connected between the first antenna (410-1, 410-2) and the diplexer (620), The above diplexer (620) is An electronic device connected to the frequency filter (610), the first connection part (340), and the second connection part (350), respectively.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above main part (310) is A radio frequency circuit comprising at least one first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (430-1, 430-2); and At least one processor (120, 440, 1230) operatively connected to the above radio frequency circuit An electronic device including 3. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 2, The above mediation part (320) is At least one second antenna (510); and At least one second radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (530) An electronic device including 4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, The above second antenna (510) is Receives a signal in the first frequency band, and The above second radio frequency integrated circuit (530) is The signal of the first frequency band is converted into an RF signal of the second frequency band, and The RF signal of the second frequency band above is An electronic device transmitted to the diplexer (620) through the second connecting part (350).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above first antenna (410-1, 410-2) is Receiving RF signals in the second frequency band and RF signals in the third frequency band, The above frequency filter (610) An electronic device that filters the RF signal of the second frequency band and transmits only the RF signal of the third frequency band to the diplexer (620).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The second frequency band is larger than the third frequency band, and The above frequency filter (610) An electronic device including a low-pass filter (LPF).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, The above diplexer (620) is An electronic device that combines the RF signal of the second frequency band received through the second connection part (350) and the RF signal of the third frequency band received from the frequency filter (610), and transmits the combined signal to the main part (310) through the first connection part (340).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The above first frequency band is Includes B31 band or B26 band, The above second frequency band is Including the 5 GHz band, The above third frequency band is An electronic device including the 2.4GHz band.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The above diplexer (620) is An electronic device that converts the above RF signal into an RF signal of a second frequency band and an RF signal of a third frequency band.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, The above diplexer (620) is The RF signal of the third frequency band is transmitted to the frequency filter (610), and The above frequency filter (610) An electronic device that transmits only the RF signal of the third frequency band to the first antenna (410-1, 410-2).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, The above mediation part (320) is At least one second antenna (510); and At least one second radio frequency integrated circuit (530) Includes, The above diplexer (620) is The RF signal of the second frequency band is transmitted to the second radio frequency integrated circuit through the second connection part (350), and The above second radio frequency integrated circuit (530) is An electronic device that converts the RF signal of the second frequency band into a signal of the first frequency band and transmits it to the second antenna (510).

12. Operation of receiving an RF signal of the second frequency band and an RF signal of the third frequency band through the first antenna (410-1, 410-2); The operation of filtering the RF signal of the second frequency band through the frequency filter (610) and transmitting only the RF signal of the third frequency band to the diplexer (620); Operation of receiving a signal of the first frequency band through the second antenna (510); An operation of converting a signal of the first frequency band into an RF signal of the second frequency band; The operation of transmitting the converted RF signal of the second frequency band to the diplexer (620) through the second connection part (350); and The operation of combining the RF signal of the converted second frequency band and the RF signal of the third frequency band received from the frequency filter (610). A method of operation of an electronic device including 13. In Paragraph 12, The second frequency band is larger than the third frequency band, and The above frequency filter (610) A method of operation of an electronic device including a low-pass filter (LPF).

14. In either Paragraph 12 or Paragraph 13, The above first frequency band is Includes B31 band or B26 band, The above second frequency band is Including the 5 GHz band, The above third frequency band is A method of operation of an electronic device including a 2.4GHz band.

15. Operation of converting a baseband signal into a second frequency band RF signal and a third frequency band RF signal and transmitting them to a diplexer (620); The above diplexer (620) transmits the RF signal of the third frequency band to the frequency filter (610), and the frequency filter (610) transmits only the RF signal of the third frequency band to the first antenna (410-1, 410-2); The above diplexer (620) transmits the RF signal of the second frequency band to the intermediate part (320) through the second connection part (350); The above-mentioned mediating part (320) converts the RF signal of the second frequency band into an RF signal of the first frequency band and transmits it to the second antenna (510). A method of operating an electronic device including

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