Communication device for calibrating input and output of antennas

Abstract

This communication device may comprise: a plurality of antennas comprising a first antenna; a processor; a plurality of transmission processing circuits comprising a first transmission processing circuit connected to the first antenna; a plurality of reception processing circuits comprising a first reception processing circuit connected to the first antenna; a beamforming calibration network circuit connected to the plurality of transmission processing circuits through couplers and connected to the first reception processing circuit; and a switching connector circuit connected to the first transmission processing circuit. The switching connector circuit may comprise a port for connection with an external device comprising a signal output device and a signal measurement device. The switching connector circuit may be configured to, on the basis of the connection with the external device, block a path between the first transmission processing circuit and the first antenna, and provide a path between the first transmission processing circuit and the external device.

Description

Communication device for performing input and output correction of antennas

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device for performing correction of the input and output of antennas.

[0002] A communication device may include multiple antennas. Since the communication paths for the multiple antennas are separated from one another, the magnitudes of the signals input and / or output through the multiple antennas may differ from one another. Accordingly, the communication device can calibrate the input and / or output of the antennas.

[0003] 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.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a communication device may include a plurality of antennas including a first antenna, a processor, a plurality of transmission processing circuits including a first transmission processing circuit connected to the first antenna, a plurality of reception processing circuits including a first reception processing circuit connected to the first antenna, a beamforming calibration network circuit connected to the plurality of transmission processing circuits via couplers and connected to the first reception processing circuit, and a switching connector circuit connected to the first transmission processing circuit among the plurality of transmission processing circuits. The switching connector circuit may include a port for connection with an external device including a signal output device and a signal measurement device. Based on the connection with the external device, the switching connector circuit may be configured to block a path between the first transmission processing circuit and the first antenna and to provide a path between the first transmission processing circuit and the external device. The processor may be configured to provide a first signal having a first intensity to the first transmission processing circuit while the external device is connected to the communication device through the switching connector circuit, and, based on the provision of the first signal, to identify a first coupling signal regarding the first signal obtained through the first coupler among the couplers through the beamforming calibration network circuit. The difference between the first intensity of the first signal and the second intensity of the first coupling signal identified by the signal measuring device may be used as a transmission offset for each of the plurality of antennas.

[0005] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0006] Figure 1 shows a wireless communication system.

[0007] Figure 2 shows examples of components of a communication device.

[0008] Figure 3a shows an example of a communication device.

[0009] Figure 3b shows an example of components of a communication device.

[0010] FIG. 3c illustrates an example in which RF calibration is performed.

[0011] Figure 4a shows an example of a communication device.

[0012] Figure 4b shows an example of components of a communication device.

[0013] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a circuit configuration of a communication device.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the configuration of a communication device for RF calibration.

[0015] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described in this disclosure. Terms used in this disclosure that are defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even terms defined in this disclosure are not to be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0016] In the various embodiments of the present disclosure described below, a hardware-based approach is described as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques using both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0017] Terms used in the following description to refer to components of an electronic device (e.g., insulating plate, substrate, PCB (print circuit board), FPCB (flexible PCB), module, antenna, antenna element, antenna element, circuit, amplifier circuit, processor, chip, component, device), terms referring to the shape of a component (e.g., opening, structure, structure, support, contact, protrusion), terms referring to connections between structures (e.g., connection, contact, support, contact structure, conductive member, assembly), and terms referring to circuits (e.g., PCB, FPCB, signal line, feeding line, data line, RF signal line, antenna line, amplifier circuit, RF path, RF module, RF circuit, splitter, divider, coupler, combiner) are examples provided for the convenience of explanation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used. Additionally, terms such as '...part', '...device', '...object', '...body' used below may refer to at least one shape structure or a unit that processes a function.

[0018] Additionally, in this disclosure, expressions of "greater than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled; however, this is merely for the purpose of expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions of "greater than" or "less than." Conditions described as "greater than" may be replaced with "greater than," conditions described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and conditions described as "greater than and less than" may be replaced with "greater than and less than." Furthermore, "A" to "B" below refer to at least one of elements from A (including A) to B (including B). Below, "C" and / or "D" refers to including at least one of "C" or "D," i.e., {"C", "D", "C" and "D"}.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system. The wireless communication environment of FIG. 1 exemplifies a base station (110) and a terminal (120) (e.g., a first terminal (120-1), a second terminal (120-2), a third terminal (120-3)) as a part of the nodes using a wireless channel.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a base station (110) is a network infrastructure that provides wireless access to a terminal (120). The base station (110) has coverage based on the distance over which it can transmit signals. In addition to being a base station, the base station (110) may be referred to as an 'access point (AP)', 'eNodeB (eNB)', '5G node (5th generation node)', '5G NodeB (NB)', 'wireless point', 'transmission / reception point (TRP)', MMU (Massive MIMO (multiple input multiple output) Unit)', 'access unit', 'distributed unit (DU)', 'transmission / reception point (TRP)', 'radio unit (RU)', 'remote radio head (RRH)', or other terms having an equivalent technical meaning. The base station (110) can transmit downlink signals or receive uplink signals.

[0021] The terminal (120) is a device used by a user and performs communication with the base station (110) via a wireless channel. In some cases, the terminal (120) may be operated without user involvement. That is, the terminal (120) is a device that performs machine type communication (MTC) and may not be carried by the user. The terminal (120) may be referred to as 'user equipment (UE)', 'mobile station', 'subscriber station', 'customer premises equipment (CPE)', 'remote terminal', 'wireless terminal', 'electronic device', or 'vehicle terminal', 'user device', or other terms having an equivalent technical meaning.

[0022] Beamforming technology is utilized as one of the techniques to mitigate propagation path loss and increase the transmission distance of radio waves. Beamforming generally uses multiple antennas to concentrate the reach area of ​​radio waves or to increase the directivity of reception sensitivity in a specific direction. Therefore, to form beamforming coverage instead of forming a signal in an isotropic pattern using a single antenna, a base station (110) may be equipped with multiple antennas. A form in which multiple antennas are gathered may be referred to as an antenna array (130), and each antenna included in the array may be referred to as an array element or an antenna element. The antenna array (130) may be configured in various forms, such as a linear array or a planar array. The antenna array (130) may be referred to as a massive antenna array.

[0023] A key technology for enhancing the data capacity of 5G communication is beamforming technology using an antenna array connected to multiple RF paths. To achieve higher data capacity, the number of RF paths must be increased, or the power per RF path must be increased. However, increasing the number of RF paths leads to larger product sizes, and due to spatial constraints in installing actual base station equipment, it is currently impossible to increase them further. To increase antenna gain through high output without increasing the number of RF paths, antenna gain can be increased by connecting multiple antenna elements using dividers (or splitters) in the RF paths. Here, the antenna elements corresponding to the RF paths may be referred to as sub-arrays. As a non-limiting example, sub-array technology may be utilized to increase the signal radiation gain. An antenna array may include multiple sub-arrays. The antennas of the antenna array may be divided into the multiple sub-arrays. The signal may be radiated through each of the antennas of the sub-arrays.

[0024] In FIG. 1, the base station (110) of FIG. 1 is described as an example to explain an electronic device including an antenna, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As an electronic device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to the base station (110), any wireless equipment performing a function equivalent to that of the base station, wireless equipment connected to the base station (e.g., TRP), the terminal (120) of FIG. 1, or other communication equipment used for 5G communication is possible. Hereinafter, as a structure of multiple antennas for communication in a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) environment, the present disclosure describes an antenna array composed of sub-arrays as an example, but is not limited to examples where easy modifications for beamforming are possible.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates examples of components of a communication device. The communication device may be a base station (110) of FIG. 1 or a component of the base station (110). Meanwhile, unlike what is illustrated, the present disclosure does not exclude the possibility that the communication device may be implemented in a terminal (120).

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary functional configuration of a communication device (210) is illustrated. The communication device (210) may include an antenna section (211), a filter section (212), an RF (radio frequency) processing section (213), and a processor (214).

[0027] The antenna section (211) may include a plurality of antennas. The antennas may perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless channel. The antennas may include a radiator made of a conductor (e.g., a metal structure) or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). The antennas may radiate upconverted signals over a wireless channel or acquire signals radiated by another device. Each antenna may be referred to by an antenna element, antenna component, antenna radiator, radiating part, radiator, and / or equivalent technical terms. The antenna section (211) may include an antenna array in which a plurality of antenna elements form an array. The antenna section (211) may be electrically connected to the filter section (212) via RF signal lines. For example, a plurality of antenna elements of the antenna section (211) may be coupled to a board (e.g., a PCB). The antenna elements may be placed on one side of the board, or a module on which the antenna elements are placed may be placed. The above board may include RF signal lines connecting each antenna element and the RF filters of the filter section (212). The RF signal lines may be referred to as a feeding network. The board may be referred to as a wireless unit board, a wireless unit board, an antenna board, an antenna board, a radiation board, a radiation board, an RF board, an RF board, and / or an equivalent technical term.

[0028] The filter unit (212) can perform filtering to transmit a signal of a desired frequency. The filter unit (212) may include a plurality of RF filters. The RF filters can perform the function of selectively passing a frequency by forming resonance. The filter unit (212) may include at least one of a band-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter, or a band-reject filter. The filter unit (212) may include RF circuits for obtaining a signal in a frequency band for transmission or a frequency band for reception. Each RF filter of the filter unit (212) may be electrically connected to the antennas of the antenna unit (211) and the RF processing circuit of the RF processing unit (213).

[0029] The RF processing unit (213) may include a plurality of RF processing circuits. An RF processing circuit may be a unit for processing a signal received through an antenna or a signal radiated through an antenna. An RF processing circuit may include a plurality of paths corresponding to the antennas. At least one RF processing circuit may be referred to as an RF chain. An RF chain may include a plurality of RF elements. The RF elements may include an amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, a DAC, an ADC, etc. For example, the RF processing unit (213) may include an up converter that up-converts a baseband digital transmission signal to a transmission frequency, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that converts the up-converted digital transmission signal into an analog RF transmission signal. The up converter and the DAC form part of a transmission path. The transmission path may further include a power amplifier (PA) or a coupler (or combiner). Additionally, for example, the RF processing unit (213) may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts an analog RF reception signal into a digital reception signal and a down converter that converts the digital reception signal into a baseband digital reception signal. The ADC and the down converter form part of the reception path. The reception path may further include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) or a coupler (or divider). The RF components of the RF processing unit (213) may be implemented on a PCB. The communication device (210) may include a stacked structure in the order of an antenna unit (211), a filter unit (212), and an RF processing unit (213). The antennas and the RF components of the RF processing unit (213) may be implemented on a PCB, and filters may be repeatedly connected between the PCBs to form multiple layers.For example, the RF processing unit (213) may include a communication chip (e.g., RFIC).

[0030] The processor (214) can control the overall operations of the communication device (210). The processor (214) may be referred to as a control unit, a controller, or a control unit. The processor (214) may include various modules for performing communication. The processor (214) may include at least one processor, such as a modem. The processor (214) may include modules for digital signal processing. For example, the processor (214) may include a modem. When transmitting data, the processor (214) generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bit sequence. Also, for example, when receiving data, the processor (214) restores the received bit sequence by demodulating and decoding the baseband signal. The processor (214) may perform the functions of a protocol stack required by the communication standard.

[0031] In FIG. 2, functional components of a communication device (210) are described as a communication device including a plurality of antennas. However, the example shown in FIG. 2 is merely an exemplary configuration for RF calibration described later, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the components of the communication device shown in FIG. 2. For example, even if some of the components of the communication device are omitted or the connection relationships of the components are different, any device including a plurality of antennas (e.g., a communication device, a communication module) can be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3a shows an example of a communication device.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3a, the communication device (300) may include a front cover (301), an antenna plate (302), a shield can (303), a main PCB (304), and a rear housing (305). For example, the communication device (300) may be referred to as a massive MIMO unit (MMU) or a radio unit (RU).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the front cover (301) may be configured to surround the antenna plate (302). The front cover (301) may protect a plurality of antennas placed on the antenna plate (302). For example, the front cover (301) may be referred to as a radome. For example, the front cover (301) may be configured to reduce transmission loss of the frequency band used in the communication device (300). For example, the front cover (301) may be composed of a material having excellent radio wave transmittance and excellent environmental resistance.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the antenna plate (302) may include a plurality of antennas. For example, the antenna plate (302) may include a plurality of antennas and an antenna substrate for arranging the plurality of antennas (e.g., antenna element, antenna array, antenna sub-array). For example, each of the plurality of antennas may include a radiating structure. The radiating structure may be formed of a conductive material. For the plurality of antennas, the description of the antenna portion (211) of FIG. 2 may be referenced. For example, the plurality of antennas may be arranged on the antenna substrate. The antenna substrate on which the plurality of antennas are arranged may be referred to as an insulating plate, an insulating plate, a radiating substrate, a radiating plate, and / or an equivalent technical term.

[0036] According to one embodiment, an antenna plate (302) may be placed on a shield can (303). The antenna plate (302) may be placed on the shield can (303) so as not to affect the signal emitted through the plurality of antennas included in the antenna plate (302). The shield can (303) can reduce the effect on the signal emitted through the plurality of antennas generated by the components placed on the main PCB (304). According to one embodiment, a plurality of filters may be placed between the shield can (303) and the antenna plate (302). For the plurality of filters, the description of the filter section (212) of FIG. 2 may be referenced.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the main PCB (304) may provide connections between components for transmitting signals through a plurality of antennas. For example, a power amplifier circuit, an RF transceiver, and a circulator may be placed on a first surface of the main PCB (304). A processor may be placed on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the main PCB (304).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the rear housing (305) may include a heat sink to provide protection and heat dissipation for the communication device (300). The heat sink may be configured to dissipate heat generated by the components of the main PCB (304) to the outside.

[0039] Figure 3b shows an example of the components of a communication device.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3b, Example (380) represents a part of the communication device (300) of FIG. 3a as viewed from one direction (e.g., the x-axis or y-axis of FIG. 3a). In Example (380), the communication device (300) (or part of the communication device (300)) may include a PCB (310), a shield can (320), an antenna substrate (330), and a heat sink (350).

[0041] The PCB (310) may include a coin (362). The coin (362) may be placed within the PCB (310) to dissipate heat generated from components of the communication device (300) (e.g., power amplifier (363)). The coin (362) may be inserted inside the PCB (310). The coin (362) may be formed to penetrate a first side (e.g., front) and a second side (e.g., rear) of the PCB (310). The coin (362) may be placed to contact a heat sink (350). Heat generated from components of the communication device (300) (e.g., power amplifier (363)) may be transferred to the heat sink (350) through the coin (362). The heat transferred to the heat sink (350) may be discharged to the outside through the rear housing (305) of FIG. 3A.

[0042] A power amplifier (363) and a circulator (364) may be placed on a first side (e.g., front) of the PCB (310). The power amplifier (363) may be placed on the coin (362) of the PCB (310). The power amplifier (363) may be used to amplify a received signal and / or a transmitted signal. The circulator (364) may be configured such that a plurality of ports form a path in a designated direction (e.g., clockwise). For example, the circulator (364) may include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The circulator (364) may provide a path for outputting a signal input to the first port through the second port. The circulator (364) may provide a path for outputting a signal input to the second port through the third port. The circulator (364) may provide a path for outputting a signal input to the third port through the first port.

[0043] A processor (361) may be placed on a second side (e.g., the rear side) of the PCB (310). For the processor (361), the description of the processor (214) in FIG. 2 may be referenced. For example, the processor (361) may include modules for digital signal processing. The processor (361) may include a module for processing a digital signal received from an external device (e.g., a digital unit (DU)).

[0044] The PCB (310) can be connected to the filter (365) through the connector (368). A transmission signal can be provided to the filter (365) through the connector (368). A reception signal can be provided from the filter (365) through the connector (368). The connector (368) can be connected to the filter (365) by passing through the shield can (320).

[0045] The filter (365) may correspond to at least one of the plurality of filters described in FIG. 3a. The filter (365) may be configured to filter a signal received through the connector (368). For the filter (365), the description of the filter section (212) in FIG. 2 may be referenced.

[0046] The antenna substrate (330) may be placed on the filter (365). The antenna substrate (330) may be part of the antenna plate (302) of FIG. 3A. A plurality of antennas (e.g., antenna element (331), antenna element (332)) may be placed (or implemented) on the antenna substrate (330).

[0047] The antenna board (330) can be connected to a filter (365) via a connector (369) (e.g., RF signal line, feed network). The antenna board (330) can receive a transmission signal from the filter (365) via the connector (369). The antenna board (330) can provide a reception signal to the filter (365) via the connector (369).

[0048] According to one embodiment, RF calibration may be performed on the communication device (300). Even when providing signals of the same magnitude, the paths for the multiple antennas are configured differently, so the magnitude of the signals output from the multiple antennas included in the communication device (300) may differ. Therefore, through RF calibration of the communication device (300), when a signal of the same magnitude is provided, the magnitude of the signals output from the multiple antennas can be set to be the same.

[0049] For example, to provide beamforming in an antenna, the amplitude and phase in each transmission path and each reception path must be maintained constant. However, since each transmission path or each reception path in an actual wireless module has deviations, it is required to compensate for these deviations. The process of compensating for these deviations can be referred to as RF calibration (or beamforming calibration).

[0050] For example, for RF calibration, a signal provided to the filter (365) may be used. For RF calibration, a signal output through the connector (368) may be used. Thus, for RF calibration, an external device other than the filter (365) may be connected to the connector (368). The external device may include a signal output device and a signal measurement device. The communication device (300) may be connected to the external device through the connector (368). A signal provided by the communication device (300) may be measured by a signal measurement device included in the external device. A signal provided by a signal output device included in the external device may be measured (or identified) by the communication device (300). As described above, the communication device (300) may perform RF calibration based on a signal provided by the communication device (300) and a signal provided by a signal output device.

[0051] Figure 3c illustrates an example in which RF calibration is performed.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3c, the communication device (300) can be connected to the management device (390). The communication device (300) can be connected to the signal measuring device (391) and the signal output device (392) through the switch circuit (395). The communication device (300) can be connected to the switch circuit (395) through a plurality of electrical paths (394). For example, for the plurality of electrical paths (394), connectors for connecting the main PCB (304) and the antenna plate (302) may be used. As an example, for at least one of the plurality of electrical paths (394), a connector (368) for connecting the PCB (310) of FIG. 3b and the filter (365) of FIG. 3b may be used.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the switch circuit (395) may provide a path for transmitting a signal provided from the communication device (300) to the signal measuring device (391). The switch circuit (395) may provide a path for transmitting a signal provided from the signal output device (395) to the communication device (300). The management device (390) may control the communication device (300) to output a signal. The management device (390) may control the switch circuit (395) to provide a path for the signal output from the communication device (300) to be transmitted to the signal measuring device (391). The management device (390) may control the signal output device (392) to output a call. The management device (390) may control the switch circuit (395) to provide a path for the signal output from the signal output device (392) to be transmitted to the communication device (300).

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3c, RF calibration of the communication device (300) can be performed based on a signal provided from the communication device (300) and a signal provided from a signal output device.

[0055] Unlike FIG. 3b, the communication device (300) may not include connectors for connecting the main PCB (304) and the antenna plate (302). In this case, the signal measuring device (391) can identify the magnitude of the signal output through the multiple antennas by wirelessly measuring the signal output through the multiple antennas of the communication device (300). Accordingly, RF calibration of the communication device (300) can be performed. However, since the signal output through the multiple antennas of the communication device (300) is measured wirelessly by the signal measuring device (391), the accuracy of the measurement result may be low.

[0056] Figure 4a shows an example of a communication device.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4a, the communication device (400) may include a front cover (401), a PCB (402), and a rear housing (403). For example, the communication device (400) may be referred to as a massive MIMO unit (MMU) or a radio unit (RU).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the front cover (401) may be configured to enclose the PCB (402). The front cover (401) may protect the PCB (402) and / or components placed on the PCB (402). For example, the front cover (401) may be referred to as a radome. For example, the front cover (401) may be configured to reduce transmission loss of the frequency band used in the communication device (400). For example, the front cover (401) may be composed of a material with excellent radio wave transmittance and excellent environmental resistance. For example, the front cover (401) may correspond to the front cover (301) of FIG. 3A.

[0059] According to one embodiment, components including a plurality of antennas, a plurality of filters, a processor, and a power amplifier may be disposed on the PCB (402). Components included in the antenna plate (302) and the main PCB (303) of FIG. 3a may be disposed on the PCB (402).

[0060] For example, the PCB (402) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., antenna elements, antenna arrays, antenna sub-arrays). The plurality of antennas may be placed on a first surface (e.g., the front) of the PCB (402). According to an embodiment, an antenna substrate for the plurality of antennas may be placed on the first surface (e.g., the front) of the PCB (402). The plurality of antennas may be placed on the antenna substrate. For example, the plurality of antennas and the substrate on which the plurality of antennas are placed may correspond to the antenna plate (302) of FIG. 3A.

[0061] For example, each of the plurality of antennas may include a radiating structure. The radiating structure may be formed of a conductive material. For the plurality of antennas, the description of the antenna portion (211) of FIG. 2 may be referenced. For example, the antenna substrate on which the plurality of antennas are placed may be referred to as an insulating plate, an insulating plate, a radiating substrate, a radiating plate, and / or an equivalent technical term.

[0062] For example, the PCB (402) may provide connections between components for transmitting signals through a plurality of antennas. A plurality of antennas (or antenna substrates) may be placed on a first surface (e.g., front) of the PCB (402). A power amplifier circuit, an RF transceiver, a circulator, and a plurality of filters may be placed on a second surface (e.g., rear) of the PCB (402). However, it is not limited thereto. In addition to the components described above, the PCB (402) may further include various components for transmitting signals from the communication device (400).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the rear housing (403) may include a heat sink to provide protection and heat dissipation for the communication device (400). The heat sink may be configured to dissipate heat generated by the components of the PCB (402) to the outside. According to an embodiment, the heat sink may provide the function of a shield can. According to an embodiment, the rear housing (403) may include a heat sink and a shield can.

[0064] In FIG. 4b below, specific examples of the components of the communication device (400) will be described later.

[0065] Figure 4b shows an example of components of a communication device.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4b, example (480) represents a part of the communication device (400) of FIG. 4a viewed from one direction (e.g., the x-axis or y-axis of FIG. 3a). In example (480), the communication device (400) (or part of the communication device (400)) may include a PCB (410), an antenna substrate (420), a heat sink (430), and a front cover (450).

[0067] The PCB (410) shown in example (480) may be part of the PCB (402) of FIG. 4a. The antenna substrate (420) shown in example (480) may be part of the antenna substrate described in FIG. 4a. The heat sink (430) shown in example (480) may be part of the heat sink described in FIG. 4a.

[0068] According to one embodiment, an antenna substrate (420) may be placed on a PCB (402). A plurality of antennas (e.g., antenna element (421), antenna element (422)) may be placed (or implemented) on the antenna substrate (420). The antenna substrate (420) may include RF signal lines connecting each antenna (or antenna element) and a filter (414). The RF signal lines may be referred to as a feeding network. For example, the antenna substrate (420) may be connected to the filter (414) through a connector (460). The antenna substrate (420) may receive a transmission signal from the filter (414) through the connector (460). The antenna substrate (420) may provide a reception signal to the filter (414) through the connector (460). For example, the connector (460) may be configured as a via hole to pass through the PCB (402). According to an embodiment, the connector (460) may be configured on the outside of the PCB (402).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the PCB (402) may include a processor (411), a power amplifier (412), a circulator (413), and a filter (414). This is exemplary, and the PCB (402) may further include various components for transmitting and / or receiving signals.

[0070] For example, the processor (411), power amplifier (412), circulator (413), and filter (414) may be placed on a second side (e.g., the rear) of the PCB (402). For the processor (411), the description of the processor (214) in FIG. 2 may be referenced. For example, the processor (411) may include modules for digital signal processing. The processor (411) may include a module for processing a digital signal received from an external device (e.g., a digital unit (DU)). The power amplifier (412) may be used to amplify the received signal and / or the transmitted signal. The circulator (413) may be configured such that a plurality of ports form a path in a designated direction (e.g., clockwise). As an example, the circulator (413) may include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The circulator (413) may provide a path for outputting a signal input to the first port through the second port. The circulator (413) may provide a path for outputting a signal input to the second port through the third port. The circulator (413) may provide a path for outputting a signal input to the third port through the first port. The filter (414) may correspond to at least one of the plurality of filters described in FIG. 4a. The filter (414) may be configured to filter a signal received from a plurality of antennas (e.g., antenna element (421) or antenna element (422)) through the connector (460). For the filter (414), the description of the filter section (212) of FIG. 2 may be referenced.

[0071] According to one embodiment, at least some of the components placed on the second side (e.g., rear) of the PCB (402) (e.g., processor (411) or power amplifier (412)) may be placed to be in contact with the heat sink (430). Heat generated from at least some of the components placed on the second side (e.g., rear) of the PCB (402) (e.g., processor (411) or power amplifier (412)) may be transferred to the heat sink (430). The heat transferred to the heat sink (430) may be discharged to the outside through the rear housing (403) of FIG. 4a.

[0072] Unlike the communication device (300) described in FIGS. 3a to 3c, a plurality of antennas may be disposed on a first surface (e.g., front) of the PCB (402) of the communication device (400), and components for transmitting and / or receiving signals may be disposed on a second surface (e.g., rear) of the PCB (402). Since most of the components for the communication device (400) are disposed on the PCB (402), the connector (368) of the communication device (300) may not be included in the communication device (400).

[0073] According to one embodiment, a transmission signal provided to the filter (414) may be required for RF calibration. Since the communication device (400) does not include a connector connecting the PCB (402) and the filter (414), such as the connector (368) of the communication device (300), it may not be able to output the transmission signal externally for RF calibration. Therefore, the communication device (400) may not be connected via a wire to the signal measuring device and the signal generating device for RF calibration. The communication device (400) may be connected wirelessly to the signal measuring device for RF calibration, but a chamber facility to implement OTA (over the air) conditions is required, and the accuracy of the measurement results may be low.

[0074] According to one embodiment, for RF calibration, a switching connector circuit may be disposed on a path for at least one of a plurality of antennas of a communication device (400). A signal provided to at least one of the plurality of antennas may be output through the switching connector circuit. Additionally, for RF calibration, a beamforming calibration network circuit included in the communication device (400) may be used. In the specification below, specific examples of the configuration of a communication device (400) including the switching connector circuit and the beamforming calibration network circuit, and specific examples of the operation in which RF calibration of the communication device (400) is performed through the switching connector circuit and the beamforming calibration network circuit will be described later.

[0075] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a circuit configuration of a communication device.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, the communication device (400) may include a processor (411), an RF transceiver (415), an RF transceiver (416), a plurality of transmission processing circuits, a plurality of reception processing circuits, a plurality of circulators, a plurality of couplers, a beamforming calibration network circuit (590), a switching connector circuit (530), and a plurality of antennas. For convenience of explanation, some of the components of the communication device (400) may be shown in FIG. 5.

[0077] For example, the processor (411) may be connected to the RF transceiver (415) and the RF transceiver (416). The processor (411) may control the RF transceiver (415) and the RF transceiver (416). For the processor (411), the description of the processor (214) in FIG. 2 may be referenced. The RF transceiver (415) may be used as a main transceiver. The RF transceiver (416) may be additionally included in the communication device (400) for redundancy. For example, components (599) identical or similar to the components connected to the RF transceiver (415) may be connected to the RF transceiver (416). For the components (599) connected to the RF transceiver (416), the description of the components connected to the RF transceiver (415), which will be described below, can be applied substantially the same way.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the RF transceiver (415) may be connected to a plurality of transmission processing circuits. For example, the plurality of transmission processing circuits may include a first transmission processing circuit (510). In FIG. 5, only the first transmission processing circuit (510) among the plurality of transmission processing circuits is shown, but this is for convenience of explanation and, although not shown, the plurality of transmission processing circuits may include a second transmission processing circuit (not shown). The second transmission processing circuit (not shown) may be connected to the RF transceiver (415).

[0079] For example, the first transmission processing circuit (510) may include a balun matching circuit (511), a resistor circuit (512), a switch (513), a resistor circuit (516), a power amplifier (517), a power amplifier (518), and a coupler (519). The first transmission processing circuit (510) may further include a resistor circuit (514) and a power amplifier (515) for connection with a beamforming calibration network circuit (590). The balun matching circuit (511) may be used to convert a single signal into a differential signal. The resistor circuit (512) and the resistor circuit (516) may be used for signal attenuation and / or impedance matching. The switch (513) may be configured to provide at least one of a path for transmitting a transmission signal from the processor (411) (or RF transceiver (415)) to the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) and a path for transmitting a transmission signal from the processor (411) (or RF transceiver (415)) to the resistor circuit (516). The power amplifier (517) may be configured to amplify a signal that is too low to be input to the power amplifier (518) to a reference level or higher, thereby enabling the power amplifier (518) to operate stably. The power amplifier (517) may be referred to as a pre-drive power amplifier. The power amplifier (518) may be used to amplify a transmission signal transmitted to the first antenna (501) among a plurality of antennas. The coupler (519) may be used to obtain a feedback signal for the transmission signal output from the power amplifier (518).

[0080] The first transmission processing circuit (510) may be connected to the first circulator (561) among a plurality of circulators. The first circulator (561) may include three ports. The first port of the first circulator (561) may be connected to the first transmission processing circuit (510). The second port of the first circulator (561) may be connected to the first filter (551). The third port of the first circulator (561) may be connected to the first reception processing circuit (520). The first circulator (561) may provide a path for outputting a signal input to the first port to the second port. The first circulator (561) may provide a path for outputting a signal input to the second port to the third port.

[0081] The first circulator (561) (e.g., the second port of the first circulator (561)) can be connected to the first filter (551) among a plurality of filters. The first filter (551) can be used for frequency filtering of a transmission signal.

[0082] The first filter (551) may be connected to the first coupler (541) among a plurality of couplers. The first coupler (541) may be configured to provide a coupling signal for a transmission signal to the beamforming calibration network circuit (590).

[0083] The first coupler (541) may be connected to the switching connector circuit (530). The switching connector circuit (530) may be configured to provide a path between the first antenna (501) and the first filter (551) when the communication device (400) is operating normally. The switching connector circuit (530) may be configured to provide a path between the first filter (551) and an external device when RF calibration of the communication device (400) is performed. For example, the switching connector circuit (530) may include a port (531) for connection with an external device. The external device may include a signal output device and a signal measurement device. The switching connector circuit (530) may be configured to block the path between the first transmission processing circuit (510) and the first antenna (501) based on the connection with the external device. The switching connector circuit (530) may be configured to provide a path between the first transmission processing circuit (510) and the external device based on the connection with the external device. For example, the switching connector circuit (530) can be configured based on an SPDT (single pole double throw) switch.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the communication device (400) may include at least one switching connector circuit. One of the at least one switching connector circuit (e.g., switching connector circuit (530)) may be arranged for paths for a specified number of antennas. For example, one switching connector circuit may be arranged for paths for 16 antennas. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, if the specified number is set to 16, one switching connector circuit may be arranged for 16 antennas. If the communication device (400) includes 32 antennas, the communication device (400) may include two switching connector circuits.

[0085] The first coupler (541) can be connected to the beamforming calibration network circuit (590). For a transmission signal, the coupling signal obtained through the first coupler (541) can be transmitted to the beamforming calibration network circuit (590).

[0086] For example, the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) may be used for phase control per antenna. The beamforming calibration network circuit (590) may be connected to the first reception processing circuit (520). For example, the amplitude (or magnitude) and phase of the received signal and / or transmitted signal may be monitored through the beamforming calibration network circuit (590). For example, the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) may be implemented for 32 transmission paths (or 32 transmission processing circuits) and 32 reception paths (or 32 reception processing circuits). The beamforming calibration network circuit (590) may include a coupling circuit (591) and a coupling circuit (592). For example, the coupling circuit (591) and the coupling circuit (592) may be used to provide the received signal obtained from each of the plurality of antennas to the first reception processing circuit (520). The coupling circuit (591) and the coupling circuit (592) can be used to provide signals obtained from each of the plurality of transmission processing circuits to the first reception processing circuit (520).

[0087] For example, the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) can be used to perform RF calibration for paths where the switching connector circuit (530) is not placed (e.g., paths other than the path for the antenna (501)). According to an embodiment, the error for each path of the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) is identified before RF calibration and can be reflected in the result of the RF calibration.

[0088] For example, the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) may include a switch (503) for obtaining a signal from a switch (513) of the first transmission processing circuit (510).

[0089] For example, the first receiving processing circuit (520) may include a balun matching circuit (521), a resistor circuit (522), a switch (523), a power amplifier (524), and a switch (525). The balun matching circuit (521) may be used to convert a single signal into a differential signal. The resistor circuit (522) may be used for signal attenuation and / or impedance matching. The switch (523) may be configured to provide at least one of a path for transmitting a received signal obtained through the antenna (501) to the processor (411) (or RF transceiver (415)) and a path for transmitting a signal received from the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) to the processor (411) (or RF transceiver (415)). The power amplifier (524) may be used to amplify a received signal obtained through the first antenna (501) among a plurality of antennas. The switch (525) can be used to provide a path for a receiving signal transmitted through the first circulator (561).

[0090] In FIG. 6 below, a specific example for performing RF calibration using the communication device (400) described above will be explained. For example, the communication device (400) may include various components for RF calibration in addition to the components shown in FIG. 5. Various components for RF calibration may be shown in FIG. 6.

[0091] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the configuration of a communication device for RF calibration.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 6, at least some or all of the components of the communication device (400) illustrated in FIG. 6 may be used for RF calibration. FIG. 6 may show a simplified block diagram of the communication device (400) for RF calibration. A processor (551) may control a switch (e.g., switch (523), switch (621)) or a beamforming calibration network circuit (590) to set the path of the signals described below.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (411) may include a test tone generator (601), a signal strength detector (602), and / or a feedback signal analyzer (603). For example, the test tone generator (601) may be configured to provide a signal (e.g., a test signal for RF calibration) to a plurality of transmission processing circuits (e.g., a first transmission processing circuit (510) and / or a second transmission processing circuit (540)). The signal strength detector (602) may be configured to identify the strength (e.g., RSSI) of a signal received from a plurality of reception processing circuits (e.g., a first reception processing circuit (520), a second reception processing circuit (550), or a feedback reception processing circuit (620)). The feedback signal analyzer (603) may be configured to analyze a feedback signal received from the feedback reception processing circuit (620). For example, a feedback signal for a transmission signal provided from a first transmission processing circuit (510) can be obtained through a coupler (519). The feedback signal can be provided to a switch (621). The feedback signal can be provided from the switch (621) to a feedback signal processing circuit (620). The feedback signal can be provided from the feedback signal processing circuit (620) to a processor (411).

[0094] According to one embodiment, an RF calibration process for a transmission path of a communication device (400) may be performed. For the RF calibration process for a transmission path of a communication device (400), an external device including a signal measuring device (391) and a signal output device (392) may be connected through a switching connector circuit (530).

[0095] For example, while an external device is connected to a communication device (400) via a switching connector circuit (530), the processor (411) can generate a first signal (e.g., a continuous wave (CW) tone) using a test tone generator (601). The processor (411) can provide (or transmit) the first signal to a first transmission processing circuit (510). The first signal can be provided from the first transmission processing circuit (510) to a coupler (519). The first signal can be provided from the coupler (519) to a first circulator (561). The first signal can be provided from the first circulator (561) to a filter (551). The first signal can be provided from the filter (551) to a first coupler (541). The first signal can be provided from the first coupler (541) to a switching connector circuit (530). For example, an external device may be connected through a port (531) of a switching connector circuit (530). A first signal may be provided from the switching connector circuit (530) to a splitter (631) of the external device. A first signal may be provided from the splitter (631) to a signal measuring device (391) and a signal output device (392).

[0096] For example, the first signal provided to the signal measuring device (391) may have a first strength (e.g., RSSI (received signal strength indicator)). The first signal may be provided to the signal measuring device (391) with a first strength.

[0097] For example, a first coupling signal for a first signal may be provided to a beamforming calibration network circuit (590) through a first coupler (541). The first signal may be provided from the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) to a first reception processing circuit (520) through a splitter (610) and a switch (523). The first signal may be provided from the first reception processing circuit (520) to a processor (411). The processor (411) may identify the strength of the first signal as a second strength using a signal strength detector (602). The first signal may be provided to the processor (411) as a second strength.

[0098] For example, the difference between the first strength of the first signal and the second strength of the first coupling signal identified by the signal measuring device (391) can be used as a transmission offset for each of the plurality of antennas.

[0099] After the transmission offset is identified, the processor (411) may provide a signal to each of the plurality of transmission processing circuits. For example, the processor (411) may provide a second signal to the second transmission processing circuit (540). The second signal may be provided from the second transmission processing circuit (540) to the coupler (632). The second signal may be provided from the coupler (632) to the second circulator (562). The second signal may be provided from the second circulator (562) to the second filter (552). The second signal may be provided from the second filter (552) to the second coupler (542). A second coupling signal regarding the second signal may be provided from the second coupler (542) to the beamforming calibration network circuit (590). The second coupling signal may be provided from the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) to the splitter (610). The second coupling signal may be provided from the splitter (610) to the switch (523). The second coupling signal may be provided from the splitter (610) to the first reception processing circuit (520). The second coupling signal may be provided from the first reception processing circuit (520) to the processor (411). The second coupling signal may be provided to the processor (411) with a third strength. The processor (411) may identify the second coupling signal having a third strength using the signal strength detector (602).

[0100] The processor (411) can identify the sum of the third intensity and the transmission offset. The processor (411) can identify the difference between the target intensity and the sum of the third intensity and the transmission offset. The processor (411) can identify the identified difference as an error for the second transmission processing circuit (540) (or the second transmission path). The processor (411) can perform a process to correct the error for the second transmission processing circuit (540) (or the second transmission path). For example, the processor (411) can determine the attenuation rate of the signal provided to the second transmission processing circuit (540) to correct the error for the second transmission processing circuit (540). The processor (411) can provide a signal to the second transmission processing circuit (540) according to the determined attenuation rate using an attenuator for the second transmission processing circuit (540). The above attenuator may be included in at least one of a processor (411) or an RF transceiver (415). As described above, the processor (411) can determine the signal attenuation rate for each of all transmission paths (or a plurality of transmission processing circuits) of the communication device (400) and perform an RF calibration process for the transmission path by applying the determined attenuation rate.

[0101] According to one embodiment, an RF calibration process for a receiving path of a communication device (400) may be performed. For the RF calibration process for a receiving path of a communication device (400), an external device including a signal measuring device (391) and a signal output device (392) may be connected through a switching connector circuit (530).

[0102] For example, while an external device is connected to a communication device (400) via a switching connector circuit (530), a first reference signal having a fourth intensity may be provided to the communication device (400) via a signal output device (392) included in the external device. The first reference signal may be provided to the switching connector circuit (530) of the communication device (400). The first reference signal may be provided from the switching connector circuit (530) to a first coupler (541). The first reference signal may be provided from the first coupler (541) to a first filter (551). The first reference signal may be provided from the first filter (551) to a first circulator (561). The first reference signal may be provided from the first circulator (561) to a switch (523). The first reference signal may be provided from the switch (523) to a first reception processing circuit (520). A first reference signal may be provided to a processor (411) from a first receiving processing circuit (520). The processor (411) may identify a first reference signal having a fifth intensity using a signal intensity detector (602).

[0103] After a first reference signal having a fifth intensity is identified, a second reference signal having a fourth intensity may be provided from the signal output device (393) to the communication device (400). For example, the signal output device (393) may correspond to the signal output device (392). According to an embodiment, the signal output device (393) may be distinguished from the signal output device (392).

[0104] A second reference signal may be provided to a beamforming calibration network circuit (590) through a designated node (or port) (e.g., a node corresponding to a splitter (610)). The second reference signal may be provided from the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) to a first coupler (541). A third coupling signal regarding the second reference signal may be provided from the first coupler (541) to a first filter (551). The third coupling signal may be provided from the first filter (551) to a first circulator (561). The third coupling signal may be provided from the first circulator (561) to a switch (523). The third coupling signal may be provided from the switch (523) to a first reception processing circuit (520). The third coupling signal may be provided from the first reception processing circuit (520) to a processor (411). The processor (411) can identify a third coupling signal having a sixth strength using a signal strength detector (602).

[0105] The difference between the fifth intensity of the first reference signal and the sixth intensity of the third coupling signal can be used as a reception offset for each of the plurality of antennas.

[0106] After the reception offset is identified, the processor (411) may provide a coupling signal of the signal provided through the signal output device (393) to each of the plurality of reception processing circuits. For example, a third reference signal having a fourth intensity may be provided from the signal output device (393) to the communication device (400). The third reference signal may be provided to the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) through a designated node (or port) (e.g., a node corresponding to the splitter (610)). The third reference signal may be provided from the beamforming calibration network circuit (590) to the second coupler (542). A fourth coupling signal regarding the third reference signal may be provided from the second coupler (542) to the second filter (552). The fourth coupling signal may be provided from the second filter (552) to the second circulator (562). The fourth coupling signal may be provided from the second circulator (562) to the second receiving processing circuit (550). The fourth coupling signal may be provided from the second receiving processing circuit (550) to the processor (411). The processor (411) can identify the fourth coupling signal having a seventh strength using the signal strength detector (602).

[0107] The processor (411) can determine the attenuation rate of the signal received through the second reception processing circuit (550) based on the seventh intensity and reception offset of the fourth coupling signal. For example, the processor (411) can identify the difference between the seventh intensity and the reception offset. The processor (411) can identify the identified difference as an error for the second reception processing circuit (550) (or the second reception path). The processor (411) can perform a process to correct the error for the second reception processing circuit (550) (or the second reception path). For example, the processor (411) can determine the attenuation rate of the signal received from the second reception processing circuit (550) to correct the error for the second reception processing circuit (550). The processor (411) can correct the signal received from the second receiving processing circuit (550) according to a determined attenuation rate by using an attenuator for the second receiving processing circuit (550). The attenuator may be included in at least one of the processor (411) or the RF transceiver (415). As described above, the processor (411) can determine the attenuation rate of the signal for each of all receiving paths (or a plurality of transmitting processing circuits) of the communication device (400) and perform an RF calibration process for the receiving paths by applying the determined attenuation rate.

[0108] In the above-described embodiments, RSSI is described exemplarily as the signal strength, but is not limited thereto. For example, to measure the signal strength, at least one of RSSI, RSRP (reference signal received power), and / or RSRQ (reference signal received quality) may be used.

[0109] According to one embodiment, a communication device may include a plurality of antennas including a first antenna, a processor, a plurality of transmission processing circuits including a first transmission processing circuit connected to the first antenna, a plurality of reception processing circuits including a first reception processing circuit connected to the first antenna, a beamforming calibration network circuit connected to the plurality of transmission processing circuits via couplers and connected to the first reception processing circuit, and a switching connector circuit connected to the first transmission processing circuit among the plurality of transmission processing circuits. The switching connector circuit may include a port for connection with an external device including a signal output device and a signal measurement device. Based on the connection with the external device, the switching connector circuit may be configured to block a path between the first transmission processing circuit and the first antenna and to provide a path between the first transmission processing circuit and the external device. The processor may be configured to provide a first signal having a first intensity to the first transmission processing circuit while the external device is connected to the communication device through the switching connector circuit, and, based on the provision of the first signal, to identify a first coupling signal regarding the first signal obtained through the first coupler among the couplers through the beamforming calibration network circuit. The difference between the first intensity of the first signal and the second intensity of the first coupling signal identified by the signal measuring device may be used as a transmission offset for each of the plurality of antennas.

[0110] For example, the first signal may be provided to the signal measuring device at the first intensity through the switching connector circuit. The first coupling signal regarding the first signal may be provided to the processor at the second intensity through the first coupler among the couplers, the beamforming calibration network circuit, and the first reception processing circuit.

[0111] For example, the communication device may include couplers. The couplers may be configured to provide paths between the plurality of transmission processing circuits, the plurality of reception processing circuits, and the plurality of antennas.

[0112] For example, the processor may be configured to provide a second signal to a second transmission processing circuit among the plurality of transmission processing circuits, and, based on the provision of the second signal, to identify a second coupling signal regarding the second signal obtained through a second coupler among the couplers through the beamforming calibration network circuit.

[0113] For example, the second coupling signal regarding the second signal may be provided to the processor at a third intensity through the second coupler, the beamforming calibration network circuit, and the first reception processing circuit.

[0114] For example, the processor may be configured to determine the attenuation rate of the signal provided to the second transmission processing circuit based on the transmission offset and the third intensity.

[0115] For example, the processor may be configured to identify the difference between the sum of the target strength, the third strength, and the transmission offset, and to determine the attenuation rate of the signal provided to the second transmission processing circuit based on the difference.

[0116] For example, the communication device may include attenuators. The processor may be configured to provide signals to the plurality of antennas according to determined attenuation rates using the attenuators.

[0117] For example, the communication device may include circulators for forming paths between the plurality of transmission processing circuits, the plurality of reception processing circuits, and the plurality of antennas.

[0118] For example, the processor may be configured to receive a first reference signal having a fifth intensity through the switching connector circuit, a first circulator among the circulators, and a first receiving processing circuit, based on a first reference signal having a fourth intensity output from a signal output device included in the external device while the external device is connected to the communication device through the switching connector circuit.

[0119] For example, the processor may be configured to receive a third coupling signal having a sixth intensity, through the first coupler, the first circulator, and the first reception processing circuit, while the second reference signal having a fourth intensity is provided to the beamforming calibration network circuit through a node between the first reception processing circuit and the beamforming calibration network. The difference between the fifth intensity of the first reference signal and the sixth intensity of the third coupling signal may be used as a reception offset for each of the plurality of antennas.

[0120] For example, the processor may be configured to receive a fourth coupling signal having the seventh intensity of the third reference signal through the second coupler, the second circulator among the circulators, and the second reception processing circuit while the third reference signal having the fourth intensity is provided to the beamforming calibration network circuit through the node between the first reception processing circuit and the beamforming calibration network, and to determine the attenuation rate of the signal received through the second reception processing circuit based on the seventh intensity of the fourth coupling signal and the reception offset.

[0121] For example, the first node and the second node may be connected to the signal output device included in the external device. The second reference signal and the third reference signal may be provided from the signal output device.

[0122] For example, the processor may be configured to provide the second reference signal to the first coupling circuit using the beamforming calibration network circuit, and to provide the third reference signal to the second coupling circuit using the beamforming calibration network circuit.

[0123] For example, the communication device may include a plurality of switching connector circuits including the switching connector circuit. The number of the plurality of switching connector circuits may be changed according to the number of the plurality of antenna circuits.

[0124] For example, the switching connector circuit described above can be configured based on an SPDT (single pole double throw) switch.

[0125] For example, the communication device may include a plurality of filters, including a first filter. The first filter may be disposed between the first transmission processing circuit and the first coupler.

[0126] For example, the communication device may include a printed circuit board. The plurality of antennas may be disposed on a first surface of the printed circuit board. The processor, the plurality of transmission processing circuits, the plurality of reception processing circuits, the beamforming calibration network circuit, and the couplers may be disposed on a second surface of the printed circuit board opposite to the first surface.

[0127] For example, the communication device may include an RF transceiver for the plurality of transmission processing circuits and the plurality of reception processing circuits. The RF transceiver may be connected to the processor.

[0128] For example, each of the plurality of transmission processing circuits may include a balun matching circuit and a power amplifier circuit for amplifying the transmitted signal.

[0129] For example, each of the plurality of reception processing circuits may include a balun matching circuit and a power amplifier circuit for amplifying the received signal.

[0130] According to the above-described embodiment, since the RF path and the measuring device are directly connected using a minimum number of RF connectors, the accuracy of RF calibration can be improved. Accordingly, system hardware optimization can be performed. In addition, cost reduction and equipment investment costs for the mass production process can also be reduced.

[0131] Methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0132] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium may be provided for storing one or more programs (software modules). One or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors within an electronic device. One or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of this disclosure. The one or more programs may be provided as 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.

[0133] Such programs (software modules, software) may be stored in random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disc storage devices, compact disc-ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs), or other forms of optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes. Alternatively, they may be stored in memory composed of some or all of these. Additionally, each constituent memory may include multiple units.

[0134] Additionally, the program may be stored on an attachable storage device that can be accessed via a communication network such as the Internet, Intranet, LAN (local area network), WAN (wide area network), or SAN (storage area network), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure through an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on a communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the components included in the disclosure are expressed in a singular or plural form according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expression is selected to suit the situation presented for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components; even if a component is expressed in the plural form, it may be composed of a singular form, and even if a component is expressed in the singular form, it may be composed of a plural form.

[0136] According to embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to integration. According to embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0137] Meanwhile, although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present disclosure, it is understood that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In a communication device, A plurality of antennas including a first antenna; processor; A plurality of transmission processing circuits including a first transmission processing circuit connected to the first antenna; A plurality of reception processing circuits including a first reception processing circuit connected to the first antenna; A beamforming calibration network circuit connected to the plurality of transmission processing circuits and couplers and connected to the first reception processing circuit; and Among the plurality of transmission processing circuits, it includes a switching connector circuit connected to the first transmission processing circuit, The above switching connector circuit is, It includes a port for connection with an external device including a signal output device and a signal measurement device, and The above switching connector circuit is, Based on the connection with the external device, the path between the first transmission processing circuit and the first antenna is blocked, and It is configured to provide a path between the first transmission processing circuit and the external device, and The above processor is, While the above external device is connected to the communication device through the switching connector circuit, it provides a first signal having a first strength to the first transmission processing circuit, and Based on the provision of the first signal, a first coupling signal relating to the first signal, obtained through the first coupler among the couplers, is configured to be identified through the beamforming calibration network circuit, and The difference between the first intensity of the first signal and the second intensity of the first coupling signal identified by the signal measuring device is, Used as a transmission offset for each of the plurality of antennas above, Communication device.

2. In claim 1, the first signal is, The signal is provided to the signal measuring device at the first intensity through the switching connector circuit, The first coupling signal regarding the first signal is, Provided to the processor at the second intensity through the first coupler among the above couplers, the beamforming calibration network circuit, and the first reception processing circuit, Communication device.

3. In Paragraph 2, the couplers are, Configured to provide paths between the plurality of transmission processing circuits, the plurality of reception processing circuits, and the plurality of antennas. Communication device.

4. In claim 3, the processor, Providing a second signal to the second transmission processing circuit among the plurality of transmission processing circuits above, and Based on the provision of the second signal, configured to identify a second coupling signal relating to the second signal, obtained through the second coupler among the couplers, through the beamforming calibration network circuit, Communication device.

5. In claim 4, the second coupling signal relating to the second signal is, Provided to the processor at a third intensity through the second coupler, the beamforming calibration network circuit, and the first reception processing circuit, Communication device.

6. In claim 5, the processor, Configured to determine the attenuation rate of a signal provided to the second transmission processing circuit based on the transmission offset and the third intensity, Communication device.

7. In claim 6, the processor, Identify the difference between the target strength, the sum of the third strength and the transmission offset, and Based on the above difference, configured to determine the attenuation rate of the signal provided to the second transmission processing circuit. Communication device.

8. In claim 7, the communication device is, It further includes attenuators, The above processor is, Using the above attenuators, configured to provide signals provided to the plurality of antennas according to determined attenuation rates, Communication device.

9. In claim 1, the communication device is, Further comprising circulators for configuring paths between the plurality of transmission processing circuits, the plurality of reception processing circuits, and the plurality of antennas. Communication device.

10. In claim 9, the processor, While the external device is connected to the communication device through the switching connector circuit, the first reference signal having a fifth intensity is configured to be received through the switching connector circuit, the first circulator among the circulators, and the first reception processing circuit, based on a first reference signal having a fourth intensity output from the signal output device included in the external device. Communication device.

11. In claim 10, the processor, While the second reference signal having the fourth intensity is provided to the beamforming calibration network circuit through a node between the first reception processing circuit and the beamforming calibration network, the system is configured to receive a third coupling signal regarding the second reference signal having the sixth intensity through the first coupler, the first circulator, and the first reception processing circuit. The difference between the fifth intensity of the first reference signal and the sixth intensity of the third coupling signal is, Used as a reception offset for each of the plurality of antennas above, Communication device.

12. In claim 11, the processor, While the third reference signal having the fourth intensity is provided to the beamforming calibration network circuit through the node between the first reception processing circuit and the beamforming calibration network, a fourth coupling signal regarding the third reference signal having the seventh intensity is received through the second coupler, the second circulator among the circulators, and the second reception processing circuit, and Based on the seventh intensity of the fourth coupling signal and the reception offset, a setting to determine the attenuation rate of the signal received through the second reception processing circuit, Communication device.

13. In Clause 12, the node is, Connected to the signal output device included in the above external device, The above second reference signal and the above third reference signal are, Provided from the above signal output device, Communication device.

14. In claim 13, the processor, Using the beamforming calibration network circuit above, the second reference signal is provided to the first coupler, and A beamforming calibration network circuit configured to provide the third reference signal to the second coupler using the beamforming calibration network circuit. Communication device.

15. In claim 1, the communication device is, It further includes a plurality of switching connector circuits including the above switching connector circuit, and The number of the above plurality of switching connector circuits is, Changed according to the number of the plurality of antennas above, Communication device.

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