Electronic device for switching signal-transmitting antenna, and operating method thereof

Abstract

In an electronic device and an operating method of the electronic device, according to various embodiments, the electronic device may comprise: a plurality of antennas including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna and a fourth antenna; a first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna; a first reception (Rx) circuit electrically connected to the second antenna; a second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna; a second Rx circuit electrically connected to the fourth antenna; a memory for storing a computer program including instructions; and at least one processor, wherein, when executed by the at least one processor, the instructions can be configured such that the electronic device: while transmitting a signal and receiving a primary Rx signal through the first antenna and receiving a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna, identifies the number of spatial streams in response to satisfying a condition in which Tx antenna switching using the first antenna and the third antenna is activated; while performing the Tx antenna switching when the number of spatial streams is less than or equal to a designated number, controls the first Rx circuit such that the primary Rx signal is received through the second antenna, and controls the second Rx circuit such that the diversity Rx signal is received through the fourth antenna; when the Tx antenna switching is completed, control the second TRx circuit such that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the primary Rx signal, and control the first TRx circuit such that the first antenna receives the diversity Rx signal; when the number of spatial streams exceeds the designated number, transmits, to a base station, a signal for requesting that the number of spatial streams is set to be less than or equal to the designated number; and, when the number of spatial streams is changed to be less than or equal to the designated number, while the Tx antenna switching is performed, controls the first Rx circuit such that the primary Rx signal is received through the second antenna, and controls the second Rx circuit such that the diversity Rx signal is received through the fourth antenna.

Description

Electronic device for switching an antenna that outputs a signal and method of operation of the electronic device

[0001] One embodiment relates to an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device, and relates to a technique for switching an antenna that outputs a signal.

[0002] Efforts are being made to develop improved 5G or pre-5G communication systems to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic since the commercialization of 4G communication systems. For this reason, 5G or pre-5G communication systems are referred to as systems beyond the 4G network or systems following the LTE system. To achieve high data transmission rates, implementation of 5G communication systems is being considered not only in the bands used by LTE (bands below 6 GHz) but also in mmWave bands (e.g., bands above 6 GHz). Technologies being discussed for 5G communication systems include beamforming, massive MIMO, full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and large-scale antennas.

[0003] Recently, electronic devices can support Tx antenna switching, which can improve signal transmission performance. Tx antenna switching refers to a technology that switches the antenna outputting a signal among a plurality of antennas implemented in an electronic device.

[0004] An electronic device that supports Tx antenna switching can transmit a transmission signal in various directions through multiple antennas, thereby increasing the probability that a cellular network will receive the transmission signal and enabling an improvement in the transmission performance of the transmission signal.

[0005] However, when performing Tx antenna switching, the electronic device may need to change the antenna to transmit the transmission signal, and changing the antenna to transmit the transmission signal may cause the TRx circuit electrically connected to the antenna to be reset, and the reset of the TRx circuit may cause a time when the transmission signal cannot be transmitted (e.g., Tx blanking time) and a time when the reception signal cannot be received (e.g., Rx blanking time).

[0006] In particular, the electronic device cannot receive control data transmitted by the cellular network during the time when receiving signals is impossible, and the failure to receive control data may cause a decrease in data throughput and / or a decrease in the quality of service through cellular communication.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] An electronic device, a recording medium, and a method of operating the electronic device are provided as independent claims.

[0009] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a plurality of antennas, each comprising at least one of a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna. The electronic device may include a first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna. The electronic device may include a first Rx circuit electrically connected to the second antenna. The electronic device may include a second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna. The electronic device may include a second Rx circuit electrically connected to the fourth antenna. The electronic device may include a memory for storing a computer program containing instructions. The electronic device may include at least one processor. The above instructions may cause the electronic device to check the number of spatial streams in response to satisfying the condition that Tx antenna switching using the first antenna and the third antenna is activated while transmitting a signal through the first antenna and receiving a primary Rx signal and receiving a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna when executed by the at least one processor. The above instructions may cause the electronic device to control the first Rx circuit to receive the primary Rx signal through the second antenna and control the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity Rx signal through the fourth antenna when performing the Tx antenna switching, if the number of spatial streams is less than or equal to a specified number.The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control the second TRx circuit so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal as the Tx antenna switching is completed when the number of the spatial streams is less than or equal to the specified number, and to control the first TRx circuit so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal. The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to transmit a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to less than or equal to the specified number when the number of the spatial streams exceeds the specified number. The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, allow the electronic device to control the first Rx circuit to receive the main receiving signal through the second antenna and to control the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity receiving signal through the fourth antenna, as the number of the space streams changes to less than or equal to the specified number when the number of the space streams exceeds the specified number while performing the Tx antenna switching.

[0010] A computer-readable recording medium storing instructions that the electronic device performs when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device performing Tx antenna switching using a plurality of antennas including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna according to one embodiment, wherein the instructions may determine the number of spatial streams in response to satisfying the condition that the Tx antenna switching is activated while the electronic device transmits a signal through the first antenna and receives a primary Rx signal and receives a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna when executed by the at least one processor. The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control a first Rx circuit electrically connected to the second antenna to receive the main reception signal through the second antenna and to control a second Rx circuit electrically connected to the fourth antenna to receive the diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching when the number of the spatial streams is less than or equal to the specified number. The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control a first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna to receive the diversity reception signal when the Tx antenna switching is completed when the number of the spatial streams is less than or equal to the specified number and to control a second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna to transmit the signal and receive the main reception signal.The above instructions may cause the electronic device, when executed by the at least one processor, to transmit a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to a specified number when the number of spatial streams exceeds a specified number. The above instructions may cause the electronic device, when executed by the at least one processor, to control the first Rx circuit to receive the main receiving signal through the second antenna and to control the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity receiving signal through the fourth antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching, as the number of spatial streams of the signal received from the base station changes to the specified number when the number of spatial streams exceeds a specified number.

[0011] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one example may include an operation of checking the number of spatial streams in response to satisfying the condition that the Tx antenna switching is activated while transmitting a signal through the first antenna, receiving a primary Rx signal, and receiving a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna. When the number of spatial streams is less than or equal to a specified number, the method of operation of the electronic device may include an operation of controlling a first Rx circuit electrically connected to the second antenna to receive the primary Rx signal through the second antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching, and controlling a second Rx circuit electrically connected to the fourth antenna to receive the diversity Rx signal through the fourth antenna. A method of operation of an electronic device may include, when the number of spatial streams is less than or equal to the specified number, controlling a first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal as the Tx antenna switching is completed, and controlling a second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal. A method of operation of an electronic device may include, when the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number, transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to the specified number.The method of operation of the electronic device may include, when the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number, controlling the first Rx circuit to receive the main received signal through the second antenna and controlling the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity received signal through the fourth antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching, as the number of spatial streams of the signal received from the base station changes to the specified number.

[0012] An electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device according to one embodiment may, while performing Tx antenna switching, receive a main reception signal through an antenna adjacent to the antenna used for transmitting a signal and receiving a main reception signal, and receive a diversity reception signal through an antenna adjacent to the antenna used for receiving a diversity signal. The electronic device may, while performing Tx antenna switching, prevent a situation in which a signal is not received from a cellular network (e.g., Rx blanking), and by preventing a situation in which control data transmitted by a cellular network is not received, prevent a degradation of the quality of cellular communication and / or services using cellular communication.

[0013] An electronic device and a method of operation of the electronic device according to one embodiment may check the number of spatial streams of signals received from a cellular network before performing Tx antenna switching, and if the number of spatial streams is greater than or equal to a specified number, transmit a signal to the cellular network requesting a reduction in the number of spatial streams. By reducing the number of spatial streams, the electronic device can secure an antenna capable of receiving a primary received signal and a diversity received signal while performing Tx antenna switching. Accordingly, the electronic device can prevent a situation in which it fails to receive a signal from the cellular network (e.g., Rx blanking) while performing Tx antenna switching, and by preventing a situation in which it fails to receive control data transmitted by the cellular network, it can prevent a degradation of the quality of cellular communication and / or services using cellular communication.

[0014] An electronic device and a method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment can reduce power consumption and, by switching to an antenna having a superior field (i.e., stronger RF reception sensitivity), enable transmission with relatively low Tx power, thereby reducing power consumption of the amplifier and extending battery life.

[0015] An electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device according to one embodiment can improve communication performance, and by selecting a Tx antenna having a better environment, communication performance can be improved.

[0016] The effects obtainable from the present 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 present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device for supporting at least one network communication according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs Tx antenna switching.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which an electronic device according to one embodiment fails to receive a signal transmitted by a cellular network while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment transmits a signal and receives a main reception signal through a first antenna, and receives a diversity reception signal through a third antenna.

[0022] FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment receives a main reception signal through a second antenna and receives a diversity reception signal through a fourth antenna while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0023] FIG. 5c is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment receives a diversity reception signal through a first antenna and transmits a signal and receives a main reception signal through a third antenna as Tx antenna switching is completed.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment controls an RFIC to receive a main reception signal through a second antenna and receive a diversity reception signal through a fourth antenna while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0025] FIG. 7a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device transmits a signal and receives a main reception signal through a first antenna, and receives a diversity reception signal through a third antenna.

[0026] FIG. 7b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device receives a main reception signal through a first antenna and receives a diversity reception signal through a third antenna while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0027] FIG. 7c is a diagram illustrating an example in which, as Tx antenna switching is completed, a diversity reception signal is received through the first antenna, and a signal is transmitted and a main reception signal is received through the third antenna.

[0028] FIG. 8a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment transmits a signal to a cellular network based on a received signal while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0029] FIG. 8b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment transmits a signal to a cellular network based on a received signal while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0030] FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart illustrating the operation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating the operation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram (100) of an electronic device (101) for supporting at least one network communication according to one embodiment. The electronic device (101) may include, for example, a portable device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, or a wearable device), a computer device, or a home appliance. The electronic device (101) according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a communication processor (160), a first RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit) (122), a second RFIC (124), a third RFIC (126), an IFIC (intermediate frequency integrated circuit) (128), a first RFFE (radio frequency front end) (132), a second RFFE (134), a third RFFE (136), a phase converter (138), a plurality of antennas (148), a first antenna (142), a second antenna (144) and / or an antenna module (146).

[0034] The antenna module (146) may include a third RFIC (126) and / or a plurality of antennas (148). The third RFIC (126) may include a third RFFE (136) including a phase converter (138), but is not limited thereto. The third RFIC (126), the third RFFE (136), the phase converter (138), and / or the plurality of antennas (148) may be implemented to be included in or mounted on a separate module or substrate.

[0035] The processor (120) may be implemented, for example, as an application processor and may execute an application stored in the electronic device (101). The processor (120) and the communication processor (160) may transmit and / or receive data through an interface. The processor (120) may provide at least some of the data generated by the application to the communication processor (160). The communication processor (160) may provide at least some of the data received from a network (e.g., a first cellular network (192) and / or a second cellular network (194)) to the processor (120), and the processor (120) may use the received data for the execution of the application.

[0036] Depending on the implementation, the communication processor (160) may be implemented as a single chip (or single package) with the processor (120), but this is exemplary and may also be implemented as independent hardware. If the communication processor (160) is implemented as a chip (or package), the chip (or package) may include a storage device (e.g., memory) in which protocol information for communication with legacy networks (e.g., LTE (long term evolution) protocol information), protocol information for communication with 5G networks (e.g., NR (new radio) protocol information), and / or protocol information for communication with communication networks beyond 5G (e.g., 6G networks) is stored. For example, the communication processor (160) may utilize multiple protocol stacks to perform MR-DC (multiple radio access technology-dual connectivity) or dual SIM (subscriber identification module) services. The communication processor (160) may support the establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with the first cellular network (192), and legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first cellular network (192) may be a legacy network including a second-generation (2G), 3G, 4G, and / or LTE network. The communication processor (160) may support a designated band among the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network (194) (e.g., FR (frequency range) 1 (e.g., 410 MHz (megahertz) to 7.125 GHz (gigahertz), but without limitation) (or, sub 6), and / or FR2 (e.g., 24.It may support the establishment of a communication channel corresponding to 25GHz to 71GHz (but not limited thereto) (or, above 6)) and 5G network communication through the established communication channel. The second cellular network (194) may be, for example, a 5G network, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second cellular network (194) may be a communication network beyond 5G (e.g., a 6G network). The communication processor (160) may operate based on information (or instructions) associated with an LTE protocol stack (e.g., E-UTRA (evolved UMTS (universal mobile telecommunication system) terrestrial radio access network), EPC (evolved packet core), and / or EPS (evolved packet system), but not limited thereto) stored in an internal memory (or accessible memory). The communication processor (160) may operate based on information (or instructions) associated with a 5G (e.g., NR, 5GC (5th generation core), and / or 5GS (5th generation system), but without limitation) protocol stack stored in built-in memory (or accessible memory). The communication processor (160) may generate a baseband signal based on data from, for example, the processor (120). The communication processor (160) may provide data processed from a baseband signal received from the first RFIC (122), the second RFIC (124), and / or IFIC (128) to the processor (120). The electronic device (101) may also perform communication based on dual connectivity.For example, the electronic device (101) can perform communication using an LTE network and a 5G network based on a heterogeneous radio access technology (RAT), for example, ENDC (E-UTRA NR dual connectivity). For example, the electronic device (101) (for example, a communication processor (160)) may perform dual connectivity communication based on FR1 and FR2 of NR, which is a single RAT. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the type of dual connectivity, and depending on the type of dual connectivity, at least some of the components described above may be implemented so as not to be included in the electronic device (101).

[0037] The first RFIC (122) can convert a baseband signal generated by the communication processor (160) into a radio frequency (RF) signal of a first frequency band (e.g., about 700 MHz to about 3 GHz) during transmission. During reception, the first RFFE (132) can receive the RF signal of the first frequency band through the first antenna (142), preprocess the received RF signal, and provide it to the first RFIC (122). The first RFIC (122) can convert the preprocessed RF signal into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the communication processor (160).

[0038] The second RFIC (124) can convert a baseband signal generated by the communication processor (160) into an RF signal of the second frequency band (e.g., FR 1 (e.g., a frequency band of about 7.125 GHz or less)) when transmitting. The second RFFE (134) can receive an RF signal of the second frequency band through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna (144)) when receiving, preprocess the received RF signal, and provide it to the second RFIC (124). The second RFIC (124) can convert the preprocessed RF signal of the second frequency band into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the communication processor (160). The first RFIC (122) and the second RFIC (124) may be implemented as two or more independent chips (or multiple packages) or as a single chip (or a single package). The first RFIC (122), the second RFIC (124), the first RFFE (132), and / or the second RFFE (134) may include a plurality of power amplifiers (PAs), low noise amplifiers (LNAs), filters, multiplexers, and / or switches to support a plurality of RF paths (e.g., RF transmission paths and / or RF reception paths).

[0039] The third RFIC (126) can convert a baseband signal generated by the communication processor (160) into an RF signal of the third frequency band (e.g., FR 2 (e.g., a frequency band of about 24.25 GHz or higher)) upon transmission. The third RFFE (136) can receive the RF signal of the third frequency band through an antenna (e.g., a plurality of antennas (148)) upon reception and preprocess the received RF signal. The third RFIC (126) and / or IFIC (128) can convert the preprocessed RF signal of the third frequency band into a baseband signal so that it can be processed by the communication processor (160). According to one embodiment, the third RFFE (136) may be formed as part of the third RFIC (126). In various embodiments, the third RFIC (126) may transmit and / or receive signals with the communication processor (160). For example, when communication based on dual connectivity of FR1 and FR2 is performed, the second RFIC (124) and the second RFFE (134) may be used for processing signals in the FR1 band, and the third RFIC (126) and IFIC (128) may be used for processing signals in the FR2 band, but there are no limitations.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include an IFIC (128) separately from or at least as part of the third RFIC (126). For example, the IFIC (128) may convert a baseband signal generated by the communication processor (160) into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as an IF signal) of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., about 9 GHz to about 11 GHz) and then transmit the IF signal to the third RFIC (126). The third RFIC (126) may convert the IF signal into an RF signal of the third frequency band. Upon reception, the third RFIC (126) may receive the RF signal of the third frequency band through an antenna (e.g., a plurality of antennas (148)), convert the received RF signal into an IF signal, and provide it to the IFIC (128). The IFIC (128) can convert the IF signal into a baseband signal so that the communication processor (160) can process it. In various embodiments, the IFIC (128) may transmit and / or receive signals to and from the communication processor (160). The RFICs (122, 124, 126) and / or the IFIC (126) may include at least one mixer (e.g., a mixer that performs frequency up conversion and / or a mixer that performs frequency down conversion).

[0041] A plurality of antennas (148) may be formed into an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements that can be used for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC (126) may include, for example, a plurality of phase shifters (138) corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements as part of the third RFFE (136). The plurality of phase shifters (138) may, at transmission, convert the phase of each RF signal of the third frequency band to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a base station of a 5G network) through an antenna element corresponding to each of the plurality of phase shifters (138). At reception, the plurality of phase shifters (138) may convert the phase of the RF signal of the third frequency band received from the outside to the same or substantially the same phase through an antenna element corresponding to each of the plurality of phase shifters (138). According to an embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of antenna modules (146). The electronic device (1101) may select and use some of the plurality of antenna modules (146) or may use all of the plurality of antenna modules (146).

[0042] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment performs Tx antenna switching.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a processor (210) (e.g., the communication processor (160) of FIG. 1), an RFIC (220) (e.g., the first RFIC (122) and the second RFIC (124) of FIG. 1), a first TRx circuit (231) (e.g., the first RFFE (132) of FIG. 1), a second TRx circuit (232) (e.g., the second RFFE (134) of FIG. 1), a first antenna (241) (e.g., the first antenna (142) of FIG. 1), and a second antenna (242) (e.g., the first antenna (142) of FIG. 1).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) can perform various operations for wireless communication over a cellular network. The processor (210) can support the establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with the cellular network and wireless communication through the established communication channel. Wireless communication over a cellular network may be referred to as cellular communication. Cellular communication may include at least one cellular communication among 3rd generation cellular communication, 4th generation cellular communication, and / or 5th generation cellular communication. The processor (210) may be referred to as a communication processor. The processor (210) can generate a baseband signal containing data to be transmitted and transmit it to an RFIC (220). The processor (210) can determine whether to enable Tx hopping. According to one example, the processor (210) may decide to activate Tx hopping when the electronic device (101) is located in a weak electric field region, when the electronic device (210) is located in a region with a large change in the quality of the electric field, and / or when the electronic device (210) is contacted (or grasped) by an external object. As the processor (210) decides to activate Tx hopping, it may perform an action related to Tx hopping.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the RFIC (220) can perform various operations for processing a signal received from the processor (210). The RFIC (220) can perform a modulation operation for the signal received from the processor (210). For example, the RFIC (220) can perform a frequency modulation operation to convert a baseband signal received from the processor (311) into a frequency band (e.g., RF band) to be used for cellular communication. The RFIC (220) can transmit (or supply) the signal (e.g., RF signal) generated by modulating the baseband signal to a port assigned by the processor (210). Alternatively, the RFIC (220) can perform a demodulation operation for a signal received from an external source. For example, the RFIC (220) can perform a frequency demodulation operation to convert a radio frequency (RF) signal into a baseband signal.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first TRx circuit (231) may include one or more RFFEs (e.g., the first RFFE (132) of FIG. 1). The first TRx circuit (231) may be electrically connected to the first antenna (241). The first TRx circuit (231) may include a switch capable of electrically connecting the first antenna (241) and at least one component included in the first TRx circuit (231) (e.g., a filter (253) for separating a transmission signal and a reception signal, an amplifier (251) for amplifying a transmission signal, and a low-noise amplifier (252) for amplifying a reception signal).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first TRx circuit (231) may include an amplifier (251) that amplifies a signal received from the RFIC (220), a low-noise amplifier (252) that amplifies a signal received through the first antenna (241), and a filter (253) that can separate the transmitted signal and / or the received signal.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the second TRx circuit (232) may include one or more RFFEs (e.g., the second RFFE (134) of FIG. 1). The second TRx circuit (232) may be electrically connected to the second antenna (242). The second TRx circuit (232) may include a switch capable of electrically connecting the second antenna (242) and at least one component (e.g., a filter (263), an amplifier (261), a low-noise amplifier (262)) included in the second TRx circuit (232).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the second TRx circuit (232) may include an amplifier (261) that amplifies a signal received from the RFIC (220), a low-noise amplifier (262) that amplifies a signal received through the second antenna (242), and a filter (263) that can separate the transmitted signal and / or the received signal.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may activate Tx antenna switching due to various causes. Tx antenna switching may refer to an operation of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal. According to one example, the electronic device (101) that supports Tx antenna switching may switch from a state of outputting a transmission signal through the first antenna (241) to a state of outputting a transmission signal through the second antenna (242) upon activation of Tx antenna switching. According to one example, the electronic device (101) that performs Tx antenna switching may output a transmission signal through the first antenna (241) for a specified time. After the specified time, the electronic device (101) may output a transmission signal through the second antenna (242) for a specified time.

[0051] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) that performs Tx antenna switching can output a transmission signal through at least one of a plurality of antennas and can transmit the transmission signal in various directions, thereby enabling an improvement in the output performance of the transmission signal. The electronic device (101) can perform Tx antenna switching when the electronic device (101) satisfies a specified condition. According to one example, the specified condition may include at least one of the following: a condition in which the electronic device (101) is in a weak electric field region, a condition in which the change in the quality of the signal received by the electronic device (101) is greater than a specified magnitude, and a condition in which the electronic device (101) detects that it is grasped. The conditions described above are merely examples, and the electronic device (101) can perform Tx antenna switching when various conditions are satisfied.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may perform an operation to change the antenna to output a transmission signal as part of an operation to perform Tx antenna switching. Changing the antenna to output a transmission signal may require the first TRx circuit (231) and / or the second TRx circuit (232) to be set to output a signal.

[0053] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may control the first TRx circuit (231) so that the first antenna (241) outputs a transmission signal and / or the first antenna (241) receives a primary receiver signal when the first antenna (241) outputs a transmission signal for a specified time. The electronic device (101) may control the second TRx circuit (232) so that the second antenna (242) receives a diversity receiver signal while controlling the first TRx circuit (231) so that the first antenna (241) outputs a transmission signal and / or receives a primary receiver signal.

[0054] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can control the second TRx circuit (232) to output a transmission signal through the first antenna (241) and receive a primary receiver signal (PRx) when a specified time expires. The electronic device (101) can control the first TRx circuit (231) to allow the first antenna (241) to receive a diversity receiver signal while controlling the second TRx circuit (232) so that the second antenna (242) outputs a transmission signal and / or receives a primary receiver signal.

[0055] According to one example, as the antenna outputting the transmission signal is changed, the first TRx circuit (231) and / or the second TRx circuit (232) may take time to set up for changing the antenna. The electronic device (101) may have difficulty outputting the transmission signal and / or receiving the reception signal during the time taken to set up the first TRx circuit (231) and / or the second TRx circuit (232).

[0056] According to one example, the time during which transmission of a transmission signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Tx blanking time, and the time during which reception of a reception signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Rx blanking time. The electronic device (101) may be unable to output a transmission signal during the Tx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal, and may be unable to receive a reception signal during the Rx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal.

[0057] According to one example, if a cellular network (e.g., the first cellular network (192) or the second cellular network (194) of FIG. 1) connected to an electronic device (101) transmits control data related to the transmission of a transmission signal (e.g., control data transmitted via a PDSCH (physical downlink shared control channel), DCI (downlink control information)) during the Rx blanking time, the electronic device (101) may not receive the control data, and the failure to receive the control data may reduce the data throughput and cause a deterioration in the quality of service through cellular communication. According to one example, a situation in which it is difficult to receive the control data during the Rx blanking time may further increase the length of the time during which the transmission of the transmission signal is impossible or difficult. For example, a situation in which it is difficult to receive the control data during the Rx blanking time may cause a situation in which the length of the time during which the transmission of the transmission signal is impossible or difficult becomes longer. Specific details will be described later in FIG. 3.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which an electronic device according to one embodiment fails to receive a signal transmitted by a cellular network while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0059] As described above in FIG. 2, as the antenna outputting the transmission signal is changed, the first TRx circuit (e.g., the first TRx circuit (231) of FIG. 2) and / or the second TRx circuit (e.g., the second TRx circuit (232) of FIG. 2) may take a set time of a certain amount of time.

[0060] The electronic device (101) may have difficulty outputting a transmission signal and / or receiving a reception signal during the time required to set up the first TRx circuit (231) and / or the second TRx circuit (232).

[0061] According to one example, the time during which transmission of a transmission signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Tx blanking time, and the time during which reception of a reception signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Rx blanking time. The electronic device (101) may be unable to output a transmission signal during the Tx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal, and may be unable to output a reception signal during the Rx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) may not transmit a signal for a time corresponding to a specified number of slots (e.g., slot 0, slot 1, slot 2, slot 3, slot 4) as Tx antenna switching is enabled. The time corresponding to the specified number of slots may be referred to as Tx blanking time (301).

[0063] The electronic device (101) may not receive a signal for a time corresponding to a specified number of slots (e.g., slot 0, slot 1, slot 2, slot 3, slot 4) as Tx antenna switching is enabled. The time corresponding to the specified number of slots may be referred to as Rx blanking time (302).

[0064] According to one example, if a cellular network connected to an electronic device (101) (e.g., the first cellular network (192) or the second cellular network (194) of FIG. 1) transmits control data related to the transmission of a transmission signal (e.g., control data transmitted via a PDSCH (physical downlink shared control channel), DCI (downlink control information)) at the Rx blanking time (302), the electronic device (101) may not receive the control data, and the failure to receive the control data may result in a situation where the electronic device (101) cannot transmit the transmission signal for a certain period of time (303) even after the Tx blanking time (301). Furthermore, the electronic device (101) may not be able to transmit a message (e.g., ACK, NACK) indicating whether data received prior to the Rx blanking time (302) has been received during the Tx blanking time (301). The electronic device (101) Rx blanking If a message (e.g., ACK) indicating that data received prior to time (302) has been received is not transmitted, even if data received prior to Rx blanking time (302) is received normally, a situation may occur where data received prior to Rx blanking time (302) is received again.

[0065] According to one example, the length of the Tx blanking time (301) and / or Rx blanking time (302) may vary depending on the type of cellular network used by the electronic device (101) (e.g., LTE, EN-DC (E-UTRA-NR Dual connectivity), NR SA (new radio standalone)). For example, if the electronic device (101) is connected to a cellular network that supports LTE, the length of the Tx blanking time (301) and / or Rx blanking time (302) may be about 2 ms. In another example, if the electronic device (101) is connected to a cellular network that supports NR SA, the length of the Tx blanking time (301) and / or Rx blanking time (302) may be about 5 ms. As another example, when the electronic device (101) is connected to a cellular network that supports EN-DC, the length of the Tx blanking time (301) and / or Rx blanking time (302) may be about 11 ms. When the electronic device (101) is connected to a cellular network that supports EN-DC, a relatively longer Tx blanking time (301) and / or Rx blanking time (302) occurs compared to when it is connected to a different cellular network, and the degree of degradation of cellular communication performance may be greater.

[0066] According to one example, when an electronic device (101) performs Tx antenna switching to improve cellular communication performance, a situation may occur where control data cannot be received during the Rx blanking time (302), and as the time during which signals cannot be transmitted (301, 303) increases, a phenomenon may occur in which the performance of cellular communication actually deteriorates. Below, an example is described in which the length of the Rx blanking time (302) is reduced and / or the Rx blanking time (302) is eliminated and the performance of cellular communication can be improved by setting the electronic device (101) to receive a reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a memory (410), a processor (420) (e.g., the communication processor (160) of FIG. 1), a first TRx circuit (431) (e.g., the first RFFE (132) of FIG. 1), a first Rx circuit (432), a second TRx circuit (433) (e.g., the first RFFE (132) of FIG. 1), a second Rx circuit (434), a first antenna (441) (e.g., the first antenna (142) of FIG. 1), a second antenna (442) (e.g., the first antenna (142) of FIG. 1), a third antenna (443) (e.g., the second antenna (144) of FIG. 1), and a fourth antenna (444) (e.g., the second antenna (144) of FIG. 1). The first TRx circuit (431) may also be referred to as the first TRx circuitry, the first Rx circuit (432) may also be referred to as the first Rx circuitry, the second TRx circuit (433) may also be referred to as the second TRx circuitry, and the second Rx circuit (434) may also be referred to as the second Rx circuitry.

[0069] According to one example, the processor (420) can perform various operations for wireless communication over a cellular network. The processor (420) can support the establishment of a communication channel in a band to be used for wireless communication with the cellular network and wireless communication through the established communication channel. Wireless communication over a cellular network may be referred to as cellular communication. Cellular communication may include at least one of 3rd generation cellular communication, 4th generation cellular communication, and / or 5th generation cellular communication. The processor (410) may be referred to as a communication processor.

[0070] According to one example, memory (410) may store a computer program containing instructions that can be executed by a processor (420). The operation of the processor (420) described below may be performed according to the execution of instructions stored in memory (410).

[0071] According to one example, the first TRx circuit (431) may include one or more RFFEs (e.g., the first RFFE (132) of FIG. 1). The first TRx circuit (431) may be electrically connected to the first antenna (441). The first TRx circuit (431) may include a switch capable of electrically connecting the first antenna (441) and at least one component (e.g., a multiplexer, an amplifier, a low-noise amplifier) ​​included in the first TRx circuit (431).

[0072] According to one example, the first Rx circuit (432) may include one or more RFFEs (e.g., the first RFFE (132) of FIG. 1). The first Rx circuit (432) may be electrically connected to the second antenna (442). The first Rx circuit (432) may include at least one component (e.g., a low-noise amplifier) ​​for processing the received signal. As a circuit for receiving the signal, the first Rx circuit (432) may not include a component related to the transmission of the signal.

[0073] The first antenna (441) and the second antenna (442) may be antennas positioned in adjacent portions. According to one example, the first antenna (441) and the second antenna (442) may be positioned on the top of the electronic device (101). Positioning the first antenna (441) and the second antenna (442) in adjacent portions may indicate that the channel state estimated through the first antenna (441) and the channel state estimated through the second antenna (442) are substantially the same (or similar). Accordingly, the processor (420) may use the channel estimation estimated using the first antenna (441) for receiving a signal through the second antenna (442). Alternatively, the processor (420) may use the channel state estimated using the second antenna (442) for transmitting and / or receiving a signal through the first antenna (441).

[0074] According to one example, the second TRx circuit (433) may include one or more RFFEs (e.g., the first RFFE (132) of FIG. 1). The second TRx circuit (433) may be electrically connected to the third antenna (443). The second TRx circuit (433) may include a switch capable of electrically connecting the third antenna (443) and at least one component (e.g., a multiplexer, an amplifier, a low-noise amplifier) ​​included in the first TRx circuit (431).

[0075] According to one example, the second Rx circuit (434) may include one or more RFFEs (e.g., the first RFFE (132) of FIG. 1). The second Rx circuit (434) may be electrically connected to the fourth antenna (444). The second Rx circuit (434) may include at least one component (e.g., a low-noise amplifier) ​​for processing the received signal. As a circuit for receiving the signal, the second Rx circuit (434) may not include a component related to the transmission of the signal.

[0076] The third antenna (443) and the fourth antenna (444) may be antennas positioned in adjacent portions. According to one example, the third antenna (443) and the fourth antenna (444) may be positioned at the bottom of the electronic device (101). Positioning the third antenna (443) and the fourth antenna (444) in adjacent portions may indicate that the channel state estimated through the third antenna (443) and the channel state estimated through the fourth antenna (444) are substantially the same (or similar). Accordingly, the processor (420) may use the channel estimation estimated using the third antenna (443) for receiving a signal through the fourth antenna (444). Alternatively, the processor (420) may use the channel state estimated using the fourth antenna (444) for transmitting and / or receiving a signal through the third antenna (443).

[0077] According to one example, an electronic device (101) can enable Tx antenna switching while transmitting a signal and receiving a primary Rx signal through a first antenna (441) and receiving a diversity Rx signal through a third antenna (443). Tx antenna switching may refer to an operation of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal. According to one example, an electronic device (101) that supports Tx antenna switching can switch from a state of outputting a transmission signal through the first antenna (441) to a state of outputting a transmission signal through the third antenna (443) upon activation of Tx antenna switching.

[0078] According to one example, an electronic device (101) that performs Tx antenna switching can output a transmission signal through at least one of a plurality of antennas and can transmit the transmission signal in various directions, thereby enabling an improvement in the output performance of the transmission signal. A processor (420) can perform Tx antenna switching when the electronic device (101) satisfies a specified condition. According to one example, the specified condition may include at least one of the following: a condition in which the electronic device (101) is in a weak electric field region, a condition in which the change in the quality of the signal received by the electronic device (101) is greater than a specified magnitude, and a condition in which the electronic device (101) detects being grasped. The conditions described above are merely examples, and the electronic device (101) can perform Tx antenna switching when various conditions are satisfied.

[0079] According to one example, the processor (420) checks at specified intervals (e.g., 640ms) whether the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, and if the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, it may perform Tx antenna switching. If the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, the processor (420) may not perform Tx antenna switching and may not change the antenna outputting the transmission signal.

[0080] According to one example, the processor (420) may perform an operation to change the antenna to output the transmission signal as part of the operation to perform Tx antenna switching. For example, the processor (420) may control the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to output the transmission signal through the third antenna (443) while the transmission signal is being output through the first antenna (441). Changing the antenna to output the transmission signal may require the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to be set up to output the signal, and a delay time may occur for the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to be set up to output the signal. The electronic device (101) may have difficulty outputting a transmission signal and / or receiving a reception signal during the time required to set up the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433).

[0081] According to one example, the time during which transmission of a transmission signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Tx blanking time, and the time during which reception of a reception signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Rx blanking time. The electronic device (101) may be unable to output a transmission signal during the Tx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal, and may be unable to output a reception signal during the Rx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal.

[0082] According to one example, the processor (420) can perform an operation to reduce or eliminate the Rx blanking time.

[0083] According to one example, the processor (420) may control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) receives the main reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may activate the first Rx circuit (432) and control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal when the first Rx circuit (432) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the main reception signal cannot be received (Rx blanking time) by controlling the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal instead, taking into account that the first TRx circuit (431) cannot receive the main reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) can use the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the first antenna (441) for receiving the main reception signal through the second antenna (442) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the second antenna (442) by causing the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) to receive the main reception signal.

[0084] According to one example, the processor (420) may control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) receives a diversity reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may activate the second Rx circuit (434) and control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the main reception signal when the second Rx circuit (434) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the reception of the diversity reception signal cannot be performed (Rx blanking time) by controlling the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the diversity reception signal instead, taking into account that the second TRx circuit (433) cannot receive the diversity reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) can use the channel state for receiving the diversity reception signal of the third antenna (443) for receiving the diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the diversity reception signal of the fourth antenna (444) by causing the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) to receive the diversity reception signal.

[0085] The electronic device (101) can receive a main reception signal through the second antenna (442) and receive a diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) while performing Tx antenna switching, as in the example described above. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can receive control data for transmitting a signal from a cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) while performing Tx antenna switching, and can transmit a signal to the cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) after Tx antenna switching is completed based on information (e.g., UL GRANT) included in the control data. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can prevent (or reduce) a situation in which a signal cannot be transmitted for a certain period of time even after Tx antenna switching is completed.

[0086] The example described above may be implemented in a state where the electronic device (101) does not perform reception of signals using the second antenna (442) and the fourth antenna (444) before initiating Tx antenna switching. However, if the number of spatial streams of signals received by the electronic device (101) from the cellular network (192, 194) (e.g., 4) is greater than or equal to a specified number (e.g., 2), the electronic device (101) may be required to receive signals transmitted by the cellular network (192, 194) using all of the first antenna (441), the second antenna (442), the third antenna (443), and the fourth antenna (444). When an electronic device (101) performs Tx antenna switching while receiving a signal transmitted by a cellular network (192, 194) using all of the first antenna (441), the second antenna (442), the third antenna (443), and the fourth antenna (444), it may not receive a signal through some antennas (e.g., the first antenna (441) and the third antenna (443)). The electronic device (101) may not properly receive control data transmitted by the cellular network (192, 194) (or base station).

[0087] In order to prevent the phenomenon described above, the processor (420) can determine the number of spatial streams of signals received from the cellular network (192, 194) in response to confirming that the conditions for Tx antenna switching to be activated are satisfied.

[0088] According to one example, the processor (420) can determine the number of spatial streams based on information indicating the number of spatial streams included in a signal (e.g., RRC connection reconfiguration message) received during the process of establishing a connection with a cellular network (192, 194) (e.g., information included in the sr-PUCCH-Resourceindex field). In addition to the example described above, the processor (420) can determine the number of spatial streams in various ways.

[0089] The processor (420) may transmit a signal to a cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) requesting that the number of space streams be set to less than or equal to the specified number if the number of identified space streams exceeds the specified number (e.g., the number of antennas capable of receiving a signal while performing Tx antenna switching, which may be 2).

[0090] A signal requesting that the number of spatial streams be set to a specified number or less (or less than) may be included in a signal transmitted by the electronic device (101) to the cellular network (192, 194) via a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). According to one example, the processor (420) may transmit a UE capability information message to the cellular network (192, 194) containing information that the number of spatial streams has been set to a specified number (or less than or equal to the specified number). The transmission of the UE capability information message may induce the cellular network (192, 194) to set the number of spatial streams to a specified number or less. The number of spatial streams may be referred to as a rank index or a rank indicator, and the cellular network (192, 194) that receives the UE capability information may set the number of spatial streams to a specified number or less.

[0091] According to one example, the processor (420) can transmit a signal requesting a change in the number of space streams to the cellular network (192, 194) and then check whether the number of space streams has changed for a specified time. The specified time may be substantially the same as the period for determining whether to perform Tx antenna switching, but there is no limitation.

[0092] According to one example, the processor (420) can check the number of spatial streams included in the information received via PUCCH from the cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) (e.g., information related to resources used for transmitting signals) and check whether the number of spatial streams has changed to less than (or less than) a specified number.

[0093] The processor (420) can initiate Tx antenna switching by confirming that the number of changed spatial streams is less than or equal to a specified number.

[0094] According to one example, the processor (420) may control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) receives the main reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may activate the first Rx circuit (432) and control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal when the first Rx circuit (432) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the main reception signal cannot be received (Rx blanking time) by controlling the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal instead, taking into account that the first TRx circuit (431) cannot receive the main reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) can use the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the first antenna (441) for receiving the main reception signal through the second antenna (442) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the second antenna (442) by causing the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) to receive the main reception signal.

[0095] According to one example, the processor (420) may control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) receives a diversity reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may activate the second Rx circuit (434) and control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the main reception signal when the second Rx circuit (434) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the reception of the diversity reception signal cannot be performed (Rx blanking time) by controlling the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the diversity reception signal instead, taking into account that the second TRx circuit (433) cannot receive the diversity reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) can use the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the third antenna (443) for receiving the main reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the fourth antenna (444) by causing the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) to receive the main reception signal.

[0096] According to one example, the processor (420) can perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443) as Tx antenna switching is completed. The processor (420) can determine that Tx antenna switching is completed by confirming that the amplifier of the second TRx circuit (443) is activated, and can control the first TRx circuit (441) and the second TRx circuit (443) to perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443).

[0097] According to one example, the processor (420) may perform a series of operations to increase the number of space streams again as the switching of the Tx antenna is completed.

[0098] The processor (420) may transmit a signal to a cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) requesting that the number of space streams be set to a number greater than (or exceeding) a specified number in order to increase the number of identified space streams again.

[0099] A signal requesting that the number of space streams be set to a number greater than (or exceed) a specified number may be included in a signal transmitted by the electronic device (101) to the cellular network (192, 194) via a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). According to one example, the processor (420) may transmit a UE capability information message containing information that the number of space streams has been set to a number greater than a specified number to the cellular network (192, 194).

[0100] The processor (420) may not perform Tx antenna switching if it confirms that the number of space streams has not changed to a number less than or equal to a specified number. If the number of space streams has not changed to a number less than or equal to a specified number, even if Tx antenna switching is performed, there may be a low probability of receiving control signals transmitted by the cellular network (192, 194) without error. Therefore, the processor (420) may not perform Tx antenna switching if it confirms that the number of space streams has not changed to a number less than or equal to a specified number.

[0101] However, the processor (420) may perform Tx antenna switching when the electronic device (101) satisfies a specific condition, even if the number of spatial streams has not changed to a number less than or equal to a specified number. For example, the processor (420) may perform Tx antenna switching by confirming that the specific absorption rate of the electronic device (101) is greater than or equal to a specified size. As another example, the processor (420) may perform Tx antenna switching by confirming that the quality of cellular communication (e.g., RSRP, RSSI) measured by the electronic device (101) is less than or equal to a specified size. The specified size may refer to a size at which the cellular communication connection of the electronic device (101) can be disconnected.

[0102] The processor (420) can control the first TRx circuit (431) to receive a main reception signal through the first antenna (441) and the second TRx circuit (433) to receive a diversity reception signal through the third antenna (443) when the electronic device (101) satisfies a specific condition, even if the number of spatial streams has not changed to less than or equal to a specified number.

[0103] The processor (420) can perform Tx antenna switching without transmitting a signal to the cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) requesting that the number of space streams be set to less than or equal to the specified number when the number of identified space streams is less than or equal to the specified number (e.g., the number of antennas capable of receiving signals while performing Tx antenna switching).

[0104] According to one example, the processor (420) may control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) receives the main reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may activate the first Rx circuit (432) and control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal when the first Rx circuit (432) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the main reception signal cannot be received (Rx blanking time) by controlling the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal instead, taking into account that the first TRx circuit (431) cannot receive the main reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) can use the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the first antenna (441) for receiving the main reception signal through the second antenna (442) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the second antenna (442) by causing the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) to receive the main reception signal.

[0105] According to one example, the processor (420) may control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) receives a diversity reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may activate the second Rx circuit (434) and control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the main reception signal when the second Rx circuit (434) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the reception of the diversity reception signal cannot be performed (Rx blanking time) by controlling the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the diversity reception signal instead, taking into account that the second TRx circuit (433) cannot receive the diversity reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The processor (420) can use the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the third antenna (443) for receiving the main reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the fourth antenna (444) by causing the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) to receive the main reception signal.

[0106] According to one example, the processor (420) can perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443) as Tx antenna switching is completed. The processor (420) can determine that Tx antenna switching is completed by confirming that the amplifier of the second TRx circuit (443) is activated, and can control the first TRx circuit (441) and the second TRx circuit (443) to perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443).

[0107] FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment transmits a signal and receives a main reception signal through a first antenna, and receives a diversity reception signal through a third antenna.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 5a, the electronic device (101) can transmit a signal and receive a primary Rx signal through the first antenna (441), and receive a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna (443).

[0109] The signal to be transmitted through the first antenna (441) can be output through the first antenna (441) via the RFIC (510) and the first TRx circuit (431).

[0110] According to one example, the RFIC (510) can perform various operations to process a signal received from the processor (420). The RFIC (510) can perform a modulation operation on the signal received from the processor (412). For example, the RFIC (520) can perform a frequency modulation operation to convert a baseband signal received from the processor (420) into a frequency band (e.g., RF band) to be used for cellular communication. Alternatively, the RFIC (520) can perform a demodulation operation on a signal received from an external source. For example, the RFIC (520) can perform a frequency demodulation operation to convert a radio frequency (RF) signal into a baseband signal.

[0111] A signal to be transmitted through the first antenna (441) can be transmitted to the first antenna (441) through an amplifier (524) of the first TRx circuit (431), at least one filter (522) that separates the received signal and the transmitted signal, and a switch (521) that connects the first antenna (441) to a filter corresponding to the frequency band of the signal among the at least one filter (522). The at least one filter (522) may refer to a multiplexer, and the multiplexer (522) may be at least one of a duplexer, a triplexer, a quadplexer, or a hexaplexer.

[0112] The main received signal received through the first antenna (441) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through the switch (521) and low-noise amplifier (523) of the first TRx circuit (431).

[0113] The diversity Rx signal received through the third antenna (443) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through a switch (541) included in the second TRx circuit (443), at least one filter (542) that separates the received signal and the transmitted signal, and a low-noise amplifier (543). At least one filter (542) may refer to a multiplexer, and the multiplexer may be at least one of a duplexer, a triplexer, a quadplexer, or a hexaplexer.

[0114] According to one example, an electronic device (101) can enable Tx antenna switching while transmitting a signal and receiving a primary Rx signal through a first antenna (441) and receiving a diversity Rx signal through a third antenna (443). Tx antenna switching may refer to an operation of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal. According to one example, an electronic device (101) that supports Tx antenna switching can switch from a state of outputting a transmission signal through the first antenna (441) to a state of outputting a transmission signal through the third antenna (443) upon activation of Tx antenna switching.

[0115] According to one example, an electronic device (101) that performs Tx antenna switching can output a transmission signal through at least one of a plurality of antennas and can transmit the transmission signal in various directions, thereby enabling an improvement in the output performance of the transmission signal. The electronic device (101) can perform Tx antenna switching when the electronic device (101) satisfies a specified condition. According to one example, the specified condition may include at least one of the following: a condition in which the electronic device (101) is in a weak electric field region, a condition in which the change in the quality of the signal received by the electronic device (101) is greater than a specified magnitude, and a condition in which the electronic device (101) detects that it is grasped. The conditions described above are merely examples, and the electronic device (101) can perform Tx antenna switching when various conditions are satisfied.

[0116] According to one example, the electronic device (101) checks at specified intervals (e.g., 640ms) whether the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, and if the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, it may perform Tx antenna switching. If the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, it may not perform Tx antenna switching and may not change the antenna outputting the transmission signal.

[0117] FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment receives a main reception signal through a second antenna and receives a diversity reception signal through a fourth antenna while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0118] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may perform an operation to change the antenna to output a transmission signal as part of an operation to perform Tx antenna switching. For example, the electronic device (101) may control the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to output a transmission signal through the third antenna (443) while the first antenna (441) is outputting a transmission signal. Changing the antenna to output the transmission signal may require the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to be set to output a signal, and a delay time may occur for the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to be set to output a signal. The electronic device (101) may have difficulty outputting a transmission signal and / or receiving a reception signal during the time required to set up the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433).

[0119] According to one example, the time during which transmission of a transmission signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Tx blanking time, and the time during which reception of a reception signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Rx blanking time. The electronic device (101) may be unable to output a transmission signal during the Tx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal, and may be unable to output a reception signal during the Rx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal.

[0120] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can perform an operation to reduce or eliminate the Rx blanking time.

[0121] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) receives the main reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may activate the first Rx circuit (432) and control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal when the first Rx circuit (432) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the main reception signal cannot be received (Rx blanking time) by controlling the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal instead, taking into account that the first TRx circuit (431) cannot receive the main reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) can use the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the first antenna (441) for receiving the main reception signal through the second antenna (442) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the second antenna (442) by causing the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) to receive the main reception signal.

[0122] The main received signal received through the second antenna (442) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through the switch (531) of the first Rx circuit (432), the filter (532) that passes a specific frequency band, and the low-noise amplifier (533).

[0123] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) receives a diversity reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may activate the second Rx circuit (434) upon initiation of Tx antenna switching when the second Rx circuit (434) is in a deactivated state and control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives a primary reception signal. The electronic device (101) can reduce or eliminate the time during which the reception of the diversity reception signal cannot be performed (Rx blanking time) by controlling the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the diversity reception signal instead, taking into account that the second TRx circuit (433) cannot receive the diversity reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) can utilize the channel state for receiving the diversity reception signal of the third antenna (443) for receiving the diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the diversity reception signal of the fourth antenna (444) by causing the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) to receive the diversity reception signal.

[0124] The diversity reception signal received through the fourth antenna (444) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through the switch (551) of the second Rx circuit (434), the filter (552) that passes a specific frequency band, and the low-noise amplifier (553).

[0125] The electronic device (101) can receive a main reception signal through the second antenna (442) and receive a diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) while performing Tx antenna switching, as in the example described above. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can receive control data for transmitting a signal from a cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) while performing Tx antenna switching, and can transmit a signal to the cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) after Tx antenna switching is completed based on information (e.g., UL GRANT) included in the control data. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can prevent (or reduce) a situation in which a signal cannot be transmitted for a certain period of time even after Tx antenna switching is completed.

[0126] FIG. 5c is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment receives a diversity reception signal through a first antenna and transmits a signal and receives a main reception signal through a third antenna as Tx antenna switching is completed.

[0127] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443) as Tx antenna switching is completed. The electronic device (101) can determine that Tx antenna switching is completed upon confirming that the amplifier of the second TRx circuit (443) is activated, and can control the first TRx circuit (441) and the second TRx circuit (443) to perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443).

[0128] A signal to be transmitted through the third antenna (443) can be transmitted to the third antenna (443) through an amplifier (544) of the second TRx circuit (433), at least one filter (542) that separates the received signal and the transmitted signal, and a switch (541) that connects the third antenna (443) to a filter corresponding to the frequency band of the signal among the at least one filter (542).

[0129] The diversity reception signal received through the first antenna (441) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through the switch (521) and low-noise amplifier (523) of the first TRx circuit (431).

[0130] The main received signal received through the third antenna (443) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through a switch (541) included in the second TRx circuit (443), at least one filter (542) that separates the received signal and the transmitted signal, and a low-noise amplifier (543).

[0131] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment controls an RFIC to receive a main reception signal through a second antenna and receive a diversity reception signal through a fourth antenna while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 6, the RFIC (510) may include a first transmit / receive chain (613) comprising at least one component (e.g., amplifier, low-noise amplifier, PLL (phase-locked loop)) for processing a signal in a first frequency band, a second transmit / receive chain (614) comprising at least one component (e.g., amplifier, low-noise amplifier, PLL) for processing a signal in a second frequency band, a first switch (611) electrically connecting the first transmit / receive chain (613) and the second transmit / receive chain (614) to a first TRx circuit (431) and a first Rx circuit (432), and a second switch (612) electrically connecting the first transmit / receive chain (613) and the second transmit / receive chain (614) to a second TRx circuit (433) and a second Rx circuit (434).

[0133] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can transmit a signal and receive a primary Rx signal through a first antenna (441), and receive a diversity Rx signal through a third antenna (443). If the frequency band of the signal transmitted and / or received through the first antenna (441) and the signal received through the third antenna (443) is a first frequency band, the electronic device (101) can control a first switch (611) so that the first transmit / receive chain (613) is electrically connected to a first TRx circuit (431), and control a second switch (612) so that the first transmit / receive chain (613) is electrically connected to a second TRx circuit (433).

[0134] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can enable Tx antenna switching while transmitting a signal and receiving a primary Rx signal through the first antenna (441) and receiving a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna (443).

[0135] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) receives the main reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may activate the first Rx circuit (432) and control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal when the first Rx circuit (432) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the main reception signal cannot be received (Rx blanking time) by controlling the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal instead, taking into account that the first TRx circuit (431) cannot receive the main reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) can use the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the first antenna (441) for receiving the main reception signal through the second antenna (442) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the second antenna (442) by causing the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) to receive the main reception signal.

[0136] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) receives a diversity reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may activate the second Rx circuit (434) upon initiation of Tx antenna switching when the second Rx circuit (434) is in a deactivated state and control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives a primary reception signal. The electronic device (101) can reduce or eliminate the time during which the reception of the diversity reception signal cannot be performed (Rx blanking time) by controlling the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the diversity reception signal instead, taking into account that the second TRx circuit (433) cannot receive the diversity reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) can utilize the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the third antenna (443) for receiving the main reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) without performing the operation of estimating the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the fourth antenna (444) by causing the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) to receive the main reception signal.

[0137] The electronic device (101) can control a first switch (611) so that the first Rx circuit (432) is electrically connected to the first transmission / reception chain (613) and control a second switch (612) so that the second Rx circuit (434) is electrically connected to the first transmission / reception chain (613) in order to receive a main reception signal through the second antenna (442) and receive a diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna (444).

[0138] FIG. 7a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device transmits a signal and receives a main reception signal through a first antenna, and receives a diversity reception signal through a third antenna.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 7a, the electronic device (101) can transmit a signal and receive a primary Rx signal through the first antenna (441), and receive a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna (443).

[0140] The signal to be transmitted through the first antenna (441) can be output through the first antenna (441) via the RFIC (510) and the first TRx circuit (431).

[0141] According to one example, the RFIC (510) can perform various operations to process a signal received from the processor (420). The RFIC (510) can perform a modulation operation on the signal received from the processor (412). For example, the RFIC (520) can perform a frequency modulation operation to convert a baseband signal received from the processor (420) into a frequency band (e.g., RF band) to be used for cellular communication. Alternatively, the RFIC (520) can perform a demodulation operation on a signal received from an external source. For example, the RFIC (520) can perform a frequency demodulation operation to convert a radio frequency (RF) signal into a baseband signal.

[0142] A signal to be transmitted through the first antenna (441) can be transmitted to the first antenna (441) through an amplifier (524) of the first TRx circuit (431), at least one filter (522) that separates the received signal and the transmitted signal, and a switch (521) that connects the first antenna (441) to a filter corresponding to the frequency band of the signal among the at least one filter (522).

[0143] The main received signal received through the first antenna (441) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through the switch (521) and low-noise amplifier (523) of the first TRx circuit (431).

[0144] The diversity Rx signal received through the third antenna (443) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through a switch (541) included in the second TRx circuit (443), at least one filter (542) that separates the received signal and the transmitted signal, and a low-noise amplifier (543).

[0145] According to one example, an electronic device (101) can enable Tx antenna switching while transmitting a signal and receiving a primary Rx signal through a first antenna (441) and receiving a diversity Rx signal through a third antenna (443). Tx antenna switching may refer to an operation of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal. According to one example, an electronic device (101) that supports Tx antenna switching can switch from a state of outputting a transmission signal through the first antenna (441) to a state of outputting a transmission signal through the third antenna (443) upon activation of Tx antenna switching.

[0146] According to one example, an electronic device (101) that performs Tx antenna switching can output a transmission signal through at least one of a plurality of antennas and can transmit the transmission signal in various directions, thereby enabling an improvement in the output performance of the transmission signal. The electronic device (101) can perform Tx antenna switching when the electronic device (101) satisfies a specified condition. According to one example, the specified condition may include at least one of the following: a condition in which the electronic device (101) is in a weak electric field region, a condition in which the change in the quality of the signal received by the electronic device (101) is greater than a specified magnitude, and a condition in which the electronic device (101) detects that it is grasped. The conditions described above are merely examples, and the electronic device (101) can perform Tx antenna switching when various conditions are satisfied.

[0147] According to one example, the electronic device (101) checks at specified intervals (e.g., 640ms) whether the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, and if the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, it may perform Tx antenna switching. If the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, it may not perform Tx antenna switching and may not change the antenna outputting the transmission signal.

[0148] FIG. 7b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device receives a main reception signal through a first antenna and receives a diversity reception signal through a third antenna while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0149] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may perform an operation to change the antenna to output a transmission signal as part of an operation to perform Tx antenna switching. For example, the electronic device (101) may control the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to output a transmission signal through the third antenna (443) while the first antenna (441) is outputting a transmission signal. Changing the antenna to output the transmission signal may require the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to be set to output a signal, and a delay time may occur for the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to be set to output a signal. The electronic device (101) may have difficulty outputting a transmission signal during the time required to set up the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433).

[0150] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can control the first TRx circuit (431) to receive a primary receiving signal through the first antenna (441) while performing Tx antenna switching. While performing Tx antenna switching, the electronic device (101) can disable the element of the first TRx circuit (431) related to the output of the transmission signal (e.g., amplifier (524)) and keep the element related to the reception of the receiving signal (e.g., low-noise amplifier (523)) enabled.

[0151] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can control the second TRx circuit (433) to receive a diversity reception signal through the third antenna (443) while performing Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) can disable the element of the second TRx circuit (433) related to the output of the transmission signal (e.g., amplifier (544)) and keep the element related to the reception of the reception signal (e.g., low-noise amplifier (543)) enabled while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0152] The example described above may be applied in a situation where the electronic device (101) transmits a request to the cellular network (192, 194) to reduce the number of spatial streams to a specified number or less, and then performs Tx antenna switching when the number of spatial streams has not changed but the electronic device (101) satisfies a specified condition. The electronic device (101) may receive a main reception signal through the first antenna (441) and receive diversity reception signals through the second antenna (442), the third antenna (443), and the fourth antenna (444) while the number of spatial streams has not been reduced.

[0153] FIG. 7c is a diagram illustrating an example in which, as Tx antenna switching is completed, a diversity reception signal is received through the first antenna, and a signal is transmitted and a main reception signal is received through the third antenna.

[0154] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443) as Tx antenna switching is completed. The electronic device (101) can determine that Tx antenna switching is completed upon confirming that the amplifier of the second TRx circuit (443) is activated, and can control the first TRx circuit (441) and the second TRx circuit (443) to perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443).

[0155] A signal to be transmitted through the third antenna (443) can be transmitted to the third antenna (443) through an amplifier (544) of the second TRx circuit (433), at least one filter (542) that separates the received signal and the transmitted signal, and a switch (541) that connects the third antenna (443) to a filter corresponding to the frequency band of the signal among the at least one filter (542).

[0156] The diversity reception signal received through the first antenna (441) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through the switch (521) and low-noise amplifier (523) of the first TRx circuit (431).

[0157] The main received signal received through the third antenna (443) can be transmitted to the RFIC (510) through a switch (541) included in the second TRx circuit (443), at least one filter (542) that separates the received signal and the transmitted signal, and a low-noise amplifier (543).

[0158] FIG. 8a is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment transmits a signal to a cellular network based on a received signal while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0159] As described above in FIG. 2, as the antenna outputting the transmission signal is changed, the first TRx circuit (e.g., the first TRx circuit (231) of FIG. 2) and / or the second TRx circuit (e.g., the second TRx circuit (232) of FIG. 2) may take a set time of a certain amount of time.

[0160] The electronic device (101) may have difficulty outputting a transmission signal and / or receiving a reception signal during the time required to set up the first TRx circuit (231) and / or the second TRx circuit (232).

[0161] According to one example, the time during which transmission of a transmission signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Tx blanking time, and the time during which reception of a reception signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Rx blanking time. The electronic device (101) may be unable to output a transmission signal during the Tx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal, and may be unable to output a reception signal during the Rx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 8a, the electronic device (101) may not transmit a signal for a time corresponding to a specified number of slots (e.g., slot 0, slot 1, slot 2, slot 3, slot 4) as Tx antenna switching is enabled. The time corresponding to the specified number of slots may be referred to as Tx blanking time (301).

[0163] The electronic device (101) may not receive a signal for a time corresponding to a specified number of slots (e.g., slot 0, slot 1, slot 2, slot 3, slot 4) as Tx antenna switching is enabled. The time corresponding to the specified number of slots may be referred to as Rx blanking time (302).

[0164] As described above in FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) can control the first Rx circuit (442) to receive the main reception signal through the first antenna (441) and the diversity reception signal through the third antenna (443) when Tx antenna switching is started, and can control the second Rx circuit (444) to receive the main reception signal through the second antenna (442) and the diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna (444).

[0165] The electronic device (101) can receive a signal through the first Rx circuit (442) and the second Rx circuit (444) even if the first TRx circuit (431) and the second TRx circuit (433) do not receive a signal during the Rx blanking time (302) (801). The electronic device (101) can receive control data from a cellular network (192, 194), and the electronic device (101) can receive information related to the allocation of resources required for signal transmission (e.g., UL GRANT) through the first Rx circuit (442) and the second Rx circuit (444) during the Rx blanking time (302). Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can prevent the Tx blanking time (e.g., Tx blanking time (303) of FIG. 3) that may occur after the Tx antenna switching is completed, and can transmit the signal to the cellular network (192, 194) for a time (802) after the Tx blanking time (301).

[0166] FIG. 8b is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to one embodiment transmits a signal to a cellular network based on a received signal while performing Tx antenna switching.

[0167] As described above in FIG. 2, as the antenna outputting the transmission signal is changed, the first TRx circuit (e.g., the first TRx circuit (231) of FIG. 2) and / or the second TRx circuit (e.g., the second TRx circuit (232) of FIG. 2) may take a set time of a certain amount of time.

[0168] The electronic device (101) may have difficulty outputting a transmission signal and / or receiving a reception signal during the time required to set up the first TRx circuit (231) and / or the second TRx circuit (232).

[0169] According to one example, the time during which transmission of a transmission signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Tx blanking time, and the time during which reception of a reception signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Rx blanking time. The electronic device (101) may be unable to output a transmission signal during the Tx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal, and may be unable to output a reception signal during the Rx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) may not transmit a signal for a time corresponding to a specified number of slots (e.g., slot 0, slot 1, slot 2, slot 3, slot 4) as Tx antenna switching is enabled. The time corresponding to the specified number of slots may be referred to as Tx blanking time (301).

[0171] As described above in FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 7a to 7c, the electronic device (101) can control the first TRx circuit (441) to receive the main reception signal through the first antenna (441) and the second TRx circuit (443) to receive the diversity reception signal through the third antenna (443) when Tx antenna switching is started while receiving the main reception signal through the first antenna (441).

[0172] The electronic device (101) can receive signals through the first antenna (441) and the second antenna (442) while performing Tx antenna switching (803). The electronic device (101) can receive control data from the cellular network (192, 194), and the electronic device (101) can receive information related to the allocation of resources required for signal transmission (e.g., UL GRANT) through the first TRx circuit (441) and the second TRx circuit (443) during the Tx blanking time (301). Thus, the electronic device (101) can prevent the Tx blanking time (e.g., Tx blanking time (303) of FIG. 3) that may occur after the Tx antenna switching is completed, and can transmit signals to the cellular network (192, 194) during the time (804) after the Tx blanking time (301).

[0173] FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart (900) illustrating the operation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0174] An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 4) can, in operation 910, transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through a first antenna (e.g., the first antenna (441) of FIG. 4) and receive a diversity reception signal through a third antenna (e.g., the third antenna (443) of FIG. 4).

[0175] The electronic device (101) can start Tx antenna switching in operation 920.

[0176] According to one example, an electronic device (101) may enable Tx antenna switching while transmitting a signal and receiving a primary Rx signal through a first antenna (441) and receiving a diversity Rx signal through a third antenna (443). Tx antenna switching may refer to an operation of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal. According to one example, an electronic device (101) that supports Tx antenna switching may switch from a state of outputting a transmission signal through the first antenna (441) to a state of outputting a transmission signal through the second antenna (442) upon activation of Tx antenna switching.

[0177] According to one example, an electronic device (101) that performs Tx antenna switching can output a transmission signal through at least one of a plurality of antennas and can transmit the transmission signal in various directions, thereby enabling an improvement in the output performance of the transmission signal. The electronic device (101) can perform Tx antenna switching when the electronic device (101) satisfies a specified condition. According to one example, the specified condition may include at least one of the following: a condition in which the electronic device (101) is in a weak electric field region, a condition in which the change in the quality of the signal received by the electronic device (101) is greater than a specified magnitude, and a condition in which the electronic device (101) detects that it is grasped. The conditions described above are merely examples, and the electronic device (101) can perform Tx antenna switching when various conditions are satisfied.

[0178] According to one example, the electronic device (101) checks at specified intervals (e.g., 640ms) whether the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, and if the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, it may perform Tx antenna switching. If the electronic device (101) satisfies specified conditions, it may not perform Tx antenna switching and may not change the antenna outputting the transmission signal.

[0179] The electronic device (101) can receive a main receiving signal through a second antenna (e.g., the second antenna (442) of FIG. 4) in operation 930, and receive a diversity receiving signal through a fourth antenna (e.g., the fourth antenna (444) of FIG. 4).

[0180] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may perform an operation to change the antenna to output a transmission signal as part of an operation to perform Tx antenna switching. For example, the electronic device (101) may control the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to output a transmission signal through the third antenna (443) while the first antenna (441) is outputting a transmission signal. Changing the antenna to output the transmission signal may require the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to be set to output a signal, and a delay time may occur for the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433) to be set to output a signal. The electronic device (101) may have difficulty outputting a transmission signal and / or receiving a reception signal during the time required to set up the first TRx circuit (431) and / or the second TRx circuit (433).

[0181] According to one example, the time during which transmission of a transmission signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Tx blanking time, and the time during which reception of a reception signal is difficult or impossible may be referred to as Rx blanking time. The electronic device (101) may be unable to output a transmission signal during the Tx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal, and may be unable to output a reception signal during the Rx blanking time that occurs as a result of changing the antenna that outputs the transmission signal.

[0182] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can perform an operation to reduce or eliminate the Rx blanking time.

[0183] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) receives the main reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may activate the first Rx circuit (432) and control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal when the first Rx circuit (432) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the main reception signal cannot be received (Rx blanking time) by controlling the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal instead, taking into account that the first TRx circuit (431) cannot receive the main reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) can use the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the first antenna (441) for receiving the main reception signal through the second antenna (442) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the second antenna (442) by causing the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) to receive the main reception signal.

[0184] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) receives a diversity reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may activate the second Rx circuit (434) upon initiation of Tx antenna switching when the second Rx circuit (434) is in a deactivated state and control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives a primary reception signal. The electronic device (101) can reduce or eliminate the time during which the reception of the diversity reception signal cannot be performed (Rx blanking time) by controlling the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the diversity reception signal instead, taking into account that the second TRx circuit (433) cannot receive the diversity reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) can utilize the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the third antenna (443) for receiving the main reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) without performing the operation of estimating the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the fourth antenna (444) by causing the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) to receive the main reception signal.

[0185] The electronic device (101) can receive a main reception signal through the second antenna (442) and receive a diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) while performing Tx antenna switching, as in the example described above. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can receive control data for transmitting a signal from a cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) while performing Tx antenna switching, and can transmit a signal to the cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) after Tx antenna switching is completed based on information (e.g., UL GRANT) included in the control data. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can prevent (or reduce) a situation in which a signal cannot be transmitted for a certain period of time even after Tx antenna switching is completed.

[0186] The electronic device (101), in operation 940, when Tx antenna switching is completed, can receive a diversity reception signal through the first antenna (441) and receive a signal transmission and main reception signal through the third antenna (443).

[0187] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443) as Tx antenna switching is completed. The electronic device (101) can determine that Tx antenna switching is completed upon confirming that the amplifier of the second TRx circuit (443) is activated, and can control the first TRx circuit (441) and the second TRx circuit (443) to perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443).

[0188] FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart (1000) illustrating the operation method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0189] An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 4) can, in operation 1010, transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through a first antenna (e.g., the first antenna (441) of FIG. 4) and receive a diversity reception signal through a third antenna (e.g., the third antenna (443) of FIG. 4).

[0190] The electronic device (101) can check the number of spatial streams in response to the condition of performing Tx antenna switching in operation 1020.

[0191] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can determine the number of spatial streams based on information indicating the number of spatial streams included in a signal (e.g., RRC connection reconfiguration message) received during the process of establishing a connection with a cellular network (192, 194) (e.g., information included in the sr-PUCCH-Resourceindex field). In addition to the example described above, the electronic device (101) can determine the number of spatial streams in various ways.

[0192] The electronic device (101) can check whether the number of space streams is less than or equal to (or less than) a specified number in operation 1030.

[0193] The electronic device (101) can transmit a signal to a cellular network (192, 194) requesting that the number of space streams be set to less than or equal to the specified number when, in operation 1040, the number of space streams exceeds (or is greater than) the specified number (operation 1030-N).

[0194] The electronic device (101) can transmit a signal to a cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) requesting that the number of space streams be set to less than or equal to the specified number when the number of identified space streams exceeds the specified number (e.g., the number of antennas capable of receiving a signal while performing Tx antenna switching, which may be 2).

[0195] A signal requesting that the number of spatial streams be set to a specified number or less (or less than) may be included in a signal transmitted by the electronic device (101) to the cellular network (192, 194) via a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). According to one example, the electronic device (101) may transmit a UE capability information message to the cellular network (192, 194) containing information that the number of spatial streams has been set to a specified number (or less than or equal to the specified number). The transmission of the UE capability information message may induce the cellular network (192, 194) to set the number of spatial streams to a specified number or less. The number of spatial streams may be referred to as a rank index, and the cellular network (192, 194) that receives the UE capability information may set the number of spatial streams to a specified number or less.

[0196] According to one example, the electronic device (101) transmits a signal requesting a change in the number of space streams to a cellular network (192, 194) and then checks whether the number of space streams has changed for a specified time. The specified time may be substantially the same as the period for determining whether to perform Tx antenna switching, but there is no limitation.

[0197] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can check the number of spatial streams included in information received via PUCCH from a cellular network (192, 194) (or base station) (e.g., information related to resources used for transmitting signals) and check whether the number of spatial streams has changed to a number less than or equal to a specified number. The electronic device (101) can initiate Tx antenna switching in operation 1050 upon confirming that the changed number of spatial streams is less than or equal to a specified number (operation 1030-YES).

[0198] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may perform Tx antenna switching if the conditions for performing Tx antenna switching are specified, even if the number of spatial streams has not changed or the number of changed spatial streams exceeds a specified number (operation 1030-NO). The specified conditions may include a condition in which the quality of the signal received by the electronic device (101) is less than or equal to a specified size, a condition in which the electronic device (101) is highly likely to experience a radio link failure (RLF), and / or a condition in which the electronic device (101) performs a specific absorption rate (SAR) operation.

[0199] The electronic device (101) can receive a main receiving signal through a second antenna (e.g., the second antenna (442) of FIG. 4) in operation 1060, and receive a diversity receiving signal through a fourth antenna (e.g., the fourth antenna (444) of FIG. 4).

[0200] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) receives the main reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may activate the first Rx circuit (432) and control the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal when the first Rx circuit (432) is in an inactive state, upon initiation of Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may reduce or eliminate the time during which the main reception signal cannot be received (Rx blanking time) by controlling the first Rx circuit (432) so that the second antenna (442) receives the main reception signal instead, taking into account that the first TRx circuit (431) cannot receive the main reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) can use the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the first antenna (441) for receiving the main reception signal through the second antenna (442) without performing an operation to estimate the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the second antenna (442) by causing the second antenna (442) adjacent to the first antenna (441) to receive the main reception signal.

[0201] According to one example, the electronic device (101) may control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) receives a diversity reception signal while performing Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) may activate the second Rx circuit (434) upon initiation of Tx antenna switching when the second Rx circuit (434) is in a deactivated state and control the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives a primary reception signal. The electronic device (101) can reduce or eliminate the time during which the reception of the diversity reception signal cannot be performed (Rx blanking time) by controlling the second Rx circuit (434) so ​​that the fourth antenna (444) receives the diversity reception signal instead, taking into account that the second TRx circuit (433) cannot receive the diversity reception signal due to Tx antenna switching. The electronic device (101) can utilize the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the third antenna (443) for receiving the main reception signal through the fourth antenna (444) without performing the operation of estimating the channel state for receiving the main reception signal of the fourth antenna (444) by causing the fourth antenna (444) adjacent to the third antenna (443) to receive the main reception signal.

[0202] The electronic device (101), in operation 1060, when Tx antenna switching is completed, can receive a diversity reception signal through the first antenna (441) and receive a signal transmission and main reception signal through the third antenna (443).

[0203] According to one example, the electronic device (101) can perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443) as Tx antenna switching is completed. The electronic device (101) can determine that Tx antenna switching is completed upon confirming that the amplifier of the second TRx circuit (443) is activated, and can control the first TRx circuit (441) and the second TRx circuit (443) to perform diversity reception through the first antenna (441) and transmit a signal and receive a main reception signal through the third antenna (443).

[0204] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a plurality of antennas, including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna. The electronic device may include a first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna. The electronic device may include a first Rx circuit electrically connected to the second antenna. The electronic device may include a second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna. The electronic device may include a second Rx circuit electrically connected to the fourth antenna. The electronic device may include a memory for storing a computer program including instructions. The electronic device may include at least one processor. The above instructions may cause the electronic device to check the number of spatial streams in response to satisfying the condition that Tx antenna switching using the first antenna and the third antenna is activated while transmitting a signal through the first antenna and receiving a primary Rx signal and receiving a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna when executed by the at least one processor. The above instructions may cause the electronic device to control the first Rx circuit to receive the primary Rx signal through the second antenna and control the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity Rx signal through the fourth antenna when performing the Tx antenna switching, if the number of spatial streams is less than or equal to a specified number.The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control the second TRx circuit so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal as the Tx antenna switching is completed when the number of the spatial streams is less than or equal to the specified number, and to control the first TRx circuit so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal. The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to transmit a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to less than or equal to the specified number when the number of the spatial streams exceeds the specified number. The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, allow the electronic device to control the first Rx circuit to receive the main receiving signal through the second antenna and to control the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity receiving signal through the fourth antenna, as the number of the space streams changes to less than or equal to the specified number when the number of the space streams exceeds the specified number while performing the Tx antenna switching.

[0205] In an electronic device according to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to control the second TRx circuit so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal as the Tx antenna switching is completed, and to control the first TRx circuit so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal.

[0206] In an electronic device according to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may prevent the electronic device from performing the Tx antenna switching if the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number after the electronic device transmits a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to a specified number or less.

[0207] In an electronic device according to one embodiment, the instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to transmit a signal to the base station requesting that the number of the spatial streams be set to a specified number or less, and then, when the number of the spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a specified size, perform the Tx antenna switching.

[0208] In an electronic device according to one embodiment, the instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to transmit a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to a specified number, and if the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the quality of the signal received from the base station is less than or equal to a specified size, the Tx antenna switching may be performed.

[0209] An electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an RFIC (RF integrated circuit) electrically connected to the first TRx circuit, the second TRx circuit, the first Rx circuit, and the second Rx circuit. The RFIC may include a first switch connecting either one of the first TRx circuit and the first Rx circuit to either one of the first transmit / receive chain and the second transmit / receive chain. The instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control the first switch to switch from a state where the first TRx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected to a state where the first Rx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected while performing the Tx antenna switching.

[0210] In an electronic device according to one embodiment, the RFIC may include a second switch connecting either one of the second TRx circuit and the second Rx circuit to either one of the first transmit / receive chain and the second transmit / receive chain. The instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control the second switch so that the second Rx circuit is connected to the first transmit / receive chain while the second TRx circuit is connected to the first transmit / receive chain while the second TRx circuit is connected to the first transmit / receive chain during the Tx antenna switching.

[0211] In an electronic device according to one embodiment, the first antenna and the second antenna may be positioned at the top of the electronic device. The third antenna and the fourth antenna may be positioned at the bottom of the electronic device.

[0212] A computer-readable recording medium storing instructions that the electronic device performs when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device performing Tx antenna switching using a plurality of antennas including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna according to one embodiment, wherein the instructions may determine the number of spatial streams in response to satisfying the condition that the Tx antenna switching is activated while the electronic device transmits a signal through the first antenna and receives a primary Rx signal and receives a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna when executed by the at least one processor. The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control a first Rx circuit electrically connected to the second antenna to receive the main reception signal through the second antenna and to control a second Rx circuit electrically connected to the fourth antenna to receive the diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching when the number of the spatial streams is less than or equal to the specified number. The above instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control a first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna to receive the diversity reception signal when the Tx antenna switching is completed when the number of the spatial streams is less than or equal to the specified number and to control a second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna to transmit the signal and receive the main reception signal.The above instructions may cause the electronic device, when executed by the at least one processor, to transmit a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to a specified number when the number of spatial streams exceeds a specified number. The above instructions may cause the electronic device, when executed by the at least one processor, to control the first Rx circuit to receive the main receiving signal through the second antenna and to control the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity receiving signal through the fourth antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching, as the number of spatial streams of the signal received from the base station changes to the specified number when the number of spatial streams exceeds a specified number.

[0213] In a recording medium according to one example, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to control the second TRx circuit so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal as the Tx antenna switching is completed, and to control the first TRx circuit so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal.

[0214] In a recording medium according to one example, the instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, prevent the electronic device from performing the Tx antenna switching if the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number after the electronic device transmits a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to the specified number.

[0215] In a recording medium according to one example, the instructions may cause the electronic device to perform Tx antenna switching when executed by the at least one processor, after the electronic device transmits a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to a specified number, and the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a specified size.

[0216] In a recording medium according to one example, the instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to transmit a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to a specified number, and if the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the quality of the signal received from the base station is less than or equal to a specified size, the Tx antenna switching may be performed.

[0217] In a recording medium according to one example, the electronic device may further include an RFIC (RF integrated circuit) connected to the first TRx circuit, the second TRx circuit, the first Rx circuit, and the second Rx circuit. The RFIC may include a first switch connecting either one of the first TRx circuit and the first Rx circuit to either one of the first transmit / receive chain and the second transmit / receive chain. The instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control the first switch so that the first Rx circuit is connected to the first transmit / receive chain while the first TRx circuit is connected to the first transmit / receive chain while the first TRx circuit is connected to the first transmit / receive chain during the Tx antenna switching.

[0218] In a recording medium according to one example, the RFIC may include a second switch connecting either one of the second TRx circuit and the second Rx circuit to either one of the first transmit / receive chain and the second transmit / receive chain. The instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to control the first switch so that the second Rx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected while the second TRx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected while the second TRx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected.

[0219] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one example may include an operation of checking the number of spatial streams in response to satisfying the condition that the Tx antenna switching is activated while transmitting a signal through the first antenna, receiving a primary Rx signal, and receiving a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna. When the number of spatial streams is less than or equal to a specified number, the method of operation of the electronic device may include an operation of controlling a first Rx circuit electrically connected to the second antenna to receive the primary Rx signal through the second antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching, and controlling a second Rx circuit electrically connected to the fourth antenna to receive the diversity Rx signal through the fourth antenna. A method of operation of an electronic device may include, when the number of spatial streams is less than or equal to the specified number, controlling a first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal as the Tx antenna switching is completed, and controlling a second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal. A method of operation of an electronic device may include, when the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number, transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to the specified number.The method of operation of the electronic device may include, when the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number, controlling the first Rx circuit to receive the main received signal through the second antenna and controlling the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity received signal through the fourth antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching, as the number of spatial streams of the signal received from the base station changes to the specified number.

[0220] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment may further include, as the Tx antenna switching is completed, controlling the second TRx circuit so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal, and controlling the first TRx circuit so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal.

[0221] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment may further include an operation of prohibiting Tx antenna switching when the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number after transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to the specified number.

[0222] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment may further include the operation of transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to a specified number, and then, if the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a specified size, performing the Tx antenna switching.

[0223] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment may further include the operation of performing Tx antenna switching when, after transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to a specified number, the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the quality of the signal received from the base station is less than or equal to a specified size.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, A plurality of antennas including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna; A first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna; A first Rx circuit electrically connected to the second antenna; A second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna; A second Rx circuit electrically connected to the above-mentioned fourth antenna; Memory for storing computer programs including instructions; and It includes at least one processor, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, While transmitting a signal through the first antenna and receiving a primary Rx signal and receiving a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna, in response to satisfying the condition that Tx antenna switching using the first antenna and the third antenna is activated, the number of spatial streams is checked, and If the number of the above space streams is less than or equal to a specified number, While performing the above Tx antenna switching, the first Rx circuit is controlled to receive the main reception signal through the second antenna, and the second Rx circuit is controlled to receive the diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna, and As the above Tx antenna switching is completed, the second TRx circuit is controlled to transmit a signal through the third antenna and receive the main reception signal, and the first TRx circuit is controlled to receive the diversity reception signal through the first antenna. If the number of the above space streams exceeds the specified number, A signal requesting to set the number of the above spatial streams to be less than or equal to a specified number is transmitted to the base station, and An electronic device configured to control the first Rx circuit to receive the main reception signal through the second antenna and to control the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching, as the number of the spatial streams changes to less than or equal to the specified number.

2. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device configured to control the second TRx circuit so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal as the above Tx antenna switching is completed, and to control the first TRx circuit so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal.

3. In paragraphs 1 and 2, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device configured not to perform Tx antenna switching when the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number after transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to a number less than or equal to the specified number.

4. In paragraphs 1 to 3, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device configured to perform Tx antenna switching when, after transmitting a signal to the base station requesting that the number of the above spatial streams be set to a number less than or equal to a specified number, the number of the above spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the Specific absorption rate (SAR) of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a specified size.

5. In paragraphs 1 through 4, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device configured to perform Tx antenna switching when, after transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of the above spatial streams to be set to a specified number, the number of the above spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the quality of the signal received from the base station is less than or equal to a specified size.

6. In paragraphs 1 through 5, The above electronic device is, It further includes an RFIC (RF integrated circuit) electrically connected to the first TRx circuit, the second TRx circuit, the first Rx circuit, and the second Rx circuit, and The above RFIC is, It includes a first switch connecting either one of the first TRx circuit and the first Rx circuit to either one of the first transmit / receive chain and the second transmit / receive chain, and When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device configured to control the first switch to switch from a state where the first TRx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected while performing the above Tx antenna switching, to a state where the first Rx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected.

7. In paragraphs 1 through 6, The above RFIC is It includes a second switch connecting either one of the second TRx circuit and the second Rx circuit to either one of the first transmit / receive chain and the second transmit / receive chain, and When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device configured to control the second switch so that the second Rx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected while the second TRx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected during the above Tx antenna switching.

8. In paragraphs 1 through 7, The first antenna and the second antenna are positioned at the top of the electronic device, and The third antenna and the fourth antenna are electronic devices positioned at the bottom of the electronic device.

9. A computer-readable recording medium storing instructions that cause an electronic device to perform Tx antenna switching using a plurality of antennas including a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna and a fourth antenna when executed by at least one processor of the electronic device, wherein the electronic device performs the instructions, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, While transmitting a signal through the first antenna and receiving a primary Rx signal and receiving a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna, in response to satisfying the condition for the Tx antenna switching to be activated, the number of spatial streams is checked, If the number of the above space streams is less than or equal to a specified number, While performing the above Tx antenna switching, a first Rx circuit electrically connected to the second antenna is controlled to receive the main reception signal through the second antenna, and a second Rx circuit electrically connected to the fourth antenna is controlled to receive the diversity reception signal through the fourth antenna, and As the above Tx antenna switching is completed, the first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna is controlled so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal, and the second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna is controlled so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal, and If the number of the above space streams exceeds the specified number, A signal requesting the setting of the number of the above spatial streams to a specified number is transmitted to the base station, and A recording medium that controls the first Rx circuit to receive the main received signal through the second antenna and controls the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity received signal through the fourth antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching, as the number of spatial streams of signals received from the base station changes to the specified number.

10. In Paragraph 9, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, A recording medium configured to control the second TRx circuit so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal as the above Tx antenna switching is completed, and to control the first TRx circuit so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal.

11. In Articles 9 and 10, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, A recording medium configured not to perform Tx antenna switching when the number of spatial streams exceeds the specified number after transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of spatial streams to be set to the specified number.

12. In Articles 9 through 11, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, A recording medium configured to perform Tx antenna switching when, after transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of the above spatial streams to be set to a specified number, the number of the above spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the Specific absorption rate (SAR) of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a specified size.

13. In Articles 9 through 12, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, A recording medium configured to perform Tx antenna switching when, after transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of the above spatial streams to be set to a specified number, the number of the above spatial streams exceeds the specified number and the quality of the signal received from the base station is less than or equal to a specified size.

14. In Paragraphs 9 through 13, The above electronic device is, It further includes an RFIC (RF integrated circuit) connected to the first TRx circuit, the second TRx circuit, the first Rx circuit, and the second Rx circuit, and The above RFIC is, A first switch connecting either one of the first TRx circuit and the first Rx circuit with either one of the first transmit / receive chain and the second transmit / receive chain; and It includes a second switch connecting either one of the second TRx circuit and the second Rx circuit to either one of the first transmit / receive chain and the second transmit / receive chain, and When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, While performing the above Tx antenna switching, the first switch is controlled so that the first Rx circuit is connected to the first transmit / receive chain while the first TRx circuit and the first transmit / receive chain are connected, and A recording medium configured to control the second switch so that the second Rx circuit and the first transmission-reception chain are connected while the second TRx circuit and the first transmission-reception chain are connected during the above Tx antenna switching.

15. In a method of operating an electronic device, An operation to check the number of spatial streams in response to satisfying the condition for the Tx antenna switching to be activated while transmitting a signal through the first antenna, receiving a primary Rx signal, and receiving a diversity Rx signal through the third antenna; If the number of the above space streams is less than or equal to a specified number, While performing the above Tx antenna switching, the operation of controlling a first Rx circuit electrically connected to the second antenna to receive the main receiving signal through the second antenna, and controlling a second Rx circuit electrically connected to the fourth antenna to receive the diversity receiving signal through the fourth antenna; As the above Tx antenna switching is completed, the operation of controlling a first TRx circuit electrically connected to the first antenna so that the first antenna receives the diversity reception signal, and controlling a second TRx circuit electrically connected to the third antenna so that the third antenna transmits a signal and receives the main reception signal; If the number of the above space streams exceeds the specified number, The operation of transmitting a signal to the base station requesting the number of the above spatial streams to be set to a specified number; A method of operation of an electronic device comprising the operation of controlling the first Rx circuit to receive the main received signal through the second antenna and controlling the second Rx circuit to receive the diversity received signal through the fourth antenna while performing the Tx antenna switching, as the number of spatial streams of signals received from the base station is changed to the specified number.

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