Four-port circulator

Abstract

An orthomode transducer device includes a four-port quasi-circulator and a four-port orthomode transducer connected in cascade. The scattering matrix of the quasi-circulator is S1: The scattering matrix of the orthomode transducer is S2: The fourth port of the quasi-circulator is connected to the fourth port of the orthomode transducer, and the third port of the quasi-circulator is connected to the first port of the orthomode transducer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some embodiments described in this invention relate to orthogonal circulators, specifically, but not limited to, four-port electronic orthogonal circulators. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, electronic circulator self-interference cancellation (SIC) is implemented by coupling the transmit (TX) signal to a finite impulse response (FIR) filter to shape the post-power amplifier (PA) and combine it with a pre-low noise amplifier (LNA) to cancel the signal. These schemes are complex, cannot be extended to multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with self-interference and mutual interference, and introduce transmit and receive losses, reducing power efficiency and receiver signal-to-noise ratio.

[0003] Simultaneous Transmit Receive (STR) wireless communication scenarios with a single transmit / receive antenna (such as full-duplex (FD) or frequency division duplex (FDD) without a duplexer) require a transmit-receive (SIC) mechanism. Most implementations of SIC perform this between the TX transmit output and the RX receive input, thus loading both TX and RX channels, which reduces power efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to describe a four-port circulator and a method for using the four-port circulator for radio frequency (RF) communication.

[0005] This invention provides a four-port circulator with lossless reception and SiC transfer capabilities. The four-port circulator (also referred to herein as a quadrature circulator) comprises a non-ideal four-point circulator (referred to herein as a quasi-circulator) cascaded with a quadrature mixer. The two ports of the quasi-circulator are respectively connected to the two ports of the quadrature mixer. The quadrature mixer perfectly restores the non-ideal characteristics of the quasi-circulator, thereby generating a new transfer function of an ideal electronic quadrature circulator.

[0006] The embodiments of the orthogonal circulator have the following transfer coefficients:

[0007] The transfer coefficient from port 1 to port 2 is 1;

[0008] The transfer coefficient from port 2 to port 3 is 1;

[0009] The transfer coefficient from port 3 to port 4 is 1;

[0010] The transfer coefficient from port 4 to port 1 is 1.

[0011] All other paired ports are isolated from each other. These transfer coefficients are represented in the scattering matrix below:

[0012]

[0013] The advantages of the orthogonal circulator proposed in this paper include:

[0014] (a) Size and on-chip integration compatibility – It is a small electronic device compared to currently available bulky magnetic devices;

[0015] (b) Complete transmission between consecutive ports with no power loss;

[0016] (c) RF front end suitable for full-duplex (FD), half-duplex (HD) and frequency division-duplex (FDD) communication;

[0017] (d) Includes a built-in fourth port, with lossless input to the RX port, enabling SiC implementation in FD and FDD applications;

[0018] (e) The fourth port can also eliminate mutual interference between nearby antennas during MIMO operation;

[0019] (f) Applicable to TX carrier aggregation performed simultaneously with FD, HD or FDD.

[0020] The above and other objectives are achieved through the features of the independent claim. Other implementations will be apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0021] A first aspect of the present invention provides an orthogonal circulator device, the orthogonal circulator device comprising:

[0022] Quasi-circuit (100), comprising:

[0023] The first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port, wherein the scattering matrix S1 of the quasi-circuit is expressed as:

[0024] ,

[0025] Each element in the scattering matrix S1 This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal guided from port y to port x by the quasi-circuit, where x and y can be 1, 2, 3, and 4, and x is not equal to y. Each element... This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal reflected at the x-th port;

[0026] An orthogonal mixer comprising a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port, wherein the scattering matrix S2 of the orthogonal mixer is expressed as:

[0027] ,

[0028] Each element in the scattering matrix S2 This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal directed from port y to port x by the quadrature mixer, where x and y can be 1, 2, 3, and 4, and x is not equal to y. Each element... This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal reflected at the x-th port.

[0029] The fourth port of the quasi-circuit is connected to the fourth port of the quadrature mixer, and the third port of the quasi-circuit is connected to the first port of the quadrature mixer.

[0030] The first advantage is that it yields an orthogonal circulator with a small external size and ideal transmission function.

[0031] In one implementation of the first aspect, the quasi-circuit includes:

[0032] A first 90-degree reciprocal phase shifter (RPS) between the first port of the quasi-circulator and the second port of the quasi-circulator.

[0033] The second 90-degree RPS between the second port and the third port of the quasi-circuit;

[0034] A 90-degree non-reciprocal phase shifter (NRPS) between the third port and the fourth port of the quasi-circuit.

[0035] The third 90-degree RPS between the fourth port of the quasi-circuit and the first port of the quasi-circuit;

[0036] Wherein, the characteristic impedance of the first RPS is equal to the first value of the impedance of the first port of the quasi-circuit, and the characteristic impedances of the second and third RPS are the second values, wherein the second value is equal to the first value divided by 2. In another implementation of the first aspect, the NRPS is impedance transparent. In yet another implementation of the first aspect, the phase of the forward signal path from the first port of the quasi-circuit, through the second port of the quasi-circuit, to the third port of the quasi-circuit is 180 degrees, and the phase of the forward signal path from the first port of the quasi-circuit, through the fourth port of the quasi-circuit, to the third port of the quasi-circuit is 0 degrees.

[0037] The advantage of these implementations is that they provide four-port devices with the transmission capabilities required by quasi-circuiters.

[0038] In another implementation of the first aspect, the orthogonal circulator device also includes an antenna connected to a second port of the quasi-circulator. The advantage of this implementation is that the orthogonal circulator port can be used for wireless communication devices.

[0039] In another implementation of the first aspect, the quadrature circulator device further includes a first reflective element, the output of which is connected to the third port of the quadrature mixer. Therefore, a self-interference cancellation signal can be input to port 3 of the quadrature circulator device, while the signal from port 2 is passed to port 4. This implementation is advantageous because it is applicable to many communication modes, such as full-duplex, half-duplex, and frequency division duplex.

[0040] In another implementation of the first aspect, the orthogonal circulator device further includes a second reflective element, the output of which is connected to the first port of the quasi-circulator. Therefore, the transmitted signal can be input to ports 1 and 4 of the orthogonal circulator. This implementation is advantageous because it is suitable for carrier aggregation communication.

[0041] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating an orthogonal circulator device in the following manner:

[0042] The first radio frequency (RF) signal is input to one of the first port of the quasi-circuit, the second port of the quasi-circuit, the second port of the quadrature mixer, and the third port of the quadrature mixer;

[0043] A second radio frequency (RF) signal is output from one of the first port of the quasi-circuit, the second port of the quasi-circuit, the second port of the quadrature mixer, and the third port of the quadrature mixer.

[0044] The advantage of this is that orthogonal circulators can be used as part of the RF front end in many forms of RF communication and system architectures.

[0045] In one implementation of the second aspect, the orthogonal circulator device operates in the following manner:

[0046] Input the transmit signal at the first port of the quasi-circuit;

[0047] The input signal is received from the antenna connected to the second port of the quasi-circuit, and the output signal is sent to the antenna;

[0048] A self-interference cancellation (SIC) signal is input to the third port of the quadrature mixer via a reflective element;

[0049] The received signal is output from the second port of the quadrature mixer. The advantage of this implementation is that it is suitable for RF front-ends in full-duplex communication.

[0050] In another implementation of the second aspect, the orthogonal circulator device operates in the following manner:

[0051] Input the transmit signal at the first port of the quasi-circuit;

[0052] The input signal is received from the antenna connected to the second port of the quasi-circuit, and the output signal is sent to the antenna;

[0053] The received signal is reflected at the third port of the quadrature mixer by a reflective element connected to the third port of the quadrature mixer;

[0054] The received signal is output from the second port of the quadrature mixer. The advantage of this implementation is that it is suitable for RF front-ends in half-duplex communication.

[0055] In another implementation of the second aspect, the orthogonal circulator device operates in the following manner:

[0056] The first port of the quasi-circuit is input with a transmit signal in the first frequency band;

[0057] The input signal is a signal in the second frequency band received from the antenna connected to the second port of the quasi-circuit, and the output signal is a transmitted signal to the antenna.

[0058] A self-interference cancellation (SIC) signal is input to the third port of the quadrature mixer via a reflective element;

[0059] The received signal is output from the second port of the quadrature mixer. The advantage of this implementation is that it is suitable for the RF front end of frequency division duplex communication.

[0060] In another implementation of the second aspect, the orthogonal circulator device operates in the following manner:

[0061] A first transmit signal in the first frequency band is input through a reflective element at the first port of the quasi-circulator;

[0062] A second transmit signal in the second frequency band is input to the second port of the quadrature mixer;

[0063] The first and second transmit signals are output from the second port of the quasi-circuit. The advantage of this implementation is that it is suitable for the RF front-end of carrier aggregation communication.

[0064] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the accompanying drawings and detailed description below. It is intended that all such other systems, methods, features, and advantages be included in this specification, within the scope of the invention, and protected by the appended claims.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. While similar or equivalent methods and materials to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the embodiments, exemplary methods and / or materials are described below. In case of any conflict, this specification (including the definitions) shall prevail. Furthermore, these materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not necessarily restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0066] This document describes some embodiments by way of example and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description below, with specific reference to the accompanying drawings, emphasizes that the details shown are merely illustrative and for the purpose of discussing embodiments. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, based on the accompanying drawings, how to practice the embodiments.

[0067] In the attached diagram:

[0068] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an orthogonal circulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a simulated orthogonal circulator;

[0070] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a quasi-circuit that reflects the S1 transmission coefficient;

[0071] Figure 4 This is a simplified block diagram of a quasi-circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary orthogonal mixer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of an RF front-end for full-duplex (FD) communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of the RF front end for half-duplex (HD) communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the RF front end of Frequency Division-Duplex (FDD) communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of the RF front-end of MIMO communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of the RF front end of carrier aggregation communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram of a carrier aggregation communication and concurrent full-duplex operation RF front end according to a corresponding exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0079] Some embodiments described in this invention relate to orthogonal circulators, specifically, but not limited to, four-port electronic orthogonal circulators.

[0080] This invention provides a lossless and perfectly matched orthogonal circulator. The orthogonal circulator includes a quasi-circulator cascaded with the orthogonal mixer described herein.

[0081] Before detailing at least one embodiment, it should be understood that the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the detailed descriptions and / or drawings and / or examples illustrating the construction and / or setup of the components and / or methods. The implementations described herein support other embodiments, or can be practiced or performed in various ways.

[0082] An embodiment may be a system, method, and / or computer program product. The computer program product may include one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program instructions that cause a processor to perform various aspects of the embodiment.

[0083] The computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device capable of retaining and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium can include, but is not limited to, electronic storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing, etc. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes: portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. The computer-readable storage medium as used herein should not be construed as a transient signal itself, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses through fiber optic cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0084] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a corresponding computing / processing device, or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network such as the Internet, local area network, wide area network, and / or wireless network. The network may include copper transmission cables, optical fiber transmissions, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions to store the computer-readable program instructions in a computer-readable storage medium within the corresponding computing / processing device.

[0085] The computer-readable program instructions used to perform the operations in the embodiments may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These programming languages ​​include object-oriented programming languages, such as Smalltalk, C++, etc., and traditional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, or as a separate software package partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs), and may also be connected to external computers (e.g., via the Internet provided by an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuits including programmable logic circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs) can execute computer-readable program instructions to customize the electronic circuits by using state information of the computer-readable program instructions, thereby performing various aspects of the embodiments.

[0086] This document describes various aspects of the embodiments in conjunction with flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of the methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products provided by the embodiments. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0087] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, create a manner for implementing the functions / actions detailed in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer, programmable data processing device, and / or other equipment to operate in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having the instructions stored therein comprises a manufactured article containing the instructions for implementing aspects of the functions / actions detailed in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0088] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions to be executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other equipment can perform the functions / actions detailed in the flowchart and / or block diagram boxes.

[0089] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of the systems, methods, and computer program products provided in various embodiments. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, including one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. In some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may not be implemented in the order shown in the figures. For example, in fact, two blocks shown consecutively may be executed almost simultaneously, or sometimes in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by systems based on dedicated hardware that perform specific functions or actions, or by combinations of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0090] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an orthogonal circulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. The orthogonal circulator 10 includes a quasi-circulator 100 and an orthogonal mixer 150, which are cascaded together. The quasi-circulator 100 and the orthogonal mixer 150 have the same characteristic impedance Z0.

[0091] I. Orthogonal Circulator

[0092] The orthogonal circulator 10 includes a quasi-circulator 100 and an orthogonal mixer 150.

[0093] The quasi-circuit 100 has four ports: port 1 (101), port 2 (102), port 3 (103), and port 4 (104). The quadrature mixer (150) has four ports: port 1 (151), port 2 (152), port 3 (153), and port 4 (154). The fourth port (104) of the quasi-circuit is connected to the fourth port (154) of the quadrature mixer, and the third port (103) of the quasi-circuit is connected to the first port (151) of the quadrature mixer.

[0094] The remaining four ports (ports 101, 102, 152, and 153) are used as ports for the orthogonal circulator (10), as shown below:

[0095] (a) The first port of the quasi-circuit (101) is used as port 1 of the orthogonal circuit (10);

[0096] (b) The second port of the quasi-circuit (102) is used as port 2 of the orthogonal circuit (10);

[0097] (c) The third port of the quadrature mixer (153) is used as port 3 of the quadrature circulator (10);

[0098] (d) The second port of the quadrature mixer (152) is used as port 4 of the quadrature circulator (10).

[0099] Port 1, Port 2, Port 3, and Port 4, as used in this article, represent the four ports of the orthogonal circulator.

[0100] The scattering matrix (S1) of the quasi-circuit 100 is:

[0101] .

[0102] Each element in S1 This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal guided from port y to port x by the quasi-circuit (100), where x and y can be 1, 2, 3, and 4, and x is not equal to y. Each element This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal reflected at the x-th port.

[0103] The scattering matrix (S2) of the orthogonal mixer 150 is:

[0104] ,

[0105] Similar to the notation in S1, each element in S2... This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal directed from the y-th port to the x-th port of the quadrature mixer (150), where x and y can be 1, 2, 3, and 4, and x is not equal to y. Each element This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal reflected at the x-th port of the quadrature mixer.

[0106] Surprisingly, the inventors discovered that the signal entering port 3 is completely transmitted to port 4 of the quadrature circulator (10). Nevertheless, the reflection coefficients of quasi-circulator ports 103 and 104 are –1 / 2, and the transfer coefficients between ports 103 and 104 and between ports 104 and 103 are –j / 2 and j / 2, respectively. Although the quadrature mixer 150 divides the signal entering port 3 equally in amplitude, those skilled in the art would not deduce that these two signal portions would be perfectly added at port 4. Equally unexpectedly, the signal entering port 4 is reconstructed at port 1 because the reflection coefficients of quasi-circulator ports 103 and 104 are –1 / 2.

[0107] In fact, the orthogonal circulator (10) obtained the ideal scattering matrix:

[0108] ,

[0109] Each element This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal guided from port X to port Y of the quadrature circulator (10), where X and Y can both be 1, 2, 3, and 4, and X is not equal to Y. Each element This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal reflected at port X of the orthogonal circulator (10). From It can be seen that the orthogonal circulator (10) achieves full "loop" transmission from port to port in one direction, zero transmission in the opposite direction and zero transmission from non-adjacent ports, with perfect matching across all ports.

[0110] These results were validated through Mason flowchart analysis and simulation. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a simulated orthogonal circulator. Both Mason's flowchart analysis and simulation results show that cascading the quasi-circulator and the orthogonal mixer produces the aforementioned... Specifically, it proves the ideal transmission between port 4 and port 3 (i.e., ).

[0111] Techniques for implementing orthogonal circulators (10) include, but are not limited to:

[0112] (a) Discrete electronic components on a printed circuit board (PCB);

[0113] (b) High-speed electromechanical switches integrated with transmission lines;

[0114] (c) Gallium arsenide (GaAs);

[0115] (d) Gallium nitride (GaN);

[0116] (e) Silicon-germanium (SiGe);

[0117] (f) Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS);

[0118] (d) Optoelectronic and optical devices.

[0119] Optionally, the quadrature circulator is designed to operate in a frequency band from 10 MHz to 100 GHz. Alternatively or additionally, the quadrature circulator operates in optical frequencies.

[0120] The orthogonal circulator 10 can be integrated into many types of communication system architectures and can be used in many types of communication technologies. Exemplary embodiments of communication technologies utilizing these architectures are given below.

[0121] Optionally, port 2 of the orthogonal circulator is used to connect an antenna.

[0122] Optionally, port 3 of the orthogonal circulator is used to connect to the reflective element. Alternatively or additionally, port 1 of the orthogonal circulator is used to connect to the reflective element.

[0123] As used herein, the term "reflecting element" refers to a circuit element that reflects a signal transmitted from one port to the next. Optionally, the reflecting element has an input terminal for transmitting an input signal (e.g., a SiC signal) to the port to which the reflecting element is connected.

[0124] Examples of reflective elements include, but are not limited to:

[0125] (1) Reflected power amplifier;

[0126] (2) Reflective isolator;

[0127] (3) Reflection buffer.

[0128] Optionally, port 4 of the orthogonal circulator is used to connect to a circuit element that enables carrier aggregation via full-duplex (FD) communication. Examples of such circuit elements include, but are not limited to:

[0129] (1) Quadrature Balanced Power Amplifier (QBPA).

[0130] (2) Second orthogonal circulator.

[0131] The following is combined with Figure 11 and Figure 12 Describe an exemplary embodiment.

[0132] Examples of QBPA are described in PCT patent application PCT / EP2020 / 066423, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0133] II. Quasi-circular device

[0134] Now for reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a quasi-circuit with a scattering matrix S1. The quasi-circuit has non-ideal propagation between most of the paired ports 101 to 104, and reflections at ports 103 and 104.

[0135] Now for reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a simplified block diagram of a quasi-circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The quasi-circuit 400 includes a first port 401, a second port 402, a third port 403, and a fourth port 404. The port impedance is Z0.

[0136] A phase shifter is an electronic device that changes the phase of a propagating signal. A reciprocal phase shifter (RPS) introduces the same phase shift into a bidirectionally propagating signal. A non-reciprocal phase shifter (NRPS) introduces different phase shifts into a signal propagating in opposite directions.

[0137] Furthermore, the orthogonal quasi-circuit device 400 also includes a first 90-degree RPS 405 between the first port 401 and the second port 402, a second 90-degree RPS 406 between the second port 402 and the third port 403, a 90-degree NRPS 407 between the third port 403 and the fourth port 404, and a third 90-degree RPS 408 between the fourth port 404 and the first port 401. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the third port 403 and / or the fourth port 404 are isolated from the first port 401. Specifically, the characteristic impedance of the first RPS 405 is a first value, and the characteristic impedances of the second RPS 406 and the third RPS 408 are second values, wherein the second value is equal to the first value divided by... (2 square root). Specifically, the first value, namely the characteristic impedance of the first RPS 405, is equal to the impedance of the first port 401 (i.e., the port impedance).

[0138] It should be noted that, according to some embodiments, due to -90° RPS 405 and -90° RPS 406, the phase of the forward signal path from the first port 401 through the second port 402 to the third port 403 is 180 degrees. Similarly, due to 90° NRPS 407 and -90° RPS 408, the phase of the forward signal path from the first port 401 through the fourth port 404 to the third port 403 is 0 degrees.

[0139] It should be noted that the NRPS 407 (between the third port 403 and the fourth port 404) is "impedance transparent". Typically, the four ports (401 to 404) of the quasi-circuit 400 have the same impedance value; for example, a common impedance of 50 ohms. However, other impedance values ​​can also be used.

[0140] III. Orthogonal Mixer

[0141] A quadrature mixer is a four-port device that divides an input signal from one port evenly between two output ports with a 90-degree phase difference. When quadrature signals are input to two of the ports, they combine constructively at one port and destructively at the other. A quadrature mixer is a symmetrical device where each port can be used as both an input and / or an output port. Many implementations of quadrature mixers are known in the art.

[0142] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary quadrature mixer. The quadrature mixer includes two branches with characteristic impedance Z0 and a characteristic impedance of Z0 / The other two branches. According to S2 above, the quadrature mixer 300 ideally distributes the input power evenly between two of the other three ports, where the remaining ports are completely isolated.

[0143] IV. Operation of Orthogonal Circulators

[0144] In some embodiments of the invention, a radio frequency (RF) signal is input to one of the quadrature circulator ports, and the RF signal is output from at least one of the quadrature circulator ports, such as... Figures 6 to 11 As shown.

[0145] In some exemplary embodiments described herein, the reflective element is a reflective power amplifier. Other embodiments may use one or more reflective elements of different types, such as one or more reflective isolators.

[0146] IV.1. RF front end (RFFE) for full-duplex communication

[0147] Now for reference Figure 6 , Figure 6This is a schematic block diagram of an RF front-end for full-duplex (FD) communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The signal to be transmitted is input to port 1. The received signal is input to port 2, and the SiC signal is input to port 3. Port 4 is the RX output.

[0148] Port 2 of the quadrature circulator 610 is connected to the antenna. Port 3 of the quadrature circulator 610 is connected to the output of the reflective SiC amplifier 620 (or, alternatively, the isolator). Port 3 is totally reflective and serves as the SiC input, directing its full power to the RX port 4 to eliminate TX leakage. Both ports 3 and 4 are isolated from the TX signal of port 1 (S... 41 =0, S 31 =0).

[0149] IV.2. RF Front-End for Half-Duplex Communication

[0150] Now for reference Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of the RF front end for half-duplex (HD) communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Port 2 of the quadrature circulator 710 is connected to the antenna. Port 3 of the quadrature circulator 710 is connected to the output of the reflective SiC amplifier 720. In transmit mode, the TX input of port 1 is fully transmitted to the antenna. In RX mode, all antenna input signal power is reflected at port 3 and directed to port 4.

[0151] IV.3. RF Front-End of Frequency Division-Duplex (FDD) Communication

[0152] Now for reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of an RF front-end for Frequency Division-Duplex (FDD) communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Port 2 of the quadrature circulator 810 is connected to the antenna. Port 3 of the quadrature circulator 810 is connected to the output of the reflective SiC amplifier 820. Port 3 is totally reflective and serves as the SiC input, directing all its power to the RX port 4 to eliminate TX leakage. In TX mode, port 1 transmits all TX power to the antenna at frequency f1. In RX mode, all power of the signal at frequency f2 input from the antenna is reflected at port 3 and directed to port 4. A SiC signal at frequency f1 that eliminates port 4 is injected from port 3.

[0153] IV.4. RF front end of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication end

[0154] Now for reference Figure 9 , Figure 9This is a schematic block diagram of the RF front-end for MIMO communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The RFFE 900 is suitable for MIMO architectures operating in half-duplex, synchronous transmit-receive (FDD) and FD modes.

[0155] In FDD and FD, no RF coupling is required between different antennas to eliminate mutual TX leakage because all SiC functions can be centralized in port 4. The SiC signal cancels out all leakage from adjacent MIMO antennas and transmitters.

[0156] IV.5. RF Front-End of Carrier Aggregation (CA) Communication

[0157] Now for reference Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of an RF front-end for carrier aggregation communication according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. RFFE 1000 is suitable for CA architecture. RF transmit signal TX1 with carrier frequency f1 is input to reflector PA11020. RF transmit signal TX2 with carrier frequency f2 is input at port 4 of circulator 1010. The aggregated signal is output to the antenna at port 2.

[0158] IV.6. Multiple RF front-ends in Carrier Aggregation (CA) communication

[0159] Now for reference Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of an RF front-end for carrier aggregation communication and concurrent full-duplex operation according to a first exemplary embodiment. RFFE 1100 is also suitable for HD and STR / FDD communication modes as well as MIMO systems.

[0160] To support simultaneous transmit-receive communication for CA FD, the RFFE 1100 includes two orthogonal circulators, 1110 and 1130. Port 2 of orthogonal circulator 1130 is connected to port 4 of orthogonal circulator 1110.

[0161] An RF transmission signal TX1 with a carrier frequency of f1 is input to port 1 of orthogonal circulator 1110 via reflector PA11120. An RF transmission signal TX2 with a carrier frequency of f2 is input to port 1 of orthogonal circulator 1130. Orthogonal circulator 1130 also inputs a SiC signal at port 3 and outputs an RX signal at port 4. The aggregated signal is output to the antenna at port 2 of orthogonal circulator 1100.

[0162] The RFFE 1100 has simultaneous transmit / receive operation on port 4 of the orthogonal circulator 1110, thus supporting CA FD communication.

[0163] RFFE 1100 includes a second reflective power amplifier 1140 for passing the SIC signal to port 3.

[0164] Now for reference Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram of an RF front-end for carrier aggregation communication and concurrent full-duplex operation according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The RFFE 1200 is also suitable for operation in HD and STR / FDD modes and is applicable to MIMO communication.

[0165] To support simultaneous transmit-receive communication for CA FD, the RFFE 1200 includes the QBPA 1230.

[0166] An RF transmit signal TX1 with a carrier frequency of f1 is input to reflector PA11220. QBPA1230 provides a combined SIC signal with a carrier frequency of f2 and RF transmit signal TX2 to port 4 of circulator 1210. The aggregated signal is output to the antenna at port 2 of quadrature circulator 1210.

[0167] The RX output of the QBPA 1230 can simultaneously transmit / receive to port 4 of the quadrature circulator 1210, thus supporting CA FD communication.

[0168] RFFE 1100 includes a second reflective power amplifier 1240 for passing the SIC signal to port 3.

[0169] This invention cascades a quasi-circuit and a quadrature mixer to obtain an ideal quadrature circuit with complete transmission and no power loss between consecutive ports. The quadrature circuit features a small form factor and on-chip integration compatibility. It can be integrated into RF front-ends suitable for many system architectures and RF communication modes.

[0170] The descriptions of various embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology chosen herein is best suited to explain the principles, practical application, or technological advancement of these embodiments, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein, compared to technologies available on the market.

[0171] It is anticipated that during the term of this patent application, many related technologies for manufacturing quadrature mixers, RF front-ends, reflective amplifiers, power amplifiers, antennas, self-interference cancellation signals, and electronic and optoelectronic devices will be developed, and the scope of the terms quadrature mixer, RF front-end, reflective amplifier, power amplifier, antenna, self-interference cancellation, and quasi-circuit is intended to a priori include all these new technologies.

[0172] The term "about" as used in this article refers to 10%.

[0173] The terms “including,” “having,” and their variations mean “including but not limited to.” This term includes the terms “consisting of” and “substantially consisting of.”

[0174] The phrase “consistently of” indicates that a composition or method may include additional components and / or steps, provided that the additional components and / or steps do not substantially alter the fundamental and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

[0175] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” used herein include the plural meaning. For example, the terms “a complex” or “at least one complex” can include multiple complexes, including mixtures thereof.

[0176] The term "exemplary" as used herein means "as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments, and / or as excluding combinations of features of other embodiments.

[0177] As used herein, the term "optionally" means "provided in some embodiments and not provided in others." Any particular embodiment may include multiple "optional" features unless these features conflict.

[0178] In this application, various embodiments are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the range format is for convenience and brevity only and should not be construed as a fixed limitation on the range of embodiments. Therefore, the description of a range should be considered as specifically disclosing all possible subranges and individual numerical values ​​within said ranges. For example, a description of a range, such as from 1 to 6, should be considered as specifically disclosing subranges from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., and individual numbers within those ranges, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of how broad the range may be.

[0179] When this document indicates a range of numbers, it means that any of the listed numbers (fractions or integers) within the indicated range are included. The phrases “range between the first and second indicated numbers” and “range from the first to the second indicated number” are used interchangeably in this document to mean that the first and second indicated numbers, as well as all fractions and integers in between, are included.

[0180] It should be understood that certain features of embodiments described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of embodiments described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination or appropriate in any other described embodiment. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not considered essential features of these embodiments unless the embodiment is inoperable without these elements.

[0181] While embodiments have been described in conjunction with their specific examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be readily apparent. Therefore, it is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0182] The applicant's purpose is that all publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually identified when referred to as being incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, any reference or designation to any document herein should not be construed as allowing such reference to take precedence over the present invention in the prior art. Section headings should not be construed as necessary limitations with respect to their use. Additionally, the entire contents of any one or more priority documents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An orthogonal circulator device, characterized in that, include: Quasi-circuit, including: The first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port, wherein the scattering matrix S1 of the quasi-circuit is represented as: ， Wherein, each element in the scattering matrix S1 This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal guided from port y to port x by the quasi-circuit, where x and y are 1, 2, 3, or 4 respectively, and x is not equal to y. Each element This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal reflected at the x-th port; An orthogonal mixer includes a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port, wherein the scattering matrix S2 of the orthogonal mixer is expressed as: ， Wherein, each element in the scattering matrix S2 This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal guided from port y to port x by the quadrature mixer, where x and y are each any one of 1, 2, 3, or 4, and x is not equal to y. Each element... This represents a portion of the square root of the power of the signal reflected at the x-th port. The fourth port of the quasi-circuit is connected to the fourth port of the quadrature mixer, and the third port of the quasi-circuit is connected to the first port of the quadrature mixer.

2. The orthogonal circulator device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quasi-circulator includes: A first 90-degree reciprocal phase shifter (RPS) between the first port of the quasi-circuit and the second port of the quasi-circuit. The second 90-degree RPS between the second port of the quasi-circuit and the third port of the quasi-circuit; A 90-degree non-reciprocal phase shifter (NRPS) between the third port and the fourth port of the quasi-circulator. The third 90-degree RPS between the fourth port of the quasi-circuit and the first port of the quasi-circuit. Wherein, the characteristic impedance of the first 90-degree RPS is a first value equal to the impedance of the first port of the quasi-circuit, and the characteristic impedances of the second and third 90-degree RPS are second values, wherein the second value is equal to the first value divided by .

3. The orthogonal circulator device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The 90-degree NRPS is impedance transparent.

4. The orthogonal circulator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The phase of the forward signal path from the first port of the quasi-circuit device through the second port of the quasi-circuit device to the third port of the quasi-circuit device is 180 degrees, and the phase of the forward signal path from the first port of the quasi-circuit device through the fourth port of the quasi-circuit device to the third port of the quasi-circuit device is 0 degrees.

5. The orthogonal circulator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes an antenna connected to the second port of the quasi-circuit.

6. The orthogonal circulator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first reflective element, wherein the output of the first reflective element is connected to the third port of the orthogonal mixer.

7. The orthogonal circulator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes a second reflective element, wherein the output of the second reflective element is connected to the first port of the quasi-circulator.

8. A method for operating the orthogonal circulator device of claim 1, characterized in that, include: A first radio frequency (RF) signal is input to one of the first port of the quasi-circuit, the second port of the quasi-circuit, the second port of the quadrature mixer, and the third port of the quadrature mixer; A second radio frequency (RF) signal is output from one of the first port of the quasi-circuit, the second port of the quasi-circuit, the second port of the quadrature mixer, and the third port of the quadrature mixer.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, include: A transmit signal is input to the first port of the quasi-circuit; The signal received from the antenna connected to the second port of the quasi-circuit is input, and the transmitted signal is output to the antenna; A self-interference cancellation (SIC) signal is input through a reflective element at the third port of the quadrature mixer; The received signal is output from the second port of the quadrature mixer.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, include: A transmit signal is input to the first port of the quasi-circuit; The signal received from the antenna connected to the second port of the quasi-circuit is input, and the transmitted signal is output to the antenna; The received signal is reflected at the third port of the quadrature mixer by a reflective element connected to the third port of the quadrature mixer; The received signal is output from the second port of the quadrature mixer.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, include: A transmit signal in the first frequency band is input to the first port of the quasi-circuit; The signal in the second frequency band received from the antenna connected to the second port of the quasi-circuit is input, and the transmitted signal is output to the antenna; A self-interference cancellation (SIC) signal is input through a reflective element at the third port of the quadrature mixer; The received signal is output from the second port of the quadrature mixer.

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, include: A first transmission signal in the first frequency band is input through a reflective element at the first port of the quasi-circuit; A second transmit signal in the second frequency band is input to the second port of the quadrature mixer; The first transmission signal and the second transmission signal are output from the second port of the quasi-circuit.

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