Antenna signal detection network, antenna signal detection method, antenna system and base station

Abstract

The invention provides an antenna signal detection network, a detection method, an antenna system and a base station. The detection network comprises two correction channels and a switching network. Wherein the first correction channel comprises a plurality of first output ports, and the phases of the plurality of first output ports are the same; the second correction channel comprises a plurality of second output ports, the number of the second output ports is the same as that of the first output ports, the phases of the plurality of second output ports are different, and the plurality of first output ports and the second output ports are connected with the antenna array; the switching network is respectively connected with the two correction channels and is used for realizing the connection of the two correction channels with the calibration port in different time domains, and the calibration port is connected with the RRU and is used for inputting a transmission signal between the antenna array and the RRU. According to the antenna signal detection network, the antenna signal detection method, the antenna system and the base station provided by the invention, whether the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct or not can be quickly and conveniently detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of wireless communications, and more specifically, to an antenna signal detection network, a detection method, an antenna system, and a base station. Background Art

[0002] With the development of mobile communications, the demand for data services continues to rise. The communications industry is constantly looking for ways to expand data capacity. The use of multiple channels to increase capacity has become a current trend, such as the use of 8T (transmit) 8R (receive) antennas. The resulting increase in the number of antenna ports at a single site, the increasing number of devices on the feeder network, and the increase in the number of base stations have caused the installation, configuration, and maintenance of antenna systems to become increasingly complex. The correctness of the connection topology between devices directly affects the function and performance of the network. There are problems such as long cycles and low accuracy in problem judgment when detecting the connection topology through network route testing and other methods. In addition, the auxiliary detection function of the main device can only be performed in some scenarios, and the detection of the connection relationship of the links in the topology network is greatly limited. Summary of the invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide an antenna signal detection network, a detection method, an antenna system and a base station, which can quickly and conveniently detect whether the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct.

[0004] In a first aspect, a detection network for an antenna signal is provided, comprising a first correction channel, a second correction channel and a first switching network; the first correction channel comprises a plurality of first output ports, and the phases of the plurality of first output ports are the same; the second correction channel comprises a plurality of second output ports, the number of the plurality of second output ports is the same as the number of the plurality of first output ports, and the phases of the plurality of second output ports are different, and the plurality of first output ports and the plurality of second output ports are respectively connected to an antenna array; the first switching network is respectively connected to the first correction channel and the second correction channel, and is used to realize the connection of the first correction channel and the second correction channel with the calibration port in different time domains, the calibration port is connected to a radio remote unit RRU, and the calibration port is used to input a transmission signal between the antenna array and the RRU.

[0005] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the phases between the multiple first output ports in the first calibration channel are the same. When the first calibration channel is connected to the calibration port through a switch network, the phase of the connection between the RRU and the antenna array can be corrected to achieve the system baseline phase zero; the phases between the multiple second output ports in the second calibration channel are different. When the second calibration channel is connected to the calibration port through a switch network, the phase difference between the multiple second output ports can be obtained. Then, by comparing the obtained phase difference with the phase difference stored in the system, it is possible to quickly and conveniently determine whether the connection between the antenna and the RRU is incorrect, effectively improving the detection efficiency and accuracy. The detection network is set to detect whether the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct, without the need to improve the RF channel, and without the need to set up additional devices to detect signals, which can avoid the increase in loss caused by the change of the RF channel, avoid the reduction in system stability, and can be applied to the detection of the connection between the antenna and the RRU in more scenarios, and effectively reduce the detection cost.

[0006] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, any one of the multiple second output ports is a reference port, and the phase differences between the multiple second output ports other than the reference port and the reference port are different.

[0007] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the phase differences between the ports other than the reference port in the multiple second output ports and the reference port are different, which can facilitate comparison of the different phase differences of each second output port with the phase differences of the corresponding ports stored in the system, so as to determine whether the connection between the antenna corresponding to each port and the RRU is correct.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, phase differences between the reference port and the ports among the plurality of second output ports except the reference port are distributed in an arithmetic progression.

[0009] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the phase differences between the ports other than the reference port in the multiple second output ports and the reference port are distributed in an arithmetic progression, which enables the system to more efficiently and conveniently record the phase of each second output port and compare it with the corresponding phase difference stored in the system, thereby further improving the efficiency of signal detection.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the ends of the first correction channel and the second correction channel include multiple isolators, and the multiple isolators are used to avoid signal interference between the first correction channel and the second correction channel. The first correction channel and the second correction channel are respectively connected to two output ports of each of the multiple isolators, wherein the output ports of the multiple isolators connected to the first correction channel are first output ports, and the output ports of the multiple isolators connected to the second correction channel are second output ports.

[0011] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the detection network includes an isolator and the output port of the isolator is respectively connected to two correction channels, which can realize the miniaturization of the entire detection network, and the isolator can prevent the signal generated by one correction channel from interfering with another correction channel when it is working.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the ends of the first correction channel and the second correction channel also include multiple couplers, and the multiple couplers are respectively connected to the input ports of the multiple isolators, and the multiple couplers are respectively connected to the antenna array.

[0013] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the ends of the two correction channels include a coupler, and the coupler is connected to the input port of the isolator, which can facilitate the detection network to capture the transmission signal between the antenna array and the RRU, so as to detect whether the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct based on the captured transmission signal. The coupler can capture the transmission signal in different time domains for detection by the two correction channels respectively. There is no need to configure a coupler for each correction channel separately, and the miniaturization of the entire detection network can be further realized.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the isolator is a first power divider or a second switch network.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first correction channel includes a multi-stage transmission line, the last-stage transmission line among the multi-stage transmission lines of the first correction channel is connected to the multiple isolators, and among the multi-stage transmission lines of the first correction channel, the end of each stage of the transmission line except the last-stage transmission line includes a second power divider, and the transmission lines corresponding to the two output ports of each second power divider have the same phase.

[0016] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the first correction channel includes a multi-stage transmission line, and the phases of the transmission lines corresponding to the two output ports of each second power divider are the same, which can ensure that the phases of multiple first output ports are the same, and thus when the first correction channel is connected to the calibration port, the system baseline phase can be zeroed.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the second correction channel includes a multi-stage transmission line, the last-stage transmission line of the multi-stage transmission line of the second correction channel is connected to the multiple isolators, and among the multi-stage transmission lines of the second correction channel, the end of each stage of the transmission line except the last-stage transmission line includes a third power divider, and the transmission lines corresponding to two output ports of each third power divider have different phases.

[0018] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the second correction channel includes a multi-stage transmission line, and the phases of the transmission lines corresponding to the two output ports of each third power divider are different, which can ensure that the phases of the multiple second output ports are different, so that when the second correction channel is connected to the calibration port, the phase difference of each second output port can be obtained, and whether the connection between the antenna array corresponding to each second output port and the RRU is incorrect is determined based on the obtained phase difference.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the switches of the first switch network are analog switches or PIN diode switches.

[0020] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the switch of the first switch network is an analog switch or a PIN diode switch, which can realize the miniaturization of the detection network.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number of the first output ports and / or the second output ports is greater than or equal to 8.

[0022] In a second aspect, a method for detecting an antenna signal is provided, which is applied to a detection network as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation method of the first aspect, and the detection method includes: at a first moment, connecting the calibration port to the first correction channel through the first switching network; at a second moment, connecting the calibration port to the second correction channel through the first switching network, and obtaining a phase difference of the multiple second output ports, the second moment being after the first moment; and comparing the obtained phase difference with the phase difference of the multiple second output ports stored in the system.

[0023] In the embodiment provided by the present application, when the first correction channel is connected to the calibration port through the switch network, since the phases of the multiple first output ports are the same, the phase of the connection between the RRU and the antenna array can be corrected to achieve the system baseline phase zero, and when the second correction channel is connected to the calibration port through the switch network, the phase difference between the multiple second output ports can be obtained, so that the network can compare the obtained phase difference with the phase difference stored in the system, and quickly and conveniently determine whether the connection between the antenna and the RRU is incorrect. The detection network detects whether the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct, without the need to improve the RF channel, and without the need to set up additional devices to detect signals, which can avoid the increase in loss caused by the change of the RF channel and the reduction in system stability, such as increasing the PIM index, and can effectively reduce the detection cost.

[0024] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the detection method further includes: when the difference between the acquired phase difference and the phase difference of the multiple second output ports stored in the system is less than a preset threshold, determining that the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct; or, when the difference between the acquired phase difference and the phase difference of the multiple second output ports stored in the system is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, determining that the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is incorrect.

[0025] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, when the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is incorrect, the detection method further includes: logically mapping and swapping the connection between the antenna array and the RRU.

[0026] In a third aspect, an antenna system is provided, comprising a detection network and an antenna array as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the antenna array comprises one or more antenna elements.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, a base station is provided, comprising the antenna system as described in the third aspect and a radio frequency module connected to the antenna system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an antenna system and a base station provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of an antenna signal detection network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of an antenna signal detection network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 4It is a structural schematic diagram of a transmission line provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of an antenna signal detection network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of an antenna signal detection network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of a switch network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of a switch network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Fig. 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Fig.10 It is a flow chart of a method for detecting antenna signals provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Fig.11 It is a logical judgment diagram of the connection between an antenna array and an RRU provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in some other embodiments", etc. appearing in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0041] The terms "include", "comprising", "having" and variations thereof all mean "including but not limited to", unless specifically emphasized otherwise.

[0042] In various embodiments of the present application, the first, second, etc. are only used to indicate that multiple objects are different. For example, the first correction channel and the second correction channel are only used to indicate different correction channels. They should not have any impact on the correction channels themselves and the number of correction channels. The first, second, etc. mentioned above should not impose any limitations on the embodiments of the present application.

[0043] To facilitate understanding of the present application, the professional terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are first introduced below.

[0044] (1) Radio remote unit (RRU): It is a device that converts baseband optical signals into radio frequency signals and amplifies them at the remote end. RRU is divided into four major modules: intermediate frequency module, transceiver module, power amplifier and filter module.

[0045] (2) Baseband: The frequency band (frequency bandwidth) inherent in the original electrical signal emitted by the signal source (information source, also called the transmitting terminal) without modulation (that is, spectrum shifting and transformation) is called the basic frequency band, or baseband for short.

[0046] (3) Baseband unit (BBU): BBU is a general term for a device module that processes baseband signals.

[0047] (4) Power divider: A device that divides one input signal into two or more paths and outputs equal or unequal energy. It can also combine multiple signal energies into one path for output. In this case, it is also called a combiner.

[0048] (5) Passive inter-modulation (PIM): Also known as passive cross-modulation, intermodulation distortion, etc., it is the intermodulation product generated when two or more signals are transmitted through a passive device with nonlinear characteristics. PIM can occur at any connection point or interface between two different metals.

[0049] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. Antenna 101 can be set on a pole 105 and connected to RRU 102 through a feeder 103, and RRU 102 can be connected to BBU 104 through an optical fiber. The antenna 101 can contain several independent arrays composed of radiation units of different frequencies, and each antenna array can receive or transmit radio frequency signals through its own feeding network. The antenna 101 can be an antenna system including multiple channels to expand the data capacity of the transmission. The number of base stations corresponding to the multi-channel antenna system increases, and the complexity of the connection between the antenna system and RRU 102 increases, and the correctness of the connection topology between the antenna 101 and RRU 102 directly affects the function and performance of the network. Therefore, the present application provides an antenna signal detection network to efficiently and accurately detect the correctness of the feeder connection between the antenna 101 and RRU 102.

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an antenna signal detection network provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 2As shown, the detection network may include a first correction channel 01, a second correction channel 02 and a switch network S. The first correction channel 01 and the second correction channel 02 may be connected to an antenna respectively, and the antenna may be an antenna array including one or more antenna elements.

[0051] The first calibration channel 01 may include multiple first output ports, for example, the eight first output ports P1, P2 to P8 shown in the figure, each first output port may be connected to an antenna array, and the phases of the multiple first output ports may be the same.

[0052] It should be noted that the phases of the multiple first output ports being the same does not mean being absolutely the same. The phases of the multiple first output ports can be approximately the same. For example, when the phase difference between any two first output ports is less than the system error, for example, less than 5°, the two first output ports can be considered to have the same phase, thereby avoiding the influence of the system error on the phases of the multiple first output ports.

[0053] The second calibration channel 02 may include a plurality of second output ports, the number of the second output ports may be the same as the number of the first output ports, and when the number of the first output ports is 8, the number of the second output ports may also be 8, for example, the second output ports may include the output ports P1', P2' to P8' shown in the figure. The antenna arrays connected to the 8 second output ports and the corresponding 8 first output ports may be the same antenna array, for example, the output port P1 may be connected to the same antenna array as the output port P1', the output port P2 may be connected to the same antenna array as the output port P2', and so on.

[0054] The phases of the plurality of second output ports of the second calibration channel may be different. The phases of the plurality of second output ports being different may mean that the phase difference between the plurality of second output ports is greater than or equal to the system error, for example, when the phase difference between any two second output ports is greater than or equal to 5°, it can be considered that the phases between the two second output ports are different.

[0055] In some embodiments, any one of the plurality of second output ports is a reference port, and the phase differences between the reference port and the ports of the plurality of second output ports other than the reference port may be different.

[0056] Similarly, the phase differences between the ports other than the reference port in the plurality of second output ports and the reference port are different, which may mean that the difference between the above phase differences is less than a certain range, for example, less than a preset threshold.

[0057] In some embodiments, the phase differences between the ports other than the reference port in the plurality of second output ports and the reference port may be distributed in an arithmetic progression. For example, the second output port P1' may be used as a reference port, the phase of P1' may be used as a reference value, the phase difference between P2' and P1' may be n, the phase difference between P3' and P1' may be 2n, the phase difference between P4' and P1' may be 3n, and so on, the phase difference between P8' and P1' may be 7n, and the phase differences between the phase of P1' and the phases of the remaining ports may constitute an arithmetic progression with a tolerance of n.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, the correction channel may refer to the entire part of the transmission line from the switch network to the output port in the detection network, including the transmission line and the devices arranged on the transmission line, which may be the corresponding part of the correction channel. For example, the first correction channel 01 may refer to the detection network part from the transmission line corresponding to the first correction channel 01 led by the switch network S to each first output port, and the second correction channel 02 may refer to the detection network part from the transmission line corresponding to the second correction channel 02 led by the switch network S to each second output port.

[0059] Under the action of the switch network S, the first calibration channel 01 and the second calibration channel 02 can be connected to the calibration port CAL (calibration) in different time domains. The switch network S can be a single-pole double-throw switch, and the switch network S can also be called the first switch network. The calibration port CAL can be connected to the RRU, and the calibration port CAL can be used to input a detection signal, which can refer to a transmission signal between the antenna array and the RRU, so that the detection network can determine whether the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct based on the detected signal. When the switch network S is connected to the first calibration channel 01, the first calibration channel 01 is connected to the calibration port CAL, and the transmission signal between the antenna array and the RRU can be transmitted to the first calibration channel 01; when the switch network S is connected to the second calibration channel 02, the second calibration channel 02 is connected to the calibration port CAL, and the transmission signal between the antenna array and the RRU can be transmitted to the second calibration channel 02.

[0060] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the phases between the multiple first output ports in the first calibration channel 01 are the same. When the first calibration channel is connected to the calibration port CAL through a switch network, the phase difference between the connection between the RRU and the antenna array can be corrected to achieve the system baseline phase zero; further, the phases between the multiple second output ports in the second calibration channel 02 are different. When the second calibration channel is connected to the calibration port CAL through a switch network, the phase difference between the multiple second output ports can be obtained, so that the network can compare the obtained phase difference with the phase difference stored in the system, and quickly and conveniently determine whether the connection between the antenna and the RRU is incorrect, effectively improving the detection efficiency and accuracy. The detection network is set to detect whether the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct, without the need to improve the RF channel, and without the need to set up additional devices to detect the signal, which can avoid the increase in loss caused by the change of the RF channel and the reduction in system stability, such as increasing the PIM index, and can be applied to the detection of the connection between the antenna and the RRU in more scenarios, and effectively reduce the detection cost.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first calibration channel 01 and the second calibration channel 02 may include multi-stage transmission lines, for example, Figure 2 The detection network shown includes two levels of transmission lines. The first level transmission line can be connected to the switching network S, and the second level transmission line is connected to the first level transmission line. The second level transmission line can be regarded as a branch line of the first level transmission line, and each branch line is respectively connected to an output port. For example, when the number of ports is 8, the number of second level transmission lines can also be 8, which are respectively connected to the 8 ports.

[0062] Figure 3 This is another detection network provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first calibration channel 01 and the second calibration channel 02 may also include four-level transmission lines respectively. Figure 3 The detection network shown can be applied to an antenna array including 4 columns of dual-polarization radiation units. The antenna array can include 8 radio frequency channels corresponding to 8 ports. The last level transmission line of the multi-level transmission line can be connected to the 8 ports.

[0063] The first calibration channel 01 may include four-level transmission lines, wherein L1 is a first-level transmission line, and the first-level transmission line L1 is connected to the switch network S. L2 and L3 are second-level transmission lines, and the second-level transmission lines L2 and L3 are both connected to the first-level transmission line L1. L4, L5, L6 and L7 are third-level transmission lines, and the third-level transmission lines L4 and L5 can be connected to the second-level transmission line L2, and L6 and L7 can be connected to L3. The fourth-level transmission line L 15 and L 16 One end of each is connected to the third-level transmission line L4, and the other end is connected to the first output port P1 and P2 respectively. 17and L 18 One end of each is connected to L5, and the other end is connected to the first output port P3 and P4 respectively. 19 and L 20 One end of each is connected to L6, and the other end is connected to the first output port P5 and P6 respectively. 21 and L 22 One end of each is connected to L7, and the other end is connected to the first output port P7 and P8.

[0064] Similarly, the second calibration channel 02 may also include a multi-stage transmission line, for example, Figure 3 The four-level transmission line shown in the figure. Among them, L8 is the first-level transmission line, which is connected to the switch network S. L9 and L 10 are second-level transmission lines, connected to the first-level transmission lines L8 respectively; L 11 , L 12 , L 13 and L 14 is the third-level transmission line, L 11 and L 12 Connect to L9, L 13 and L 14 Respectively with L 10 Connection; L 23 ~L 30 is the fourth-level transmission line, where L 23 One end of L 11 The other end is connected to the second output port P1', L 24 One end of L 11 The other end is connected to the second output port P3', and so on. 30 One end of the detection channel 02 is connected to the second output port P8'. The number of the multi-stage transmission lines in the second calibration channel 02 may be the same as or different from the number of the multi-stage transmission lines in the first calibration channel 01. For example, the first calibration channel 01 shown in the figure includes four-stage transmission lines, and the second calibration channel 02 also includes four-stage transmission lines. The second calibration channel 02 may also include three-stage transmission lines or five-stage transmission lines, etc. It is only necessary to set the transmission lines so that the detection network satisfies the same phase between the multiple first output ports in the first calibration channel 01, and different phase between the multiple second output ports in the second calibration channel 02.

[0065] In some embodiments, the ends of the first correction channel 01 and the second correction channel 02 may include a power divider, and the power divider may include an input port and two output ports, wherein the two output ports of each power divider may be connected to the first correction channel 01 and the second correction channel 02 respectively, and the port of each power divider connected to the first correction channel 01 may be a first output port, and the port connected to the second correction channel 02 may be a second output port. In other words, Figure 3 The power divider W shown 15 ~W 22 The power divider W is provided at the end of the first calibration channel 01 and the second calibration channel 02. 15 The two output ports are connected to the final transmission lines of the first correction channel 01 and the second correction channel 02 respectively. 15 The two output ports of W are the first output port P1 and the second output port P1'. Similarly, 16 The two output ports are the first output port P2 and the second output port P2', W 17 The two output ports are the first output port P3 and the second output port P3', W 18 The two output ports are the first output port P4 and the second output port P4', W 19 The two output ports are the first output port P5 and the second output port P5'. 20 The two output ports are the first output port P6 and the second output port P6'. 21 The two output ports are the first output port P7 and the second output port P7'. 22 The two output ports are respectively a first output port P8 and a second output port P8'.

[0066] The power divider W 15 ~W 22 It can be a Wilkinson power divider, the power divider W 15 ~W 22 That is, the first power divider, or also called an isolator, can be used to avoid signal interference between the first correction channel 01 and the second correction channel 02. When the switch network S is connected to the first correction channel 01, the first correction channel 01 works. 15 ~W 22 It is possible to prevent the signal passing through the first correction channel 01 from crosstalking with the second correction channel 02. When the switch network S is connected to the second correction channel 02, the second correction channel 02 works. 15 ~W 22 It is possible to prevent the signal passing through the second correction channel 02 from crosstalking the first correction channel 01. 15 ~W22 The two output ports are respectively connected to the two correction channels, which can also realize the miniaturization of the detection network layout.

[0067] The ends of the first correction channel 01 and the second correction channel 02 may further include a coupler, the number of which may be multiple and may be the same as the number of the first output port and the second output port, and the multiple couplers may be respectively connected to the power divider W at the end of the correction channel. 15 ~W 22 The input port of the detection network is connected, and the multiple couplers can be connected to the antenna array respectively, so that the multiple first output ports and the second output ports are connected to the antenna array. The coupler can be used to capture the signal transmitted between the antenna array and the RRU, and input the captured signal from the calibration port CAL of the detection network so that the detection network can read the signal. The signal captured by the coupler can be a small part of the signal transmitted between the antenna and the RRU.

[0068] The ends of the first calibration channel 01 and the second calibration channel 02 may also be connected with a resistor for grounding the detection network. The resistor may be connected to an isolator, and each isolator may be connected to a resistor.

[0069] The first correction channel 01 can not only connect a power divider at the end of the final transmission line, but also connect a power divider at the end of each transmission line to form an output channel. For example, the end of the first transmission line L1 includes a power divider W1, the input port of the power divider W1 is connected to L1, and the two output ports are respectively connected to the second transmission lines L2 and L3; the ends of the second transmission lines L2 and L3 include power dividers W2 and W3, respectively, the input port of the power divider W2 is connected to L2, and the two output ports are respectively connected to the third transmission lines L4 and L5, the input port of the power divider W3 is connected to L3, and the two output ports are respectively connected to the third transmission lines L6 and L7; the ends of the third transmission lines L4 and L5 include power dividers W4 and W5, respectively, W4 is connected to the fourth transmission line L4 through the fourth transmission line L5. 15 and L 16 With power divider W 15 and W 16 An output port is connected to P1 and P2, and W5 is connected through L 17 and L 18 With power divider W 17 and W 18 Similarly, the ends of the third-level transmission lines L6 and L7 include power dividers W6 and W7, respectively. W6 is connected through L 19 and L 20 With power divider W 19 and W 20An output port is connected to P5 and P6, and W7 is connected through L 21 and L 22 With power divider W 21 and W 22 An output port of is connected to P7 and P8.

[0070] The power dividers W1-W7 in the first calibration channel 01 may also be referred to as second power dividers, and the power dividers W1-W7 may be Wilkinson power dividers.

[0071] In the first calibration channel 01, the phases of each level of transmission lines after the power divider W1 corresponding to the first level transmission line L1 can be the same. For example, the phases of the second level transmission lines L2 and L3 can be the same, the phases of the third level transmission lines L4, L5, L6 and L7 can be the same, and the phases of the fourth level transmission lines L 15 ~L 22 The phases of each level of the multi-level transmission line are the same, so that equal phase output of the first output ports P1 to P8 can be achieved.

[0072] In the first calibration channel 01, in order to make the phase of each level of the multi-level transmission line the same, the lengths of the multi-level transmission lines can also be the same. For example, the lengths of the second-level transmission lines L2 and L3 can be the same, the lengths of the third-level transmission lines L4, L5, L6 and L7 can also be the same, and the lengths of the fourth-level transmission lines L 15 ~L 22 The phases can be the same.

[0073] Similar to the first correction channel 01, each transmission line of the second correction channel 02 except the final transmission line may also include a power divider, and the power divider may be arranged at the end of each transmission line. For example, the end of the first-stage transmission line L8 may include a power divider W8, the input port of the power divider W8 is connected to L8, and the two output ports are respectively connected to the second-stage transmission lines L9 and L10. 10 Connection; Second level transmission line L9 and L 10 The ends of the power divider include W9 and W 10 The input port of the power divider W9 is connected to L9, and the two output ports are connected to the third-level transmission line L 11 and L 12 Connect the power divider W 10 The input port and L 10 The two output ports are connected to the third-level transmission line L 13 and L 14 Connection; third level transmission line L 11 and L 12 The ends of the power divider W 11 and W 12 , W 11Through L 23 and L 24 With power divider W 15 and W 16 An output port of P1' is connected to P2', W 12 Through L 25 and L 26 With power divider W 17 and W 18 An output port of P3' is connected to P4', W 13 Through L 27 and L 28 With power divider W 19 and W 20 An output port of P5' is connected to P6', W 14 Through L 29 and L 30 With power divider W 21 and W 22 An output port of is connected to P7' and P8'.

[0074] The power dividers W8 to W8 in the second calibration channel 02 14 It can also be called the third power divider. The power divider W8~W 14 It can also be a Wilkinson power divider.

[0075] In the second calibration channel 02, the phase of each level of transmission line after the power divider W8 corresponding to the first level transmission line L8 may be different. The different phases of each level of transmission line may refer to the phase of the first level transmission line L8 being different from the phase of the second level transmission line L9 and L 10 The phase of the third-level transmission line L 11 ~L 14 The phases of the transmission lines can be different, and when each level of transmission line includes multiple transmission lines, the phases of the multiple transmission lines can also be different. For example, the second level transmission line includes L9 and L 10 When L9 and L 10 The phase of the third-level transmission line L 11 ~L 14 The phases of the fourth-level transmission line L 23 ~L 30 The phases of the first and second output ports can also be different, thereby making the phases of the second output ports different.

[0076] In order to make the lengths of the multi-stage transmission lines different, the length of each stage of the transmission line can also be different. For example, the transmission line in the second calibration channel 02 can be Figure 4When the conventional microstrip transmission line shown in (a) is used, the length of each level of transmission line can be set to be different so that the phase of each level of transmission line is different. The length of each level of transmission line is different, which can refer to the length of the first level transmission line L8 and the length of the second level transmission line L9 and L 10 The length of the third-level transmission line L 11 ~L 14 The lengths of the transmission lines are different, and when each level of transmission line includes multiple transmission lines, the lengths of the multiple transmission lines can also be different. For example, the second level transmission line includes L9 and L 10 When L9 and L 10 The length of the third-level transmission line L 11 ~L 14 The lengths of the fourth-level transmission line L 23 ~L 30 The lengths can also vary.

[0077] Exemplarily, the second-level transmission line L 10 The length of L can be greater than the length of L9, so that the phase of L9 is smaller than L 10 The third-level transmission line L 11 The length can be less than L 12 Length, L 11 The phase can be smaller than L 12 The phase, L 13 The length can be less than L 14 The length of L 13 The phase can be smaller than L 14 Phase; L 12 The length can also be less than L 13 The length of L 12 The phase can be smaller than L 13 The phase of the third-level transmission line is L 11 To L 14 gradually increases, and the phase of the third-level transmission line is changed from L 11 To L 14 Similarly, in the final transmission line, that is, the fourth transmission line, L 23 The length can be less than L 24 Length, L 25 The length can be less than L 26 The length of L 23 ~L 30The length of can be gradually increased, so as to realize the output port of the power divider connected by the last level transmission line, that is, the phases of P1'~P8' are different, and under the condition of satisfying the above transmission line length relationship, the phases of P1'~P8' can be gradually increased from P1' to P8'. For example, the phase difference between P2'~P8' and P1' can be n, 2n, ... 6n, 7n respectively, forming an arithmetic progression.

[0078] It should be noted that in the above example, the length of the last transmission line in the multi-stage transmission line is L 23 To L 30 gradually increases, and the phase changes from L 23 To L 30 Gradually increase, and the length and phase relationship of the multi-level transmission line of the second correction channel in the present application should not be limited. The length and phase of the multi-level transmission line of the second correction channel in the present application only need to be different. For example, the phase difference between P2'~P8' and P1' constitutes an arithmetic progression, or the difference between the phase of any one port in P1'~P8' and the phase of the remaining ports constitutes an arithmetic progression, and it is not necessary to form an arithmetic progression in the order of the ports.

[0079] In addition to the above-mentioned traditional microstrip transmission line, the multi-level transmission line in the second correction channel 02 can also be a slow-wave microstrip transmission line. The slow-wave microstrip transmission line can be seen in Figure 4 In the structure shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the width d2 of the slow-wave microstrip transmission line can be greater than the width d1 of the conventional microstrip transmission line. The slow-wave transmission line can achieve phase lag, thereby achieving the required phase difference between multiple output ports. For example, assuming that the phases of the multiple second output ports P1' to P8' gradually increase from P1' to P8', for the second-level transmission lines L9 and L 10 , the phase of L9 can be smaller than L 10 phase, L9 can use the above-mentioned traditional microstrip transmission line, and L 10 The above slow-wave microstrip transmission line can be used. In this case, L9 and L 10 The lengths can be the same, L 10 Due to the use of slow-wave transmission lines, the phase is delayed, and the absolute phase quantity can be larger than that of L9 of the same length. Similarly, when the phase of P1' to P8' gradually increases from P1' to P8', in the third-level transmission line, L 11 It can be a traditional microstrip transmission line, L 12 It can be a slow-wave microstrip transmission line, L 11 The length can be 12 The length is the same, L 11 The phase can be smaller than L 12 Phase; L 13It can be a traditional microstrip transmission line, L 14 It can be a slow-wave microstrip transmission line, L 13 and L 14 The lengths can be the same, L 13 The phase can be smaller than L 14 The phase of L 11 and L 12 The length can be less than L 13 and L 14 In the fourth-level transmission line, L 23 Traditional microstrip transmission lines can be used, L 24 Slow-wave microstrip transmission lines can be used, L 23 With L 24 The lengths can be the same, L 23 The phase can be smaller than L 24 Phase; L 25 Traditional microstrip transmission lines can be used, L 26 Slow-wave microstrip transmission lines can be used, L 25 With L 26 The lengths can be the same, L 25 The phase can be smaller than L 26 The phase of L 23 and L 24 The length can be less than L 25 and L 26 's length, and so on.

[0080] It should be noted that the phases of the first output ports in the first correction channel 01 are the same, and the phases of the transmission lines at each level are also the same. Therefore, the transmission lines in the first correction channel 01 can all use traditional microstrip transmission lines, or slow-wave microstrip transmission lines, without the need to differentiate the transmission lines at each level.

[0081] Above Figure 3 The switch network S of the detection network described is arranged at the peripheral part of the detection network. The switch network S can also be arranged inside the detection network. For example, the first-level transmission line connected by the switch network S can be arranged in the area surrounded by the second-level transmission lines of the two correction channels. Figure 5 As shown in the detection network shown in FIG. 1 , the wiring space of the detection network can be further reduced. Figure 5 The rest of the detection network shown is similar to Figure 3 The detection network shown is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0082] Above Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the detection network described, a power divider W is used 15 ~W 22As an isolator, the two correction channels are connected respectively and the signals between the two correction channels are free from interference. The detection network can also use a switch network as an isolator to connect the two correction channels and achieve free interference. The detection network can refer to Figure 6 The network structure shown.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the detection network may include switch networks S1-S8, which may be arranged at the ends of the first calibration channel 01 and the second calibration channel 02, and the two output ports of each of the switch networks S1-S8 may be connected to the first calibration channel 01 and the second calibration channel 02, respectively. Among them, the output port of S1 connected to the first calibration channel 01 may be the first output port P1, and the output port connected to the second calibration channel 02 may be the second output port P1'; the output port of S2 connected to the first calibration channel 01 may be the first output port P2, and the output port connected to the second calibration channel 02 may be the second output port P2'; the output port of S3 connected to the first calibration channel 01 may be the first output port P3, and the output port connected to the second calibration channel 02 may be the second output port P3', and so on, the output port of S8 connected to the first calibration channel 01 may be the first output port P8, and the output port connected to the second calibration channel 02 may be the second output port P8'.

[0084] The input ports of the switch network S1-S8 can also be connected to a coupler to capture the transmission signal between the antenna array and the RRU for detection by the detection network. The arrangement of the multi-stage transmission line in the detection network can be the same as that described above. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The multi-stage transmission lines in the described detection network are the same. The switch networks S1 to S8 can be connected to the end of the last stage transmission line in the multi-stage transmission line. The end of each stage transmission line except the last stage transmission line of the multi-stage transmission line can also be connected to a power divider. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0085] The switch network S1-S8 can be a single-pole double-throw switch, and the switch network S1-S8 can also be called a second switch network. When the switch network S is connected to the first correction channel 01 and the switch network S1-S8 is also connected to the first correction channel 01, the first correction channel 01 works, and the second correction channel 02 is not turned on. Similarly, when the switch network S is connected to the second correction channel 02 and the switch network S1-S8 is also connected to the second correction channel 02, the second correction channel 02 works, and the first correction channel 01 is not turned on, so that the signals between the first correction channel 01 and the second correction channel 02 do not interfere with each other when they are working.

[0086] Above Figures 2 to 6The switches of the first switch network S used in any of the detection networks described above may be analog switches or PIN diode switches, and the switches of the second switch networks S1 to S8 may also be analog switches or PIN diode switches. The analog switches and PIN diode switches may be respectively referred to in Figure 7 or Figure 8 The schematic diagram of the switch is shown. The analog switch uses the switching mode of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) to realize the on-off of the signal link and achieve the switching effect. The PIN diode switch is a diode of this PIN structure composed of a thin layer of low-doped intrinsic semiconductor layer added between the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor material. The PIN diode switch can also be referred to as a PIN tube.

[0087] Figure 7 : is a state diagram of a switch network provided by an embodiment of the present application. Among them, cable 501, cable 502 and cable 503 can be fixed cables, cable 503 can be the input end of the switch network, used to input the detection signal input by the calibration port, cable 501 and cable 502 can be the output end of the switch network, and cable 501 can be connected to the first calibration channel 01, and cable 502 can be connected to the second calibration channel 02. Sliders 504 and 505 can slide to select the calibration channel that needs to be turned on. For example, when the switch network is in Figure 7 In the state shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , one end of the slider 504 can be coupled to the cable 503, and the other end can be coupled to the cable 501, so that the first calibration channel 01 can be turned on. Figure 7 Slide up the state shown in (a) to place the switch network in Figure 7 The state shown in (b) is that one end of the slider 505 is coupled to the cable 503, and the other end is coupled to the cable 502, so that the second correction channel 02 is turned on.

[0088] Figure 8 : is a state diagram of a PIN diode switch provided in an embodiment of the present application. The PIN diode switch may include two upper and lower diodes, which are used to control the on and off of the first calibration channel 01 and the second calibration channel 02 respectively. Figure 8As shown in (a), when a forward voltage is applied to the upper diode, the upper diode is in an on state, and when the upper diode is connected to the first correction channel 01, the first correction channel 01 is turned on. When a forward voltage is applied to the upper diode, a reverse voltage can be applied to the lower diode at the same time to make the lower diode in an off state, and when the lower diode is connected to the second correction channel 02, the second correction channel 02 is disconnected.

[0089] Similarly, if Figure 8 As shown in (b), when a reverse voltage is applied to the upper diode, the upper diode is in the cut-off state, and the first correction channel 01 is disconnected. At the same time, a forward voltage is applied to the lower diode, the lower diode is in the open state, and the second correction channel 02 is turned on.

[0090] The switch network provided in the embodiment of the present application can achieve a miniaturized design and reduce the space occupied by the detection network.

[0091] Above Figures 2 to 8 The detection network described above can be integrated on the correction board 106, and the correction board 106 can be arranged on the side where the antenna 101 is located. Fig. 9 As shown. The antenna 101 can be connected to the RF channel 104, and the RF channel 104 can be connected to the RRU 102. The antenna 101 can receive the signal transmitted by the RRU 102 through the RF channel 104 or transmit the signal to the RRU 102. The correction board 106 can be connected to the antenna 101 and the RRU 102 respectively. For example, the calibration port CAL of the detection network can be connected to the RF channel 104, and then connected to the RRU 102. The output port of the detection network can be connected to the antenna 101, that is, the coupler connected to the output port can be connected to the antenna 101 to capture the signal transmitted between the antenna 101 and the RRU 102, and detect whether the feeder connection between the antenna 101 and the RRU 102 is correct.

[0092] The present application also provides a method for detecting antenna signals. The detection method can adopt the above Figures 2 to 8 Any of the detection networks described above can be used to detect antenna signals, such as Fig.10 As shown, the method may include steps S1001 to S1003.

[0093] S1001, at a first moment, connecting a calibration port to a first calibration channel through a first switch network.

[0094] Exemplarily, the first switch network may be placed Figure 7 (a) or Figure 8The state shown in (a) makes the first calibration channel 01 connected to the calibration port. The phases of the first output ports in the first calibration channel 01 are the same, so that the phase of the system can be zeroed, for example, all errors caused by the different lengths of multiple feeders connected between the antenna array and the RRU can be corrected, so as to facilitate the subsequent acquisition of the phase difference of multiple calibration ports, that is, the second output ports.

[0095] S1002, at a second moment, connecting the calibration port to the second calibration channel through the first switch network to obtain phase differences of the plurality of second output ports.

[0096] The second moment may be after the first moment, that is, the first calibration channel 01 and the calibration port may be turned on first, and after the system phase is set to zero, the second calibration channel 02 may be turned on to obtain the phase difference between the plurality of second output ports.

[0097] S1003: Compare the acquired phase difference with the phase differences of multiple second output ports stored in the system.

[0098] The system can pre-store the phase differences of multiple second output ports. When the second calibration channel 02 is turned on, the actual phase differences of the multiple second output ports can be obtained. By comparing the stored phase differences of each second output port with the actual phase differences of the corresponding ports, it can be determined whether the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct.

[0099] If the difference between the acquired phase difference and the stored phase difference is less than the preset threshold, it can be determined that the connection between the antenna and the RRU is correct; if the difference between the acquired phase difference and the stored phase difference is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, it can be determined that the connection between the antenna and the RRU is incorrect.

[0100] In some embodiments, if the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is incorrect, the method may further include: performing a logical mapping swap on the connection between the antenna array and the RRU.

[0101] For example, Fig.11 This is a logical judgment diagram of the connection between an antenna array and an RRU provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the horizontal axis is the port, the detection network may include 8 ports P1'~P8', and the vertical axis is the phase difference. The schematic diagram may use port P1' as the reference port, the phase difference of each port may be the phase difference between each port and port P2', and the starting point may be the phase difference between port P1' and itself, that is, 0. The dotted line portion of the diagram is the system data, that is, the phase difference between each port stored in the system, and the solid line portion is the test data, that is, the actual phase difference between each port obtained after successively executing the above steps S1001 and S1002.

[0102] from Fig.11 It can be seen that the phase difference stored in the system for port P2' is 30°, while the actual measured phase difference is about 120°. The difference between the two is greater than the system error. Therefore, the connection of port P2' is incorrect. Similarly, the phase difference stored in the system for port P5' is 120°, while the actual measured phase difference is about 30°. Therefore, the connection of port P5' is incorrect. In this example, the system can logically map and swap the connection between the antenna and RRU corresponding to port P2' and port P5', without having to go up the tower to change the feeder connection.

[0103] The antenna signal detection method adopted in the embodiment of the present application can quickly and conveniently detect whether the feeder connection between the antenna and the RRU is incorrect, and then adjust the feeder connection by means of logical mapping exchange, etc., without the need to go up the tower to replace the connection.

[0104] The embodiment of the present application also provides an antenna system, which may include the above-mentioned Figures 2 to 8 For any of the detection networks described, the antenna system may further include an antenna array, which may be connected to the detection network and may include one or more antenna elements.

[0105] An embodiment of the present application also provides a base station, which may include the above-mentioned antenna system and a radio frequency module, and the radio frequency module may be connected to the antenna system.

[0106] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A detection network for antenna signals, characterized in that: comprising a first correction channel, a second correction channel and a first switch network; The first calibration channel comprises a plurality of first output ports, and the phases of the plurality of first output ports are the same; The second calibration channel comprises a plurality of second output ports, the number of the plurality of second output ports is the same as the number of the plurality of first output ports, and the phases of the plurality of second output ports are different, and the plurality of first output ports and the plurality of second output ports are respectively connected to the antenna array; The first switching network is connected to the first correction channel and the second correction channel respectively, and is used to realize the connection of the first correction channel and the second correction channel with the calibration port in different time domains. The calibration port is connected to the radio remote unit RRU, and the calibration port is used to input the transmission signal between the antenna array and the RRU.

2. The detection network according to claim 1, characterized in that: Any one of the plurality of second output ports is a reference port, and the phase differences between the ports of the plurality of second output ports other than the reference port and the reference port are different.

3. The detection network according to claim 2, characterized in that: The phase differences between the ports other than the reference port in the plurality of second output ports and the reference port are distributed in an arithmetic progression.

4. The detection network according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The ends of the first correction channel and the second correction channel include a plurality of isolators, and the plurality of isolators are used to avoid signal interference between the first correction channel and the second correction channel, and the first correction channel and the second correction channel are respectively connected to two output ports of each of the plurality of isolators, The output ports of the multiple isolators connected to the first correction channel are first output ports, and the output ports of the multiple isolators connected to the second correction channel are second output ports.

5. The detection network according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ends of the first correction channel and the second correction channel further include a plurality of couplers, the plurality of couplers are respectively connected to the input ports of the plurality of isolators, and the plurality of couplers are respectively connected to the antenna arrays.

6. The detection network according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The isolator is a first power divider or a second switch network.

7. The detection network according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The first correction channel includes a multi-stage transmission line, wherein the last stage transmission line of the multi-stage transmission line of the first correction channel is connected to the plurality of isolators. In the multi-stage transmission lines of the first correction channel, the end of each stage transmission line except the last stage transmission line includes a second power divider, and the transmission lines corresponding to the two output ports of each second power divider have the same phase.

8. The detection network according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The second calibration channel includes a multi-stage transmission line, wherein the last stage transmission line of the multi-stage transmission line of the second calibration channel is connected to the plurality of isolators. In the multi-stage transmission line of the second correction channel, the end of each stage transmission line except the last stage transmission line includes a third power divider, and the transmission lines corresponding to two output ports of each third power divider have different phases.

9. The detection network according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The switches of the first switch network are analog switches or PIN diode switches.

10. The detection network according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The number of the first output ports and / or the second output ports is greater than or equal to eight.

11. A method for detecting antenna signals, applied to the detection network as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The detection method comprises: At a first moment, connecting the calibration port to the first calibration channel through the first switch network; At a second moment, the calibration port is connected to the second calibration channel through the first switch network to obtain the phase difference of the plurality of second output ports, the second moment being after the first moment; The acquired phase difference is compared with the phase differences of the plurality of second output ports stored in the system.

12. The detection method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The detection method further comprises: When the difference between the acquired phase difference and the phase differences of the plurality of second output ports stored in the system is less than a preset threshold, it is determined that the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is correct; or, When the difference between the acquired phase difference and the phase differences of the multiple second output ports stored in the system is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it is determined that the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is incorrect.

13. The detection method according to claim 12, characterized in that: When the connection between the antenna array and the RRU is incorrect, the detection method further includes: The connection between the antenna array and the RRU is logically mapped and exchanged.

14. An antenna system, characterized in that: The method comprises a detection network as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and an antenna array, wherein the antenna array comprises one or more antenna elements.

15. A base station, characterized in that: It comprises the antenna system as claimed in claim 14 and a radio frequency module connected to the antenna system.

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