Adjustable power distribution circuit capable of realizing any polarization mode

Abstract

The invention provides an adjustable power distribution circuit capable of realizing any polarization mode, the adjustable power distribution circuit is positioned between a radio frequency circuit and at least one antenna assembly, the adjustable power distribution circuit comprises an input signal part, at least two signal control parts, a processing unit and at least one orthogonal coupling circuit, the input signal part can convert a radio frequency signal from the radio frequency circuit into a plurality of corresponding input signals and transmit the input signals to each signal control part, each signal control part can convert the input signals into corresponding control signals according to a processing instruction of the processing unit and then transmit the control signals to the orthogonal coupling circuit, and the orthogonal coupling circuit transmits the control signals to the radio frequency circuit. And the orthogonal coupling circuit generates two output signals with a phase difference of 90 degrees, and transmits the output signals to the antenna assembly. Therefore, the adjustable power distribution circuit can enable the antenna assembly to form a linear polarization mode, a circular polarization mode or an elliptical polarization mode in any direction according to actual requirements of products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an adjustable power distribution circuit applied to an antenna system, and particularly to an adjustable power distribution circuit capable of implementing arbitrary polarization modes with the same circuit. Background Art

[0002] With the development of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), satellite communication plays a crucial role in the global communication architecture. Currently, satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) support diverse communication requirements. Each satellite has its own unique radio frequency characteristics and operates in a designated frequency band. The design of satellite communication payload antennas needs to meet different radiation requirements, from linear polarization to circular polarization. In some scenarios, to improve the capacity and efficiency of the communication system, dual-polarization technology with good polarization isolation must be adopted to create an orthogonal polarization dual-channel transmission mode.

[0003] Generally, Linear Polarization (LP) represents the electric field of an electromagnetic wave that vibrates in a straight line within a certain plane, which can be vertical, horizontal, or at any angle between the two. This kind of linear polarization is particularly useful in static communication links, such as ground-to-ground or specific satellite communications, because their antenna system designs are relatively simple and can provide high performance and a wide frequency band. However, in the context of mobile communication, the sensitivity of linear polarization to satellite movement may become a drawback.

[0004] Relatively speaking, the characteristics of circular polarization make it particularly important in satellite communication. Through the helical propagation mode of the electric field, it reduces the sensitivity to multipath interference and satellite direction changes. Among them, circular polarization can be left-handed (also known as left-hand circular polarization, Left-Hand Circular Polarization, abbreviated as LHCP) or right-handed (also known as right-hand circular polarization, Right-Hand Circular Polarization, abbreviated as RHCP). Its implementation method is through two vertically orthogonal linear polarization components with a 90-degree phase difference, combining to form the radiation effect of circular polarization, making it the first choice in satellite communication and global positioning systems. Also, elliptical polarization is an intermediate form between circular polarization and linear polarization. Its electric field is neither completely straight nor completely circular, but shows an elliptical trajectory. This polarization is particularly advantageous under irregular reflection and refraction conditions, such as in complex environments like cities or mountainous areas.

[0005] When considering the coexistence of various satellite polarizations and gain requirements, the design of ground station or client antennas becomes particularly complex. In the past, most design methods were to design antennas independently for the individual needs of each satellite. This is not only costly but also lacks the flexibility to adapt to dynamic polarization requirements. For GEO satellites, since their positions relative to the ground station are fixed, the antenna design can be relatively simple and direct. Once installed, it can be used for a long time without subsequent adjustment. However, the communication systems of LEO and MEO satellites face more challenges. They require a flexible antenna design that can select orthogonal circular polarization. This need has prompted the development of dual linear polarization or dual circular polarization antennas. In particular, dual linear polarization antennas can form circular polarization through phase adjustment and are very suitable for planar phased array antennas.

[0006] However, although contemporary antenna designs have various innovations, there is still a common problem, that is, they cannot dynamically adjust polarization to simultaneously meet the needs of various types of satellites. From the perspective of link budget, the antenna performance of GEO satellites should be sufficient to cover the needs of LEO and MEO satellites. However, the polarization difference has become a key challenge, and it requires the antenna to show greater flexibility in polarization alignment to reduce communication losses caused by polarization mismatch. In view of this, how to effectively solve the aforementioned problems has become an important topic of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to stand out in the highly competitive market, relying on years of rich practical experience in professional antenna design and adhering to the research spirit of excellence, after long-term research and experiments, the inventors have finally developed an adjustable power distribution circuit capable of realizing any polarization mode in this application, hoping to provide users with a better usage experience with the advent of this application.

[0008] The object of the present application is to provide an adjustable power distribution circuit capable of realizing any polarization mode. The adjustable power distribution circuit is located between a radio frequency circuit and at least one antenna assembly, and can enable each of the antenna assemblies to form a predetermined polarization mode. It is characterized in that the adjustable power distribution circuit includes an input signal part, at least two signal control parts, a processing unit, and at least one quadrature coupler (90-degree Hybrid Directional Coupler). The input signal part is electrically connected to the radio frequency circuit to convert the radio frequency signal from the radio frequency circuit into corresponding multiple input signals. The two signal control parts are connected to the input signal part to respectively receive each of the input signals transmitted by the input signal part, and convert each of the input signals into a corresponding control signal. The processing unit is electrically connected to at least each of the signal control parts, and the processing unit can transmit a processing instruction to each of the signal control parts, so that each of the signal control parts converts the input signal into the control signal accordingly. Each of the quadrature couplers has two input ports and two output ports. Among them, each of the input ports respectively receives each of the control signals transmitted by the corresponding signal control part. The quadrature coupler converts each of the control signals into an output signal respectively, and outputs them through each of the output ports respectively, and there is a 90-degree phase difference between each of the output signals. The adjustable power distribution circuit can enable the antenna assembly connected to each of the output ports to form a predetermined polarization mode according to each of the received output signals. Thus, the adjustable power distribution circuit of the present invention can enable the antenna assembly to form a linear polarization mode, a circular polarization mode, or an elliptical polarization mode in any direction according to the actual requirements of the product, without specifically setting up an independent polarization circuit for the characteristics of each antenna system, greatly improving the convenience in application.

[0009] Optionally, one of the signal control parts includes a switch unit, and the other signal control part includes another switch unit and a phase shifter, and the phase shifter is located between the other switch unit and the corresponding input port. Each of the switch units can form a conducting state or a disconnecting state according to the corresponding processing instruction.

[0010] Optionally, each of the signal control parts respectively includes a phase shifter and a power amplifier, wherein each of the power amplifiers is respectively located between the corresponding phase shifter and each of the input ports.

[0011] Optionally, one of the signal control units includes a phase shifter and a power amplifier, and the power amplifier is located between the phase shifter and the corresponding input port; the other signal control unit includes another power amplifier; another phase shifter is located between the input signal unit and the plurality of signal control units.

[0012] Optionally, the adjustable power distribution circuit further includes at least one signal excitation unit, and the signal excitation unit is electrically connected to at least one of the output ports to receive the output signal transmitted from the corresponding output port.

[0013] Optionally, the adjustable power distribution circuit is provided with only a single signal excitation unit, and the signal excitation unit is used to adjust the phase of the passing output signal, and the foregoing phase includes +π / 2, -π / 2 or 0.

[0014] Optionally, the adjustable power distribution circuit is provided with two signal excitation units, and the plurality of output ports are respectively electrically connected to one signal excitation unit, and each signal excitation unit is used to adjust the phase of the passing output signal, and the foregoing phase includes π / 2 or 0.

[0015] Optionally, the signal excitation unit includes a phase delay unit, the phase delay unit has wires with various different shapes and lengths, and it can receive the processing instructions transmitted from the processing unit, and one of each wire is electrically connected to the corresponding output port to adjust the phase of the passing output signal.

[0016] Optionally, the signal excitation unit includes a phase delay unit, the phase delay unit has a wire, and it can receive the processing instructions transmitted from the processing unit, and different positions of the wire are electrically connected to the corresponding output ports to change the path length between the output port and the corresponding antenna assembly, thereby adjusting the phase of the passing output signal.

[0017] Optionally, the number of the signal control units is four, the number of the quadrature coupling circuits is two, and two input ports of one of the quadrature coupling circuits are electrically connected to two of the signal control units, and two input ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit are electrically connected to the other two signal control units; one of the output ports of the quadrature coupling circuit can jointly form a first output part with one of the output ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit, and the other output part of the quadrature coupling circuit can jointly form a second output part with the other output port of the other quadrature coupling circuit, and the adjustable power distribution circuit can enable the corresponding antenna assemblies connected to the first output part and the second output part to form a predetermined polarization pattern according to each received output signal.

[0018] Optionally, the number of the signal control units is four, and the number of the quadrature coupling circuits is two. Two input ports of one of the quadrature coupling circuits are electrically connected to two of the signal control units, and two input ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit are electrically connected to the other two signal control units; two output ports of the quadrature coupling circuits are respectively electrically connected to two feeding ends of a dual-polarized antenna; the other two output ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit are respectively electrically connected to two feeding ends of another dual-polarized antenna, so that each of the dual-polarized antennas forms a predetermined polarization pattern according to each of the received output signals.

[0019] Optionally, the number of the signal control units is four, and the number of the quadrature coupling circuits is two. Two input ports of a plurality of the quadrature coupling circuits are electrically connected to two of the signal control units, and two input ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit are electrically connected to the other two signal control units; four output ports of the plurality of the quadrature coupling circuits are respectively electrically connected to four feeding ends of the same antenna assembly, so that the antenna assembly forms a predetermined polarization pattern according to each of the received output signals.

[0020] Optionally, a loop adjuster is further provided between the plurality of the signal control units and the quadrature coupling circuits, and the loop adjuster is used for adjusting the radio frequency path (RF Path) through which each of the control signals is transmitted or forming a phase delay.

[0021] Optionally, the loop adjuster is a loop splitter, and the loop splitter is provided with a plurality of wire path parts, and each of the wire path parts can form different radio frequency paths between the plurality of the signal control units and the quadrature coupling circuits.

[0022] Optionally, the loop adjuster is a loop coupler, and the loop coupler is provided with a plurality of ports. After the control signal is transmitted from one port to another port and then transmitted to each corresponding input port, the control signal forms a phase delay.

[0023] For further explaining the purpose, technical features and effects of the present application, specific embodiments are now given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and described in detail as follows. However, the provided accompanying drawings are only for reference and illustration, and are not used to limit the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0024] Figure 1A It is a schematic structural diagram of a radio frequency signal transmitted to a bilinear polarization antenna;

[0025] Figure 1B It is a coordinate schematic diagram of the polarization direction angle of a radio frequency signal;

[0026] Figure 2Schematic diagram of the circuit architecture of the first embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3A Schematic diagram of the circuit architecture of the second embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the phase shifter of the second embodiment of the present application in a connected state;

[0029] Figure 3C Schematic diagram of the phase shifter of the second embodiment of the present application in another connected state;

[0030] Figure 3D Schematic diagram of another phase shifter of other embodiments of the present application in a connected state;

[0031] Figure 3E Schematic diagram of another phase shifter of other embodiments of the present application in another connected state;

[0032] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the circuit architecture of a variant of the second embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the circuit architecture of the second embodiment of the present application connected to two antenna components;

[0034] Figure 6A Schematic diagram of one of the circuit architectures of another variant of the second embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 6B Schematic diagram of another circuit architecture of another variant of the second embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the circuit architecture of the third embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the circuit architecture of a variant of the third embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 9A Schematic diagram of the circuit architecture of the adjustable power distribution circuit provided with a ring splitter; and

[0039] Figure 9B Schematic diagram of the circuit architecture of the adjustable power distribution circuit provided with a ring coupler. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer and more understandable, the following further elaborates in detail on the embodiments of the "adjustable power distribution circuit capable of achieving any polarization mode" disclosed in this application in combination with specific implementation manners and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this application. Additionally, it is stated in advance that the accompanying drawings of this application are only for simple schematic illustration and are not drawn according to actual sizes. Although this document may provide examples containing parameters with specific values, it should be understood that the parameters do not necessarily need to be exactly equal to the corresponding values, but can be approximated to the corresponding values within an acceptable error tolerance or design constraints. Furthermore, unless clearly indicated or defined in the context, the meanings of "a", "the", and "said" in this application include plural forms.

[0041] It should be understood that although terms such as first and second may be used herein to describe various components or signals, each of the said components or signals should not be limited by the foregoing terms. The foregoing terms are mainly used to distinguish one component from another component or one signal from another signal. Moreover, the directional terms mentioned in subsequent embodiments, such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc., are only with reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustration and not for limiting the protection scope of this application. Additionally, the term "or" used herein should, depending on the actual situation, possibly include any one or a combination of more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Moreover, terms such as "substantially" or "approximately" used herein can refer to a value within a deviation range for a specific value or the average value of a plurality of values that can be recognized or determined by those skilled in the art, including considering the possible certain specific errors that may occur when measuring the specific value due to limitations of the measurement system or device. For example, the value substantially mentioned can include ±5%, ±3%, ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.1% of the specific value or one or more standard deviation ranges.

[0043] This application relates to an adjustable power distribution circuit capable of achieving arbitrary polarization modes, which is arranged between a radio frequency circuit (the source end for generating radio frequency signals) and at least one antenna assembly. The adjustable power distribution circuit can evenly or proportionally distribute the input signal from the radio frequency circuit to each antenna assembly and endow each signal with the required phase difference, so that the antenna assembly can form various polarization modes such as linear polarization (LP), circular polarization (CP), or elliptical polarization according to actual needs. Among them, linear polarization includes various modes such as single horizontal polarization, vertical polarization, arbitrary linear polarization, and dual linear polarization, and circular polarization includes modes such as left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) or right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). Thus, the adjustable power distribution circuit can, according to actual needs, be applied to, for example, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, or geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, etc., so that the antenna assembly can provide the corresponding polarization mode.

[0044] In satellite communication, the antenna assembly can operate under linear polarization and circular polarization. Considering the dual linear polarization antenna configuration as a reference, please refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the coordinate system shown, the input signal from the radio frequency circuit can first enter the power divider 11 and then, through the phase adjustment of the phase shifters 12, reach the polarization mode required by the antenna assembly T. Also, the electric field vector of linear polarization has the following equation (1):

[0045]

[0046] The electric field vector of right-hand circular polarization (RHCP), and the equation (3) of the electric field vector of left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) are as follows:

[0047]

[0048] The foregoing equation is defined as the principal broadside direction of the antenna, where this direction is defined as θ = 0 degrees. In FIG. 1, is the electric field excited by the component in the direction of FIG. 1, and is the electric field excited by the component in the direction of FIG. 1. Under this condition, α is the polarization direction angle relative to the axis. Therefore, the polarization direction can be rotated in the principal radiation direction by adjusting the value of α to achieve the desired polarization orientation. Also, j is the imaginary unit, which represents a 90-degree phase difference. Therefore, the right-hand circular polarization and the left-hand circular polarization are mirror images of each other in space and are orthogonal to each other.

[0049] Based on the foregoing conceptual framework, in order to achieve various polarization modes using a single circuit architecture, in the first embodiment of the present application, please refer to Figure 2 as shown. An adjustable power distribution circuit 2 includes an input signal part Pin, two signal control parts 21, 22, a 90-degree Hybrid Directional Coupler 23, and a processing unit 25. Among them, the input signal part Pin can be electrically connected to a radio frequency circuit R to convert the radio frequency signal from the radio frequency circuit R into corresponding multiple input signals and transmit each of the input signals to each of the signal control parts 21, 22. In some embodiments, the input signal part Pin can be a Wilkinson power divider or other types of power dividers, and can convert the radio frequency signal into multiple equal-power input signals, or multiple input signals with specific proportional powers, but not limited thereto.

[0050] Continuing from the above, please refer to Figure 2As shown, multiple signal control units 21 and 22 can receive the input signal transmitted by the input signal unit Pin and convert it into corresponding control signals respectively. Among them, the control signal can be the same as the input signal, or the control signal can be input signals with different phases, etc. Specifically, one of the signal control units 21 includes a switch unit 211, and the other signal control unit 22 includes another switch unit 221 and a phase shifter 223. The multiple switch units 211 and 221 can respectively receive the input signal transmitted by the input signal unit Pin, and the switch unit 221 can also transmit the corresponding input signal to the phase shifter 223 for required phase adjustment. In addition, the quadrature coupling circuit 23 has two input ports M1 and M2 and two output ports R1 and R2. Among them, the input port M1 can receive the control signal transmitted from the switch unit 211, and the input port M2 can receive the control signal transmitted from the phase shifter 223. After being processed inside the quadrature coupling circuit 23, the multiple input signals can form corresponding output signals and are respectively output from each output port R1 and R2 to the corresponding antenna assembly (such as Figure 1A the antenna assembly T in the form of, but not limited to this), where the output signals output from each output port R1 and R2 can have a substantial 90-degree phase difference from each other. It should be particularly mentioned here that the quadrature coupling circuit 23 can include a 90-degree hybrid directional coupler as a single microwave component, or can also include an equivalent circuit structure with the same function. In other words, as long as the circuit architecture is sufficient to generate a 90-degree phase difference between the two output ports R1 and R2, it can be regarded as the quadrature coupling circuit 23 described in this application. In this way, the quadrature coupling circuit 23 has flexibility in various RF applications and can adapt to different technical requirements and implementation methods.

[0051] In addition, please refer to Figure 2As shown, the processing unit 25 can be electrically connected to at least a plurality of the signal control units 21 and 22, which can generate and transmit a processing instruction to the plurality of the signal control units 21 and 22, so that each of the switch units 211 and 221 forms a predetermined conduction state or disconnection state, thereby adjusting the radio frequency path (RF Path) between the input signal unit Pin and the quadrature coupling circuit 23. The processing unit 25 can also cause the phase shifter 223 to change the phase of the input signal, so that the input signal is converted into a corresponding control signal. Moreover, the specific form of the processing unit 25 can be a circuit or a chip, and according to the type of electronic component to be controlled, the generated processing instruction can be an analog signal (such as voltage or current) or a digital signal, etc., so that each electronic component in the plurality of signal control units 21 and 22 can perform the required actions. In other embodiments, according to the actual requirements of the product, the processing unit 25 can also be electrically connected to other electronic components of the adjustable power distribution circuit 2, for example, the input signal unit Pin, to control the power of the input signal generated by the input signal unit Pin (such as generating input signals with different power ratios).

[0052] Please refer to again Figure 2 As shown, the design principle of the first embodiment is described below. It is based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) mechanism. Among them, the output signals a1 and a2 from the output ports R1 and R2 are used as the excitation weights of the antenna assembly (such as a dual-polarized antenna), and the control signals b1 and b2 received by each of the input ports M1 and M2 are the control coefficients for generating the required polarization pattern. Therefore, the matrix equations of equations (4) and (5) show the conversion relationship between the control coefficients (control signals b1 and b2) and the excitation weights (output signals a1 and a2):

[0053]

[0054] For linear polarization, substituting equation (1) into equation (5) can obtain the following equation (6):

[0055]

[0056] For circular polarization, substituting equation (2) into equation (5) can obtain the following equation (7):

[0057]

[0058] In order to be able to adjust any polarization mode of the antenna, it is necessary to generate the phases required for the control coefficients (control signals b1, b2) (i.e., ±α in Equation (6)), as well as a phase change of the constant -π / 2. Since a fixed phase change does not change the polarization mode of the radiated electromagnetic wave, therefore, assuming (a1, a2) = e jα (cosα, sinα), Equation (6) can be transformed into the following Equation (8):

[0059]

[0060] In this way, the adjustable power distribution circuit 2 only needs a single phase shifter 223 to adjust the phase to In addition, the input signal part Pin can use a power divider (e.g., Wilkinson power divider) to generate the power ratio of (b1, b2), and two switch units 211, 221 are required to select the radio frequency path of the control signal to excite the required circular polarization. In other words, the equations (9) for generating right - hand circular polarization and left - hand circular polarization are as follows:

[0061]

[0062] In this architecture, only half of the input power is finally sent to the antenna assembly for radiation. Among them, in the adjustable power distribution circuit 2 of the first embodiment, the 90 - degree phase difference of the output signal is realized through the quadrature coupling circuit 23, so that the adjustable power distribution circuit 2 can, according to actual requirements, switch the antenna assembly to various polarization modes such as linear polarization or circular polarization.

[0063] However, please refer again to Figure 2 As shown, since the adjustable power distribution circuit 2 of the first embodiment provides the excitation power by changing the on / off states of the two switch units 211, 221 to select one of the radio frequency paths, when the antenna excites the circular polarization mode, its radiation power is only 50%. In addition, the phase shifter 223 also generates power loss, resulting in a possible power ratio imbalance of the control signals received by each of the input ports M1, M2, thus twisting the linear polarization direction and increasing the cross - polarization degree, and at the same time, it is impossible to improve the quality of the radiation polarization.

[0064] In view of this, in the second embodiment of the present application, a different architecture from that of the signal control parts 21, 22 of the first embodiment is adopted (as Figure 2 shown). For the convenience of description, in the following embodiments, only the architecture different from that of the first embodiment will be described, and the same or similar components will use the same component symbols and will not be elaborated. Please refer to Figure 3AAs shown, the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 of the second embodiment includes an input signal part Pin, two signal control parts 31, 32, a quadrature coupling circuit 23, a processing unit 25, and at least one signal excitation part 34. Among them, each of the signal control parts 31, 32 respectively includes a phase shifter 311, 321 and a power amplifier 313, 323. The input signal transmitted by the input signal part Pin can sequentially pass through each of the phase shifters 311, 321 and power amplifiers 313, 323 to form corresponding control signals. Also, the phase shifter 311 is used to change the phase of the input signal to The phase shifter 321 is used to change the phase of the input signal to Each of the power amplifiers 313, 323 is used to amplify the signals transmitted by the foregoing phase shifters 311, 321 and transmit them to the corresponding input ports M1, M2, so that the quadrature coupling circuit 23 can convert multiple control signals into corresponding output signals.

[0065] Continuing from the above, please refer to again Figure 3A As shown, the signal excitation part 34 can be electrically connected to the output port R1 to receive the output signal from the quadrature coupling circuit 23. After receiving the processing instruction transmitted by the processing unit 25, it can perform a predetermined processing procedure (such as adjusting the phase, etc.) on the output signal, and then transmit the processed output signal to the antenna assembly (such as a dual-polarized antenna), so that the antenna assembly can form a predetermined polarization mode (such as linear polarization, circular polarization, or elliptical polarization, etc.) according to the output signals from the signal excitation part 34 and the output port R2. In some embodiments, the signal excitation part 34 includes a phase shifter 341 (used to change the phase of the output signal to ), which can adjust the phase of the output signal from the output port R1 and then transmit the output signal with the adjusted phase to the antenna assembly. However, the specific architecture and function of the signal excitation part 34 are not limited to this.

[0066] The design principle of the second embodiment is described below. Please refer to again Figure 3AAs shown, phase shifters 311, 321 and power amplifiers 313, 323 are respectively provided in the two RF paths (between the input signal part Pin and the quadrature coupling circuit) of the adjustable power distribution circuit 3, and the switch units 211, 221 of the first embodiment are omitted. In other words, the aforementioned two RF paths of the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 belong to a balanced structure. Therefore, the RF power generated by the two signal control parts 31, 32 (especially the power amplifiers 313, 323) can be used to excite the antenna assembly. Also, the form of the aforementioned balanced structure can make the power of the control signals received by each of the input ports M1, M2 the same or approximate, so as to excite the quadrature coupling circuit 23 and generate substantially equal power weights, thereby achieving good linear polarization. In addition, the form of the aforementioned balanced structure and the maximized output power (compared with the first embodiment) can also avoid significant power loss or heat dissipation when increasing the input signal strength of the input signal part Pin, so as to achieve the maximum equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP), which helps to ensure the high performance of the wireless communication system to which the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 is applied. Through the architecture of the adjustable power distribution circuit 3, the excitation weights (output signals a1, a2) can be expressed as the following equation (10) or equation (11):

[0067]

[0068] wherein, It can be seen that in addition to the power ratio of the sine and cosine functions in equation (1), equation (11) also requires an additional phase term The aforementioned phase term is used to control the direction of the radiation beam of the antenna assembly. At the same time, the total output power generated by equation (11) is 2A 2 , which is the total power generated by the two power amplifiers 313, 323 and is not affected by any polarization direction.

[0069] It can be seen that referring again to Figure 3A shown, the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 has the characteristics mentioned later regarding the aforementioned circuit architecture. First, the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 has the characteristic of equal power distribution. When the phase difference is, the excitation weights (output signals a1, a2) exhibit an equal power ratio and an additional phase of π / 4. Therefore, equation (11) can be simplified as follows:

[0070]

[0071] Also, when is, equation (11) can be simplified to:

[0072]

[0073] In the above cases, the power is equally distributed, but the phases are opposite. Therefore, the total output power is 2A. 2 , and the input power is maintained to satisfy the law of conservation of power.

[0074] Secondly, according to Equation (11), when the sine function or cosine function becomes 0, each of the signal control units 31 and 32 can simulate the function of the switching unit. Therefore, when , Equation (11) can be simplified as follows:

[0075]

[0076] Also, when , Equation (11) can be simplified to:

[0077]

[0078] As can be seen from the above, Equations (13) and (14) represent that , two radio frequency paths can be switched, which is equivalent to that multiple signal control units 31 and 32 have the function of a switching switch. And even if only one of the input ports M1 and M2 is selected, the phase difference of π / 2 can still be maintained, and the total output power is maintained at 2A. 2 , thus, the derivative problems caused by using the switching component in the first embodiment can be improved.

[0079] Also, please refer to Figure 3A again. According to the content represented by Equation (11), it is only applicable to any linear polarization mode and cannot generate circular polarization. Therefore, according to the axial ratio and phase requirements, the signal excitation unit 34 is provided at one of the output ports R1. The signal excitation unit 34 is used to adjust the phase of the output signal. The aforementioned phases include three phases: ±π / 2 and 0. When the phase of the signal excitation unit 34 is equal to 0, the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 will make the antenna assembly operate in the linear polarization mode. When the phase of the signal excitation unit 34 is equal to one of ±π / 2, the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 will make the antenna assembly operate in the circular polarization mode (for example: right-handed circular polarization (phase is π / 2), left-handed circular polarization (phase is -π / 2)), and its equation can become:

[0080]

[0081] As described above, in addition to using the phase shifter 341 for the signal excitation unit 34, in some embodiments, the required phase can also be formed by the length or shape of the wire, such as Figure 3B and Figure 3CAs shown, the signal excitation unit 34 includes a phase shifter 341A, and the phase shifter 341A has wires 3411 and 3412 with various different shapes and lengths. The processing unit 25 can electrically connect different wires 3411 and 3412 to the output port R1 according to polarization requirements, so as to provide a specific phase delay. In some embodiments, as Figure 3D and Figure 3E shown, the signal excitation unit 34 includes another phase shifter 341B. Although the phase shifter 341B only has a single wire, the processing unit 25 can change the local position where the wire is connected to the output port R1, which can change the transmission path of the output signal a1, thereby generating different phase delays to achieve the effect of adjusting the phase.

[0082] In addition, although Figure 3A only shows that the signal excitation unit 34 is electrically connected to the output port R1, in other embodiments of this application, the signal excitation unit 34 can be changed to be electrically connected to the output port R2 and achieve the same effect; or, in a variant of the second embodiment, the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 can have two signal excitation units 34 (as Figure 4 shown), and each of the signal excitation units 34 is electrically connected to the corresponding output ports R1 and R2 respectively. In this way, the required phase states can be simplified to π / 2 and 0. In addition, when two signal excitation units 34 are provided in the adjustable power distribution circuit 3, similar power losses can be generated, so that the power intensity of each output signal is substantially equal. In this way, a good axial ratio can be maintained and cross polarization caused by uneven power distribution can be avoided. In addition, if only two phase states π / 2 and 0 are used, the phase state -π / 2 can be obtained from . From Equation (12b), by multiplying a j factor by a1, the result of the second row of the matrix corresponding to a2 in Equation (15) can be obtained to achieve the required circular polarization mode (such as: right-hand circular polarization, left-hand circular polarization). Here, it should be particularly mentioned that according to the actual requirements of the product, the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 can be applied not only to a dual-polarized antenna (such as the antenna assembly T in Figure 1A ), but also to excite two antenna assemblies T with the same polarization mode, as Figure 5 shown, where the signal excitation unit 34 can meet the phase requirements of beamforming.

[0083] In addition, in another variant of the second embodiment, please refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6BAs shown, the phase shifter 321 in the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 can be disposed between the input signal section Pin and the two signal control sections 31 and 32, enabling the phase shifter 321 to provide a suitable and uniform phase adjustment function. However, such a circuit architecture will affect the power distribution of the entire adjustable power distribution circuit 3 and is prone to increasing the power imbalance of the control signals. For example, for the radio frequency path where the signal control section 31 with the phase shifter 311 is located, it also needs to bear the power loss generated by the phase shifter 311. Therefore, in actual use, the input signal section Pin needs to adopt two input signals that can convert the radio frequency signal into different power ratios to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0084] Furthermore, in the adjustable power distribution circuit 3 (as Figure 3A shown), due to the presence of the phase shifter 341 for controlling polarization between the power amplifiers 313 and 323 and the antenna assembly, high power loss may occur. In addition, most phase shifters are usually designed using electronic components such as PIN diodes or varactors, which makes it difficult for the phase shifter to handle high power signals, especially when the power amplifier is used to provide power for a large phased array antenna for long-distance transmission. In view of this, in the third embodiment of the present application, the characteristic that each of the signal control sections 31 and 32 can form a phase shift of π / 2 (as represented by equations (13) and (14)) is utilized to replace the phase shifter 341.

[0085] Continuing from the above, please refer to Figure 7As shown, on the adjustable power distribution circuit 4 of this third embodiment, two circuit architectures used in the second embodiment to form linear polarization are adopted. The adjustable power distribution circuit 4 includes an input signal part Pin, four signal control parts 41, 42, 43, 44, at least one processing unit 25, and two quadrature coupling circuits 23. Among them, each of the signal control parts 41, 42, 43, 44 respectively includes a phase shifter 411, 421, 431, 441, and a power amplifier 413, 423, 433, 443. A plurality of the phase shifters 411, 421, 431, 441 can respectively receive the input signal transmitted from the input signal part Pin, and after the power is amplified by the corresponding power amplifiers 413, 423, 433, 443, corresponding control signals b1, b2, b3, b4 are formed and transmitted to the corresponding input ports M1, M2, M3, M4, so that each of the quadrature coupling circuits 23 can convert the plurality of control signals b1, b2, b3, b4 into corresponding output signals a1, a2, a3, a4, and then each of the output signals is output through each of the output ports R1, R2, R3, R4. Also, two output ports R1, R3 of different quadrature coupling circuits 23 can jointly form a first output part C1 to output the corresponding output signal c1 to a feeding end of the antenna assembly. In other words, each of the output ports R1, R3 can be jointly connected to the same feeding end; two output ports R2, R4 of different quadrature coupling circuits 23 can jointly form a second output part C2 to output the corresponding output signal c2 to another feeding end of the antenna assembly. In other words, each of the output ports R2, R4 can be jointly connected to the same feeding end, so that the antenna assembly can generate the required linear polarization mode or circular polarization mode.

[0086] Continuing from the above, please refer to again Figure 7 As shown, based on the functions of the switching unit represented by equations (13) and (14), when the antenna assembly needs to use the right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) mode, it is necessary to make the output signal have the result after the phase adjustment of the phase shifter 341 Therefore, the adjustable power distribution circuit 4 can activate the RF paths of the output ports R1, R4 (that is, the paths between the quadrature coupling circuit 23 and the antenna assembly), and at the same time close the RF paths of the output ports R2, R3 to prevent unnecessary signals from entering the first output part C1 and the second output part C2; when the antenna assembly needs to use the left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) mode, the adjustable power distribution circuit 4 can activate the RF paths of the output ports R2, R3, and at the same time close the RF paths of the output ports R1, R4. In this way, the output signals output by the plurality of output ports R1, R2, R3, R4 can finally be output to the antenna assembly through the first output part C1 and the second output part C2, so that the antenna assembly can form the required right-hand circular polarization mode or left-hand circular polarization mode.

[0087] Also, please refer to again Figure 7 As shown, in the control of the circular polarization mode, for right - hand circular polarization (RHCP), the relevant parameters in equations (13) and (14) need to be set to and Therefore, the following equations (16) and (17) can be obtained, where a1 - a4 represent the excitation signals on different RF paths (i.e., the output signals corresponding to output ports R1 - R4), represents the phase of the phase shifter, represents the phase difference, c1, c2 represent the finally generated excitation signals (i.e., the output signals of the first output part C1 and the second output part C2), and P represents the power of the signal:

[0088]

[0089] where to obtain equation (18):

[0090]

[0091] Similarly, for left - hand circular polarization (LHCP), an approximate solution can also be obtained by changing and the signs. However, from the results of multiple equations, it can be known that the output power of the adjustable power distribution circuit 4 is 2P 2 , then the power is reduced by 50%.

[0092] Another alternative is to use equation (11) and make to obtain equations (19) and (20), and make the implementation goal of equation (18) be equation (21):

[0093]

[0094] (a1 + a3 = ±j(a2 + a4))………(21)

[0095] Substitute equations (19) and (20) into equation (21) respectively, then equation (22) can be obtained:

[0096]

[0097] where and the required value is Therefore, equation (22) will become the following equation (23):

[0098]

[0099] As can be seen from Equation (23), by selecting an appropriate phase Equations (16) to (18) can be simplified, and c1 = ±jc2 can be obtained to excite the 2P 2 circular polarization mode. In addition, please refer to Figure 7 As shown, for the control of any linear polarization mode, by Equation (11) and setting the parameters to and the two circuit architectures of the adjustable power distribution circuit 4 that form linear polarization can work synchronously, so Equation (24) can be obtained:

[0100]

[0101] As can be seen from the above, the total output power of the linear polarization mode is 4P 2 .

[0102] Furthermore, when the antenna assembly T is configured with two dual linear polarization antennas, it is also possible not to provide the first output part and the second output part, but only to adopt the two circuit architectures for forming linear polarization in the second embodiment. Please refer to Figure 8 As shown, in a variant of the third embodiment, the output ports R1 and R2 of one quadrature coupler 23 can be electrically connected to the two feeding ends of the same antenna assembly T respectively to transmit the output signals a1 and a2 to the antenna assembly T; the output ports R3 and R4 of the other quadrature coupler 23 can be electrically connected to the two feeding ends of another antenna assembly T respectively to transmit the output signals a3 and a4 to another antenna assembly T. Also, in order to form a linear polarization mode in any direction, Equation (11) can be used to find (a1, a2) and (a3, a4), and set and so that a1 = a3; a2 = a4. Also, the radiation field of the main beam can be calculated by Equation (25):

[0103]

[0104] Also, in order to form a circular polarization mode (E x = E y , that is, to form a circular electric field rotation), Equations (19) and (20) can be used to respectively obtain the linear polarization components of the two electric field vectors required for the desired circular polarization The related Equations (26a) and (26b) are as follows:

[0105]

[0106] where In addition, in accordance with Figure 8For the architecture, its total radiated electric field The equation (27) of is as follows:

[0107]

[0108] As mentioned above, when only one type of circular polarization is maintained, the radiation of the other type of circular polarization will be cancelled, resulting in the radiation power being halved, thereby reducing the antenna gain by 3 dB. Therefore, to solve the aforementioned problem, the foregoing two bilinear polarization antennas can be superimposed to create a single antenna assembly with four ports, thereby avoiding the power loss of the two bilinear polarization antennas.

[0109] Furthermore, in order to be able to precisely control the phase or adjust the RF path of the control signal, in the adjustable power distribution circuits of the foregoing various embodiments, a ring adjuster can further be provided. The ring adjuster is located between the signal control section and the quadrature coupling circuit. In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9A As shown, the ring adjuster is a ring splitter 51A. The ring splitter 51A has a plurality of wire path portions 511A, 511B, 511C. By different wire path portions 511A, 511B, 511C, the RF paths between the two signal control sections 31, 32 and the quadrature coupling circuit 23 can be adjusted. For example, the control signals of the two signal control sections 31, 32 are both transmitted only to the input port M1 or the input port M2, or are respectively transmitted to the corresponding input ports M1, M2. In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9B As shown, the ring adjuster is a ring coupler 51B. It is provided with a plurality of ports (in this embodiment, four ports P1, P2, P3, P4), and the wire lengths between adjacent ports P1 to P4 are a specific fraction of the wavelength. For example: the outer wire length from port P1 to P2 is λ / 4, the outer wire length from port P2 to P3 is λ / 4, the outer wire length from port P3 to P4 is λ / 4, and the outer wire length from port P1 to P4 is The inner wire length of port P4 is but not limited thereto. Also, the control signals of each of the signal control sections 31, 32 can be transmitted from the corresponding ports P1, P2, P3, P4 to the input ports M1, M2 to form a specific phase delay, and to make the plurality of input ports M1, M2 have a predetermined phase difference. Thus, the adjustable power distribution circuit of the present application can be applicable to various antenna architectures and can conveniently form a linear polarization mode, a circular polarization mode, an elliptical polarization mode, etc. according to requirements.

[0110] The above are only the preferred and feasible embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the protection scope of the claims of the present application. Therefore, all equivalent changes that can be thought of by those skilled in the art without creative efforts based on the technical content disclosed in the present application should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An adjustable power distribution circuit capable of realizing any polarization mode, the adjustable power distribution circuit being located between a radio frequency circuit and at least one antenna assembly, and capable of enabling each of the antenna assemblies to form a predetermined polarization mode, characterized in that The adjustable power distribution circuit comprises: an input signal unit electrically connected to the radio frequency circuit to convert the radio frequency signal from the radio frequency circuit into a corresponding plurality of input signals; At least two signal control units, connected to the input signal unit, to respectively receive each of the input signals transmitted from the input signal unit and convert each of the input signals into a corresponding control signal; a processing unit electrically connected to at least each of the signal control units, the processing unit being capable of transmitting a processing instruction to each of the signal control units so that each of the signal control units converts the input signal into the control signal accordingly; and at least one quadrature coupling circuit, each having two input ports and two output ports, wherein each input port receives each control signal transmitted from a corresponding signal control unit, and the quadrature coupling circuit converts each control signal into an output signal, and outputs the output signal through each output port, wherein each output signal has a phase difference of 90 degrees with respect to another; The adjustable power distribution circuit enables the antenna assembly connected to each of the output ports to form a predetermined polarization pattern according to each of the received output signals.

2. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 1, wherein One of the signal control units includes a switch unit, and the other signal control unit includes another switch unit and a phase shifter, and the phase shifter is located between the other switch unit and the corresponding input port. Each of the switch units can form an on state or an off state according to the corresponding processing instruction.

3. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the signal control units includes a phase shifter and a power amplifier, wherein each of the power amplifiers is located between a corresponding phase shifter and each of the input ports.

4. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the signal control units includes a phase shifter and a power amplifier, and the power amplifier is located between the phase shifter and the corresponding input port; another signal control unit includes another power amplifier; another phase shifter is located between the input signal unit and multiple signal control units.

5. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The adjustable power distribution circuit further includes at least one signal excitation unit, which is electrically connected to at least one of the output ports to receive an output signal transmitted from the corresponding output port.

6. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adjustable power distribution circuit is provided with only a single signal excitation unit, and the signal excitation unit is used to adjust the phase of the output signal passing therethrough, wherein the phase includes +π / 2, -π / 2 or 0.

7. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 5, wherein The adjustable power distribution circuit is provided with two signal excitation parts, and the plurality of output ports are electrically connected to one signal excitation part respectively, and each signal excitation part is used to adjust the phase of the output signal passing therethrough, wherein the aforementioned phase includes π / 2 or 0.

8. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The signal excitation unit includes a phase delayer having a plurality of conductors of different shapes and lengths, and is capable of receiving processing instructions from the processing unit, and electrically connecting one of each of the conductors to the corresponding output port to adjust the phase of the output signal passing therethrough.

9. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 5, wherein The signal excitation unit includes a phase shifter which has a wire and can receive the processing instructions transmitted from the processing unit, so that different positions of the wire are electrically connected to the corresponding output ports, thereby changing the path length between the output ports and the corresponding antenna assemblies, and further adjusting the phase of the passed output signal.

10. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 1, wherein The number of the signal control units is four, and the number of the quadrature coupling circuits is two. Two input ports of one of the quadrature coupling circuits are electrically connected to two of the signal control units, and two input ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit are electrically connected to the other two signal control units. One of the output ports of the quadrature coupling circuit and one of the output ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit can jointly form a first output unit, and the other output unit of the quadrature coupling circuit and the other output port of the other quadrature coupling circuit can jointly form a second output unit. The adjustable power distribution circuit can enable the corresponding antenna assemblies connected to the first output unit and the second output unit to form a predetermined polarization pattern according to each received output signal.

11. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 1, wherein The number of the signal control units is four, and the number of the quadrature coupling circuits is two. Two input ports of one of the quadrature coupling circuits are electrically connected to two of the signal control units, and two input ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit are electrically connected to the other two signal control units. The two output ports of the quadrature coupling circuit are respectively electrically connected to the two feeding ends of a dual-polarized antenna; the other two output ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit are respectively electrically connected to the two feeding ends of another dual-polarized antenna, so that each dual-polarized antenna forms a predetermined polarization pattern according to each received output signal.

12. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the signal control units is four, and the number of the quadrature coupling circuits is two. Two input ports of multiple quadrature coupling circuits are electrically connected to two of the signal control units, and two input ports of the other quadrature coupling circuit are electrically connected to the other two signal control units. The four output ports of the multiple quadrature coupling circuits are respectively electrically connected to the four feeding ends of the same antenna assembly, so that the aforementioned antenna assembly forms a predetermined polarization pattern according to each received output signal.

13. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 1, wherein A loop adjuster is further provided between the multiple signal control units and the quadrature coupling circuits. The loop adjuster is used to adjust the radio frequency path through which each control signal is transmitted or form a phase delay.

14. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 13, wherein The loop adjuster is a loop splitter which is provided with a plurality of wire path parts. Each wire path part can form different radio frequency paths between the multiple signal control units and the quadrature coupling circuits.

15. The adjustable power distribution circuit according to claim 13, characterized in that, The loop adjuster is a loop coupler which is provided with a plurality of ports. The control signal can be transmitted from one port to another port and then transmitted to each corresponding input port, so that the control signal forms a phase delay.

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