Orthogonal coupler and radio frequency module

Abstract

The invention provides a quadrature coupler and a radio frequency module. The orthogonal coupler comprises a transmission structure which comprises a first transmission layer, a second transmission layer, a third transmission layer, a first region, a second region and a connection region; the first transmission layer comprises a first transmission line and a second transmission line which are located in the first region, and a third transmission line and a fourth transmission line which are located in the second region; the second transmission layer comprises a fifth transmission line and a sixth transmission line located in the first area, a seventh transmission line and an eighth transmission line located in the second area, and a first connection part located in the connection area, the first connection part comprises a connection layer and a first via hole interconnection structure, the first transmission line is coupled with the seventh transmission line through the first via hole interconnection structure, and the sixth transmission line is coupled with the eighth transmission line through the second via hole interconnection structure; the second transmission line is coupled with the eighth transmission line through the first via hole interconnection structure, the third transmission line is coupled with the fifth transmission line through the first via hole interconnection structure, the fourth transmission line is coupled with the sixth transmission line through the first via hole interconnection structure, and the third transmission layer is coupled with the second transmission layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of coupler technology, and in particular to an orthogonal coupler and a radio frequency module. Background Art

[0002] Quadrature couplers are key components in modern RF front-end systems, combining power distribution and phase control. They are widely used in scenarios such as frequency mixing, polarization control, simultaneous transmission of energy and signals, and beamforming. A quadrature coupler is a four-port passive microwave device whose core function is to distribute the input signal with equal power to two output ports, with a 90° phase difference between the output signals. Furthermore, a quadrature coupler has an isolation port, which ideally outputs no power.

[0003] In the related art, the upper limit of the operating bandwidth of the orthogonal coupler is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application proposes an orthogonal coupler and a radio frequency module to solve the technical problem that the upper limit of the working bandwidth of the orthogonal coupler is limited.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present application, an orthogonal coupler is provided, comprising: A transmission structure comprising a first transmission layer, a second transmission layer, and a third transmission layer stacked along a first direction, wherein the second transmission layer is located between the third transmission layer and the first transmission layer, the transmission structure further comprising a first area and a second area distributed along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a connecting area located between the first area and the second area; The first transmission layer includes: a first transmission line and a second transmission line located in the first area, and a third transmission line and a fourth transmission line located in the second area; The second transmission layer includes: a fifth transmission line and a sixth transmission line located in the first area, and a seventh transmission line and an eighth transmission line located in the second area, the fifth transmission line is parallel to the first transmission line, the sixth transmission line is parallel to the second transmission line, the seventh transmission line is parallel to the third transmission line, and the eighth transmission line is parallel to the fourth transmission line; a first connection portion located in the connection area, the first connection portion comprising a connection layer and a plurality of first via interconnect structures, the first end of the first transmission line being coupled to the first end of the seventh transmission line via the first via interconnect structure, the first end of the second transmission line being coupled to the first end of the eighth transmission line via the first via interconnect structure, the first end of the third transmission line being coupled to the first end of the fifth transmission line via the first via interconnect structure, the first end of the fourth transmission line being coupled to the first end of the sixth transmission line via the first via interconnect structure, and the first end of the second transmission line being further coupled to the first end of the third transmission line via the connection layer; The third transmission layer is coupled to the second transmission layer.

[0006] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a second connecting portion located in the first region, the second connecting portion including a plurality of second via interconnect structures; The second end of the first transmission line is coupled to the second end of the sixth transmission line through the second via interconnect structure; The second end of the second transmission line is coupled to the second end of the fifth transmission line through the second via interconnection structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion is located at the center of the first region.

[0008] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a third connecting portion located in the second region, the third connecting portion including a plurality of third via interconnect structures; The second end of the third transmission line is coupled to the second end of the eighth transmission line through the third via interconnect structure; The second end of the fourth transmission line is coupled to the second end of the seventh transmission line through the third via interconnection structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the third connecting portion is located at the center of the second region.

[0010] In some embodiments, the third transmission layer includes: a grid structure and through grooves; The grid structure includes a first grid, a second grid, a third grid, a fourth grid and a fifth grid; The first grid, the second grid, the third grid, the fourth grid and the fifth grid are suspended in the through groove, and the first grid is located in the connecting area, the second grid and the third grid are located in the first area, and the fourth grid and the fifth grid are located in the second area.

[0011] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further comprises: a fourth connection portion located in the connection region, and the fourth connection portion is further located between the third transmission layer and the second transmission layer, and the fourth connection portion comprises a plurality of fourth via interconnect structures; The first end of the seventh transmission line is coupled to the first grid through the fourth via interconnect structure; A first end of the sixth transmission line is coupled to the first grid through the fourth via interconnection structure.

[0012] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a fifth connection portion located in the first region, and the fifth connection portion is further located between the third transmission layer and the second transmission layer, and the fifth connection portion includes a plurality of fifth via interconnect structures; The second end of the fifth transmission line is coupled to the second grid through the fifth via interconnect structure; The second end of the sixth transmission line is coupled to the second grid through the fifth via interconnection structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a sixth connection portion located in the second region, and the sixth connection portion is further located between the third transmission layer and the second transmission layer, and the sixth connection portion includes a plurality of sixth via interconnect structures; The second end of the seventh transmission line is coupled to the fourth grid through the sixth via interconnect structure; The second end of the eighth transmission line is coupled to the fourth grid through the sixth via interconnection structure.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first area and the second area are arranged along a second direction; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further comprises: a port component, the port component comprising: an input terminal, an in-phase output terminal, an orthogonal output terminal, and an isolation terminal; the port component is disposed on the same layer as the first transmission layer; The port components are distributed on both sides of the first transmission layer along a third direction; the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction respectively.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first transmission line, the fourth transmission line, the sixth transmission line, and the seventh transmission line constitute a first line group; The first line group is connected between the input terminal and the non-inverting output terminal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second transmission line, the third transmission line, the fifth transmission line, and the eighth transmission line constitute a second line group; The second line group is connected between the quadrature output terminal and the isolation terminal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a seventh connection portion located between the first transmission layer and the second transmission layer, the seventh connection portion including a plurality of seventh via interconnect structures; The second transmission layer further includes: a first metal plate, a second metal plate, a third metal plate and a fourth metal plate; The first metal plate is coupled to the input terminal through the seventh via interconnection structure; The second metal plate is coupled to the quadrature output terminal through the seventh via interconnection structure; The third metal plate is coupled to the in-phase output terminal through the seventh via interconnection structure; The fourth metal plate is coupled to the isolation end through the seventh via interconnection structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: an eighth connection portion located between the second transmission layer and the third transmission layer, the eighth connection portion including a plurality of eighth via interconnect structures; The first metal plate is coupled to the second grid through the eighth via interconnect structure; The second metal plate is coupled to the fifth grid through the eighth via interconnect structure; The third metal plate is coupled to the third grid through the eighth via interconnect structure; The fourth metal plate is coupled to the fourth grid through the eighth via interconnection structure.

[0020] In some embodiments, the center of the first connecting portion is located on the symmetry axis of the connecting region; The first transmission line located in the first area and the third transmission line located in the second area are axially symmetrical; The second transmission line located in the first area and the fourth transmission line located in the second area are axially symmetrical; The fifth transmission line located in the first area and the seventh transmission line located in the second area are axially symmetrical; The sixth transmission line located in the first area and the eighth transmission line located in the second area are axially symmetrical.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present application, a radio frequency module is provided, comprising the orthogonal coupler described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0022] The technical solution of the present application can achieve the following beneficial effects: The present application provides an orthogonal coupler, in whose connection area, a parallel dual-track bridge structure is formed by coupling the first ends of each transmission line, the connection layer, the first via interconnect structure, and the third transmission layer. The parallel dual-track bridge structure forms a strictly geometrically symmetrical structure. The transmission path lengths and parasitic parameters (such as inductance and capacitance) of the two output signals generated by the orthogonal coupler are completely consistent, thereby avoiding phase deviation caused by path differences and maintaining the phase difference between the two output signals stable within a wider frequency band. Therefore, the operating bandwidth of the orthogonal coupler for stable operation is expanded, making the orthogonal coupler have a wider range of applications. The wider operating bandwidth can suppress the deviation of the center frequency and avoid degradation of the orthogonal coupler's performance.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in detail in the subsequent detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0024] In order to more completely understand the present application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same drawing numbers represent the same parts in the following description.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 An exploded view of a connection area provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 The corresponding top view; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A top view corresponding to the first transmission layer; Figure 5 for Figure 2 A top view corresponding to the second transmission layer and the first via interconnection structure; Figure 6 for Figure 2 A top view corresponding to the fourth connecting portion and the third transmission layer; Figure 7 for Figure 2 corresponding front view; Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a first wire group and a second wire group provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 9A schematic structural diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 10 A schematic structural diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 12 A schematic structural diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first transmission layer and port components provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure between a first transmission layer and a second transmission layer provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second transmission layer provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the structure between the second transmission layer and the third transmission layer provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the structure of a third transmission layer provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the structure of a connection area lacking a third transmission layer provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 19 A schematic diagram of phase change of a common-phase output terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 20 A schematic diagram of phase change of an orthogonal output terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 21 A schematic diagram of an amplitude difference and a phase difference provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 22 A schematic diagram of return loss of each port provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 23 A schematic diagram of an isolation degree provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 24 A loss diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 25 A phase difference diagram provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Reference numerals: 1-transmission structure; 11-first transmission layer; 111-first transmission line; 112-second transmission line; 113-third transmission line; 114-fourth transmission line; 12-second transmission layer; 121-fifth transmission line; 122-sixth transmission line; 123-seventh transmission line; 124-eighth transmission line; 125-first metal plate; 126-second metal plate; 127-third metal plate; 128-fourth metal plate; 13-third transmission layer; 131-grid structure; 132-through slot; 133-first grid; 134-second grid; 135-third grid; 136-fourth grid; 137- Fifth grid; 14-first area; 15-second area; 16-connection area; 17-first end; 18-second end; 19-main body; 2-first connection part; 21-connection layer; 22-first via interconnection structure; 31-second connection part; 32-third connection part; 33-fourth connection part; 34-fifth connection part; 35-sixth connection part; 36-seventh connection part; 37-eighth connection part; 4-port component; 41-input end; 42-in-phase output end; 43-quadrature output end; 44-isolation end; 51-first line group; 52-second line group; Z-first direction; X-second direction; Y-third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features. In the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically specified.

[0029] “A and / or B” includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0030] Common orthogonal phase-shifting schemes for orthogonal couplers in related technologies each have their limitations: the L (inductor) and C (capacitor) networks are compact but have a narrow operating bandwidth; polyphase filters offer wide bandwidth and small size, but require amplifiers due to high insertion loss, increasing power consumption and chip cost; cascaded broadband couplers extend bandwidth through cascading, resulting in complex structures and dimensions; and small three-dimensional orthogonal couplers, while compact in layout, struggle to exceed 70% of their operating bandwidth and suffer from complex layouts and difficulties in modular expansion. In summary, orthogonal couplers in related technologies suffer from three major issues: a difficult upper limit on operating bandwidth, difficulty miniaturizing, and limited usability.

[0031] In response to the technical problems of a low upper limit of the operating bandwidth and a large size of an orthogonal coupler, the present application proposes an orthogonal coupler and a radio frequency module to overcome the above problems.

[0032] On the one hand, the embodiment of the present application provides an orthogonal coupler, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the quadrature coupler includes: A transmission structure 1 includes a first transmission layer 11, a second transmission layer 12, and a third transmission layer 13 stacked along a first direction Z, wherein the second transmission layer 12 is located between the third transmission layer 13 and the first transmission layer 11. The transmission structure 1 also includes a first region 14 and a second region 15 distributed along a plane perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a connecting region 16 located between the first region 14 and the second region 15. The first transmission layer 11 includes: a first transmission line 111 and a second transmission line 112 located in the first area 14 , and a third transmission line 113 and a fourth transmission line 114 located in the second area 15 ; The second transmission layer 12 includes: a fifth transmission line 121 and a sixth transmission line 122 located in the first area 14, and a seventh transmission line 123 and an eighth transmission line 124 located in the second area 15, wherein the fifth transmission line 121 is parallel to the first transmission line 111, the sixth transmission line 122 is parallel to the second transmission line 112, the seventh transmission line 123 is parallel to the third transmission line 113, and the eighth transmission line 124 is parallel to the fourth transmission line 114; A first connection portion 2 located in the connection area 16 includes a connection layer 21 and a plurality of first via interconnect structures 22. The first end 17 of the first transmission line 111 is coupled to the first end 17 of the seventh transmission line 123 via the first via interconnect structure 22. The first end 17 of the second transmission line 112 is coupled to the first end 17 of the eighth transmission line 124 via the first via interconnect structure 22. The first end 17 of the third transmission line 113 is coupled to the first end 17 of the fifth transmission line 121 via the first via interconnect structure 22. The first end 17 of the fourth transmission line 114 is coupled to the first end 17 of the sixth transmission line 122 via the first via interconnect structure 22. The first end 17 of the second transmission line 112 is also coupled to the first end 17 of the third transmission line 113 via the connection layer 21. The third transmission layer 13 is coupled to the second transmission layer 12 .

[0033] It should be noted that Figures 1 to 7 Only a portion of the third transmission layer 13 is shown, and the entire third transmission layer 13 is not shown.

[0034] The following is a detailed description of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] See Figure 2 As shown, a parallel double-track bridge structure is formed by coupling the first ends 17 of the transmission lines, the connection layer 21, the first via interconnect structure 22, and the third transmission layer 13. The parallel double-track bridge structure is located at the symmetrical center of the orthogonal coupler (connection area 16), and serves to connect the transmission lines in the first area 14 and the transmission lines in the second area 15.

[0036] See Figure 2 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 15 As shown, the first direction Z is perpendicular to both the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12. Both the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12 are made of metal.

[0037] The first transmission line 111 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the first transmission line 111 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the first transmission line 111 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the first transmission line 111 are located in the first area 14. The projection of the first transmission line 111 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0038] The second transmission line 112 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the second transmission line 112 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the second transmission line 112 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the second transmission line 112 are located in the first area 14. The projection of the second transmission line 112 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0039] The third transmission line 113 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the third transmission line 113 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the third transmission line 113 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the third transmission line 113 are located in the second area 15. The projection of the third transmission line 113 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0040] Fourth transmission line 114 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. First end 17 of fourth transmission line 114 is connected to main body 19, and main body 19 is connected to second end 18. First end 17 of fourth transmission line 114 is located in connection region 16, and main body 19 and second end 18 of fourth transmission line 114 are located in second region 15. The projection of fourth transmission line 114 along first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0041] The fifth transmission line 121 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the fifth transmission line 121 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the fifth transmission line 121 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the fifth transmission line 121 are located in the first area 14. The projection of the fifth transmission line 121 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0042] The sixth transmission line 122 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the sixth transmission line 122 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the sixth transmission line 122 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the sixth transmission line 122 are located in the first area 14. The projection of the sixth transmission line 122 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0043] The seventh transmission line 123 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the seventh transmission line 123 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the seventh transmission line 123 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the seventh transmission line 123 are located in the second area 15. The projection of the seventh transmission line 123 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0044] The eighth transmission line 124 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the eighth transmission line 124 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the eighth transmission line 124 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the eighth transmission line 124 are located in the second area 15. The projection formed by the eighth transmission line 124 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0045] In some embodiments, see Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes a second connecting portion 31 located in the first region 14. The second connecting portion 31 includes a plurality of second via interconnect structures. The second end 18 of the first transmission line 111 is coupled to the second end 18 of the sixth transmission line 122 via the second via interconnect structures. The second end 18 of the second transmission line 112 is coupled to the second end 18 of the fifth transmission line 121 via the second via interconnect structures. The second connecting portion 31 is also located between the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second connection portion 31 is located at the center of the first region 14. The second connection portion 31 is made of metal.

[0047] In some embodiments, see Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes a third connecting portion 32 located in the second region 15. The third connecting portion 32 includes a plurality of third via interconnect structures. The second end 18 of the third transmission line 113 is coupled to the second end 18 of the eighth transmission line 124 via the third via interconnect structures. The second end 18 of the fourth transmission line 114 is coupled to the second end 18 of the seventh transmission line 123 via the third via interconnect structures. The third connecting portion 32 is also located between the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12.

[0048] In some embodiments, the third connection portion 32 is located at the center of the second region 15. The third connection portion 32 is made of metal.

[0049] In some embodiments, the third transmission layer 13 is made of metal and is parallel to the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12 .

[0050] In some embodiments, see Figure 10 and Figure 17 As shown, the third transmission layer 13 includes a grid structure 131 and through-slots 132. The grid structure 131 and through-slots 132 are spaced apart along a second direction X. The second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z. The through-slots 132 extend through the third transmission layer 13 along the first direction Z. The grid structure 131 includes a first grid 133, a second grid 134, a third grid 135, a fourth grid 136, and a fifth grid 137. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grids 133, 134, 135, 136, and 137 are suspended in the through-slots 132, with the first grid 133 located in the connection region 16, the second and third grids 134, 135 located in the first region 14, and the fourth and fifth grids 136, 137 located in the second region 15. The first grid 133 , the second grid 134 , the third grid 135 , the fourth grid 136 and the fifth grid 137 are all block structures.

[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 15 、 Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes a fourth connection portion 33 located in the connection region 16 and between the third transmission layer 13 and the second transmission layer 12. The fourth connection portion 33 includes a plurality of fourth via interconnect structures. The first end 17 of the seventh transmission line 123 is coupled to the first grid 133 via the fourth via interconnect structures. The first end 17 of the sixth transmission line 122 is coupled to the first grid 133 via the fourth via interconnect structures. The fourth connection portion 33 is made of metal.

[0052] In some embodiments, see Figure 15 、 Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes a fifth connecting portion 34 located in the first region 14 and between the third transmission layer 13 and the second transmission layer 12. The fifth connecting portion 34 includes a plurality of fifth via interconnect structures. The second end 18 of the fifth transmission line 121 is coupled to the second grid 134 via the fifth via interconnect structures. The second end 18 of the sixth transmission line 122 is coupled to the second grid 134 via the fifth via interconnect structures. The fifth connecting portion 34 is made of metal.

[0053] In some embodiments, see Figure 15 、 Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes a sixth connecting portion 35 located in the second region 15 and between the third transmission layer 13 and the second transmission layer 12. The sixth connecting portion 35 includes a plurality of sixth via interconnect structures. The second end 18 of the seventh transmission line 123 is coupled to the fourth grid 136 via the sixth via interconnect structures. The second end 18 of the eighth transmission line 124 is coupled to the fourth grid 136 via the sixth via interconnect structures. The sixth connecting portion 35 is made of metal.

[0054] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 As shown, the first area 14 and the second area 15 are arranged along the second direction X; the second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0055] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 and Figure 13 As shown, the orthogonal coupler also includes: a port component 4, which includes: an input terminal 41, an in-phase output terminal 42, an orthogonal output terminal 43 and an isolation terminal 44; the port component 4 and the first transmission layer 11 are arranged on the same layer; the port component 4 is distributed on both sides of the first transmission layer 11 along the third direction Y; the third direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction Z and the second direction X respectively.

[0056] The input terminal 41 and the quadrature output terminal 43 are located in the first region 14 , and the in-phase output terminal 42 and the isolation terminal 44 are located in the second region 15 .

[0057] The input port 41 is an input interface for an input signal (radio frequency signal), and the input signal enters the orthogonal coupler from the input port 41 .

[0058] The in-phase output terminal 42 (through port) outputs a portion of the power that is in phase with the input signal (usually the power distribution is -3dB, that is, half of the input power), and the phase reference is 0°.

[0059] The quadrature output port 43 (coupled port) outputs a portion of the power (also -3 dB) that is orthogonal to the input signal (90° phase difference). For example, if the input is at a 0° phase, the output of the quadrature output port 43 is -90° (or +90°).

[0060] The isolated port 44 theoretically outputs no power. In practice, it absorbs reflected signals or acts as a matching load to prevent signal leakage to other ports. Connecting a matching load ensures high isolation between ports.

[0061] The input terminal 41 and the isolation terminal 44 are arranged along the second direction X, and the quadrature output terminal 43 and the in-phase output terminal 42 are arranged along the second direction X. The input terminal 41 and the isolation terminal 44 are located on a side close to the connection area 16, and the quadrature output terminal 43 and the in-phase output terminal 42 are located on a side away from the connection area 16. The input terminal 41 and the quadrature output terminal 43 are arranged opposite to each other along the third direction Y. The quadrature output terminal 43 and the isolation terminal 44 are arranged opposite to each other along the third direction Y.

[0062] Based on the above embodiment, a lateral separation port layout is adopted, with the input terminal 41 and the isolation terminal 44 arranged on the same side, and the in-phase output terminal 42 and the orthogonal output terminal 43 placed on the other symmetrical side, thereby reducing wiring complexity and supporting modular expansion.

[0063] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first transmission line 111 , the fourth transmission line 114 , the sixth transmission line 122 and the seventh transmission line 123 constitute a first line group 51 ; the first line group 51 is connected between the input terminal 41 and the in-phase output terminal 42 .

[0064] The second transmission line 112 , the third transmission line 113 , the fifth transmission line 121 and the eighth transmission line 124 constitute a second line group 52 ; the second line group 52 is connected between the quadrature output terminal 43 and the isolation terminal 44 .

[0065] The first connecting portion 2, the fourth connecting portion 33, the third transmission layer 13, and the first ends 17 of each transmission line together form a parallel dual-track bridge structure (located in the connecting region 16). Through the parallel dual-track bridge structure, the two transmission lines of the first line group 51 are coupled at the symmetrical center of the orthogonal coupler, and the two transmission lines of the second line group 52 are coupled at the symmetrical center of the orthogonal coupler. Specifically, the first transmission line 111 of the first line group 51 is coupled to the seventh transmission line 123, the sixth transmission line 122 of the first line group 51 is coupled to the fourth transmission line 114, the second transmission line 112 of the second line group 52 is coupled to the eighth transmission line 124, and the fifth transmission line 121 of the second line group 52 is coupled to the third transmission line 113. This coupling method forms a strictly geometrically symmetrical structure, ensuring that the transmission path lengths and parasitic parameters (such as inductance and capacitance) of the signals in the first line group 51 and the second line group 52 are completely consistent, thereby avoiding phase deviation caused by path differences. In existing non-physically symmetrical structures, differences in transmission paths can cause phase differences to drift with frequency. However, the symmetrical design of the parallel dual-rail bridge structure ensures that the phase difference between the two output signals (the two output signals are output from the in-phase output terminal 42 and the orthogonal output terminal 43, respectively) remains stable within a wide frequency band.

[0066] In addition, the connection layer 21 is used as a jumper structure, and the second transmission line 112 and the third transmission line 113 are short-circuited at the center (connection area 16) of the orthogonal coupler through the connection layer 21. That is, the portion of the second line group 52 located in the first area 14 and the portion of the second line group 52 located in the second area 15 are short-circuited at the center (connection area 16) of the orthogonal coupler through the connection layer 21. The third transmission layer 13, the first via interconnect structure 22, and the fourth connecting portion 33 are used as a jumper structure, and the first transmission line 111, the seventh transmission line 123, the fourth transmission line 114, and the sixth transmission line 122 are short-circuited through the third transmission layer 13, the first via interconnect structure 22, and the fourth connecting portion 33. That is, the portion of the first line group 51 located in the first area 14 and the portion of the first line group 51 located in the second area 15 are short-circuited at the center (connection area 16) of the orthogonal coupler, thereby increasing the phase resonance frequency and broadening the operating bandwidth. In the embodiment of the present application, the working bandwidth constraints are: within the working bandwidth, the amplitude error should be within ±1 dB, the phase error should be within ±10°, and the amplitude fluctuation should be within 3 dB.

[0067] like Figure 19 As shown in the figure, the phase change of the in-phase output terminal 42 with and without the crossover structure is compared, wherein the red line represents the phase change of the in-phase output terminal 42 with and without the crossover structure. Figure 3 The phase change of the in-phase output terminal 42 obtained by the cross-connection structure shown in the figure is shown in the figure. The black line shows the phase change of the in-phase output terminal 42 obtained by the cross-connection structure shown in the figure. Figure 18 The phase change of the in-phase output terminal 42 obtained by the cross-connection structure shown is Figure 18The third transmission layer 13 and the connection layer 21 are missing, and only one end of the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12 are coupled. Figure 3 The phase change of the in-phase output terminal 42 obtained by the cross-connection structure shown maintains a stable slope within a wider frequency band. Figure 20 As shown, the phase change of the orthogonal output terminal 43 with and without the crossover structure is compared, where the red line represents the phase change of the quadrature output terminal 43 with and without the crossover structure. Figure 3 The phase change of the quadrature output 43 obtained by the cross-connection structure shown in the figure is shown in the figure. The black line shows the phase change of the quadrature output 43 using Figure 18 The phase change of the quadrature output terminal 43 obtained by the cross-connection structure shown is achieved by using Figure 3 The phase change of the quadrature output terminal 43 obtained by the cross-connection structure shown maintains a stable slope within a wider frequency band. Figure 25 The phase difference diagram is a diagram showing the phase difference, which is equal to the phase difference between the quadrature output terminal 43 and the in-phase output terminal 42. The red line indicates the phase difference between the quadrature output terminal 43 and the in-phase output terminal 42. Figure 3 The phase difference obtained by the jumper structure shown is shown in the figure. The black line shows the phase difference obtained by using Figure 18 The phase difference obtained by the jumper structure shown is Figure 3 The illustrated bridge structure achieves a wider phase bandwidth (phase difference within 90°±10°, i.e., error less than ±10°). Therefore, the symmetrical design of the parallel dual-rail bridge structure maintains the phase error of the two output signals within 10° within a wider operating bandwidth, thereby expanding the operating bandwidth (relative bandwidth). In the embodiment of the present application, the operating bandwidth is extended to 73.8%. This expanded operating bandwidth allows for a wider range of applications for the orthogonal coupler; the wider operating bandwidth can suppress center frequency shifts, preventing degradation of the orthogonal coupler's performance.

[0068] In some embodiments, see Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the orthogonal coupler also includes: a seventh connecting portion 36 located between the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12, the seventh connecting portion 36 including a plurality of seventh via interconnect structures; the second transmission layer 12 also includes: a first metal plate 125, a second metal plate 126, a third metal plate 127 and a fourth metal plate 128; the first metal plate 125 is coupled to the input end 41 through the seventh via interconnect structure; the second metal plate 126 is coupled to the orthogonal output end 43 through the seventh via interconnect structure; the third metal plate 127 is coupled to the in-phase output end 42 through the seventh via interconnect structure; and the fourth metal plate 128 is coupled to the isolation end 44 through the seventh via interconnect structure.

[0069] In some embodiments, see Figures 15 to 17As shown, the orthogonal coupler also includes: an eighth connecting portion 37 located between the second transmission layer 12 and the third transmission layer 13, the eighth connecting portion 37 including a plurality of eighth via interconnect structures; the first metal plate 125 is coupled to the second grid 134 through the eighth via interconnect structure; the second metal plate 126 is coupled to the fifth grid 137 through the eighth via interconnect structure; the third metal plate 127 is coupled to the third grid 135 through the eighth via interconnect structure; and the fourth metal plate 128 is coupled to the fourth grid 136 through the eighth via interconnect structure.

[0070] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 17 As shown, the connection area 16 has an axis of symmetry, and the first area 14 and the second area 15 are symmetrical about the axis. The center of the first connection portion 2 is located on the axis of symmetry of the connection area 16; the first transmission line 111 in the first area 14 and the third transmission line 113 in the second area 15 are symmetrical about the axis; the second transmission line 112 in the first area 14 and the fourth transmission line 114 in the second area 15 are symmetrical about the axis; the fifth transmission line 121 in the first area 14 and the seventh transmission line 123 in the second area 15 are symmetrical about the axis; and the sixth transmission line 122 in the first area 14 and the eighth transmission line 124 in the second area 15 are symmetrical about the axis.

[0071] In some embodiments, the projections formed along the first direction Z by the body 19 of the first transmission line 111 located in the first region 14 and the body 19 of the fifth transmission line 121 located in the first region 14 coincide with each other. The projections formed along the first direction Z by the body 19 of the second transmission line 112 located in the first region 14 and the body 19 of the sixth transmission line 122 located in the first region 14 coincide with each other. The projections formed along the first direction Z by the body 19 of the third transmission line 113 located in the second region 15 and the body 19 of the seventh transmission line 123 located in the second region 15 coincide with each other. The projections formed along the first direction Z by the body 19 of the fourth transmission line 114 located in the second region 15 and the body 19 of the eighth transmission line 124 located in the second region 15 coincide with each other.

[0072] In some embodiments, the isolated terminal 44 is grounded via a 50Ω resistor. One end of the second wire group 52 is connected to the 50Ω resistor via the isolated terminal 44.

[0073] In some embodiments, see Figure 10 As shown, the first transmission line 111, the second transmission line 112, the third transmission line 113, the fourth transmission line 114, the fifth transmission line 121, the sixth transmission line 122, the seventh transmission line 123 and the eighth transmission line 124 have the same transmission line width W. The transmission line width W is equal to 3 μm.

[0074] The first transmission line 111 , the second transmission line 112 , the third transmission line 113 , the fourth transmission line 114 , the fifth transmission line 121 , the sixth transmission line 122 , the seventh transmission line 123 and the eighth transmission line 124 have the same transmission line spacing S, which is equal to 9 μm.

[0075] The distance between the third transmission layer 13 and the second transmission layer 12 is H1, which is 4.1 μm. The distance between the second transmission layer 12 and the first transmission layer 11 is H2, which is 4.1 μm.

[0076] The size of the grid structure 131 along the second direction X (grid width) is Wg, which is equal to 10 μm. The size of the through groove 132 along the second direction X is Sg, which is equal to 15 μm.

[0077] In some embodiments, the dimension of the first transmission layer 11 along the first direction Z is equal to 4 μm, the dimension of the second transmission line 112 along the first direction Z is equal to 1.42 μm, and the dimension of the third transmission layer 13 along the first direction Z is equal to 0.6 μm.

[0078] The operating frequency band of the orthogonal coupler depends on the dimensions of the orthogonal coupler, namely the length (dimension along the second direction X) and the width (dimension along the third direction Y). Figure 9 As shown, the grid structure 131 and the through-slots 132 form a central region. The dimension of the central region along the second direction X is denoted as L1, which is 580 µm. The dimension of the central region along the third direction Y is denoted as L2, which is 150 µm. A larger dimension of the orthogonal coupler (central region) indicates a lower operating frequency band, and vice versa.

[0079] The coupling degree of a quadrature coupler is related to W, Sg, S, and Wg. The greater the W and Sg, and the smaller the S and Wg, the greater the coupling degree. Conversely, the smaller the W and Sg, and the larger the S and Wg, the smaller the coupling degree. By adjusting these parameters, the desired operating frequency band and coupling degree can be achieved.

[0080] Based on the above embodiments, a broadband, easy-to-use, and compact orthogonal coupler is proposed. By introducing a parallel dual-rail bridge structure (composed of the first connection portion 2, the fourth connection portion 33, the third transmission layer 13, the first transmission layer 11, and the second transmission layer 12), the relative operating bandwidth of the orthogonal coupler is expanded to 73.8%. A lateral separation layout is adopted, with the input end 41 and the output end (the in-phase output end 42 and the quadrature output end 43) disposed on either side of the orthogonal coupler. This effectively improves the orthogonal coupler's ease of use, reduces wiring complexity, and supports modular expansion, such as multi-stage cascading. A compact layout is achieved with the multi-layer three-dimensional coupling structure, achieving a size-to-wavelength ratio of 7.6×10 -5 .

[0081] In some embodiments, Figure 11 represents the top view of the quadrature coupler, Figure 12 The bottom view of the orthogonal coupler is shown. The projection of the first transmission layer 11 along the first direction Z is located within the third transmission layer 13 . The projection of the second transmission layer 12 along the first direction Z is located within the third transmission layer 13 .

[0082] In some embodiments, the balance within the operating frequency band includes amplitude balance and phase balance. Figure 21 As shown, the black arrow indicates the left coordinate axis for the black curve, and the red arrow indicates the right coordinate axis for the red curve. The amplitude difference = the amplitude of the quadrature output 43 - the amplitude of the in-phase output 42, and the phase difference = the phase of the in-phase output 42 - the phase of the quadrature output 43 - 90°. Within the 5.60-12.15 GHz frequency band (73.8% relative bandwidth), the amplitude difference is less than ±1 dB, and the phase difference is less than ±10°.

[0083] In some embodiments, Figure 22 A schematic diagram shows the scattering parameters (return loss) of the quadrature coupler. S11 represents the return loss at input port 41, S22 represents the return loss at in-phase output port 42, S33 represents the return loss at quadrature output port 43, and S44 represents the return loss at isolation port 44. S21 represents the return loss from input port 41 to in-phase output port 42, and S31 represents the return loss from input port 41 to quadrature output port 43. Within the 5.60-12.15 GHz operating frequency band, the return loss of all four ports (S11, S22, S33, and S44) is better than 19 dB.

[0084] In some embodiments, Figure 23 Indicates the isolation of the orthogonal coupler. Within the operating frequency band, the isolation is 23-31dB.

[0085] In some embodiments, Figure 24Indicates the loss of the orthogonal coupler. The orthogonal coupler has low loss, which is less than 1.6dB within the operating range.

[0086] The orthogonal coupler provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the following scenarios: (1) IQ mixer: This can be applied to the intermediate frequency quadrature port of an IQ mixer. The IQ mixer (Inphase / Quadrature Mixer) is a core module for spectrum shifting and quadrature modulation / demodulation in wireless communication systems. By decomposing the signal into in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) paths, it can achieve complex modulation or direct frequency conversion architecture.

[0087] (2) Amplifier: In a balanced amplifier, it is used to generate input signals and synthesize output signals; in a Doherty power amplifier, it realizes the generation of input orthogonal signals.

[0088] (3) Phase shifter: It can be used in a phase shifter to achieve a 90° phase.

[0089] The quadrature coupler provided in the embodiments of this application has applications in mixer, amplifier, and phase shifter circuits. In IQ mixers, it can be used to generate or synthesize intermediate frequency (IF) and local oscillator (LO) quadrature signals; in amplifier circuits, it can be used to generate input quadrature signals or synthesize output quadrature signals; and in phase shifters, it can be used to generate a 90° phase shift.

[0090] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency module, comprising the orthogonal coupler as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0091] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0092] The embodiments, implementation methods and related technical features of the present application can be combined and replaced with each other without conflict.

[0093] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application and do not constitute any form of limitation to the present application. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present application without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present application are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present application.

Claims

1. An orthogonal coupler, characterized in that: include: A transmission structure (1) comprising a first transmission layer (11), a second transmission layer (12), and a third transmission layer (13) stacked along a first direction (Z), wherein the second transmission layer (12) is located between the third transmission layer (13) and the first transmission layer (11), and the transmission structure (1) further comprising a first region (14) and a second region (15) distributed along a plane perpendicular to the first direction (Z), and a connecting region (16) located between the first region (14) and the second region (15); The first transmission layer (11) includes: a first transmission line (111) and a second transmission line (112) located in the first area (14), and a third transmission line (113) and a fourth transmission line (114) located in the second area (15); The second transmission layer (12) comprises: a fifth transmission line (121) and a sixth transmission line (122) located in the first area (14), and a seventh transmission line (123) and an eighth transmission line (124) located in the second area (15), wherein the fifth transmission line (121) is parallel to the first transmission line (111), the sixth transmission line (122) is parallel to the second transmission line (112), the seventh transmission line (123) is parallel to the third transmission line (113), and the eighth transmission line (124) is parallel to the fourth transmission line (114); A first connecting portion (2) located in the connecting area (16), the first connecting portion (2) comprising a connecting layer (21) and a plurality of first via interconnect structures (22), the first end (17) of the first transmission line (111) being coupled to the first end (17) of the seventh transmission line (123) via the first via interconnect structure (22), the first end (17) of the second transmission line (112) being coupled to the first end (17) of the eighth transmission line (124) via the first via interconnect structure (22), The first end (17) of the third transmission line (113) is coupled to the first end (17) of the fifth transmission line (121) through the first via interconnection structure (22), the first end (17) of the fourth transmission line (114) is coupled to the first end (17) of the sixth transmission line (122) through the first via interconnection structure (22), and the first end (17) of the second transmission line (112) is also coupled to the first end (17) of the third transmission line (113) through the connection layer (21); The third transmission layer (13) and the second transmission layer (12) are coupled.

2. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a second connecting portion (31) located in the first area (14), the second connecting portion (31) comprising a plurality of second via interconnection structures; The second end (18) of the first transmission line (111) is coupled to the second end (18) of the sixth transmission line (122) through the second via interconnection structure; The second end (18) of the second transmission line (112) is coupled to the second end (18) of the fifth transmission line (121) through the second via interconnection structure.

3. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 2, wherein: The second connecting portion (31) is located at the center of the first area (14).

4. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a third connecting portion (32) located in the second area (15), the third connecting portion (32) comprising a plurality of third via interconnection structures; The second end (18) of the third transmission line (113) is coupled to the second end (18) of the eighth transmission line (124) through the third via interconnection structure; The second end (18) of the fourth transmission line (114) is coupled to the second end (18) of the seventh transmission line (123) through the third via interconnection structure.

5. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 4, wherein: The third connecting portion (32) is located at the center of the second area (15).

6. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 1, wherein: The third transmission layer (13) includes: a grid structure (131) and a through groove (132); The grid structure (131) includes a first grid (133), a second grid (134), a third grid (135), a fourth grid (136) and a fifth grid (137); The first grid (133), the second grid (134), the third grid (135), the fourth grid (136) and the fifth grid (137) are suspended in the through groove (132), and the first grid (133) is located in the connecting area (16), the second grid (134) and the third grid (135) are located in the first area (14), and the fourth grid (136) and the fifth grid (137) are located in the second area (15).

7. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 6, wherein: Also includes: a fourth connection portion (33) located in the connection area (16), and the fourth connection portion (33) is also located between the third transmission layer (13) and the second transmission layer (12), and the fourth connection portion (33) includes a plurality of fourth via interconnection structures; The first end (17) of the seventh transmission line (123) is coupled to the first grid (133) through the fourth via interconnection structure; The first end (17) of the sixth transmission line (122) is coupled to the first grid (133) through the fourth via interconnection structure.

8. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 6, wherein: Also includes: a fifth connecting portion (34) located in the first area (14), and the fifth connecting portion (34) is also located between the third transmission layer (13) and the second transmission layer (12), and the fifth connecting portion (34) includes a plurality of fifth via interconnect structures; The second end (18) of the fifth transmission line (121) is coupled to the second grid (134) through the fifth via interconnection structure; The second end (18) of the sixth transmission line (122) is coupled to the second grid (134) through the fifth via interconnect structure.

9. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 6, wherein: Also includes: a sixth connecting portion (35) located in the second area (15), and the sixth connecting portion (35) is also located between the third transmission layer (13) and the second transmission layer (12), and the sixth connecting portion (35) includes a plurality of sixth via interconnect structures; The second end (18) of the seventh transmission line (123) is coupled to the fourth grid (136) through the sixth via interconnect structure; The second end (18) of the eighth transmission line (124) is coupled to the fourth grid (136) through the sixth via interconnect structure.

10. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 6, wherein: The first area (14) and the second area (15) are arranged along a second direction (X); the second direction (X) is perpendicular to the first direction (Z).

11. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 10, wherein: Also includes: A port component (4), the port component (4) comprising: an input terminal (41), an in-phase output terminal (42), an orthogonal output terminal (43), and an isolation terminal (44); the port component (4) and the first transmission layer (11) are arranged on the same layer; The port components (4) are distributed on both sides of the first transmission layer (11) along a third direction (Y); the third direction (Y) is perpendicular to the first direction (Z) and the second direction (X).

12. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 11, wherein: The first transmission line (111), the fourth transmission line (114), the sixth transmission line (122), and the seventh transmission line (123) constitute a first line group (51); The first line group (51) is connected between the input terminal (41) and the in-phase output terminal (42).

13. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 11, wherein: The second transmission line (112), the third transmission line (113), the fifth transmission line (121) and the eighth transmission line (124) constitute a second line group (52); The second line group (52) is connected between the quadrature output terminal (43) and the isolation terminal (44).

14. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 11, wherein: Also includes: a seventh connecting portion (36) located between the first transmission layer (11) and the second transmission layer (12), the seventh connecting portion (36) comprising a plurality of seventh via interconnect structures; The second transmission layer (12) further comprises: a first metal plate (125), a second metal plate (126), a third metal plate (127) and a fourth metal plate (128); The first metal plate (125) is coupled to the input end (41) through the seventh via interconnection structure; The second metal plate (126) is coupled to the orthogonal output terminal (43) through the seventh via interconnection structure; The third metal plate (127) is coupled to the in-phase output terminal (42) through the seventh via interconnection structure; The fourth metal plate (128) is coupled to the isolation terminal (44) through the seventh via interconnection structure.

15. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 14, wherein: Also includes: an eighth connecting portion (37) located between the second transmission layer (12) and the third transmission layer (13), the eighth connecting portion (37) comprising a plurality of eighth via interconnection structures; The first metal plate (125) is coupled to the second grid (134) through the eighth via interconnection structure; The second metal plate (126) is coupled to the fifth grid (137) through the eighth via interconnect structure; The third metal plate (127) is coupled to the third grid (135) through the eighth via interconnection structure; The fourth metal plate (128) is coupled to the fourth grid (136) through the eighth via interconnect structure.

16. The orthogonal coupler according to claim 1, wherein: The center of the first connecting portion (2) is located on the symmetry axis of the connecting area (16); The first transmission line (111) located in the first area (14) and the third transmission line (113) located in the second area (15) are axially symmetrical; The second transmission line (112) located in the first area (14) and the fourth transmission line (114) located in the second area (15) are axially symmetrical; The fifth transmission line (121) located in the first area (14) and the seventh transmission line (123) located in the second area (15) are axially symmetrical; The sixth transmission line (122) located in the first area (14) and the eighth transmission line (124) located in the second area (15) are axially symmetrical.

17. A radio frequency module, characterized in that: Comprising the orthogonal coupler according to any one of claims 1-16.

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