Phase shift circuit, antenna feeder system and communication device

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a phase shift circuit, an antenna feeder system and a communication device. A radio-frequency switch unit in the phase shift circuit is connected in series and / or in parallel to a filter unit, such that the filter unit can filter out an interference signal generated when a radio frequency signal passes through the radio-frequency switch unit, thereby reducing nonlinear products generated in the phase shift circuit; and moreover, the design can increase the effective layout area of the phase shift circuit.

Description

A phase-shifting circuit, an antenna feeder system, and a communication device.

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411660355.3, filed on November 19, 2024, entitled "A Phase Shifting Circuit, Antenna Feeder System and Communication Equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to a phase-shifting circuit, an antenna feeder system, and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] In phased array technology, increasing the beam scanning angle is typically used to achieve a wider coverage area. Currently, beam scanning direction is controlled by adding one or more phase shifters. For example, the on / off state of the RF switches in the phase shifter can be controlled by controlling the voltage, thereby changing the signal propagation path within the phase shifter. Because the signal passes through different paths in the phase shifter, the output signal can be phase-shifted, thus enabling electromagnetic waves to propagate in different directions. However, nonlinear products are generated when the signal passes through the various components (e.g., RF switches) in the phase shifter, causing signal distortion and affecting the normal operation of the communication system. Generally, a filter needs to be added after the phase shifter to suppress the nonlinear products generated when the signal passes through the RF switches. However, currently, regardless of the type of filter added, it will worsen the insertion loss, the phase shifting circuit, and the effective layout area of ​​the filtering circuit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a phase-shifting circuit, an antenna feed system, and a communication device, which can not only suppress the nonlinear products generated by the radio frequency switch and avoid their impact on the communication system, but also increase the effective layout area of ​​the phase-shifting circuit.

[0005] In a first aspect, a phase-shifting circuit is provided, comprising: a first radio frequency (RF) switching unit and a first filtering unit. The first RF switching unit controls the phase shifting of the RF signal by controlling the transmission path of the RF signal in the phase-shifting circuit, and the first filtering unit is used to filter out interference signals generated when the RF signal passes through the first RF switching unit.

[0006] The first radio frequency switch unit is connected in parallel or in series with the first filter unit.

[0007] The phase-shifting circuit provided in this application combines phase-shifting and filtering functions. The newly added filtering unit in the phase-shifting circuit can suppress interference signals outside the main operating frequency band, reduce the nonlinear products generated by the phase-shifting circuit, and reduce the impact of the phase-shifting circuit on other communication devices. Furthermore, this design can increase the effective layout area of ​​the phase-shifting circuit.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first radio frequency switch unit is connected in parallel with the first filter unit, and the phase shift circuit further includes a second filter unit, wherein the first radio frequency switch unit is connected in series with the second filter unit.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first radio frequency switch unit is connected in series with the first filter unit, and the phase shift circuit further includes a third filter unit, wherein the first radio frequency switch unit is connected in parallel with the third filter unit.

[0010] The phase-shifting circuit provided in this application connects the RF switching unit in both parallel and series with a filter unit, which can further suppress interference signals outside the main operating frequency band and prevent the phase-shifting circuit from affecting other communication equipment.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the phase-shifting circuit further includes at least one second radio frequency switching unit and at least one fourth filtering unit.

[0012] Wherein, each of the at least one second radio frequency switch unit is connected in series with one of the at least one fourth filter unit, and / or, each of the at least one second radio frequency switch unit is connected in parallel with one of the at least one fourth filter unit.

[0013] Optionally, each of the at least one second radio frequency switch units may be connected in series with a plurality of fourth filter units in the at least one fourth filter unit, and / or each of the at least one second radio frequency switch units may be connected in parallel with a plurality of fourth filter units in the at least one fourth filter unit.

[0014] Optionally, each of the at least one fourth filtering unit may be connected in series with a plurality of second radio frequency switch units in the at least one second radio frequency switch, and / or each of the at least one fourth filtering unit may be connected in parallel with a plurality of second radio frequency switch units in the at least one second radio frequency switch.

[0015] The phase-shifting circuit provided in this application may also include multiple RF switch units and multiple filter units. The RF switch units and filter units can be flexibly connected and are compatible with various phase-shifting topologies for filtering design.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the operating frequency band of the first filtering unit is within the frequency band range of the interference signal generated when the radio frequency signal passes through the first radio frequency switching unit.

[0017] Similarly, the operating frequency band of each filter unit in the above-mentioned at least one fourth filter unit may also be within the frequency band of the interference signal generated by the radio frequency signal passing through the radio frequency switch units connected in parallel and / or in series with the filter unit.

[0018] The design of the operating frequency band of the filter unit in the phase-shifting circuit described above in this application can successfully suppress interference signals outside the main operating frequency band.

[0019] In a second aspect, an antenna feed system is provided, which includes an antenna element and a phase-shifting circuit in the first aspect or some implementation thereof, the phase-shifting circuit being connected to the antenna element.

[0020] The phase-shifting circuit can transmit the signal after phase-shifting and filtering from the antenna element, or it can perform phase-shifting and filtering on the signal received from the antenna element. This application does not limit the specific application to this.

[0021] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a digital intermediate frequency unit, a radio frequency unit connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit, and an antenna unit, the radio frequency unit including a phase shifting circuit as in the first aspect or some implementations of the first aspect, the phase shifting circuit being connected to the antenna unit.

[0022] The phase-shifting circuit can transmit the signal after phase-shifting and filtering from the antenna element, or it can perform phase-shifting and filtering on the signal received from the antenna element. This application does not limit the specific application to this. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device 20 provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device 30 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the antenna feeder system 40 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 5 is another structural schematic diagram of the antenna feeder system 50 provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 6 is a circuit structure block diagram of the phase shifting circuit 60 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 7 is another circuit structure block diagram of the phase shifting circuit 60 provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 8 is another circuit structure block diagram of the phase shifting circuit 60 provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 9 is a circuit structure block diagram of a T-type phase shifting circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 10 is a circuit structure block diagram of a loading linear phase-shifting circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 11 is a circuit structure block diagram of a switch-line phase-shifting circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 12 is a circuit structure block diagram of a reflective phase-shifting circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 13 is a circuit structure block diagram of a high-pass / low-pass phase-shifting circuit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 14 is a circuit structure block diagram of a vector synthesis phase-shifting circuit provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0038] The implementation of the technical solution of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication device 10 and the baseband unit (BBU) 11 are connected via optical fiber. The baseband unit 11 can implement baseband processing functions, such as encoding, multiplexing, modulation, and spread spectrum.

[0040] The communication device 10 is connected to the antenna element 12 via a feed line. The antenna element 12 includes at least one antenna element.

[0041] The optical fiber transmits optical signals, specifically the optical signals transmitted between the baseband processing unit 11 and the communication device 10. The feeder transmits electrical signals, specifically the electrical signals transmitted between the communication device 10 and the antenna unit 12.

[0042] The communication device 10 includes a digital intermediate frequency unit 101 and a radio frequency unit 102 connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit 101. Specifically, the baseband processing unit 11 is connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit 101 in the communication device 10. The digital intermediate frequency unit 101 is used for modulation and demodulation of optical transmission, digital up and down conversion, signal clipping, and analog-to-digital conversion.

[0043] The radio frequency unit 102 includes a phase shifting circuit 1021, which can shift the phase of the radio frequency signal in the radio frequency unit 102.

[0044] Furthermore, the radio frequency unit 102 may also include a power amplifier circuit 1022, which is located between the phase shift circuit 1021 and the digital intermediate frequency unit 101, and can amplify the power of the radio frequency signal. In this case, the digital intermediate frequency unit 101 is specifically connected to the power amplifier circuit 1022 in the radio frequency unit 102.

[0045] For example, taking the signal transmission of communication device 10 as an example, digital intermediate frequency unit 101 modulates the baseband signal transmitted by baseband processing unit 11 to obtain a first radio frequency signal. The first radio frequency signal is amplified by power amplifier circuit 1022 and then transmitted to phase shift circuit 1021. After phase shifting and filtering out interference frequency bands, phase shift circuit 1021 obtains a second radio frequency signal, which is converted into electromagnetic waves by antenna unit 12 and transmitted.

[0046] In some feasible implementations, the communication device may also include an antenna unit, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application embodiment. The difference between the communication device 20 shown in Figure 2 and the communication device 10 shown in Figure 1 is that, in addition to including a digital intermediate frequency unit 201 and a radio frequency unit 202, the communication device 20 also includes an antenna unit 203, wherein the antenna unit 203 includes at least one antenna element. Furthermore, each antenna element in the antenna unit 203 is specifically connected to one end of the phase shifting circuit 2021 in the radio frequency unit 202. The other end of the phase shifting circuit 2021 is connected to one end of the power amplifier circuit 2022. The other end of the power amplifier circuit 2022 is connected to one end of the digital intermediate frequency unit 201. The other end of the digital intermediate frequency unit 201 is connected to the baseband processing unit 21. It is understood that the specific implementation of the communication device 20 can refer to the specific implementation of the communication device 10, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] In this embodiment, the communication device integrates an antenna unit, which reduces the cable connection between the communication device and the antenna unit, resulting in low cost. Furthermore, the integration of the communication device and the antenna unit together leads to high integration and high space utilization. A communication device integrating an antenna unit can be understood as an active antenna unit (AAU).

[0048] In some feasible implementations, the communication device may be provided with multiple antenna elements, and the radio frequency (RF) unit may be provided with phase-shifting circuits corresponding to each antenna element. In this case, the communication device 30, as shown in Figure 3, includes a digital intermediate frequency (IF) unit 301 and an RF unit 302. The RF unit 302 includes phase-shifting circuits 3021a, 3021b, and 3021n. One end of phase-shifting circuit 3021a is connected to antenna element 303a, one end of phase-shifting circuit 3021b is connected to antenna element 303b, and one end of phase-shifting circuit 3021n is connected to antenna element 303n. The other ends of phase-shifting circuits 3021a, 3021b, and 3021n are connected to one end of power amplifier circuit 3022. The other end of power amplifier circuit 3022 is connected to one end of digital IF unit 301, and the other end of digital IF unit 301 is connected to baseband processing unit 31. Unlike communication device 20, multiple antenna units in communication device 30 share a baseband processing unit 31. The baseband signal transmitted by the baseband processing unit 31 is modulated by the digital intermediate frequency unit 301 to obtain a third radio frequency signal. The third radio frequency signal is transmitted to each phase shifting circuit through the power amplifier circuit 3022. The phase shift amount of each phase shifting circuit can be different, so that the antenna units connected to each phase shifting circuit can propagate electromagnetic waves in different directions.

[0049] For example, antenna elements 303a, 303b, and 303n include at least one antenna element. Further, an antenna array may include antenna elements 303a, 303b, and 303n, in which case antenna elements 303a, 303b, and 303n may be disposed on the same printed circuit board (PCB).

[0050] In this embodiment, the communication device integrates multiple antenna units and multiple phase-shifting circuits, resulting in higher integration and higher space utilization.

[0051] It should be noted that the communication equipment provided in this application can be used in scenarios such as base stations, terminal devices, radar, and wireless fidelity (WiFi). Among them, terminal devices can be, for example, smart wearable devices, smartphones, tablets, laptops, in-vehicle computers, servers, and smart cars, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation of the terminal devices.

[0052] In some feasible implementations, the product form that this application can specifically realize, in addition to communication equipment, can also be an antenna feeder system. For example, see Figure 4, which is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna feeder system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the antenna feeder system 40 is connected to a remote radio unit (RRU) 41.

[0053] The antenna system 40 includes a phase-shifting circuit 401 and an antenna unit 402, wherein the phase-shifting circuit 401 is connected to the antenna unit 402. Exemplarily, the phase-shifting circuit 401 phase-shifts the fourth radio frequency signal provided by the radio frequency remote unit 41 and filters out interference frequency bands to obtain a fifth radio frequency signal. The antenna unit 402 converts the fifth radio frequency signal into an electromagnetic wave that propagates in a specific direction, thereby realizing signal transmission.

[0054] Similarly, the antenna feeder system may also include multiple phase-shifting circuits and antenna units connected to each phase-shifting circuit, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is another structural schematic diagram of the antenna feeder system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the antenna feeder system 50 is connected to the radio frequency remote unit 51.

[0055] The antenna feed system 50 includes phase shift circuits 501a, 501b, and 501n. Specifically, the radio frequency remote unit 51 is connected to one end of phase shift circuit 501a, one end of phase shift circuit 501b, and one end of phase shift circuit 501n in the antenna feed system 500. The other end of phase shift circuit 501a is connected to antenna element 502a, the other end of phase shift circuit 501b is connected to antenna element 502b, and the other end of phase shift circuit 501n is connected to antenna element 502n. This integration of multiple phase shift circuits and multiple antenna elements results in high integration density and high space utilization. For a detailed implementation, refer to antenna feed system 40; further details are omitted here.

[0056] For example, antenna elements 502a, 502b, and 502n include at least one antenna element. Further, an antenna array may include antenna elements 502a, 502b, and 502n, in which case antenna elements 502a, 502b, and 502n may be disposed on the same PCB.

[0057] The specific structure of the phase-shifting circuit provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] First, refer to Figure 6, which is a circuit block diagram of a phase-shifting circuit provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6(a), the phase-shifting circuit 60 includes a first radio frequency (RF) switch unit and a first filter unit, wherein the first RF switch unit and the first filter unit are connected in parallel.

[0059] Specifically, the first radio frequency switching unit controls the phase shift of the radio frequency signal by controlling the transmission path of the radio frequency signal in the phase shifting circuit 60, and the first filtering unit is used to filter out the interference signal generated when the radio frequency signal passes through the first radio frequency switching unit.

[0060] It should be explained that the filtering unit in this application embodiment can be designed according to the operating frequency, performance requirements, etc. of the communication system. For example, the filtering unit in this application embodiment can implement low-pass filtering, high-pass filtering, band-pass filtering, band-stop filtering, or a combination of these filters.

[0061] For example, when the first RF switch unit is turned on, the RF signal input from point A is a high-frequency signal, and the interference signal generated after the RF signal passes through the first RF switch unit is a low-frequency signal. At this time, there are both high-frequency and low-frequency signals at point B, the output of the first RF switch unit. The high-frequency signal is output from point C, and the low-frequency signal is input to the first filter unit for filtering. In this example, the first filter unit can implement low-pass filtering.

[0062] Another example, as shown in Figure 6(b), is that the phase shifting circuit 60 includes a first radio frequency switching unit and a first filter unit, wherein the first radio frequency switching unit and the first filter unit are connected in series.

[0063] Specifically, the first radio frequency switching unit controls the phase shift of the radio frequency signal by controlling the transmission path of the radio frequency signal in the phase shifting circuit 60, and the first filtering unit is used to filter out the interference signal generated when the radio frequency signal passes through the first radio frequency switching unit.

[0064] For example, when the first RF switch unit is turned on, the RF signal input at point A is a high-frequency signal, and the interference signal generated after the RF signal passes through the first RF switch unit is a low-frequency signal. At this time, there are both high-frequency and low-frequency signals at point B, the output of the first RF switch unit. Both the high-frequency and low-frequency signals are input to the first filter unit. The high-frequency signal can still be output from the first filter unit, while the low-frequency signal is filtered out by the first filter unit. In this example, the first filter unit can implement low-pass filtering.

[0065] It should be explained that the embodiments of this application use a single switch as an example to illustrate the technical solution. In some feasible implementations, a single radio frequency switch unit in the embodiments of this application can be a specific implementation of two or more switches connected in series or in parallel. That is, the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of switches included in a single radio frequency switch unit, nor do they limit the series or parallel connection between the multiple switches included in a single radio frequency switch unit.

[0066] Optionally, the switches included in the RF switch unit in this application embodiment can be implemented as mechanical switches or semiconductor switches. Semiconductor switches may include, for example, ferrite switches, GaN switches, SOI switches, PIN switches, etc. That is, this application embodiment does not limit the type of switches included in the RF switch unit.

[0067] Optionally, if the first RF switch unit and the first filter unit are connected in parallel, the phase shift circuit 60 may further include a second filter unit. The first RF switch unit and the second filter unit are connected in series.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7(a), in one example, a first filter unit is connected in parallel across the two ends of a first radio frequency switch unit, and a second filter unit is connected in series at the output of the first radio frequency switch unit.

[0069] For example, when the first RF switch unit is turned on, the RF signal input at point A is a high-frequency signal, and the interference signal generated after the RF signal passes through the first RF switch unit is a low-frequency signal. At this time, there are both high-frequency and low-frequency signals at point B, the output of the first RF switch unit. Generally, the high-frequency signal is output from the branch where the second filter unit is located, and the low-frequency signal is input to the first filter unit for filtering. However, the high-frequency signal output from the branch where the second filter unit is located may still contain low-frequency signals, which can be filtered out by the second filter unit. In this example, the first filter unit and the second filter unit can implement low-pass filtering.

[0070] Another example, as shown in Figure 7(b), is that the first filter unit, the first RF switch unit, and the second filter unit are connected in parallel, and the second filter unit is connected in series at the output terminal of the first RF switch.

[0071] For example, when the first RF switch unit is turned on, the RF signal input at point A is a high-frequency signal, and the interference signal generated after the RF signal passes through the first RF switch unit is a low-frequency signal. At this time, there are both high-frequency and low-frequency signals at point B, the output of the first RF switch unit. Both high-frequency and low-frequency signals are input to the second filter unit. The high-frequency signal can still be output from the second filter unit, while the low-frequency signal is filtered out by the second filter unit. However, the high-frequency signal output from the second filter unit may still contain low-frequency signals. In this case, the high-frequency signal is output from point C, and the low-frequency signal is input to the first filter unit for further filtering. In this example, the first and second filter units can implement low-pass filtering.

[0072] Optionally, if the first RF switch unit and the first filter unit are connected in series, the phase shift circuit 60 may further include a third filter unit. The first RF switch unit and the third filter unit are connected in parallel.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8(a), in one example, the third filter unit is connected in parallel across the two ends of the first RF switch unit, and the first filter unit is connected in series at the output of the first RF switch unit.

[0074] For example, when the first RF switch unit is turned on, the RF signal input at point A is a high-frequency signal, and the interference signal generated after the RF signal passes through the first RF switch unit is a low-frequency signal. At this time, there are both high-frequency and low-frequency signals at point B, the output of the first RF switch unit. Generally, the high-frequency signal is output from the branch where the first filter unit is located, and the low-frequency signal is input to the third filter unit for filtering. However, the high-frequency signal output from the branch where the first filter unit is located may still contain low-frequency signals, which can be filtered out by the first filter unit. In this example, the third filter unit and the first filter unit can implement low-pass filtering.

[0075] Another example, as shown in Figure 8(b), is that the third filter unit is connected in parallel with the first RF switch unit and the first filter unit, and the first filter unit is connected in series with the output terminal of the first RF switch.

[0076] For example, when the first RF switch unit is turned on, the RF signal input at point A is a high-frequency signal, and the interference signal generated after the RF signal passes through the first RF switch unit is a low-frequency signal. At this time, there are both high-frequency and low-frequency signals at point B, the output of the first RF switch unit. Both high-frequency and low-frequency signals are input to the first filter unit, where the high-frequency signal can still be output from the first filter unit, and the low-frequency signal is filtered out by the first filter unit. However, the high-frequency signal output from the first filter unit may still contain low-frequency signals. In this case, the high-frequency signal is output from point C, and the low-frequency signal is input to the third filter unit for further filtering. In this example, the third filter unit and the first filter unit can implement low-pass filtering.

[0077] Specifically, in this embodiment, the operating frequency band of the filtering unit is within the frequency band of the interference signal generated when the radio frequency signal passes through the radio frequency switching unit. For example, the operating frequency band of the first filtering unit is within the frequency band of the interference signal generated when the radio frequency signal passes through the first radio frequency switching unit.

[0078] The above describes how to filter out interference signals generated by a first RF switch unit in a phase-shifting circuit. In reality, the phase-shifting circuit may also include at least one second RF switch unit and at least one fourth filter unit. Each of the at least one second RF switch unit is connected in series with one of the at least one fourth filter units, and / or, each of the at least one second RF switch unit is connected in parallel with one of the at least one fourth filter units. The following description uses T-type phase-shifting circuits, loaded linear phase-shifting circuits, switch-line phase-shifting circuits, reflective phase-shifting circuits, high-pass / low-pass phase-shifting circuits, and vector synthesis phase-shifting circuits as examples.

[0079] I. T-type phase shifting circuit

[0080] Referring to Figure 9, which shows a circuit block diagram of an example T-type phase-shifting circuit, the T-type phase-shifting circuit includes reactance element 1, reactance element 2, reactance element 3, RF switch unit 1, and RF switch unit 2. RF switch unit 2 is connected in series between the input and output terminals. Reactance element 1 and reactance element 2 are connected in series between the input and output terminals. Reactance element 3 and RF switch unit 1 are connected in series between the connection point between reactance element 1 and reactance element 2 and ground.

[0081] When both RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 2 are in the ON state, the RF signal input at the input terminal can be transmitted to the output terminal through RF switch unit 2. At this time, the phase of the RF signal output at the output terminal leads the phase of the RF signal input at the input terminal. When both RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 2 are in the OFF state, the signal input at the input terminal can be transmitted to the output terminal through reactance element 1 and reactance element 2. At this time, the phase of the RF signal output at the output terminal lags behind the phase of the RF signal input at the input terminal. Reactance element 3 can further increase the lag between the phase of the RF signal output at the output terminal and the phase of the RF signal input at the input terminal.

[0082] For example, in Figure 9(a), a filter unit is connected in parallel to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 9(a), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1, and RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2.

[0083] For example, in Figure 9(b), a filter unit is connected in series with each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 9(b), RF switch unit 1 is connected in series with filter unit 1, and RF switch unit 2 is connected in series with filter unit 2.

[0084] For example, in Figure 9(c), a filter unit is connected in parallel to each RF switch unit and a filter unit is connected in series to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 9(c), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1 and in series with filter unit 3; RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2 and in series with filter unit 4.

[0085] For example, the filtering design for the RF switch unit in Figure 9(a), Figure 9(b), and Figure 9(c) above are merely examples. The filtering design for each RF switch unit in the T-type phase shift circuit can also be designed independently according to Figure 9(a), Figure 9(b), or Figure 9(c). For example, one RF switch unit in the T-type phase shift circuit may be connected in series with a filtering unit, and another RF switch unit in the T-type phase shift circuit may be connected in parallel with a filtering unit. This application does not limit this.

[0086] II. Loading a linear phase-shifting circuit

[0087] Referring to Figure 10, which shows a circuit block diagram of an example of a linear phase-shifting circuit, the linear phase-shifting circuit includes reactance element 1, reactance element 2, reactance element 3, RF switch unit 1, and RF switch unit 2. Reactance element 1 is connected in series between the input and output terminals. Reactance element 2 and RF switch unit 1 are connected in series between the connection point between the input terminal and reactance element 1 and ground. Reactance element 3 and RF switch unit 2 are connected in series between the connection point between reactance element 1 and the output terminal and ground.

[0088] When RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 2 are in the ON state, reactance element 1, reactance element 2, and reactance element 3 are all connected to the circuit, and the phase of the RF signal output from the output terminal lags behind the phase of the RF signal input from the input terminal. When RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 2 are in the OFF state, only reactance element 1 is connected to the circuit, and the phase of the RF signal output from the output terminal remains unchanged or has a small phase lag compared to the phase of the RF signal input from the input terminal.

[0089] For example, in Figure 10(a), a filter unit is connected in parallel to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 10(a), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1, and RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2.

[0090] For example, in Figure 10(b), a filter unit is connected in series with each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 10(b), RF switch unit 1 is connected in series with filter unit 1, and RF switch unit 2 is connected in series with filter unit 2.

[0091] For example, in Figure 10(c), a filter unit is connected in parallel to each RF switch unit and a filter unit is connected in series to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 10(c), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1 and in series with filter unit 3; RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2 and in series with filter unit 4.

[0092] For example, the filtering design for the RF switch unit in Figure 10(a), Figure 10(b), and Figure 10(c) above are merely examples. The filtering design for each RF switch unit in the loaded linear phase shift circuit can also be designed independently according to Figure 10(a), Figure 10(b), or Figure 10(c). For example, one RF switch unit in the loaded linear phase shift circuit may be connected in series with a filtering unit, and another RF switch unit in the loaded linear phase shift circuit may be connected in parallel with a filtering unit. This application does not limit this.

[0093] III. Switching Linear Phase-Shifting Circuit

[0094] Referring to Figure 11, which shows a circuit block diagram of an example of a switch-line phase-shifting circuit, the switch-line phase-shifting circuit includes transmission line 1, transmission line 2, RF switch unit 1, and RF switch unit 2. Transmission line 1 is connected in series between the input and output terminals, and transmission line 2 is connected in series between the input and output terminals. Transmission lines 1 and 2 are connected in parallel. RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 2 can be single-pole double-throw switches, and RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 2 can be switched to transmission line 1 or simultaneously to transmission line 2.

[0095] When both RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 2 are switched to transmission line 1, the RF signal input at the input terminal can be transmitted to the output terminal via transmission line 1. Since transmission line 1 is shorter, the phase of the RF signal output at the output terminal has a smaller phase shift compared to the phase of the RF signal input at the input terminal. When both RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 2 are switched to transmission line 2, the signal input at the input terminal can be transmitted to the output terminal via transmission line 2. Since transmission line 2 is longer, the phase of the RF signal output at the output terminal has a larger phase shift compared to the phase of the RF signal input at the input terminal.

[0096] For example, Figure 11(a) shows a filter unit connected in parallel to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 11(a), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1, and RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2.

[0097] For example, in Figure 11(b), a filter unit is connected in series with each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 11(b), RF switch unit 1 is connected in series with filter unit 1, and RF switch unit 2 is connected in series with filter unit 2.

[0098] For example, in Figure 11(c), a filter unit is connected in parallel to each RF switch unit and a filter unit is connected in series to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 11(c), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1 and in series with filter unit 3; RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2 and in series with filter unit 4.

[0099] For example, the filtering design for the RF switch unit in Figure 11(a), Figure 11(b), and Figure 11(c) above are merely examples. The filtering design for each RF switch unit in the switch linear phase shift circuit can also be designed independently according to Figure 11(a), Figure 11(b), or Figure 11(c). For example, one RF switch unit in the switch linear phase shift circuit may be connected in series with a filtering unit, and another RF switch unit in the switch linear phase shift circuit may be connected in parallel with a filtering unit. This application does not limit this.

[0100] IV. Reflective Phase Shifting Circuit

[0101] Referring to Figure 12, a circuit block diagram of an example reflective phase-shifting circuit is shown. As shown in Figure 12, the reflective phase-shifting circuit includes a coupler, reactive element 1, reactive element 2, RF switch unit 1, and RF switch unit 2. Reactive element 1 and RF switch unit 1 are connected in series between the through terminal of the coupler and ground, while reactive element 2 and RF switch unit 2 are connected in series between the coupling terminal of the coupler and ground.

[0102] The on and off states of RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 2 can control the impedance characteristics of the reactive load connected to the circuit, causing a change in the phase of the load reflection coefficient, thereby creating a phase shift between the incident wave and the reflected wave.

[0103] For example, in Figure 12(a), a filter unit is connected in parallel to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 12(a), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1, and RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2.

[0104] For example, in Figure 12(b), a filter unit is connected in series with each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 12(b), RF switch unit 1 is connected in series with filter unit 1, and RF switch unit 2 is connected in series with filter unit 2.

[0105] For example, in Figure 12(c), a filter unit is connected in parallel to each RF switch unit and a filter unit is connected in series to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 12(c), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1 and in series with filter unit 3; RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2 and in series with filter unit 4.

[0106] For example, the filtering design for the RF switch unit in Figure 12(a), Figure 12(b), and Figure 12(c) above are merely examples. The filtering design for each RF switch unit in the reflective phase-shifting circuit can also be designed independently according to Figure 12(a), Figure 12(b), or Figure 12(c). For example, one RF switch unit in the reflective phase-shifting circuit may be connected in series with a filtering unit, and another RF switch unit in the reflective phase-shifting circuit may be connected in parallel with a filtering unit. This application does not limit this.

[0107] V. High-pass and low-pass phase-shifting circuits

[0108] Referring to Figure 13, Figure 13 shows a circuit block diagram of an example high-pass / low-pass phase-shifting circuit. As shown in Figure 13, the high-pass / low-pass phase-shifting circuit consists of a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter. The low-pass filter includes RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 3 as shown in Figure 13, two inductors connected in series between RF switch unit 1 and RF switch unit 3, and a capacitor connected in series between the connection point of the two inductors and ground. The high-pass filter includes RF switch unit 2 and RF switch unit 4 as shown in Figure 13, two capacitors connected in series between RF switch unit 2 and RF switch unit 4, and an inductor connected in series between the connection point of the two capacitors and ground.

[0109] The on and off states of RF switch units 1, RF switch units 2, RF switch units 3 and RF switch units 4 can select reasonable transmission paths. If the RF signal passes through a low-pass filter, the phase of the RF signal output from the output terminal lags behind the phase of the RF signal input from the input terminal; if the RF signal passes through a high-pass filter, the phase of the RF signal output from the output terminal leads the phase of the RF signal input from the input terminal.

[0110] For example, Figure 13(a) shows a filter unit connected in parallel to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 13(a), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1, RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2, RF switch unit 3 is connected in parallel with filter unit 3, and RF switch unit 4 is connected in parallel with filter unit 4.

[0111] For example, in Figure 13(b), a filter unit is connected in series with each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 13(b), RF switch unit 1 is connected in series with filter unit 1, RF switch unit 2 is connected in series with filter unit 2, RF switch unit 3 is connected in series with filter unit 3, and RF switch unit 4 is connected in series with filter unit 4.

[0112] For example, in Figure 13(c), a filter unit is connected in parallel to each RF switch unit and a filter unit is connected in series to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 13(c), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1 and in series with filter unit 5; RF switch unit 2 is connected in parallel with filter unit 2 and in series with filter unit 6; RF switch unit 3 is connected in parallel with filter unit 3 and in series with filter unit 7; RF switch unit 4 is connected in parallel with filter unit 4 and in series with filter unit 8.

[0113] For example, the filtering design for the RF switch unit in Figure 13(a), Figure 13(b), and Figure 13(c) above are merely examples. The filtering design for each RF switch unit in the high-pass / low-pass phase shift circuit can also be designed independently based on Figure 13(a), Figure 13(b), or Figure 13(c). For example, one RF switch unit in the high-pass / low-pass phase shift circuit may be connected in series with a filtering unit, and another RF switch unit in the high-pass / low-pass phase shift circuit may be connected in parallel with a filtering unit. This application does not limit this.

[0114] VI. Vector Synthesis Type Phase Shifting Circuit

[0115] Referring to Figure 14, which shows a block diagram of an example vector synthesis phase-shifting circuit, the vector synthesis phase-shifting circuit includes a quadrature signal generator, reactive element 1, reactive element 2, and RF switch unit 1. The quadrature signal generator has four ports: an input port, an isolation port, and two output ports. RF switch unit 1 is connected to one output port of the quadrature signal generator. Reactive element 1 is connected to the isolation port of the quadrature signal generator, and reactive element 2 is connected in parallel with the quadrature signal generator.

[0116] The on and off states of the RF switch unit 1 can adjust the amplitude of the two orthogonal signals generated by the quadrature signal generator. The adjusted two orthogonal signals are output from the output terminal through vector synthesis. The new RF signal synthesized by vector synthesis will have a new phase, thereby achieving a phase shift of the RF signal output from the output terminal compared to the phase of the RF signal input from the input terminal.

[0117] For example, Figure 14(a) shows a filter unit connected in parallel with each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 14(a), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1.

[0118] For example, in Figure 14(b), a filter unit is connected in series with each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 14(b), RF switch unit 1 is connected in series with filter unit 1.

[0119] For example, in Figure 14(c), a filter unit is connected in parallel to each RF switch unit and a filter unit is connected in series to each RF switch unit. For example, in Figure 14(c), RF switch unit 1 is connected in parallel with filter unit 1 and in series with filter unit 2.

[0120] For example, the filtering design for the RF switch unit in Figure 14(a), Figure 14(b), and Figure 14(c) above are merely examples. The filtering design for each RF switch unit in the vector synthesis phase shift circuit can also be designed independently according to Figure 14(a), Figure 14(b), or Figure 14(c). For example, one RF switch unit in the vector synthesis phase shift circuit may be connected in series with a filtering unit, or another RF switch unit in the vector synthesis phase shift circuit may be connected in parallel with a filtering unit. This application does not limit this.

[0121] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of the apparatus or unit may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0122] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A phase-shifting circuit, characterized in that, The phase-shifting circuit includes: A first radio frequency (RF) switching unit and a first filtering unit are provided. The first RF switching unit controls the phase shift of the RF signal by controlling the transmission path of the RF signal in the phase shift circuit. The first filtering unit is used to filter out interference signals generated when the RF signal passes through the first RF switching unit. The first radio frequency switch unit is connected in parallel or in series with the first filter unit.

2. The phase-shifting circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first RF switch unit is connected in parallel with the first filter unit, and the phase shifting circuit further includes a second filter unit. The first radio frequency switch unit is connected in series with the second filter unit.

3. The phase-shifting circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first RF switch unit is connected in series with the first filter unit, and the phase shift circuit further includes a third filter unit. The first radio frequency switch unit is connected in parallel with the third filter unit.

4. The phase-shifting circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The phase-shifting circuit further includes at least one second radio frequency switching unit and at least one fourth filtering unit. Wherein, each of the at least one second radio frequency switch unit is connected in series with one of the at least one fourth filter unit, and / or, each of the at least one second radio frequency switch unit is connected in parallel with one of the at least one fourth filter unit.

5. The phase-shifting circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The operating frequency band of the first filtering unit is within the frequency band of the interference signal generated when the radio frequency signal passes through the first radio frequency switching unit.

6. An antenna feeder system, characterized in that, The antenna feed system includes an antenna unit and a phase-shifting circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the phase-shifting circuit is connected to the antenna unit.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a digital intermediate frequency unit, a radio frequency unit connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit, and an antenna unit. The radio frequency unit includes a phase shifting circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, and the phase shifting circuit is connected to the antenna unit.

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