Network device, host, and antenna

Abstract

The present application discloses a network device, a host, and an antenna. The network device includes a host and an external antenna, and the external antenna is detachably mounted on the host. The host includes an antenna interface, a detection circuit, a radio frequency circuit, and a processor. Both the detection circuit and the radio frequency circuit are connected between the antenna interface and the processor. When the external antenna is connected to the antenna interface, the detection circuit inputs a first detection signal to the processor, and the processor outputs a first antenna signal to the external antenna through the radio frequency circuit according to the first detection signal. By setting an antenna interface on the host to externally connect an external antenna, the number of antennas in the network device can be increased to meet the signal coverage requirements in different scenarios. For example, converting cellular network signals into WIFI signals to achieve full-house coverage, and realizing the function of the network device as a central hub for large-scale home appliance interconnection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a network device, a host, and an antenna. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the Internet of Things and 5G communication technologies, it has become possible to realize the scenario of large-scale interconnection of household appliances in smart homes. To achieve large-scale interconnection of household appliances in smart homes, a network relay device is required as a central hub to convert cellular network signals into WIFI signals for whole-house coverage.

[0003] From the perspective of antenna design, a network relay device in the 5G era needs to be backward compatible with 2G / 3G / 4G communications and implement MIMO design. Such requirements have led to a sharp increase in the number of antennas in the network relay device. Considering cost and volume, it is required that the network relay device can externally connect antennas according to the needs of the scenario. However, currently, most network relay devices cannot externally connect antennas or it is very inconvenient to externally connect antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides an antenna that can effectively solve the above problems.

[0005] A first aspect of an embodiment of this application provides a network device, including a host and an external antenna;

[0006] The host includes an antenna interface for connecting the external antenna;

[0007] The host further includes a detection circuit, a radio frequency circuit, and a processor. Both the detection circuit and the radio frequency circuit are connected between the antenna interface and the processor;

[0008] When the external antenna is connected to the antenna interface, the detection circuit inputs a first detection signal to the processor, and the processor outputs a first antenna signal to the external antenna through the radio frequency circuit according to the first detection signal.

[0009] In the network device provided in the embodiment of this application, the host further includes a control switch and an internal antenna. The control switch is connected between the radio frequency circuit and the internal antenna; the processor further controls the control switch to disconnect according to the first detection signal;

[0010] The detection circuit inputs a second detection signal to the processor when the external antenna is not connected to the antenna interface, and the processor controls the control switch to connect according to the second detection signal, so that the radio frequency circuit outputs a second antenna signal to the internal antenna.

[0011] In the network device provided by the embodiment of the present application, the detection circuit is connected to a high level through a pull-up resistor, and the external antenna is grounded through a first inductor; when the antenna interface is connected to the external antenna, the detection circuit is grounded through the first inductor and outputs the first detection signal; when the antenna interface is not connected to the external antenna, the detection circuit is connected to the processor through the pull-up resistor and outputs the second detection signal.

[0012] In the network device provided by the embodiment of the present application, the detection circuit is connected to the processor through a second inductor to isolate the first antenna signal of the radio frequency circuit.

[0013] In the network device provided by the embodiment of the present application, an isolation circuit is provided between the radio frequency circuit and the antenna interface. When the antenna interface is connected to the external antenna, the radio frequency circuit outputs the first antenna signal to the external antenna through the isolation circuit; the isolation circuit includes a first capacitor connected between the radio frequency circuit and the detection circuit to isolate the detection signal of the detection circuit.

[0014] In the network device provided by the embodiment of the present application, one side of the first capacitor close to the radio frequency circuit is grounded through a second capacitor to filter out high-frequency signals in the radio frequency circuit.

[0015] In the network device provided by the embodiment of the present application, one side of the first capacitor close to the antenna interface is grounded through a third capacitor and a third inductor, where the third capacitor and the third inductor are connected in series to filter out low-frequency signals in the radio frequency circuit.

[0016] A second aspect of the embodiment of the present application provides a host, including an antenna interface for connecting an external antenna;

[0017] The host further includes a detection circuit, a radio frequency circuit, and a processor, and both the detection circuit and the radio frequency circuit are connected between the antenna interface and the processor;

[0018] When the antenna interface is connected to the external antenna, the detection circuit inputs a first detection signal to the processor, and the processor outputs a first antenna signal to the external antenna through the radio frequency circuit according to the first detection signal.

[0019] In the host provided by the embodiment of the present application, the host further includes a control switch and an internal antenna, and the control switch is connected between the radio frequency circuit and the internal antenna; the processor also controls the control switch to disconnect according to the first detection signal;

[0020] When the detection circuit does not connect to the external antenna at the antenna interface, the detection circuit inputs a second detection signal to the processor, and the processor controls the switch to be connected according to the second detection signal, so that the radio frequency circuit outputs a second antenna signal to the internal antenna.

[0021] A third aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an antenna for connecting to a host of a network device. The antenna includes an antenna connector for connecting to the host.

[0022] The antenna further includes a radiator and an antenna ground, and both the radiator and the antenna ground are connected to the antenna connector.

[0023] Wherein, the antenna further includes a first inductor, and the radiator is connected to the antenna ground through the first inductor.

[0024] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application may include the following beneficial effects: The present application provides a network device, a host, and an antenna. The network device includes a host and an external antenna, and the external antenna is detachably installed on the host. The host includes an antenna interface for connecting to the external antenna, and also includes a detection circuit, a radio frequency circuit, and a processor. The detection circuit and the radio frequency circuit are both connected between the antenna interface and the processor. When the antenna interface is connected to the external antenna, the detection circuit inputs a first detection signal to the processor, and the processor outputs a first antenna signal to the external antenna through the radio frequency circuit according to the first detection signal. By setting an antenna interface on the host of the network device to externally connect an external antenna, the number of antennas in the network device can be increased to meet the signal coverage requirements in different scenarios. For example, converting cellular network signals into WIFI signals to achieve full-house coverage, and realizing the function of the network device as a central hub for large-scale home appliance interconnection.

[0025] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the exploded view of the network device in

[0029] Figure 3Yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the layout of network devices in

[0030] Figure 4 Yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the circuit combination of the detection circuit and the isolation circuit in

[0031] Figure 5 Yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the circuit of the external antenna in

[0032] Description of reference numerals in the drawings:

[0033] 1000, network device;

[0034] 100, host;

[0035] 110, antenna interface; 120, detection circuit; 121, high level; 122, pull-up resistor; 123, second inductor; 130, radio frequency circuit; 140, processor; 150, control switch; 160, built-in antenna; 170, isolation circuit; 171, first capacitor; 172, second capacitor; 173, third capacitor; 174, third inductor;

[0036] 200, external antenna; 210, antenna connector; 220, first inductor; 230, substrate; 240, radiator; 250, antenna ground. Detailed implementation manners

[0037] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0038] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0039] The following will describe in detail some embodiments of the present application with reference to the drawings. Without conflict, the following embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0040] In the first aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a network device 1000 is provided. Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 . The network device 1000 includes a host 100 and an external antenna 200. The host 100 includes an antenna interface 110 for connecting the external antenna 200, and further includes a detection circuit 120, a radio frequency circuit 130, and a processor 140. Both the detection circuit 120 and the radio frequency circuit 130 are connected between the antenna interface 110 and the processor 140. When the antenna interface 110 is connected to the external antenna 200, the detection circuit 120 inputs a first detection signal to the processor 140, and the processor 140 outputs a first antenna signal to the external antenna 200 through the radio frequency circuit 130 according to the first detection signal.

[0041] Through the above technical solutions, by externally connecting the external antenna 200 to the host 100 of the network device 1000, the number of antennas in the network device 1000 is increased to meet the signal coverage requirements in different scenarios. In some embodiments, the cellular network signal can be converted into a WIFI signal to achieve full-house coverage, realizing the function of the network device 1000 as a central hub for large-scale home appliance interconnection.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the host 100 further includes a control switch 150 and a built-in antenna 160. The control switch 150 is connected between the RF circuit 130 and the built-in antenna 160, and the processor 140 also disconnects the control switch 150 according to the first detection signal. The built-in antenna 160 can convert the antenna signal in the RF circuit 130 into a radiation signal of a preset frequency and radiate it outward. The processor 140 adjusts the working state of the built-in antenna 160 by disconnecting and connecting the control switch 150.

[0043] Exemplarily, when the antenna interface 110 is not connected to the external antenna 200, the detection circuit 120 inputs a second detection signal to the processor 140. The processor 140 connects the control switch 150 according to the second detection signal, so that the RF circuit 130 outputs a second antenna signal to the built-in antenna 160. It can be understood that when the host 100 of the network device 1000 does not externally connect the external antenna 200, the host 100 can implement the signal radiation function through the built-in antenna 160.

[0044] Exemplarily, the built-in antenna 160 can adopt a built-in antenna 160 with lower power, which can achieve performance characteristics such as a small volume and few components of the host 100. At the same time, the cost of the host 100 is lower, the installation and placement are more convenient, and the user experience is improved.

[0045] Specifically, the first antenna signal and the second antenna signal can be different antenna signals, so that the external antenna 200 and the built-in antenna 160 are respectively applicable to different frequency requirements.

[0046] It can be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the first antenna signal and the second antenna signal can be the same antenna signal. For example, both the control switch 150 and the detection circuit 120 are electrically connected to the RF circuit 130. When the control switch 150 is connected, the antenna signal of the RF circuit 130 is converted into a radiation signal through the built-in antenna 160. When the host 100 is connected to the external antenna 200 and the control switch 150 is disconnected, the antenna signal of the RF circuit 130 is converted into a radiation signal through the external antenna 200. The external antenna 200 and the built-in antenna 160 can be respectively applicable to different coverage area requirements of the same frequency radiation signal.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , in some embodiments, the detection circuit 120 is connected to the high level 121 through a pull-up resistor 122, and the external antenna 200 is grounded through a first inductor 220. When the antenna interface 110 is connected to the external antenna 200, the detection circuit 120 outputs a first detection signal by grounding through the first inductor 220. When the antenna interface 110 is not connected to the external antenna 200, the detection circuit 120 is connected to the processor 140 through the pull-up resistor 122 and outputs a second detection signal.

[0048] It can be understood that, in an optional embodiment, the detection signal is a level signal; when the antenna interface 110 is connected to the external antenna 200, the connection point between the processor 140 and the detection circuit 120 is equivalently grounded through the first inductor 220 of the external antenna 200, and the first detection signal output by the detection circuit 120 to the processor 140 is a low-level signal; when the antenna interface 110 is not connected to the external antenna 200, the connection point between the processor 140 and the detection circuit 120 forms a complete circuit loop through the pull-up resistor 122, and the second detection signal output by the detection circuit 120 to the processor 140 is a high-level signal.

[0049] Specifically, the level signal is convenient to detect. Only need to output the detection circuit 120 to be connected to a GPIO (General-purpose input / output) pin of the processor 140, and cooperate with a simple judgment logic to complete the signal acquisition. The current signal detection requires higher recognition accuracy, while the voltage signal detection requires at least two pins. Compared with the current signal and the voltage signal, the level signal is convenient to detect, easier to identify, and more conducive to the layout of the host 100. It can be understood that, in an optional embodiment, the control switch 150 is a voltage-controlled switch, and the control signal output by the processor 140 is a level signal. Please refer to Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the detection circuit 120 is connected to the processor 140 through a second inductor 123 to isolate the first antenna signal of the radio frequency circuit 130. It can be understood that the frequency of the first antenna signal is relatively high, and the setting of the second inductor 123 can isolate the first antenna signal outside the detection circuit 120.

[0050] Specifically, in an optional embodiment, the branch of the pull-up resistor 122 in the detection circuit 120 is also connected with an inductor to eliminate the influence of the first antenna signal on the power supply that provides the high level 121, and at the same time further isolate the first antenna signal from the processor 140 to prevent the first antenna signal from interfering with the processor 140.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 4 , in some embodiments, an isolation circuit 170 is provided between the radio frequency circuit 130 and the antenna interface 110. When the antenna interface 110 is connected to the external antenna 200, the radio frequency circuit 130 outputs the first antenna signal to the external antenna 200 through the isolation circuit 170. The isolation circuit 170 includes a first capacitor 171 connected between the radio frequency circuit 130 and the detection circuit 120 to isolate the detection signal of the detection circuit 120. It can be understood that the detection signal in the detection circuit 120 is a DC signal, and the setting of the first capacitor 171 can isolate the first detection signal and the second detection signal outside the radio frequency circuit 130.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 4, in some specific embodiments, one side of the first capacitor 171 close to the radio frequency circuit 130 is grounded through the second capacitor 172 to filter high-frequency components in the antenna signal transmitted from the radio frequency circuit 130 to the external antenna 200. One side of the first capacitor 171 close to the antenna interface 110 is grounded through the third capacitor 173 and the third inductor 174, where the third capacitor 173 and the third inductor 174 are in series, to filter low-frequency components in the antenna signal transmitted from the radio frequency circuit 130 to the external antenna 200. Exemplarily, the capacitance value of the second capacitor 172 may be less than that of the first capacitor 171, so that high-frequency components with frequencies higher than the preset frequency range are grounded through the second capacitor 172, and the antenna signal with a frequency within the preset frequency range is transmitted to the external antenna 200 through the first capacitor 171; the capacitance value of the third capacitor 173 may be equal to that of the first capacitor 171, and using the characteristic of the inductor to conduct low-frequency signals and block high-frequency signals, so that the low-frequency components in the antenna signal filtered by the second capacitor 172 and lower than the preset frequency range are grounded through the third capacitor 173 and the third inductor 174. By double-filtering the radio frequency signal in the radio frequency circuit 130, the frequency of the antenna signal transmitted to the external antenna 200 meets the requirements of the network device 1000.

[0053] Specifically, the inductance values of the first inductor 220, the second inductor 123, and the third inductor 174 may be the same and correspond to the frequency of the antenna signal at the preset frequency, so that the radio frequency signal at the preset frequency transmitted to the external antenna 200 cannot be grounded through the first inductor 220, cannot be grounded through the third inductor 174, and cannot affect the transmission of the detection signal through the second inductor 123.

[0054] A second aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a host 100. Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the host 100 includes an antenna interface 110 for connecting to an external antenna 200, and further includes a detection circuit 120, a radio frequency circuit 130, and a processor 140. The detection circuit 120 and the radio frequency circuit 130 are both connected between the antenna interface 110 and the processor 140. When the antenna interface 110 is connected to the external antenna 200, the detection circuit 120 inputs a first detection signal to the processor 140, and the processor 140 outputs a first antenna signal to the external antenna 200 through the radio frequency circuit 130 according to the first detection signal.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, in some embodiments, the host 100 further includes a control switch 150 and a built-in antenna 160. The control switch 150 is connected between the radio frequency circuit 130 and the built-in antenna 160. The processor 140 disconnects the control switch 150 according to the first detection signal. When the antenna interface 110 is not connected to the external antenna 200, the detection circuit 120 inputs a second detection signal to the processor 140. The processor 140 connects the control switch 150 according to the second detection signal, and the radio frequency circuit 130 outputs a second antenna signal to the built-in antenna 160.

[0056] A third aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an antenna for connecting to the host 100 of the network device 1000. Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the antenna is an external antenna 200 disposed relative to the host 100. The external antenna 200 includes an antenna connector 210 for connecting to the host 100, and further includes a radiator 240 and an antenna ground 250. Both the radiator 240 and the antenna ground 250 are connected to the antenna connector 210 to connect to the host 100 through the antenna connector 210. It can be understood that, in an optional embodiment, the external antenna 200 further includes a substrate 230, and both the radiator 240 and the antenna ground 250 are disposed on the surface of the substrate 230.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , in some embodiments, the external antenna 200 further includes a first inductor 220, and the radiator 240 is connected to the antenna ground 250 through the first inductor 220.

[0058] When the external antenna 200 radiates the antenna signal, the first inductor 220 is equivalent to an open circuit for the antenna signal, providing a ground for the detection circuit 120 in the host 100 without affecting the normal radiation function of the external antenna 200.

[0059] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. It can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0060] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include indirect contact between the first and second features through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "under", "below" and "beneath" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0061] The above disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure of this application, components and settings of specific examples are described above. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit this application. In addition, this application may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and does not in itself indicate the relationship between various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, this application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art may be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0062] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0063] Although the embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application. The scope of this application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A network device, characterized in that, it includes a host and an external antenna; the host includes an antenna interface for connecting the external antenna; the host further includes a detection circuit, a radio frequency circuit and a processor, and both the detection circuit and the radio frequency circuit are connected between the antenna interface and the processor; when the antenna interface is connected to the external antenna, the detection circuit inputs a first detection signal to the processor, and the processor outputs a first antenna signal to the external antenna through the radio frequency circuit according to the first detection signal; wherein, an isolation circuit is provided between the radio frequency circuit and the antenna interface, and when the antenna interface is connected to the external antenna, the radio frequency circuit outputs the first antenna signal to the external antenna through the isolation circuit; the isolation circuit includes a first capacitor connected between the radio frequency circuit and the detection circuit to isolate the detection signal of the detection circuit; wherein, one side of the first capacitor close to the radio frequency circuit is grounded through a second capacitor to filter high-frequency signals in the radio frequency circuit, wherein the capacitance value of the second capacitor is smaller than that of the first capacitor, so that high-frequency signals with frequencies higher than a preset frequency range in the first antenna signal pass through the second capacitor to be grounded; wherein, one side of the first capacitor close to the antenna interface is grounded through a third capacitor and a third inductor, and the third capacitor and the third inductor are connected in series to filter low-frequency signals in the radio frequency circuit.

2. The network device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the host further includes a control switch and an internal antenna, and the control switch is connected between the radio frequency circuit and the internal antenna; the processor also controls the control switch to disconnect according to the first detection signal; when the antenna interface is not connected to the external antenna, the detection circuit inputs a second detection signal to the processor, and the processor controls the control switch to be connected according to the second detection signal, so that the radio frequency circuit outputs a second antenna signal to the internal antenna.

3. The network device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the detection circuit is connected to a high level through a pull-up resistor, and the external antenna is grounded through a first inductor; when the antenna interface is connected to the external antenna, the detection circuit outputs the first detection signal by grounding through the first inductor; when the antenna interface is not connected to the external antenna, the detection circuit is connected to the processor through the pull-up resistor and outputs the second detection signal.

4. The network device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the detection circuit is connected to the processor through a second inductor to isolate the first antenna signal of the radio frequency circuit.

5. A host of a network device, characterized in that, the host includes an antenna interface for connecting an external antenna; the host further includes a detection circuit, a radio frequency circuit and a processor, and both the detection circuit and the radio frequency circuit are connected between the antenna interface and the processor; When the external antenna is connected to the antenna interface, the detection circuit inputs a first detection signal to the processor, and the processor outputs a first antenna signal to the external antenna through the RF circuit according to the first detection signal; Wherein, an isolation circuit is provided between the RF circuit and the antenna interface. When the antenna interface is connected to the external antenna, the RF circuit outputs the first antenna signal to the external antenna through the isolation circuit; the isolation circuit includes a first capacitor connected between the RF circuit and the detection circuit to isolate the detection signal of the detection circuit; Wherein, one side of the first capacitor close to the RF circuit is grounded through a second capacitor to filter high-frequency signals in the RF circuit; Wherein, one side of the first capacitor close to the antenna interface is grounded through a third capacitor and a third inductor, and the third capacitor and the third inductor are connected in series to filter low-frequency signals in the RF circuit; Wherein, the host further includes a control switch and an internal antenna, and the control switch is connected between the RF circuit and the internal antenna; the processor also controls the control switch to disconnect according to the first detection signal; The detection circuit inputs a second detection signal to the processor when the external antenna is not connected to the antenna interface, and the processor controls the control switch to be connected according to the second detection signal, so that the RF circuit outputs a second antenna signal to the internal antenna.

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