A method, apparatus and system for beamforming

Abstract

The application relates to the field of communication, in particular to a beamforming method, device and system. The beamforming device comprises N input ports connected with digital channels, M output ports connected with antenna channels, and a beamforming network between the input ports and the output ports. The beamforming network comprises one or more devices, the number of each device is determined according to N and M and a setting rule, each input port of the beamforming network has a loop to any output port. In the N input ports, there is only one loop from one input port to the M output ports, and there is more than one loop from at least one input port to the M output ports. Therefore, the application can adjust the beam through each device in the beamforming network, realize different beamforming results, and improve the flexibility of multi-beamforming.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and system for beamforming. Background Technology

[0002] Beamforming is a signal preprocessing technique based on antenna arrays. Beamforming generates directional beams by adjusting the weighting coefficients of each element in the antenna array, thereby achieving significant array gain.

[0003] Currently, there are various beamforming schemes for MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna arrays, including Butler matrices and lenses.

[0004] However, existing multibeamforming schemes have a limited number of beams and fixed beam directions, which reduces the flexibility of multibeamforming. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method, apparatus, and system for beamforming, which can achieve different beamforming results by adjusting the device states of the devices in the beamforming network, thereby improving the flexibility of beamforming.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus for implementing a beamforming network. The apparatus includes at least: N input ports connected to digital channels, M output ports connected to antenna channels, and a beamforming network located between the input ports and the output ports, wherein N and M are both integers greater than 1.

[0007] The beamforming network includes one or more devices, the number of each type of device being determined according to N and M, and a set rule. One end of each device is directly connected to one of the N input ports or connected to the input port through another device among the one or more devices. The other end of each device is directly connected to one of the M output ports or connected to the output port through another device among the one or more devices.

[0008] Each input port of the beamforming network has a loop to any output port; wherein, among the N input ports, there is one input port that has only one loop to each of the M output ports, and there is at least one input port that has more than one loop to each of the M output ports.

[0009] The beamforming network is used to adjust the beam using one or more devices.

[0010] In other words, the number of devices included in the beamforming network in this application can be determined by N and M, as well as the set rules. Each input port of the beamforming network has a loop to any output port. Among the N input ports, there is one input port with only one loop to each of the M output ports, and there is at least one input port with more than one loop to each of the M output ports. In this way, beam adjustment can be performed through the various devices of the beamforming network, such as adjusting the beam direction and / or beam width, thereby achieving different beamforming results. This solves the problem of the limited number of beams and fixed beam direction formed by existing beamforming schemes, and improves the flexibility of beamforming.

[0011] In beamforming, which involves using one or more devices, the beam can be adjusted by modifying the shape of each device within the beamforming network, thus achieving more diverse beam configurations. Beamforming can refer to adjusting the beam direction and / or beam width.

[0012] For example, beamforming networks include adjustable devices, whose states can be adjusted to obtain various beam shapes. These adjustable devices can be adjustable bridges, adjustable power dividers, and adjustable phase shifters, among other things.

[0013] In one possible implementation, N is not equal to M.

[0014] In other words, the number of input ports and the number of output ports in this method can be unequal. For example, the number of input ports can be less than the number of output ports. In this way, in large-scale antenna arrays, the number of input ports of the feed network can be reduced while ensuring the degree of freedom of shaping, that is, the number of digital channels can be reduced.

[0015] In one possible implementation, N is equal to M, but not both equal to 2.

[0016] In other words, the number of input ports and the number of output ports can be equal in this method. For example, the number of input ports and the number of output ports can both be 4.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the one or more devices include a first type of device with an adjustable device state, or a first type of device and a second type of device with an unadjustable device state.

[0018] In other words, the beamforming network in this approach can include both first-type devices with adjustable states and second-type devices with non-adjustable states. This enriches the implementation forms of the beamforming network and improves the flexibility of beamforming. For example, if more flexible and diverse beamforming is required, adjustable first-type devices can be used first. Conversely, if it is necessary to reduce network complexity, loss, and cost, some adjustable first-type devices can be replaced with non-adjustable second-type devices.

[0019] The first type of device may include any one or more of the following: an adjustable bridge, an adjustable power divider, and an adjustable phase shifter. For example, the adjustable range of a phase shifter is 0 to 360 degrees. Another example: when the total power at the output port of the power divider is considered 1, the adjustable range of the power division ratio (power allocation ratio) at the output port of the power divider is between 0:1 and 1:0, for example, 0.5:0.5. Similarly, when the total power at the output port of the bridge is considered 1, the adjustable range of the power division ratio (power allocation ratio) at the output port of the bridge is between 0:1 and 1:0, for example, 0.5:0.5.

[0020] The second type of device may include any one or more of the following: a bridge with a non-adjustable device state, a power divider with a non-adjustable device state, and a phase shifter with a non-adjustable device state. For example, a 45-degree phase shifter is non-adjustable.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first type of device and the second type of device are different devices of the same device type.

[0022] In other words, the first type of device and the second type of device in this method have the same device type, but their device states are different. For example, the first type of device is a bridge with an adjustable device state; the second type of device is a bridge with a fixed device state.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first type of device and the second type of device are devices of different device types.

[0024] In other words, the first type of device and the second type of device in this method are different in device type and device state. For example, the first type of device is a bridge with an adjustable device state; the second type of device is a power divider with a fixed device state.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the one or more devices include any one or more of an adjustable bridge, an adjustable power divider, and an adjustable phase shifter;

[0026] The device states of the adjustable bridge include power distribution states, the device states of the adjustable power divider include power division ratio states, and the device states of the adjustable phase shifter include phase shift states.

[0027] In other words, the devices in the beamforming network in this method can be one or more of the following: adjustable bridge, adjustable power divider, and adjustable phase shifter. This allows the amplitude and phase of the input signal to be adjusted by changing the state of the adjustable bridge, adjustable power divider, and adjustable phase shifter, thereby realizing a flexible and adjustable beamforming network that makes the beam pointing and beam shape flexible and controllable and adjustable as needed.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the beamforming network includes at least a first number of adjustable bridges, and / or a second number of adjustable power dividers, and / or a third number of adjustable phase shifters;

[0029] Wherein, the first quantity is determined based on N, M, and the first rule; the second quantity is determined based on N, M, and the second rule; and the third quantity is determined based on N, M, and the third rule.

[0030] The first rule includes the first quantity satisfying:

[0031] The second rule includes the second quantity satisfying: MoN;

[0032] The third rule includes the third quantity satisfying:

[0033] M represents the number of output ports, and N represents the number of input ports.

[0034] In other words, without losing the degrees of freedom of the orthogonal weight matrix of the network mapping, the beamforming network can include at least the first number of adjustable bridges, and / or the second number of adjustable power dividers, and / or the third number of adjustable phase shifters, so as to minimize the network complexity.

[0035] Here, the network mapping orthogonal weight matrix refers to the mapping relationship of the beamforming network. The lossless degrees of freedom of this matrix means that the amplitude and phase of all elements in the network mapping orthogonal weight matrix can be adjusted.

[0036] For example, in a 2-drive 4-beamforming network, each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter corresponds to a mapping relationship between input and output ports. In this case, the mapping relationship of the beamforming network is a 4×2 dimensional weight matrix. 4 corresponds to the 4 output ports, and 2 corresponds to the 2 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal. This 4×2 dimensional weight matrix with orthogonal columns can be adjusted by changing the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider in the beamforming network, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter, without losing the degrees of freedom of the weights.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the beamforming network includes at least a fourth number of device layers composed of third-type devices and / or fourth-type devices, wherein the third-type devices include bridges with adjustable device states and / or bridges with fixed device states, and the fourth-type devices include power dividers with adjustable device states and / or power dividers with fixed device states.

[0038] The sum of the number of the third type devices and the fourth type devices included in each device layer is less than or equal to

[0039] One end of each device in each device layer is directly connected to one of the N input ports or connected to the input port through other device layers in the fourth number of device layers; the other end of each device is directly connected to one of the M output ports or connected to the output port through another device layer in the fourth number of device layers.

[0040] The fourth quantity is determined based on N, M, and the fourth rule;

[0041] The fourth rule includes the fourth quantity satisfying:

[0042] M represents the number of output ports, and N represents the number of input ports.

[0043] In other words, the beamforming network in this method can be layered. By combining adjustable bridges and adjustable power dividers, both beam quality and network degrees of freedom can be maintained without loss, thus simplifying the network and reducing losses.

[0044] If a device layer includes only third-type devices, then the total number of third-type devices included in that device layer is less than or equal to [the specified number]. If a device layer includes only type 4 devices, then the total number of type 4 devices included in that device layer is less than or equal to If a device layer includes both type 3 and type 4 devices, then the sum of the number of type 3 and type 4 devices in that device layer is less than or equal to the number of type 4 devices.

[0045] In one possible implementation, a fifth type of device among the one or more devices is located between different device layers, and / or between a device layer and the antenna channel, and / or between a device layer and the digital channel; the fifth type of device includes a phase shifter with an adjustable device state and / or a phase shifter with a fixed device state.

[0046] In other words, the beamforming network in this method may include a certain number of adjustable phase shifters and / or phase shifters with fixed device states between different device layers, and / or between device layers and the antenna channel, and / or between device layers and the digital channel.

[0047] In one possible implementation, N is less than M; the first device in the device layer connected to each of the N input ports is different.

[0048] In other words, without losing the degrees of freedom of the orthogonal weight matrix of the network mapping, this method allows each input port to be connected to a different device in the device layer when the number of input ports is less than the number of output ports.

[0049] In one possible implementation, N is equal to M; the N input ports include two input ports that are connected to the same first device located in the device layer.

[0050] In other words, without losing the degrees of freedom of the orthogonal weight matrix of the network mapping, this method allows for the same device in the device layer when the number of input ports equals the number of output ports, provided that the first device connected to two input ports is the same.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the adjustable bridge includes a 180-degree adjustable bridge; or a 90-degree adjustable bridge; or a 180-degree adjustable bridge and a 90-degree adjustable bridge.

[0052] In other words, the adjustable bridge in this method can be a 180-degree adjustable bridge, a 90-degree adjustable bridge, or both a 180-degree and a 90-degree adjustable bridge. However, this application is not limited to the aforementioned 180-degree or 90-degree adjustable bridges, but may also be adjustable bridges in other states.

[0053] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a beamforming system, comprising the beamforming apparatus, digital channel, and antenna channel described in the first aspect above; wherein the input port of the beamforming apparatus is connected to the digital channel, and the output port of the beamforming apparatus is connected to the antenna channel.

[0054] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a beamforming method, the method being used in the beamforming apparatus described in the first aspect above, the apparatus comprising at least: N input ports connected to digital channels, M output ports connected to antenna channels, and a beamforming network located between the input ports and the output ports; the method comprising: performing beam adjustment through one or more devices in the beamforming network.

[0055] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide an antenna including the beamforming apparatus described in the first aspect above.

[0056] In other words, the antenna provided in this application may include a beamforming device, for example, the device may be integrated into the antenna, or alternatively, the device may be integrally formed with the antenna.

[0057] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a network device including the beamforming apparatus described in the first aspect above.

[0058] In other words, the network equipment provided in this application may include beamforming devices. For example, the network equipment is a base station in the form of a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), and the beamforming devices are applied before or after the power amplifier (PA).

[0059] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a network device including the antenna described in the fourth aspect above.

[0060] In other words, the network device provided in this application may include an antenna that includes beamforming means. For example, the network device is a base station in the form of an Active Antenna Unit (AAU), and the beamforming means is applied before or after the PA.

[0061] The beamforming method, apparatus, and system provided in this application can adjust the beam through various devices in the beamforming network, such as adjusting the beam direction and / or beam width, thereby achieving different beamforming results and improving the flexibility of beamforming. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a beamforming network;

[0063] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a beamforming network;

[0064] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a beamforming network.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a beamforming network.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a beamforming network.

[0069] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a beamforming network.

[0070] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a beamforming effect provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a beamforming effect provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a beamforming effect provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a beamforming effect provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 13 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of an adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 14 This is a second schematic diagram of another adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network provided in this application embodiment;

[0076] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustable 2-drive 5-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustable 2-drive 6-beam shaping network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustable 4-drive 6-beam shaping network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustable 4-drive 8-beam shaping network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beamforming network implementation device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0084] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them.

[0085] In the description of this specification, terms such as "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0086] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, " / " signifies "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments in this application, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0087] In the description of this specification, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0088] MIMO is an antenna system that uses multiple antennas at both the transmitting and receiving ends to greatly increase channel capacity, forming multiple channels between the transmitting and receiving ends.

[0089] There are various forms of multi-beamforming schemes for MIMO antenna arrays, such as Butler matrices and lenses.

[0090] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a beamforming network. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, there is a fixed phase relationship between the output ports (i.e., 5, 6, 7, 8) and the input ports (1, 2, 3, 4) of the beamforming network. When the input ports (1, 2, 3, 4) are excited respectively, the beamforming effect is four narrow beams with fixed directions.

[0091] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a beamforming network. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, when the seven input ports of the beamforming network are excited, seven different beams can be formed, namely -45°, -30°, -15°, 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°.

[0092] It is evident that the number of beams formed by the aforementioned beamforming network is limited, and the beam formed by a single port feed in the analog domain has a fixed direction. Furthermore, it cannot simultaneously achieve fine beamforming, such as flexibly adjusting the beamwidth and suppressing sidelobes.

[0093] In other words, the aforementioned beamforming networks struggle to achieve precise beamforming and guarantee beam quality, which to some extent limits the potential for increasing system capacity. Because the beam state is fixed and finite, it cannot effectively generate analog beams that match different users and channel conditions. For example, in multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) resource reuse scenarios, it is difficult to achieve significant improvements in system capacity.

[0094] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a beamforming method, apparatus, and system that can achieve different beamforming results by adjusting the device states of each device in the beamforming network, thereby improving the flexibility of multi-beamforming.

[0095] The following is a description of the terminology used in the embodiments of this application:

[0096] MU-MIMO: In a wireless communication system, a base station can simultaneously serve multiple mobile terminals, making full use of the antenna's spatial resources to communicate with multiple users at the same time.

[0097] Beamwidth: It can usually be understood as the beam width, which can refer to the angle between two directions on either side of the direction of maximum radiation where the radiated power drops by 3dB.

[0098] Side lobes: Antenna radiation patterns usually have two or more lobes. The lobe with the highest radiation intensity is called the main lobe, and the remaining lobes are called side lobes or secondary lobes. The side lobe in the opposite direction to the main lobe is called the back lobe.

[0099] A power divider is a device that splits one input signal into two or more output signals; the energy of the multiple output signals may be equal or unequal.

[0100] Bridge (directional coupler): a four-port power distribution device.

[0101] Phase shifter: A device that adjusts the phase of a circuit signal.

[0102] Digital weights refer to the amplitude and phase states of the signal fed into the digital channel port. The digital channel port is connected to the input port of the beamforming network.

[0103] Analog weight refers to the amplitude and phase state of the signal fed into the antenna channel port. The antenna channel port is connected to the output port of the beamforming network.

[0104] Beamforming (BF) is a signal preprocessing technique based on antenna arrays. Beamforming generates directional beams by adjusting the weighting coefficients of each element in the antenna array, thereby achieving significant array gain.

[0105] It should be noted that the phase shifter mentioned above adjusts the signal phase; while the power divider and bridge adjust the signal amplitude and phase.

[0106] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3As shown, the beamforming network is an N-drive M-tunable network. This N-drive M-tunable network is located between N digital channels and M antenna channels, and it is composed of a certain number of adjustable bridges, adjustable power dividers, and adjustable phase shifters.

[0107] The limited input terminals (i.e., digital channel terminals) are fed, and the amplitude and phase distribution of the output terminals (i.e., antenna channel terminals) are dynamically adjusted via an N-drive M-tunable network.

[0108] The N-drive M-adjustable network is implemented using multiple device layers, with N input ports (i.e., digital channel ports) and M output ports (i.e., antenna channel ports). Each layer can contain a maximum of [number missing] adjustable power dividers and adjustable bridges. There can be a certain number of adjustable phase shifters between device layers, between device layers and input ports (i.e., digital channel ports), and between device layers and output ports (i.e., antenna channel ports). Among them, the phase shifters between device layers and input ports can be incorporated into the digital weighting on the digital channel.

[0109] N and M can be the same or different.

[0110] The structure of the beamforming network will be explained in detail below by assigning different values ​​to N and M.

[0111] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application. In this adjustable 2-drive 4 configuration, the 2 refers to the number of input ports, and the 4 refers to the number of output ports; that is, there are 2 input ports and 4 output ports. This 2-drive 4-beamforming network consists of at least 3 device layers. There is no direct connection between the ports of devices located on the same device layer. Devices on the same device layer can be placed side-by-side or arranged in two or more layers, but the topological relationship is equivalent.

[0112] like Figure 4 As shown, I1 and I2 are two input ports connecting the beamforming network to the digital channel, and O1, O2, O3, and O4 are four output ports connecting the beamforming network to the antenna channel. The interface and connection method of this 2-drive 4-beamforming network are implemented as follows:

[0113] (1) Power divider 1, which includes an input port 11, an output port 12 and an output port 13. The input port 11 is connected to the input port 12, the output port 12 is connected to the input port 22 of the bridge 1, and the output port 13 is connected to the input port 31 of the power divider 2.

[0114] (2) Bridge 1, which includes input port 21, input port 22, output port 23 and output port 24. Among them, input port 21 is connected to input port I1, input port 22 is connected to output port 12 of power divider 1, output port 23 is connected to input port 61 of bridge 2, and output port 24 is connected to input port 71 of bridge 3.

[0115] (3) Power divider 2, which includes an input port 31, an output port 32 and an output port 33. The input port 31 is connected to the output port 13 of the power divider 1, the output port 32 is connected to the input port 41 of the phase shifter 1, and the output port 33 is connected to the input port 41 of the phase shifter 2.

[0116] (4) Phase shifter 1, which includes an input port 41 and an output port 42. The input port 41 is connected to the output port 32 of the power divider 2, and the output port 42 is connected to the input port 62 of the bridge 2.

[0117] (5) Phase shifter 2, which includes an input port 41 and an output port 52. The input port 41 is connected to the output port 33 of the power divider 2, and the output port 52 is connected to the input port 72 of the bridge 3.

[0118] (6) Bridge 2, which includes input port 61, input port 62, output port 63 and output port 64. Among them, input port 61 is connected to output port 23 of bridge 1, input port 62 is connected to output port 42 of phase shifter 1, output port 63 is connected to output port O1, and output port 64 is connected to input port 81 of phase shifter 3.

[0119] (7) Bridge 3, which includes input port 71, input port 72, output port 73 and output port 74. Among them, input port 71 is connected to output port 24 of bridge 1, input port 72 is connected to output port 52 of phase shifter 2, output port 73 is connected to input port 91 of phase shifter 4, and output port 74 is connected to input port 101 of phase shifter 5.

[0120] (8) Phase shifter 3, which includes an input port 81 and an output port 82. The input port 81 is connected to the output port 64 of the bridge 2, and the output port 82 is connected to the output port O2.

[0121] (9) Phase shifter 4, which includes an input port 91 and an output port 92. The input port 91 is connected to the output port 73 of the bridge 3, and the output port 92 is connected to the output port O3.

[0122] (10) Phase shifter 5, which includes an input port 101 and an output port 102. The input port 101 is connected to the output port 74 of the bridge 3, and the output port 102 is connected to the output port 04.

[0123] The 2-drive 4-beamforming network consists of 3 adjustable bridges (i.e. Figure 4 The circuit consists of bridge 1, bridge 2, and bridge 3, and two adjustable power dividers (i.e., Figure 4 It consists of power divider 1 and power divider 2, and at least 5 adjustable phase shifters (i.e., Figure 4 The phase shifters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are not positioned in any particular order. The third device layer above the output port contains two adjustable bridges (i.e.,...). Figure 4 Bridge 2 and Bridge 3 in the middle; the second device layer in the middle is an adjustable bridge (i.e. Figure 4 The bridge circuit 1) and an adjustable power divider (i.e. Figure 4 The first device layer below the input port is a power divider 2); it is an adjustable power divider (i.e., Figure 4 The power divider 1) and 1 direct connection (i.e. Figure 4 A straight-through line between input port I1 and input port 21 of bridge 1. Here, a straight-through line can refer to a direct connection between two ports without passing through other devices. Straight-through lines in other embodiments are similar to those in the 2-drive 4-beamforming network and will not be described again hereafter. Phase shifters may be distributed between device layers, between device layers and output ports, or between device layers and input ports. Phase shifters between device layers and digital channels can be incorporated into the digital weighting.

[0124] By adjusting the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider and the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the 2-drive 4-beamforming network, excitations with different amplitude and phase distributions are generated at the output port, thereby achieving different beamforming effects to adapt to different channel states.

[0125] In a 2-drive 4-beamforming network, each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter corresponds to a mapping relationship between input and output ports. The mapping relationship of the beamforming network is then a 4×2 dimensional weight matrix. 4 corresponds to the 4 output ports, and 2 corresponds to the 2 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal.

[0126] For a 4×2 dimensional weight matrix with columns orthogonal to each other, the weights can be adjusted by changing the power ratio of the bridge and power divider in the beamforming network, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter, without losing the weight degrees of freedom.

[0127] When this 2-drive 4-beamforming network is applied to the antenna feed network of a communication system, such as... Figures 5 to 8The 2-drive 4-network shown can dynamically adjust the state of the devices in the beamforming network according to the channel state at different times to achieve a beamforming effect that adapts to the current channel state.

[0128] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, this application scenario involves an antenna array with four antenna ports of freedom in the horizontal direction. i1 and i2 are digital channel signals (input ports of the 2-to-4 network), while o1, o2, o3, and o4 are signals fed into the physical antenna channels (output ports of the 2-to-4 network). Using an adjustable 2-to-4 network can reduce the number of digital channels by half (i.e., only two digital channels are needed to control the distribution of signals fed into the four antenna channel ports). Digital weights are assigned to the two digital channel ports, and variable analog weights are achieved through the flexible and adjustable 2-to-4 network (i.e., analog weights are assigned to the four antenna channel ports through the adjustable 2-to-4 network). Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple flexible and adjustable 2-to-4 networks can be cascaded. It is worth noting that digital weights refer to the amplitude and phase state of the signals fed into the digital channel ports (i.e., input ports); analog weights refer to the amplitude and phase state of the signals fed into the antenna channel ports (i.e., output ports). The digital and analog weights involved in subsequent embodiments are the same and will not be elaborated further.

[0129] like Figure 6 As shown, this application scenario involves an antenna array with four antenna ports having four degrees of freedom in the vertical direction. i1 and i2 are digital channel signals (input ports of the 2-drive 4-network), while o1, o2, o3, and o4 are signals fed into the physical antenna channels (output ports of the 2-drive 4-network). Using an adjustable 2-drive 4-network can reduce the number of digital channels by half (i.e., only two digital channels are needed to control the distribution of signals fed into the four antenna channel ports). Digital weights are assigned to the two digital channel ports, and variable analog weights are achieved through the flexible and adjustable 2-drive 4-network (i.e., analog weights are assigned to the four antenna channel ports through the adjustable 2-drive 4-network). Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple flexible and adjustable 2-drive 4-networks can be cascaded for application.

[0130] like Figure 7 As shown, this application scenario involves a 32T (i.e., 32 digital channels) adjustable N-drive M-network. Applying an adjustable 2-drive 4-network can halve the number of digital channels. Each antenna column is connected to an adjustable 2-drive 4-network, assigning digital weights to the two digital channel ports. The flexible adjustable 2-drive 4-network enables variable analog weights, and the two levels of variable weights achieve high-degree-of-freedom beamforming for the entire antenna array. It's worth noting that T refers to the number of digital channels. Each antenna column corresponds to one 2-drive 4-network, with 2 input ports. With 8 antenna columns and each column having two polarization states, the total number of channels is 2 × 8 × 2 = 32.

[0131] like Figure 8 As shown, this application scenario is a 128T (i.e., 128 digital channels) adjustable N-drive M network. By applying an adjustable 2-drive 4 network, the number of digital channels can be reduced to half. Each antenna channel is connected to two adjustable 2-drive 4 networks. Digital weights are assigned to the two digital channel ports of each network, and variable analog weights are achieved through the flexible adjustable 2-drive 4 network. The two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming of the entire antenna array.

[0132] This 2-drive 4-beamforming network can achieve not only different narrow beamforming, but also wide and narrow beamforming effects. For example... Figures 9 to 12 The beamforming effect shown can be achieved by adjusting the states of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the 2-drive 4-network at different times to realize variable analog weights, and by combining digital weights to achieve horizontal or vertical beamforming. Figures 9 to 12 Each subgraph contains a 2-drive 4-network with a fixed device state. Based on fixed analog weights, different baseband digital weights are combined to achieve different beamforms. Figures 9 to 12 The 2-drive 4-network in different subgraphs contains different device states, that is, the analog weights change. Based on the changed analog weights, combined with the baseband digital weights, more diverse beamforms can be achieved.

[0133] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the beamforming effect diagram is a vertical plane beamforming (narrow beam), which includes two types of beams: the optimized beam 1 (i.e., Figure 9 beam1), optimized beam2 (i.e. Figure 9 (beam2). Additionally... Figure 9 The horizontal axis represents angle, and the vertical axis represents decibels (dB).

[0134] like Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, this schematic diagram illustrates horizontal beamforming (narrow beam), which includes four types of beams: optimized beam 1 (i.e., Figure 10 beam1), optimized beam2 (i.e. Figure 10 (beam2). Additionally... Figure 10 The horizontal axis represents angle, and the vertical axis represents decibels (dB).

[0135] like Figure 11 As shown in the diagram, this schematic illustrates vertical plane beamforming (wide and narrow beams), which includes two types of beams: beam 1 (i.e., Figure 11 Beam1), and wide beam (i.e. Figure 11 (Widebeam). Additionally... Figure 11 The horizontal axis represents angle, and the vertical axis represents decibels (dB).

[0136] like Figure 12 As shown in the diagram, this schematic illustrates horizontal beamforming (wide and narrow beams), which includes two types of beams: beam 1 (i.e., Figure 12 Beam1), and wide beam (i.e. Figure 12 (Widebeam). Additionally... Figure 12 The horizontal axis represents angle, and the vertical axis represents decibels (dB).

[0137] It is worth noting that the above Figures 9 to 12 Based on a flexible and adjustable 2-drive 4-network, it can achieve not only different narrow beamforming effects, but also wide and narrow beamforming effects. In other words, at different times, the states of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the 2-drive 4-network can be adjusted to achieve variable analog weights. At the same time, combined with digital weights, more diverse beamforming can be achieved in the horizontal or vertical planes.

[0138] As can be seen from the above embodiments, for a 2-drive 4-beamforming network, the analog weights can be adjusted by changing the states of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the network, while the digital weights are combined to improve the degree of freedom of beamforming; dynamic adjustment is possible, and fine beamforming, such as beamwidth control and sidelobe suppression, can improve beam quality; the number of input ports of the power supply network, i.e., the number of digital channels, can be reduced while ensuring the degree of freedom of beamforming, thus reducing complexity; and both beam quality and network degree of freedom can be maintained without loss, resulting in a simple network and reduced losses and costs.

[0139] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 or Figure 14 As shown, the devices and connection methods included in this network can be referred to the description of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network above. That is, the devices and connection methods included in the 2-drive 3-beamforming network are similar to those of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network, and will not be repeated here.

[0140] This adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network has 2 input ports and 3 output ports, and consists of at least 3 device layers. The network comprises 2 adjustable bridges and 1 adjustable power divider, with at least 3 adjustable phase shifters, whose positions are not limited. The third layer above the output ports contains 1 adjustable bridge and 1 direct connection; the second layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable bridge and 1 direct connection; and the first layer below the input ports contains 1 adjustable power divider and 1 direct connection. Phase shifters may be distributed between device layers, between device layers and output ports, or between device layers and input ports. Phase shifters between device layers and digital channels can be incorporated into the digital weighting.

[0141] By adjusting the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the 2-drive 3-beamforming network, excitations with different amplitude and phase distributions are generated at the output ports, thereby achieving different beamforming effects to adapt to different channel states. Each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the network corresponds to a mapping relationship between the input and output ports. In this case, the mapping relationship of the 2-drive 3-beamforming network is a 3×2 dimensional weight matrix. 3 corresponds to 3 output ports, and 2 corresponds to 2 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning that the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal.

[0142] For a 3×2 dimensional weight matrix with columns orthogonal to each other, the weights can be adjusted by changing the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider and the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the network of the present invention, without losing the degree of freedom of the weights.

[0143] When this 2-drive 3-beamforming network is applied to the antenna feed network of a communication system, the device states in the network are dynamically adjusted as needed according to the channel state at different times to achieve a beamforming effect adapted to the current channel state.

[0144] For example, in scenarios where the antenna array has three antenna ports with three degrees of freedom (horizontal or vertical), and the number of elements in each antenna port is unlimited, the aforementioned flexible and adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network can reduce the number of digital channels to two. Digital weights can be assigned to the digital channel ports, and variable analog weights can be achieved through the flexible and adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network. Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple flexible and adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming networks can be cascaded.

[0145] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable 2-drive 5-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 15 As shown, the devices and connection methods included in this network can be referred to the description of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network above. That is, the devices and connection methods included in the 2-drive 5-beamforming network are similar to those of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] An adjustable 2-drive 5-beamforming network has 2 input ports and 5 output ports, and consists of at least 4 device layers. This adjustable 2-drive 5-beamforming network comprises 4 adjustable bridges and 3 adjustable power dividers, with at least 7 adjustable phase shifters, the positions of which are not limited. The fourth layer, closest to the output ports, contains 2 adjustable bridges and one direct connection; the third layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable bridge, 1 adjustable power divider, and 1 direct connection; the second layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable power divider and 1 adjustable bridge; and the first layer, closest to the input ports, contains 1 adjustable power divider and 1 direct connection. Phase shifters may be distributed between device layers, between device layers and output ports, or between device layers and input ports. Phase shifters between device layers and digital channels can be in parallel with the digital weighting.

[0147] By adjusting the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the adjustable 2-drive 5-beamforming network, excitations with different amplitude and phase distributions are generated at the output ports, thereby achieving different beamforming effects to adapt to different channel conditions. Each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the network corresponds to a mapping relationship between the input and output ports. The mapping relationship of the network is a 5×2 dimensional weight matrix. 5 corresponds to 5 output ports, and 2 corresponds to 2 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal.

[0148] For a 5×2 dimensional weight matrix with columns orthogonal to each other, the weights can be adjusted by changing the power ratio of the bridge and power divider in the 2-drive 5-beamforming network, as well as the phase shifting state of the phase shifter, without losing the weight degrees of freedom.

[0149] When this adjustable 2-drive 5-beamforming network is applied to the antenna feed network of a communication system, the state of the devices in the network can be dynamically adjusted as needed according to the channel state at different times to achieve a beamforming effect adapted to the current channel state.

[0150] For example, in a scenario where the antenna array has 5 antenna ports with 5 degrees of freedom horizontally or vertically, and the number of elements in each antenna port is unlimited, the aforementioned adjustable 2-drive 5-beamforming network can reduce the number of digital channels to 2, assign digital weights to the digital channel ports, and achieve variable analog weights through the adjustable 2-drive 5-beamforming network. Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple flexible and adjustable 2-drive 5 networks can be cascaded for application.

[0151] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable 2-drive 6-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 16As shown, the devices and connection methods included in this network can be referred to the description of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network above. That is, the devices and connection methods included in the 2-drive 6-beamforming network are similar to those of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network, and will not be repeated here.

[0152] An adjustable 2-drive 6-beamforming network has 2 input ports and 6 output ports, and consists of at least 5 device layers. This adjustable 2-drive 6-beamforming network comprises 5 adjustable bridges and 4 adjustable power dividers, with at least 9 adjustable phase shifters, the positions of which are not limited. The fifth layer above the output ports contains 3 adjustable bridges; the fourth layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable bridge, 1 adjustable power divider, and 2 direct connections; the third layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable bridge, 1 adjustable power divider, and 1 direct connection; the second layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable power divider and 2 direct connections; and the first layer near the input ports contains 1 adjustable power divider and 1 direct connection. Phase shifters may be distributed between device layers, between device layers and output ports, or between device layers and input ports. Phase shifters between device layers and digital channels can be in parallel with the digital weighting.

[0153] By adjusting the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the 2-drive 6-beamforming network, excitations with different amplitude and phase distributions are generated at the output ports, thereby achieving different beamforming effects to adapt to different channel conditions. Each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the network corresponds to a mapping relationship between the input and output ports. The mapping relationship of the network is a 6×2 dimensional weight matrix. 6 corresponds to 6 output ports, and 2 corresponds to 2 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal.

[0154] For a 6×2 dimensional weight matrix with columns orthogonal to each other, the weights can be adjusted by changing the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider and the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the network of the present invention, without losing the degree of freedom of the weights.

[0155] When this 2-drive 6-beamforming network is applied to the antenna feed network of a communication system, the device states in the network can be dynamically adjusted according to the channel state at different times to achieve a beamforming effect adapted to the current channel state.

[0156] For example, in a scenario where the antenna array has 6 antenna ports with 6 degrees of freedom in either the horizontal or vertical direction, and the number of elements in each antenna port is unlimited, the aforementioned flexible and adjustable 2-drive 6-network can reduce the number of digital channels to 2. Digital weights can be assigned to the digital channel ports, and variable analog weights can be achieved through the flexible and adjustable 2-drive 6-network. Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple flexible and adjustable 2-drive 6-networks can be cascaded for application.

[0157] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 17 As shown, the devices and connection methods included in this network can be referred to the description of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network above. That is, the devices and connection methods included in the 2-drive 8-beamforming network are similar to those of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network, and will not be repeated here.

[0158] An adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming network has 2 input ports and 8 output ports, and consists of at least 5 device layers. This adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming network comprises 7 adjustable bridges and 6 adjustable power dividers, with at least 13 adjustable phase shifters, the positions of which are not limited. The fifth layer above the output ports contains 4 adjustable bridges; the fourth layer in the middle contains 2 adjustable bridges and 2 adjustable power dividers; the third layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable bridge and 2 adjustable power dividers; the second layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable power divider and 2 direct connections; and the first layer near the input ports contains 1 adjustable power divider and 1 direct connection. Phase shifters may be distributed between device layers, between device layers and output ports, or between device layers and input ports. Phase shifters between device layers and digital channels can be in parallel with the digital weighting.

[0159] By adjusting the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming network, excitations with different amplitude and phase distributions are generated at the output ports, thereby achieving different beamforming effects to adapt to different channel conditions. Each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the network corresponds to a mapping relationship between the input and output ports. The mapping relationship of the network is then an 8×2 dimensional weight matrix. 8 corresponds to 6 output ports, and 2 corresponds to 2 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal.

[0160] For an 8×2 dimensional weight matrix with columns orthogonal to each other, the weights can be adjusted by changing the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider and the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the network of the present invention, without losing the degree of freedom of the weights.

[0161] When this adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming network is applied to the antenna feed network of a communication system, the device states in the network can be dynamically adjusted as needed according to the channel state at different times to achieve a beamforming effect adapted to the current channel state.

[0162] For example, in a scenario where the antenna array has 8 antenna ports with 8 degrees of freedom in either the horizontal or vertical direction, and the number of elements in each antenna port is unlimited, the aforementioned adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming network can reduce the number of digital channels to 2. Digital weights can be assigned to the digital channel ports, and variable analog weights can be achieved through the adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming network. Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming networks can be cascaded.

[0163] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 18 As shown, the devices and connection methods included in this network can be referred to the description of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network above. That is, the devices and connection methods included in the 4-drive 5-beamforming network are similar to those of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network, and will not be repeated here.

[0164] An adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming network has 4 input ports and 5 output ports, and consists of at least 6 device layers. This adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming network comprises 9 adjustable bridges and 1 adjustable power divider, with at least 10 adjustable phase shifters, the positions of which are not limited. The sixth layer above the output ports contains 2 adjustable bridges and 1 direct connection; the fifth layer in the middle contains 2 adjustable bridges and 1 direct connection; the fourth layer in the middle contains 2 adjustable bridges and 1 direct connection; the third layer in the middle contains 2 adjustable bridges and 1 direct connection; the second layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable power divider and 3 direct connections; and the first layer near the input ports contains 1 adjustable power divider and 3 direct connections. Phase shifters may be distributed between device layers, between device layers and output ports, or between device layers and input ports. Phase shifters between device layers and digital channels can be in parallel with the digital weighting.

[0165] By adjusting the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming network, excitations with different amplitude and phase distributions are generated at the output ports, thereby achieving different beamforming effects to adapt to different channel conditions. Each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the network corresponds to a mapping relationship between the input and output ports. The mapping relationship of the network is a 5×4 dimensional weight matrix. 5 corresponds to the 5 output ports, and 4 corresponds to the 4 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal.

[0166] For a 5×4 dimensional weight matrix with columns orthogonal to each other, the weights can be adjusted by changing the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider and the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the network of the present invention, without losing the degree of freedom of the weights.

[0167] When this adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming network is applied to the antenna feed network of a communication system, the device states in the network can be dynamically adjusted as needed according to the channel state at different times to achieve a beamforming effect adapted to the current channel state.

[0168] For example, in a scenario where the antenna array has 5 antenna ports with 5 degrees of freedom in either the horizontal or vertical direction, and the number of elements in each antenna port is unlimited, the aforementioned adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming network can reduce the number of digital channels to 4. Digital weights can be assigned to the digital channel ports, and variable analog weights can be achieved through the adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming network. Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming networks can be cascaded.

[0169] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable 4-drive 6-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 19 As shown, the devices and connection methods included in this network can be referred to the description of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network above. That is, the devices and connection methods included in the 4-drive 6-beamforming network are similar to those of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network, and will not be repeated here.

[0170] This flexible and adjustable 4-drive 6-beamforming network has 4 input ports and 6 output ports, and consists of at least 7 device layers. The adjustable 4-drive 6-beamforming network comprises 12 adjustable bridges and 2 adjustable power dividers, with at least 14 adjustable phase shifters in any position. The seventh layer, closest to the output ports, contains 3 adjustable bridges; the sixth layer in the middle contains 2 adjustable bridges and 2 direct connections; the fifth layer in the middle contains 2 adjustable bridges and 2 direct connections; the fourth layer in the middle contains 2 adjustable bridges and 2 direct connections; the third layer in the middle contains 2 adjustable bridges and 2 direct connections; the second layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable bridge, 1 adjustable power divider, and 2 direct connections; and the first layer closest to the input ports contains 1 adjustable power divider and 3 direct connections. Phase shifters may be distributed between device layers, between device layers and output ports, or between device layers and input ports. Phase shifters between device layers and digital channels can be integrated into digital weighting.

[0171] By adjusting the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the adjustable 4-drive 6-beamforming network, excitations with different amplitude and phase distributions are generated at the output ports, thereby achieving different beamforming effects to adapt to different channel conditions. Each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the network corresponds to a mapping relationship between the input and output ports. The mapping relationship of the network is a 6×4 dimensional weight matrix. 6 corresponds to the 6 output ports, and 4 corresponds to the 4 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal.

[0172] For a 6×4 dimensional weight matrix with columns orthogonal to each other, the weights can be adjusted by changing the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider and the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the network of the present invention, without losing the weight degrees of freedom.

[0173] When this adjustable 4-drive 6-beamforming network is applied to the antenna feed network of a communication system, the device states in the network can be dynamically adjusted according to the channel state at different times to achieve a beamforming effect adapted to the current channel state.

[0174] For example, in a scenario where the antenna array has 6 antenna ports with 6 degrees of freedom in either the horizontal or vertical direction, and the number of elements in each antenna port is unlimited, the aforementioned adjustable 4-drive 6-beamforming network can reduce the number of digital channels to 4. Digital weights can be assigned to the digital channel ports, and variable analog weights can be achieved through the adjustable 4-drive 6-beamforming network. Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple adjustable 4-drive 6-beamforming networks can be cascaded.

[0175] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable 4-drive 8-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 20 As shown, the devices and connection methods included in this network can be referred to the description of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network above. That is, the devices and connection methods included in the 4-drive 8-beamforming network are similar to those of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network, and will not be repeated here.

[0176] An adjustable 4-drive 8-beamforming network has 4 input ports and 8 output ports, and consists of at least 8 device layers. This adjustable 4-drive 8-beamforming network comprises 18 adjustable bridges and 4 adjustable power dividers, with at least 22 adjustable phase shifters in any position. The network consists of: the eighth layer (near the output ports) with 4 adjustable bridges; the seventh layer (middle) with 4 adjustable bridges; the sixth layer (middle) with 4 adjustable bridges; the fifth layer (middle) with 2 adjustable bridges and 4 direct connections; the fourth layer (middle) with 2 adjustable bridges, 1 adjustable power divider, and 2 direct connections; the third layer (middle) with 1 adjustable bridge, 1 adjustable power divider, and 3 direct connections; the second layer (middle) with 1 adjustable bridge, 1 adjustable power divider, and 2 direct connections; and the first layer (near the input ports) with 1 adjustable power divider and 3 direct connections. Phase shifters may be distributed between device layers, between device layers and output ports, or between device layers and input ports. Phase shifters between device layers and digital channels can be integrated into digital weighting.

[0177] By adjusting the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the adjustable 4-drive 8-beamforming network, excitations with different amplitude and phase distributions are generated at the output ports, thereby achieving different beamforming effects to adapt to different channel conditions. Each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the network corresponds to a mapping relationship between the input and output ports. The mapping relationship of the network is then an 8×4 dimensional weight matrix. 8 corresponds to the 8 output ports, and 4 corresponds to the 4 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal.

[0178] For an 8×4 dimensional weight matrix with columns orthogonal to each other, the weights can be adjusted by changing the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider and the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the network of the present invention, without losing the degree of freedom of the weights.

[0179] When this adjustable 4-drive 8-beamforming network is applied to the antenna feed network of a communication system, the device states in the network can be dynamically adjusted according to the channel state at different times to achieve a beamforming effect that adapts to the current channel state.

[0180] For example, in a scenario where the antenna array has 8 antenna ports with degrees of freedom in either the horizontal or vertical direction, and the number of elements in each antenna port is unlimited, the aforementioned adjustable 4-drive 8-beamforming network can reduce the number of digital channels to 4. Digital weights can be assigned to the digital channel ports, and variable analog weights can be achieved through the adjustable 4-drive 8-beamforming network. Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple adjustable 4-drive 8-beamforming networks can be cascaded.

[0181] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming network provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 21 As shown, the devices and connection methods included in this network can be referred to the description of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network above. That is, the devices and connection methods included in the 3-drive 4-beamforming network are similar to those of the 2-drive 4-beamforming network, and will not be repeated here.

[0182] An adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming network has 3 input ports and 4 output ports, and consists of at least 4 device layers. This adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming network comprises 5 adjustable bridges and 1 adjustable power divider, with at least 6 adjustable phase shifters, the positions of which are not limited. The fourth layer above the output ports contains 2 adjustable bridges; the third layer in the middle contains 2 adjustable bridges; the second layer in the middle contains 1 adjustable bridge and 2 direct connections; and the first layer near the input ports contains 1 adjustable power divider and 2 direct connections. Phase shifters may be distributed between device layers, between device layers and output ports, or between device layers and input ports. Phase shifters between device layers and digital channels can be incorporated into the digital weighting.

[0183] By adjusting the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider, as well as the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming network, excitations with different amplitude and phase distributions are generated at the output ports, thereby achieving different beamforming effects to adapt to different channel conditions. Each state combination of the bridge, power divider, and phase shifter in the network corresponds to a mapping relationship between the input and output ports. The mapping relationship of the network is a 4×3 weight matrix. 4 corresponds to the 4 output ports, and 3 corresponds to the 3 input ports. The columns of this matrix are orthogonal, meaning the mapping weights from each input port to the output port are orthogonal.

[0184] For a 4×3 dimensional weight matrix with columns orthogonal to each other, the weights can be adjusted by changing the power division ratio of the bridge and power divider and the phase shift state of the phase shifter in the network of the present invention, without losing the degree of freedom of the weights.

[0185] When this adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming network is applied to the antenna feed network of a communication system, the device states in the network can be dynamically adjusted as needed according to the channel state at different times to achieve a beamforming effect adapted to the current channel state.

[0186] For example, in a scenario where the antenna array has four antenna ports with four degrees of freedom (horizontal or vertical), and the number of elements in each antenna port is unlimited, the aforementioned adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming network can reduce the number of digital channels to three. Digital weights can be assigned to the digital channel ports, and variable analog weights can be achieved through the adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming network. Two levels of variable weights enable high-degree-of-freedom beamforming. Multiple adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming networks can be cascaded.

[0187] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beamforming network implementation device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 22 As shown, the device includes: N input ports connected to digital channels, M output ports connected to antenna channels, and a beamforming network located between the input ports and the output ports, where N and M are both integers greater than 1;

[0188] The beamforming network includes one or more devices, the number of each type of device being determined according to N and M, and a set rule. One end of each device is directly connected to one of the N input ports or connected to the input port through another device among the one or more devices. The other end of each device is directly connected to one of the M output ports or connected to the output port through another device among the one or more devices.

[0189] Each input port of the beamforming network has a loop to any output port; wherein, among the N input ports, there is one input port that has only one loop to each of the M output ports, and there is at least one input port that has more than one loop to each of the M output ports;

[0190] Beamforming networks are used to adjust beams using one or more devices.

[0191] Specifically, beam adjustment can be achieved by adjusting the shape of each component in the beamforming network, thereby enabling more diverse beam configurations. Beam adjustment can refer to adjusting the beam direction and / or beam width.

[0192] For example, beamforming networks include adjustable devices. The state of these adjustable devices can be adjusted to change the amplitude and phase at each output port of the beamforming network, thereby obtaining diverse beam patterns. These adjustable devices can be adjustable bridges, adjustable power dividers, and adjustable phase shifters, among other things.

[0193] The beamforming network can be an tunable N-drive M-network, that is, an tunable beamforming network with N input ports and M output ports. This tunable N-drive M-network can be used for... Figure 5 or Figure 6 or Figure 7 or Figure 8 In the application scenario shown.

[0194] For example, the adjustable N-drive M network may include Figure 4 The adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network shown can also include... Figure 13 or Figure 14 The adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network shown may also include... Figure 15 The adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network shown Figure 16 The adjustable 2-drive 6-beamforming network shown Figure 17 The adjustable 2-drive 8-beamforming network shown Figure 18 The adjustable 4-drive 5-beamforming network shown Figure 19 The adjustable 4-drive 6-beam shaping network shown Figure 20 The adjustable 4-drive 8-beamforming network shown Figure 21 The adjustable 3-drive 4-beamforming network shown is an example.

[0195] The beamforming network includes one or more devices, among which a first type of device with adjustable state is included. This first type of device may include any one or more of an adjustable bridge, an adjustable power divider, and an adjustable phase shifter. The device state of the adjustable bridge includes a power distribution state, the device state of the adjustable power divider includes a power ratio state, and the device state of the adjustable phase shifter includes a phase shift state.

[0196] For example, Figure 4 The adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network in the system includes 3 adjustable bridges, 2 adjustable power dividers, and 5 adjustable phase shifters; Figure 13 or Figure 14 The adjustable 2-drive 3-beamforming network includes two adjustable bridges, one adjustable power divider, and three adjustable phase shifters. Figure 4 , Figure 13 or Figure 14 similar, Figures 15 to 21 The beamforming networks shown here will not be described in detail.

[0197] In one embodiment, the number of input ports (i.e., N) may not be equal to the number of output ports (i.e., M).

[0198] Specifically, the number of input ports and the number of output ports can be unequal. For example, the number of input ports can be less than the number of output ports. In large-scale antenna arrays, this reduces the number of input ports in the feed network, i.e., the number of digital channels, while maintaining the degrees of freedom in shaping. For example, regarding... Figure 4 The adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network in the model has N = 2 and M = 4, which are not equal. Figure 4 similar, Figures 13 to 21 The beamforming networks shown here will not be described in detail.

[0199] In one embodiment, N is equal to M, but not both equal to 2.

[0200] Specifically, the number of input ports and the number of output ports can be equal. For example, in a 4-drive 4 beamforming network, N is 4 and M is 4, which are equal.

[0201] In one embodiment, the beamforming network may include a first type of device with adjustable device states, or a first type of device and a second type of device with non-adjustable device states. For example, Figure 4 In addition to three adjustable bridges, two adjustable power dividers, and five adjustable phase shifters, the adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network may also include a second type of device with a non-adjustable state. This second type of device can be any one or more of the following: bridges with a non-adjustable state, power dividers with a non-adjustable state, and phase shifters with a non-adjustable state.

[0202] Specifically, a device classified as adjustable (Type 1) indicates that the device is adjustable within a certain range. For example, the adjustable range of a phase shifter is 0 to 360 degrees. Another example is that when the total power at the output port of a power divider is considered 1, the adjustable range of the power division ratio (power allocation ratio) at the output port is between 0:1 and 1:0, for example, 0.5:0.5. Yet another example is that when the total power at the output port of a bridge is considered 1, the adjustable range of the power division ratio (power allocation ratio) at the bridge output port is between 0:1 and 1:0, for example, 0.5:0.5.

[0203] The second type of device, whose device state is non-adjustable, indicates that the device state has only one fixed state and cannot be adjusted. For example, a 45-degree phase shifter is non-adjustable.

[0204] In one embodiment, the first type of device and the second type of device are different devices of the same device type. For example, the beamforming network includes, in addition to the adjustable bridge, other bridges with non-adjustable device states.

[0205] In one embodiment, the beamforming network includes at least a first number of adjustable bridges, and / or a second number of adjustable power dividers, and / or a third number of adjustable phase shifters;

[0206] The first quantity is determined based on N and M, and the first rule; the second quantity is determined based on N and M, and the second rule; the third quantity is determined based on N and M, and the third rule.

[0207] The first rule includes the first quantity satisfying:

[0208] The second rule includes a second quantity that satisfies: M y N;

[0209] The third rule includes a third quantity that satisfies:

[0210] M represents the number of output ports, and N represents the number of input ports.

[0211] For example, targeting Figure 4 The adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network in the model has N=2 and M=4. The calculated first number is 3, the second number is 2, and the third number is 5. (Compared to...) Figure 4 similar, Figures 13 to 21 The beamforming networks shown here will not be described in detail.

[0212] In one embodiment, the beamforming network includes at least a fourth number of device layers composed of third-type devices and / or fourth-type devices (e.g., ...). Figure 3The first adjustable device layer, the second adjustable device layer, ..., the xth adjustable device layer shown), the third type of device includes a bridge with adjustable device state and / or a bridge with fixed device state, and the fourth type of device includes a power divider with adjustable device state and / or a power divider with fixed device state.

[0213] The sum of the number of type 3 devices and type 4 devices included in each device layer is less than or equal to

[0214] Each device in each device layer has one end directly connected to one of the N input ports or connected to an input port through another device layer in the fourth number of device layers; the other end of each device is directly connected to one of the M output ports or connected to an output port through another device layer in the fourth number of device layers.

[0215] The fourth quantity is determined based on N and M, as well as the fourth rule;

[0216] The fourth rule includes the fourth quantity satisfaction:

[0217] M represents the number of output ports, and N represents the number of input ports.

[0218] For example, targeting Figure 4 The adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network in the diagram has 3 fourth beams. The first device layer (near the input port) includes one adjustable power divider; the second device layer includes one adjustable bridge and one adjustable power divider; the third device layer (near the output port) includes two adjustable bridges. Figure 4 similar, Figures 13 to 21 The beamforming networks shown here will not be described in detail.

[0219] In one embodiment, a fifth type of device in the beamforming network is located between different device layers, and / or between a device layer and an antenna channel, and / or between a device layer and a digital channel; the fifth type of device includes a phase shifter with an adjustable device state and / or a phase shifter with a fixed device state.

[0220] For example, targeting Figure 4 The adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network includes two adjustable phase shifters between the second and third device layers; and three adjustable phase shifters between the third device layer and the output port. Figure 4 similar, Figures 13 to 21 The beamforming networks shown here will not be described in detail.

[0221] In one embodiment, each of the N input ports has a loop with the M output ports;

[0222] Among the N input ports, there exists one input port that has only one loop to each of the M output ports, and there exists at least one input port that has more than one loop to each of the M output ports.

[0223] For example, targeting Figure 4 The adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network in the diagram has only one loop from input port I1 to output ports O1, O2, O3, and O4 respectively; however, input port I2 has more than one loop to output ports O1, O2, O3, and O4 respectively. Figure 4 similar, Figures 13 to 21 The beamforming networks shown here will not be described in detail.

[0224] In one embodiment, N is less than M; the first device in the device layer connected to each of the N input ports is different.

[0225] For example, targeting Figure 4 The adjustable 2-drive 4-beamforming network in the middle, the first device located in the device layer connected to the input port I1 is the adjustable bridge in the second device layer (i.e. Figure 4 The first device connected to the input port I2 in the bridge (1) is the adjustable power divider of the first device layer (i.e., the bridge 1); Figure 4 The power divider 1 in the middle. Figure 4 similar, Figures 13 to 21 The beamforming networks shown here will not be described in detail.

[0226] In one embodiment, N equals M; among the N input ports, two input ports are connected to the same device located in the device layer.

[0227] For example, in a 4-drive 4-beamforming network, two of the four input ports are connected to the same device located in the device layer.

[0228] In one embodiment, the adjustable bridge includes a 180-degree adjustable bridge; or a 90-degree adjustable bridge; or a 180-degree adjustable bridge and a 90-degree adjustable bridge.

[0229] This application is not limited to the adjustable bridge in the aforementioned 180-degree or 90-degree states, but may also include adjustable bridges in other states.

[0230] As can be seen, a beamforming network can be composed of a certain number of adjustable bridges, adjustable power dividers, and adjustable phase shifters. Thus, with limited input port power, the amplitude and phase distribution at the output can be dynamically adjusted via the adjustable beamforming network. Furthermore, the adjustable beamforming network can be implemented using multiple layers (such as…). Figure 3 The diagram shows the first adjustable device layer, the second adjustable device layer, ..., the xth adjustable device layer), with N input ports and M output ports. Each layer has a maximum of M / 2 adjustable power dividers and adjustable bridges, and there is a certain number of adjustable phase shifters between each layer.

[0231] In other words, the tunable beamforming network of this application can achieve:

[0232] (1) By combining adjustable bridge, adjustable power divider and adjustable phase shifter, a flexible and adjustable beamforming network is realized, so that the beam pointing and beam shape are flexibly controllable and can be adjusted as needed;

[0233] (2) By inputting through N ports and outputting through M ports (N is less than M), in large-scale antenna arrays, the shaping degree of freedom can be guaranteed while reducing the number of input ports of the feed network;

[0234] (3) By combining the variable analog domain weights with the digital domain weights, beamforming has a high degree of freedom and can achieve narrow beamforming (as mentioned above). Figure 9 or Figure 10 (as shown) or wide and narrow beamforming (as mentioned above) Figure 11 or Figure 12 As shown), such as beamwidth control and sidelobe suppression, improve beam quality;

[0235] (4) By combining adjustable bridge, adjustable power divider and adjustable phase shifter, the beam quality and network degrees of freedom are both taken into account, so as to simplify the network and reduce losses.

[0236] In addition, this application also provides a beamforming system, which includes the aforementioned beamforming device, digital channel, and antenna channel. The input port of the beamforming device is connected to the digital channel, and the output port of the beamforming device is connected to the antenna channel.

[0237] In addition, this application embodiment also provides a method for implementing a beamforming network, which is used in the above-mentioned beamforming apparatus, including: performing beam adjustment through each device of the beamforming network.

[0238] In addition, this application embodiment also provides an antenna that includes the above-described beamforming apparatus.

[0239] In addition, this application also provides a network device that includes the above-described beamforming apparatus.

[0240] In addition, embodiments of this application also provide a network device including an antenna, which includes the beamforming device described above.

[0241] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and such modifications or substitutions should all be covered 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 beamforming device, characterized in that, The device includes at least: N input ports connected to digital channels, M output ports connected to antenna channels, and a beamforming network located between the input ports and the output ports, wherein N and M are both integers greater than 1; The beamforming network includes one or more devices. The number of each type of device is determined based on N and M, and a set rule. The set rule is used to represent the quantitative relationship between the number of devices, N, and M. Each device is directly connected to one of the N input ports or indirectly connected to one of the input ports via other devices. Each device is directly connected to one of the M output ports or indirectly connected to one of the output ports via other devices. Each input port of the beamforming network has a loop to any output port; wherein, among the N input ports, there is one input port that has only one loop to each of the M output ports, and there is at least one input port that has more than one loop to each of the M output ports. The one or more devices include a first type of device with an adjustable device state, and the beamforming network is used to perform beam adjustment through the first type of device among the one or more devices.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The N is not equal to the M.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The N is equal to the M, but not both equal to 2.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The one or more devices also include a second type of device whose device state is not adjustable.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first type of device and the second type of device are different devices of the same device type.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first type of device and the second type of device are devices of different device types.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more devices include any one or more of the following: adjustable bridge, adjustable power divider, and adjustable phase shifter; The device states of the adjustable bridge include power distribution states, the device states of the adjustable power divider include power division ratio states, and the device states of the adjustable phase shifter include phase shift states.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The beamforming network includes at least a first number of adjustable bridges, and / or a second number of adjustable power dividers, and / or a third number of adjustable phase shifters; Wherein, the first quantity is determined based on N, M, and the first rule; the second quantity is determined based on N, M, and the second rule; and the third quantity is determined based on N, M, and the third rule. The first rule includes the first quantity satisfying: The second rule includes the second quantity satisfying: MN; The third rule includes the third quantity satisfying: M represents the number of output ports, and N represents the number of input ports.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, 7, or 8, characterized in that, The beamforming network includes at least a fourth number of device layers composed of third-type devices and / or fourth-type devices, wherein the third-type devices include bridges with adjustable device states and / or bridges with non-adjustable device states, and the fourth-type devices include power dividers with adjustable device states and / or power dividers with non-adjustable device states. The sum of the number of the third type devices and the fourth type devices included in each device layer is less than or equal to Each device layer includes devices that are directly connected to one of the N input ports or indirectly connected to one input port via other devices. Each device layer also includes devices that are directly connected to one of the M output ports or indirectly connected to one output port via other devices. The fourth quantity is determined based on N, M, and the fourth rule; The fourth rule includes the fourth quantity satisfying: M represents the number of output ports, and N represents the number of input ports.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fifth type of device among the one or more devices is located between different device layers, and / or between the device layer and the antenna channel, and / or between the device layer and the digital channel; the fifth type of device includes a phase shifter with an adjustable device state and / or a phase shifter with a non-adjustable device state.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The N is less than the M; the first device in the device layer connected to each of the N input ports is different.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The N is equal to the M; among the N input ports, the first device located in the device layer connected to each of the two input ports is the same.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The adjustable bridge includes a 180-degree adjustable bridge; or a 90-degree adjustable bridge; or a 180-degree adjustable bridge and a 90-degree adjustable bridge.

14. A beamforming system, characterized in that, The device comprises a beamforming apparatus, a digital channel, and an antenna channel as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; wherein the input port of the beamforming apparatus is connected to the digital channel, and the output port of the beamforming apparatus is connected to the antenna channel.

15. A method for beamforming, characterized in that, The method is used in a beamforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the apparatus comprising at least: N input ports connected to digital channels, M output ports connected to antenna channels, and a beamforming network located between the input ports and the output ports; the method comprising: performing beam adjustment through one or more devices in the beamforming network.

16. An antenna, characterized in that, Includes the beamforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A network device, characterized in that, Includes the beamforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

18. A network device, characterized in that, Includes the antenna as described in claim 16.

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