A self-calibrating radio frequency module and its calibration system and calibration method
By self-calibrating the serial port module and power detection module in the RF module, the output power of the RF chip is detected and adjusted in real time, solving the problem of inaccurate RF module output and ensuring the accuracy of RF indicators.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202211591825.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-12-12
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, it is difficult for the RF module to accurately output the RF indicators required by the working logic, especially because the antenna interferes with the standing wave state of the RF output end, resulting in inaccurate output.
A self-calibrating RF module is used, which includes a serial port module, an RF chip, and a power detection module. The serial port module receives the working logic requirements of the external device, the RF chip sets the target output power, and the power detection module detects the actual output power in real time and adjusts the gain to ensure that the actual output power is consistent with the target output power.
The RF module ensures accurate matching of actual output power with target output power under the influence of external standing wave changes, builds a closed-loop system, and solves the problem of inaccurate RF indicator output.
Smart Images

Figure CN116015491B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of radio frequency technology, and in particular to a self-calibrating radio frequency module and a calibration system and method thereof. Background Art
[0002] With the popularization of 4G technology and the development of 5G technology, the demand for RF modules has exploded due to the advantages of miniaturization of multiple components and module integration.
[0003] In actual use, the antenna integrated into the module's PCB can interfere with the standing wave state at the RF output, thereby affecting the module's output RF specifications. Therefore, accurately outputting the RF specifications required by the operating logic poses a design challenge to manufacturers.
[0004] The above content is only used to assist in understanding the technical solution of the present invention and does not constitute an admission that the above content is prior art. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-correcting RF module and its calibration system and calibration method, aiming to solve the technical problem in the prior art that it is difficult to accurately output the RF indicators required by the working logic of the RF module.
[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a self-calibration radio frequency module, which includes: a serial port module, a radio frequency chip and a power detection module;
[0007] The serial port module is connected to an external device via a serial port line, the radio frequency chip is connected to the serial port module, and the power detection module is connected to the radio frequency chip;
[0008] The radio frequency chip is used to receive the working logic requirements of the external device through the serial port module;
[0009] The radio frequency chip is further configured to set a target output power according to the working logic requirement and adjust power output based on the target output power;
[0010] The power detection module is used to detect the actual output power of the radio frequency chip in real time and feed back an actual output signal to the radio frequency chip according to the actual output power;
[0011] The radio frequency chip is further configured to adjust power output according to the actual output signal so that the actual output power is the same as the target output power.
[0012] Optionally, the self-correcting radio frequency module further includes: a directional coupler;
[0013] The directional coupler is integrated into the external RF circuit of the RF chip, and a test point is provided at the coupling end of the directional coupler; when calibrating the self-correcting RF module, the test point is connected to the RF instrument via an RF cable;
[0014] The directional coupler is configured to generate a coupling signal according to the actual output power of the RF chip, and the RF meter obtains a test point output signal through a test point set on the directional coupler, so as to calculate the actual output power according to the test point output signal, wherein the test point output signal includes a coupling signal generated by the directional coupler.
[0015] Optionally, the self-calibration radio frequency module further includes: a storage module;
[0016] Wherein, the storage module is connected to the radio frequency chip;
[0017] The radio frequency chip is further configured to obtain a mapping table containing a correspondence between gain control words and output power stored in the storage module;
[0018] The radio frequency chip is further configured to query the mapping table according to the target output power, adjust the current gain control word to the queried target gain control word according to the query result, and adjust the power output according to the target gain control word.
[0019] Optionally, the radio frequency chip is further configured to feed back a fault code to the external device via the serial port module when the actual output power cannot be adjusted to the target output power according to the actual output signal.
[0020] In addition, to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention also proposes a self-calibration radio frequency module calibration system, the system comprising: a calibration terminal, a radio frequency instrument, and the self-calibration radio frequency module as described above;
[0021] The self-calibration RF module is placed in a shielding box, the calibration terminal enters the shielding box through a serial line and is connected to the serial port module of the self-calibration RF module, the RF meter enters the shielding box through a RF cable and is connected to a test point set on the directional coupler of the self-calibration RF module, and the RF meter is also connected to the calibration terminal through a data cable;
[0022] The calibration terminal is used to send calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module;
[0023] The self-calibration radio frequency module is used to adjust the gain control word according to the calibration parameter and adjust the power output according to the gain control word;
[0024] The RF instrument is configured to obtain a test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module, process the test point output signal, generate upload information, and send the upload information to the calibration terminal, wherein the test point output signal includes a coupled signal generated by a directional coupler in the self-calibration RF module according to the power output;
[0025] The calibration terminal is further configured to process the test point output signal to obtain the actual output power of the self-calibration RF module;
[0026] The calibration terminal is further configured to generate a mapping relationship between the gain control word corresponding to the calibration parameter and the actual output power;
[0027] The calibration terminal is also used to generate a mapping table containing the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power according to the mapping relationship, and write the mapping table into the self-correction RF module so that the self-correction RF module outputs an actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table.
[0028] Optionally, the calibration terminal is further configured to issue a control instruction so that the RF instrument performs an initialization operation according to the control instruction, and the RF module turns on the RF test mode according to the control instruction;
[0029] Correspondingly, the self-calibration RF module is further configured to, when the RF test mode is turned on, perform the operations of adjusting the gain control word according to the calibration parameters and performing power output according to the gain control word.
[0030] Optionally, the calibration terminal is further configured to adjust the calibration parameters according to the step requirement, and repeatedly send the calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module to generate a mapping relationship between the output power of the self-calibration radio frequency module and the gain control word;
[0031] The calibration terminal is further configured to generate a mapping table including corresponding relationships between gain control words and output powers according to all mapping relationships.
[0032] In addition, to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention also proposes a self-calibration radio frequency module calibration method, which is applied to a self-calibration radio frequency module calibration system, the system comprising: a calibration terminal, a radio frequency instrument, and the self-calibration radio frequency module as described above; the method comprises:
[0033] The calibration terminal sends calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module;
[0034] The self-calibration radio frequency module adjusts the gain control word according to the calibration parameter and adjusts the power output according to the gain control word;
[0035] The RF instrument obtains a test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module, processes the test point output signal, generates upload information, and sends the upload information to a calibration terminal, wherein the test point output signal includes a coupled signal generated by a directional coupler in the self-calibration RF module according to the power output;
[0036] The calibration terminal processes the uploaded signal to obtain the actual output power of the self-calibration radio frequency module;
[0037] The calibration terminal generates a mapping relationship between a gain control word corresponding to the calibration parameter and the actual output power;
[0038] The calibration terminal generates a mapping table containing the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power according to the mapping relationship, and writes the mapping table into the self-correction RF module so that the self-correction RF module outputs an actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table.
[0039] Optionally, before the step of sending the calibration parameters to the self-calibration RF module, the calibration terminal further includes:
[0040] The calibration terminal issues a control instruction so that the radio frequency instrument performs an initialization operation according to the control instruction, and the self-calibration radio frequency module starts a radio frequency test mode according to the control instruction;
[0041] Correspondingly, when the RF test mode is turned on, the self-calibration RF module performs the steps of adjusting the gain control word according to the calibration parameter and outputting power according to the gain control word.
[0042] Optionally, the step of generating, by the calibration terminal, a mapping table including a correspondence between gain control words and output powers according to the mapping relationship specifically includes:
[0043] The calibration terminal adjusts the calibration parameters according to the step requirement and repeatedly performs the operation of sending the calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module to generate a mapping relationship between the output power of the self-calibration radio frequency module and the gain control word;
[0044] The calibration terminal generates a mapping table including corresponding relationships between gain control words and output powers according to all mapping relationships.
[0045] The RF chip of the self-correcting RF module of the present invention receives control instructions or working logic requirements sent by an external device through a serial port module, sets a target output power according to the control instructions or working logic requirements, and adjusts the power output based on the target output power; the output level of the RF chip pin is detected by a power detection module to obtain the actual output power, and the power detection module feeds back the actual output power to the data processing part of the RF chip; the RF chip can obtain the difference between the actual output power and the target output power according to the actual output power, and automatically adjust the gain within a limited range, thereby ensuring that the actual output power of the RF chip is the same as the target output power. The present invention adjusts the actual output power of the RF chip through the power detection module so that the actual output power of the RF chip is the same as the target output power, integrates the power detection module into a miniaturized RF module, and forms a closed-loop system, which weakens the influence of external standing wave changes on the output power of the RF module, and solves the technical problem in the prior art that it is difficult to accurately output the RF indicators required by the working logic of the RF module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.
[0047] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the self-calibration radio frequency module of the present invention;
[0048] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the functional modules of the self-correcting radio frequency module calibration system of the present invention;
[0049] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of a self-calibrating radio frequency module calibration method according to the present invention.
[0050] The purpose, features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0052] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0053] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the self-calibration radio frequency module of the present invention;
[0054] based on Figure 1 , a first embodiment of the self-correcting RF module of the present invention is proposed.
[0055] In this embodiment, the self-correcting RF module includes: a serial port module, a RF chip and a power detection module; wherein, the serial port module is connected to an external device via a serial port line, the RF chip is connected to the serial port module, and the power detection module is connected to the RF chip.
[0056] The radio frequency chip is used to receive the working logic requirements of the external device through the serial port module; the radio frequency chip is also used to set the target output power according to the working logic requirements and adjust the power output based on the target output power.
[0057] It should be explained that a microstrip antenna or a patch antenna can be integrated on the PCB of the RF module.
[0058] It is understandable that RF indicators may include power, in-band fluctuation, frequency deviation and other signal quality indicators. By measuring the signals output by the RF module under different conditions, the various RF indicators of the RF module can be obtained.
[0059] It should be understood that RF (Radio Frequency) is a high-frequency alternating current electromagnetic wave, which means the electromagnetic frequency that can be radiated into space, with a frequency range of 300KHz to 300GHz. The RF chip refers to an electronic component that converts the baseband data signal into a RF signal and sends the RF signal through an external circuit connected to the antenna. All RF transceiver chips with main control computing capabilities or a combination of main control chip + RF transceiver chip can be used as the RF chip in this embodiment, such as TXW8301, ALGN2527-33, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment.
[0060] It can be understood that the above-mentioned serial port module is a module that connects the RF module to external devices. The external devices can be computers, network IO, PLC and other devices. The external devices can send working logic requirements or control instructions to the RF chip through the serial port module, so that the RF module outputs corresponding power.
[0061] It should be noted that the above working logic requirement is a control instruction sent by an external device. After receiving the control instruction, the RF chip can set the target output power according to the control instruction, thereby adjusting the gain for power output.
[0062] In a specific implementation, the RF chip receives control instructions or working logic requirements sent by an external device through a serial port module, sets a target output power according to the control instructions or working logic requirements, and adjusts the power output based on the target output power.
[0063] The power detection module is used to detect the actual output power of the RF chip in real time and feed back an actual output signal to the RF chip based on the actual output power; the RF chip is also used to adjust the power output according to the actual output signal so that the actual output power is the same as the target output power.
[0064] It is understandable that the actual output power of the circuit may differ from the target output power due to factors such as circuit impedance and standing waves.
[0065] It should be noted that the above-mentioned actual output signal may include the power value of the actual output power and the external standing wave state signal, and the power detection module can detect the actual output power and the external standing wave state signal of the RF chip in real time.
[0066] It is understandable that the RF module has a built-in antenna. When the RF module is working, the antenna will radiate signals outward. The external environment's disturbance of the antenna standing wave (i.e., external standing wave) will interfere with the output power of the RF chip. The power detection module can monitor the output level of the RF chip pin to obtain the actual output power, and feed back the external standing wave status signal and the actual output power of the RF chip to the data processing part of the RF chip. The RF chip can automatically adjust the gain within a limited range based on the actual output signal and the difference between the actual output power and the target output power to ensure that the actual output power is the same as the target output power.
[0067] It should be understood that the automatic adjustment of the RF chip can be a small adjustment set by the staff at the factory, such as automatically adjusting the gain within 2dB above or below the target power value to change the output power. This is not limited in this embodiment.
[0068] Furthermore, the radio frequency chip is further configured to feed back a fault code to the external device via the serial port module when the actual output power cannot be adjusted to the target output power according to the actual output signal.
[0069] It is understandable that if the RF chip cannot adjust the actual output power to the same as the target output power based on the actual output signal and the difference between the actual output power and the target output power, a hardware failure may have occurred. At this time, the fault code can be fed back to the external device through the serial port module. When the external device receives the feedback fault code, it can determine the fault problem based on the fault code, so that the staff can perform maintenance based on the fault problem.
[0070] In a specific implementation, the power detection module detects the output level of the RF chip pin to obtain the actual output power, and then feeds the actual output power of the RF chip back to the data processing part of the RF chip. The RF chip can automatically adjust the gain within a limited range based on the difference between the actual output power and the target output power, thereby ensuring that the actual output power of the RF chip is consistent with the target output power.
[0071] The RF chip of the self-correcting RF module of this embodiment receives the working logic requirements sent by the external device through the serial port module, sets the target output power according to the working logic requirements, and adjusts the power output based on the target output power; the output level of the RF chip pin is detected by the power detection module to obtain the actual output power, and the power detection module inputs the detected actual output power to the data processing part of the RF chip; the RF chip can automatically adjust the gain within a limited range according to the actual output signal, thereby ensuring that the actual output power of the RF chip is the same as the target output power. The actual output power of the RF chip is adjusted by the power detection module so that the actual output power of the RF chip is the same as the target output power. The power detection module is integrated into a miniaturized RF module to form a closed-loop system, which weakens the influence of external standing wave changes on the output power of the RF module and solves the technical problem in the prior art that it is difficult to accurately output the RF indicators required by the working logic of the RF module.
[0072] Furthermore, based on the above Figure 1The first embodiment of the present invention shown is a second embodiment of the self-correcting RF module of the present invention, in order to enable the external device to obtain accurate RF indicators during calibration, the self-correcting RF module also includes: a directional coupler; wherein, the directional coupler is integrated in the external RF circuit of the RF chip, and the coupling end of the directional coupler is provided with a test point; when calibrating the self-correcting RF module, the test point is connected to the RF meter through an RF cable; the directional coupler is used to generate coupling according to the actual output power of the RF chip, and the RF meter obtains the test point output signal through the test point set on the directional coupler to calculate the actual output power according to the test point output signal, and the test point output signal includes the coupling signal generated by the directional coupler.
[0073] It should be noted that the directional coupler is integrated into the RF circuit between the antenna and the RF chip. It is composed of a coupled microstrip line or a strip line and a main RF microstrip line. A test point is set at the coupling end of the directional coupler, which can be used in conjunction with the calibration system.
[0074] It can be understood that the directional coupler can generate a coupling degree based on the actual output power of the RF chip. The coupling degree of the directional coupler is the ratio of the output power of the coupling end to the main line input power (that is, the actual output power of the RF chip). The external RF test equipment can obtain the test point output signal through the test point, and reversely calculate the actual output power of the RF chip based on the test point output signal, so as to send control instructions according to the actual output power to calibrate the RF module. The above-mentioned test point output signal may include the coupling degree of the directional coupler and the output power of the coupling end.
[0075] In a specific implementation, a directional coupler generates coupling according to the actual output power of the RF chip. The RF instrument is connected to a test point set on the directional coupler through an RF cable, and the test point output signal is obtained through the coupling degree to calculate the actual output power based on the test point output signal.
[0076] Furthermore, in order to make the actual output power consistent with the target output power, the self-correcting RF module also includes: a storage module; wherein the storage module is connected to the RF chip; the RF chip is also used to obtain a mapping table containing the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power stored in the storage module; the RF chip is also used to query the mapping table according to the target output power, and adjust the current gain control word to the queried target gain control word according to the query result, and adjust the power output according to the target gain control word.
[0077] It can be understood that the above-mentioned storage module is a module for storing data or files in the self-correcting RF module. The memory used by the storage module can be a high-speed random access memory (RAM) or a stable non-volatile memory (NVM), such as Flash memory or DDR memory, which is not limited in this embodiment.
[0078] It should be noted that gain refers to the degree of increase in current, voltage or power of components, circuits, equipment or systems. The gain control word is the control instruction for the gain of the self-correcting RF module of the present invention. The RF chip can automatically adjust the gain according to the gain control word, thereby achieving regulation of the output power.
[0079] It can be understood that the mapping table contains a table corresponding to the output power values of the RF chip from high to low and the gain control words. When the self-correction RF module sets the target power, the above mapping table can be searched according to the target power, so as to adjust the current gain control word to the gain control word corresponding to the target output power, and then output the same power as the target output power.
[0080] In a specific implementation, a mapping table including the correspondence between gain control words and output powers is stored in a storage module, and the current gain control word is adjusted by looking up the mapping table to output the same power as the target output power.
[0081] In this embodiment, by integrating a directional coupler on the RF module and setting a test point at the coupling end of the directional coupler, an external RF test device can obtain the test point output signal by connecting to the test point set on the directional coupler through an RF cable, thereby obtaining the actual output power of the RF module and calibrating the directional coupler. This greatly simplifies the hardware structure of the calibration system and significantly improves the accuracy and stability of the RF indicators obtained by the test system.
[0082] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the functional modules of the self-correcting radio frequency module calibration system of the present invention;
[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the self-correcting RF module system includes a calibration terminal, a RF meter and the self-correcting RF module described in the above embodiment of the present invention; wherein, the self-correcting RF module is placed in a shielding box, the calibration terminal enters the shielding box through a serial port line and is connected to the serial port module of the self-correcting RF module, the RF meter enters the shielding box through an RF cable and is connected to the test point set on the directional coupler of the self-correcting RF module, and the RF meter is also connected to the calibration terminal through a data cable.
[0084] It is understood that the calibration terminal is a device for calibrating the self-calibrating radio frequency module. The calibration terminal can send calibration instructions, coordinate and control the operation of the self-calibrating radio frequency module and the radio frequency instrument, thereby completing the calibration of the self-calibrating radio frequency module. The calibration terminal of the present invention can be a personal computer or other device that can calibrate the self-calibrating radio frequency module of the present invention through software or other means. In this embodiment, a personal computer (PC) is used as the calibration terminal to illustrate this embodiment and the following embodiments.
[0085] It should be noted that the calibration terminal is installed with calibration software, and the calibration terminal issues calibration control instructions such as calibration parameters through the calibration software, and processes the data sent back by the radio frequency instrument.
[0086] It should be understood that the shielding box is a shielding body made of conductive or magnetic materials that can limit electromagnetic energy to a certain spatial range. The self-correcting RF module is placed within the shielding box. The self-correcting RF module (i.e., the RF module shown in the figure) can be connected to an external RF instrument via an RF cable based on the test points set on the directional coupler, connected to a PC via a data cable based on the serial port module, and connected to an external power supply via a power cord through the power chip.
[0087] It is understood that an RF meter is an instrument that can test RF indicators. The RF meter can obtain the RF indicators of the RF module through test points and send the RF indicators to the PC via a data cable connected to the PC for processing, thereby obtaining the actual output power of the RF module. It should be noted that the RF meter used in the present invention can be a spectrum analyzer, a comprehensive tester, etc., and this embodiment is not limited to this.
[0088] The calibration terminal is configured to send calibration parameters to the self-calibrating RF module. The self-calibrating RF module is configured to adjust a gain control word based on the calibration parameters and regulate power output based on the gain control word. The RF meter is configured to obtain a test point output signal from the self-calibrating RF module, process the test point output signal, generate upload information, and send the upload information to the calibration terminal. The test point output signal includes a coupled signal generated by a directional coupler in the self-calibrating RF module based on the power output.
[0089] It should be understood that the above calibration parameters can adjust the gain control word of the self-calibration RF module, so that the self-calibration RF module can output different powers. The uploaded information includes information about the test point output signal.
[0090] It can be understood that gain refers to the degree of increase in current, voltage or power of components, circuits, equipment or systems. The gain control word is the control instruction for the gain of the self-correcting RF module of the present invention. The RF chip can automatically adjust the gain according to the gain control word, thereby achieving regulation of the output power.
[0091] It should be understood that the test point output signal is an output signal of a test point set on the coupling end of the directional coupler, and may include the output power of the coupling end.
[0092] In a specific implementation, the calibration terminal can send the calibration parameters to the self-calibration RF module through a data line connected to the serial port module of the self-calibration RF module. The self-calibration RF module adjusts the gain control word according to the calibration parameters to adjust the power output. The RF meter can obtain the test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module, and process the test point output signal to generate upload information, and send the upload information to the calibration terminal through the data line.
[0093] The calibration terminal is also used to process the uploaded information to obtain the actual output power output by the self-correction RF module; the calibration terminal is also used to generate a mapping relationship between the gain control word corresponding to the calibration parameter and the actual output power; the calibration terminal is also used to generate a mapping table containing the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power based on the mapping relationship, and write the mapping table into the self-correction RF module so that the self-correction RF module outputs the actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table.
[0094] It should be understood that in actual use, transmission loss is unavoidable during power transmission. Transmission loss refers to the energy loss that occurs when energy propagates from one circuit or a circuit element therein to another circuit. Therefore, when obtaining the output power at the coupling end, it is necessary to process the output power at the test point. The coupling degree can be used to calculate the line loss during power transmission. By processing the output signal at the test point and compensating for the directional coupler and line losses, the actual output power of the RF chip can be obtained.
[0095] It should be noted that the above-mentioned target output power is the output power set by the self-calibration RF module according to the working logic requirements or control instructions. Due to factors such as circuit impedance, there is a difference between the actual output power of the circuit and the target output power.
[0096] In actual use, after the self-correcting RF module outputs power, the output power of the self-correcting RF module can be monitored by the power detection module and feedback can be provided. The self-correcting RF module can make small power adjustments based on the feedback information to make the actual output power the same as the target output power.
[0097] It can be understood that the self-correcting RF module can adjust the gain control word according to the calibration parameters sent by the PC, and then perform power output. All the power output by the self-correcting RF module corresponds to a gain control word. The calibration terminal can send the calibration parameters and the received test point output signal to generate a mapping relationship between the gain control word and the output power, thereby generating a mapping table, and writing the mapping table into the storage module of the self-correcting RF module. The self-correcting RF module can then look up the table according to the target output power and output the actual output power that is the same as the target output power.
[0098] In the specific implementation, the calibration terminal processes the received uploaded information to obtain the actual output power of the self-correction RF module, and generates a mapping relationship between the actual output power and the gain control word. According to the mapping relationship, a mapping table containing the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power is generated, and the mapping table is written into the self-correction RF module, so that the self-correction RF module can output the actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table.
[0099] In this embodiment, the calibration terminal sends the calibration parameters to the self-calibration RF module. The self-calibration RF module adjusts the gain control word according to the calibration parameters to adjust the power output. The RF meter obtains the test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module, generates upload information after processing, and sends the upload information to the calibration terminal through the data line; the calibration terminal processes the received upload information to obtain the actual output power of the self-calibration RF module, and generates a mapping relationship between the actual output power and the gain control word. According to the mapping relationship, a mapping table containing the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power is generated, and the mapping table is written into the self-calibration RF module, so that the self-calibration RF module can output the actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table, thereby ensuring the working stability of the calibration system, and can accurately measure the actual RF indicators of the module, while completing the calibration of the self-calibration RF module.
[0100] Furthermore, in order to prevent affecting the normal working mode of the self-correcting RF module, the calibration terminal is also used to issue control instructions so that the RF instrument performs initialization operations according to the control instructions, and the RF module turns on the RF test mode according to the control instructions; accordingly, the self-correcting RF module is also used to execute the operations of adjusting the gain control word according to the calibration parameters and performing power output according to the gain control word when the RF test mode is turned on.
[0101] It can be understood that in the RF test mode, the self-calibration RF module can be calibrated through the calibration system. After receiving the instructions sent by the calibration terminal, the self-calibration RF module can turn on the RF test mode, switch to the specified channel, and adjust the gain control word according to the gain parameters set by the calibration parameters, and then output power; at the same time, the RF instrument corresponds to the switching channel and test signal format, obtains the test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module, and transmits the signal back to the PC.
[0102] Furthermore, in order to obtain the mapping relationship between the total output power of the self-correcting RF module and the gain control word, the calibration terminal is also used to adjust the calibration parameters according to the step requirements, and repeatedly perform the operation of sending the calibration parameters to the self-correcting RF module to generate the mapping relationship between the output power of the self-correcting RF module and the gain control word; the calibration terminal is also used to generate a mapping table containing the corresponding relationship between the gain control word and the output power based on all the mapping relationships.
[0103] It should be noted that after obtaining the first mapping relationship, the calibration terminal can issue instructions in sequence to adjust the gain control word of the self-correction RF module according to the actual output power, so that the output power of the module reaches the maximum power, and reduce the gain control word size in sequence according to the step requirements.
[0104] It should be explained that the above-mentioned step requirement is a requirement for gradually lowering the gain control word. For example, if the gain control word A corresponds to the actual output power B, the gain control word is gradually adjusted to A-1 and A-2 to obtain the corresponding actual output power in turn. The step value of the specific step requirement can be set according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit this.
[0105] It is understandable that when the output power of the self-calibration RF module reaches the minimum value, the RF calibration is completed. At this time, a mapping table is generated according to all mapping relationships, and the mapping table data is written into the storage module of the self-calibration RF module.
[0106] In a specific implementation, the calibration terminal adjusts the calibration parameters according to the step requirement and repeatedly sends the calibration parameters to the self-correcting radio frequency module to generate a mapping table containing the corresponding relationship between all gain control words and output power.
[0107] It should be noted that RF indicators close to the above accuracy can be obtained by connecting a test socket in series on the RF path of the RF module.
[0108] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of a self-calibrating radio frequency module calibration method according to the present invention.
[0109] The method is applied to the self-correcting radio frequency module calibration system as described above, and the method includes:
[0110] S10: The calibration terminal sends calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module;
[0111] S20: The self-calibration radio frequency module adjusts the gain control word according to the calibration parameter, and adjusts the power output according to the gain control word;
[0112] S30: The RF instrument obtains a test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module and sends relevant information of the test point output signal to a calibration terminal, wherein the test point output signal includes a coupled signal generated by a directional coupler in the self-calibration RF module according to the power output;
[0113] It should be noted that the calibration terminal is a device for calibrating the self-calibrating radio frequency module. The calibration terminal can send calibration instructions, coordinate and control the operation of the self-calibrating radio frequency module and the radio frequency instrument, thereby completing the calibration of the self-calibrating radio frequency module. The calibration terminal of the present invention can be a personal computer or other device that can calibrate the self-calibrating radio frequency module of the present invention through software or other means. In this embodiment, a personal computer (PC) is used as the calibration terminal to illustrate this embodiment and the following embodiments.
[0114] It is understood that an RF meter is an instrument that can test RF indicators. The RF meter can obtain the RF indicators of the RF module through test points and send the RF indicators to the PC via a data cable connected to the PC for processing, thereby obtaining the actual output power of the RF module. It should be noted that the RF meter used in the present invention can be a spectrum analyzer, a comprehensive tester, etc., and this embodiment is not limited to this.
[0115] It should be understood that the above calibration parameters can adjust the gain control word of the self-calibration RF module, thereby enabling the self-calibration RF module to output different powers.
[0116] It can be understood that gain refers to the degree of increase in current, voltage or power of components, circuits, equipment or systems. The gain control word is the control instruction for the gain of the self-correcting RF module of the present invention. The RF chip can automatically adjust the gain according to the gain control word, thereby achieving regulation of the output power.
[0117] It should be understood that the test point output signal is an output signal of a test point set on the coupling end of the directional coupler, and may include the output power of the coupling end.
[0118] In a specific implementation, the calibration terminal can send the calibration parameters to the self-calibration RF module through a data line connected to the serial port module of the self-calibration RF module. The self-calibration RF module adjusts the gain control word according to the calibration parameters to adjust the power output. The RF instrument can obtain the test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module and send the test point output signal to the calibration terminal through the data line.
[0119] S40: The calibration terminal processes the output signal of the test point to obtain the actual output power of the self-calibration RF module;
[0120] S50: The calibration terminal generates a mapping relationship between the gain control word corresponding to the calibration parameter and the actual output power.
[0121] S60: The calibration terminal generates a mapping table including the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power according to the mapping relationship, and writes the mapping table into the self-calibration RF module so that the self-calibration RF module outputs an actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table.
[0122] It should be understood that in actual use, transmission loss is unavoidable during power transmission. Transmission loss refers to the energy loss that occurs when energy propagates from one circuit or circuit element to another. Therefore, when obtaining the output power at the coupling end, the output power at the test point needs to be processed to compensate for the directional coupler and line losses, thereby obtaining the actual output power of the RF chip.
[0123] It should be noted that the above-mentioned target output power is the output power set by the self-calibration RF module according to the working logic requirements or control instructions. Due to factors such as circuit impedance, there is a difference between the actual output power of the circuit and the target output power.
[0124] It can be understood that the self-correcting RF module can adjust the gain control word according to the calibration parameters sent by the PC, and then perform power output. All the power output by the self-correcting RF module corresponds to a gain control word. The calibration terminal can send the calibration parameters and the received test point output signal to generate a mapping relationship between the gain control word and the output power, thereby generating a mapping table, and writing the mapping table into the storage module of the self-correcting RF module. The self-correcting RF module can then look up the table according to the target output power and output the actual output power that is the same as the target output power.
[0125] In a specific implementation, the calibration terminal processes the received test point output signal to obtain the actual output power of the self-correcting RF module, and generates a mapping relationship between the actual output power and the gain control word. According to the mapping relationship, a mapping table containing the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power is generated, and the mapping table is written into the self-correcting RF module, so that the self-correcting RF module can output the actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table.
[0126] In this embodiment, the calibration terminal sends the calibration parameters to the self-calibration RF module. The self-calibration RF module adjusts the gain control word according to the calibration parameters to adjust the power output. The RF meter obtains the test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module and sends the relevant information of the test point output signal to the calibration terminal through the data line; the calibration terminal processes the received test point output signal to obtain the actual output power of the self-calibration RF module, and generates a mapping relationship between the actual output power and the gain control word. According to the mapping relationship, a mapping table containing the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power is generated, and the mapping table is written into the self-calibration RF module, so that the self-calibration RF module can output the actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table, thereby ensuring the working stability of the calibration system, and accurately measuring the actual RF indicators of the module, while completing the calibration of the self-calibration RF module.
[0127] Furthermore, in order to prevent the normal working mode of the self-calibration RF module from being affected, before the step of sending the calibration parameters to the self-calibration RF module, the calibration terminal further includes:
[0128] S01: The calibration terminal issues a control instruction, so that the RF instrument performs an initialization operation according to the control instruction, and the RF module starts a RF test mode according to the control instruction;
[0129] Correspondingly, when the RF test mode is turned on, the self-calibration RF module performs the steps of adjusting the gain control word according to the calibration parameter and outputting power according to the gain control word.
[0130] It can be understood that in the RF test mode, the self-calibration RF module can be calibrated through the calibration system. After receiving the instructions sent by the calibration terminal, the self-calibration RF module can turn on the RF test mode, switch to the specified signal, and adjust the gain control word according to the gain parameters set by the calibration parameters, and then output power; at the same time, the RF instrument switches the channel and test signal format accordingly, obtains the test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module, and transmits the signal back to the PC.
[0131] Furthermore, in order to obtain a mapping relationship between the total output power of the self-calibration radio frequency module and the gain control word, the calibration terminal generates a mapping table including a corresponding relationship between the gain control word and the output power according to the mapping relationship, which specifically includes:
[0132] S61: The calibration terminal adjusts the calibration parameters according to the step requirement and repeatedly sends the calibration parameters to the self-calibration RF module to generate a mapping relationship between the output power of the self-calibration RF module and the gain control word;
[0133] S62: The calibration terminal generates a mapping table including corresponding relationships between gain control words and output powers according to all mapping relationships.
[0134] It should be noted that after obtaining the first mapping relationship, the calibration terminal can issue instructions in sequence to adjust the gain control word of the self-correction RF module according to the actual output power, so that the output power of the module reaches the maximum power, and reduce the gain control word size in sequence according to the step requirements.
[0135] It should be explained that the above-mentioned step requirement is a requirement for gradually lowering the gain control word. For example, if the gain control word A corresponds to the actual output power B, the gain control word is gradually adjusted to A-1 and A-2 to obtain the corresponding actual output power in turn. The step value of the specific step requirement can be set according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit this.
[0136] It is understandable that when the output power of the self-calibration RF module reaches the minimum value, the RF calibration is completed. At this time, a mapping table is generated according to all mapping relationships, and the mapping table data is written into the storage module of the self-calibration RF module.
[0137] In a specific implementation, the calibration terminal adjusts the calibration parameters according to the step requirement and repeatedly sends the calibration parameters to the self-correcting radio frequency module to generate a mapping table containing the corresponding relationship between all gain control words and output power.
[0138] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or system comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or system. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or system comprising the element.
[0139] The serial numbers of the above embodiments of the present invention are for description only and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.
[0140] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present invention description and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A self-calibrating radio frequency module, characterized in that: The self-correcting radio frequency module includes: a serial port module, a radio frequency chip and a power detection module; The serial port module is connected to an external device via a serial port line, the radio frequency chip is connected to the serial port module, and the power detection module is connected to the radio frequency chip; The radio frequency chip is configured to receive a working logic requirement of the external device through the serial port module; the working logic requirement is a control instruction sent by the external device for setting a target output power; The radio frequency chip is further configured to set a target output power according to the working logic requirement and adjust power output based on the target output power; The power detection module is used to detect the actual output power of the radio frequency chip in real time and feed back an actual output signal to the radio frequency chip according to the actual output power; The radio frequency chip is further configured to adjust the power output according to the actual output signal so that the actual output power is the same as the target output power; The self-correcting radio frequency module further includes: a directional coupler; The directional coupler is integrated into the external RF circuit of the RF chip, and a test point is provided at the coupling end of the directional coupler; when calibrating the self-correcting RF module, the test point is connected to the RF instrument via an RF cable; The directional coupler is configured to generate coupling according to the actual output power of the radio frequency chip; the coupling degree is the ratio of the output power of the coupling end to the actual output power; The radio frequency instrument obtains the test point output signal through the test point set on the directional coupler and the coupling degree, so as to calculate the actual output power according to the test point output signal, and the test point output signal includes the coupling signal generated by the directional coupler.
2. The self-calibrating radio frequency module according to claim 1, wherein: The self-calibration radio frequency module further includes: a storage module; Wherein, the storage module is connected to the radio frequency chip; The radio frequency chip is further configured to obtain a mapping table containing a correspondence between gain control words and output power stored in the storage module; The radio frequency chip is further configured to query the mapping table according to the target output power, adjust the current gain control word to the queried target gain control word according to the query result, and adjust the power output according to the target gain control word.
3. The self-calibrating radio frequency module according to claim 1, wherein: The radio frequency chip is further configured to feed back a fault code to the external device via the serial port module when the actual output power cannot be adjusted to the target output power according to the actual output signal.
4. A self-calibrating radio frequency module calibration system, characterized in that: The system comprises: a calibration terminal, a radio frequency instrument, and the self-calibration radio frequency module according to any one of claims 1 to 3; The self-calibration RF module is placed in a shielding box, the calibration terminal enters the shielding box through a serial line and is connected to the serial port module of the self-calibration RF module, the RF meter enters the shielding box through a RF cable and is connected to a test point set on the directional coupler of the self-calibration RF module, and the RF meter is also connected to the calibration terminal through a data cable; The calibration terminal is used to send calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module; The self-calibration radio frequency module is used to adjust the gain control word according to the calibration parameter and adjust the power output according to the gain control word; The RF instrument is configured to obtain a test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module, process the test point output signal, generate upload information, and send the upload information to the calibration terminal, wherein the test point output signal includes a coupled signal generated by a directional coupler in the self-calibration RF module according to the power output; The calibration terminal is further configured to process the test point output signal to obtain the actual output power of the self-calibration RF module; The calibration terminal is further configured to generate a mapping relationship between the gain control word corresponding to the calibration parameter and the actual output power; The calibration terminal is further configured to generate a mapping table including a correspondence between a gain control word and an output power according to the mapping relationship, and write the mapping table into the self-calibration radio frequency module so that the self-calibration radio frequency module outputs an actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table; The calibration terminal is further configured to issue a control instruction so that the RF instrument performs an initialization operation according to the control instruction, and the RF module starts a RF test mode according to the control instruction; Correspondingly, the self-calibration RF module is further configured to, when the RF test mode is turned on, perform the operations of adjusting the gain control word according to the calibration parameter and outputting power according to the gain control word; The calibration terminal is further configured to adjust the calibration parameters according to the step requirement and repeatedly send the calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module to generate a mapping relationship between the output power of the self-calibration radio frequency module and the gain control word; The calibration terminal is further configured to generate a mapping table including corresponding relationships between gain control words and output powers according to all mapping relationships.
5. A self-calibration radio frequency module calibration method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a self-calibration radio frequency module calibration system, the system comprising: a calibration terminal, a radio frequency instrument, and the self-calibration radio frequency module according to any one of claims 1 to 3; the method comprises The calibration terminal sends calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module; The self-calibration radio frequency module adjusts the gain control word according to the calibration parameter and adjusts the power output according to the gain control word; The RF instrument obtains a test point output signal of the self-calibration RF module, processes the test point output signal, generates upload information, and sends the upload information to a calibration terminal, wherein the test point output signal includes a coupled signal generated by a directional coupler in the self-calibration RF module according to the power output; The calibration terminal processes the uploaded signal to obtain the actual output power of the self-calibration radio frequency module; The calibration terminal generates a mapping relationship between a gain control word corresponding to the calibration parameter and the actual output power; The calibration terminal generates a mapping table containing the correspondence between the gain control word and the output power according to the mapping relationship, and writes the mapping table into the self-correction RF module so that the self-correction RF module outputs an actual output power that is the same as the target output power according to the mapping table.
6. The radio frequency module calibration method according to claim 5, wherein: Before the step of sending the calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module by the calibration terminal, the step further includes: The calibration terminal issues a control instruction so that the radio frequency instrument performs an initialization operation according to the control instruction, and the self-calibration radio frequency module starts a radio frequency test mode according to the control instruction; Correspondingly, when the RF test mode is turned on, the self-calibration RF module performs the steps of adjusting the gain control word according to the calibration parameter and outputting power according to the gain control word.
7. The radio frequency module calibration method according to claim 6, wherein: The step of the calibration terminal generating a mapping table including a correspondence between gain control words and output powers according to the mapping relationship specifically includes: The calibration terminal adjusts the calibration parameters according to the step requirement and repeatedly performs the operation of sending the calibration parameters to the self-calibration radio frequency module to generate a mapping relationship between the output power of the self-calibration radio frequency module and the gain control word; The calibration terminal generates a mapping table including corresponding relationships between gain control words and output powers according to all mapping relationships.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Mobile terminal automatic power control calibration method and device
CN105337673A
Method and device for calibrating transmitting power for wireless communication system
CN110380794A