Radio frequency circuit, channel switching method, and communication device

Abstract

This application discloses a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a channel switching method, and a communication device, relating to the field of beamforming, for expanding the implementation flexibility of RF architectures for hybrid beamforming. The RF circuit includes: a first analog channel, a second analog channel, a first digital channel, a second digital channel, and a switching circuit; the first and second analog channels are used for analog beamforming, and the first and second digital channels are used for digital beamforming; in a first mode, the switching circuit is used to combine and couple the first and second analog channels to the first digital channel; in a second mode, the switching circuit is used to couple the first analog channel to the first digital channel and the second analog channel to the second digital channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of radio frequency technology, and in particular to a radio frequency circuit, a channel switching method, and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Beamforming technology includes analog beamforming, digital beamforming, and hybrid beamforming. Analog beamforming refers to the control of the gain and phase of antenna elements in the analog domain; digital beamforming refers to the control of the antenna array and phase in the digital domain; hybrid beamforming includes both analog and digital beamforming.

[0003] Currently, the configuration between the digital channel for digital beamforming and the RF channel for analog beamforming in hybrid beamforming is fixed, which makes the RF architecture implementation inflexible and limits its application scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a channel switching method, and a communication device to expand the implementation flexibility of hybrid beamforming RF architectures. To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions.

[0005] In a first aspect, a radio frequency circuit is provided, comprising: a first analog channel, a second analog channel, a first digital channel, a second digital channel, and a switching circuit; the first analog channel and the second analog channel are used to perform phase adjustment in the analog domain to achieve analog beamforming, and the first digital channel and the second digital channel are used to perform phase adjustment in the digital domain to achieve digital beamforming; in a first mode, the switching circuit is used to couple the first analog channel and the second analog channel to the first digital channel; wherein, the analog signal output from the first analog channel and the analog signal output from the second analog channel are combined and provided to the first digital channel; or, the analog signal output from the first digital channel is split and provided to the first analog channel and the second analog channel; in a second mode, the switching circuit is used to couple the first analog channel to the first digital channel and the second analog channel to the second digital channel; wherein, the analog signal output from the first analog channel is provided to the first digital channel, and the analog signal output from the second analog channel is provided to the second digital channel; or, the analog signal output from the first digital channel is provided to the first analog channel, and the analog signal output from the second digital channel is provided to the second analog channel.

[0006] The radio frequency (RF) circuit provided in this application includes a first analog channel, a second analog channel, a first digital channel, a second digital channel, and a switching circuit. In a first mode, the switching circuit couples the first analog channel and the second analog channel to the first digital channel, allowing the same digital baseband signal to be transmitted through more antennas, resulting in better communication quality when transmitting or receiving signals. In a second mode, the switching circuit couples the first analog channel to the first digital channel and the second analog channel to the second digital channel, allowing the two digital channels to transmit independent digital baseband signals. This enables greater data throughput through MIMO and expands the implementation flexibility of the hybrid beamforming RF architecture.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the switching circuit includes a power splitter / combiner and a double-throw switch. A first digital channel is coupled to the combining terminal of the power splitter / combiner, a first sliding terminal of the power splitter / combiner is coupled to a first analog channel, a second sliding terminal of the power splitter / combiner is coupled to a first terminal of the double-throw switch, a second digital channel is coupled to a second terminal of the double-throw switch, and a second analog channel is coupled to a third terminal of the double-throw switch. In a first mode, the double-throw switch is used to couple the first terminal to the third terminal to couple the second sliding terminal of the power splitter / combiner to the second analog channel, such that the first analog channel and the second analog channel are combined and coupled to the first digital channel through the power splitter / combiner. In a second mode, the double-throw switch is used to couple the second terminal to the third terminal to couple the second analog channel to the second digital channel. This implementation provides one possible structure for the switching circuit.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the switching circuit further includes a matching circuit for grounding, to which the fourth terminal of the double-throw switch is coupled; in a first mode, the double-throw switch is also used to couple the second terminal to the fourth terminal to couple the second digital channel to the matching circuit; in a second mode, the double-throw switch is also used to couple the first terminal to the fourth terminal to couple the second branch terminal of the power divider to the matching circuit. The matching circuit addresses the issue of high out-of-band noise in the system, thereby ensuring signal quality.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the power splitter combiner is a reconfigurable power splitter combiner; in a first mode, the reconfigurable power splitter combiner operates in a power split-combining state to couple the combining terminal with the first shunt terminal and the second shunt terminal; in a second mode, the reconfigurable power splitter combiner operates in a switching state to couple the first shunt terminal to the combining terminal and disconnect the coupling between the second shunt terminal and the combining terminal. This implementation provides another possible structure for the switching circuit.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the analog signal is a millimeter-wave signal, an intermediate frequency signal, or an analog baseband signal. The switching circuit can be located at different positions in the radio frequency circuit to transmit different analog signals.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a processor is also included, which controls the switching circuit to switch to a first mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the received signal is less than a first RSRP threshold, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the received signal is less than a first SNR threshold, or the transmit power control (TPC) of the transmitted signal is greater than a first TPC threshold. That is, when signal quality is poor, multiple analog channels are coupled to a single digital channel, and the same digital baseband signal is transmitted through more antennas, resulting in better communication quality when transmitting or receiving signals.

[0012] In one possible implementation, a processor is also included, which controls the switching circuit to switch to the second mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: the RSRP of the received signal is greater than a second RSRP threshold, the SNR of the received signal is greater than a second SNR threshold, or the TPC of the transmitted signal is less than a second TPC threshold. That is, when the signal quality is good, one analog channel is switched to one digital channel, which is in MIMO mode. The two digital channels transmit independent digital baseband signals, which can obtain a larger data throughput. Alternatively, one digital channel and one analog channel can be shut down to reduce power consumption.

[0013] Secondly, a channel switching method is provided, comprising: in a first mode, a control switching circuit combines and couples a first analog channel and a second analog channel to a first digital channel; wherein, the analog signal output from the first analog channel and the analog signal output from the second analog channel are combined and provided to the first digital channel; or, the analog signal output from the first digital channel is split and provided to the first analog channel and the second analog channel. In a second mode, the control switching circuit couples the first analog channel to the first digital channel and couples the second analog channel to the second digital channel; wherein, the analog signal output from the first analog channel is provided to the first digital channel, and the analog signal output from the second analog channel is provided to the second digital channel; or, the analog signal output from the first digital channel is provided to the first analog channel, and the analog signal output from the second digital channel is provided to the second analog channel; wherein, the first analog channel and the second analog channel are used to perform phase adjustment in the analog domain to achieve analog beamforming, and the first digital channel and the second digital channel are used to perform phase adjustment in the digital domain to achieve digital beamforming.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the control switching circuit couples the first analog channel and the second analog channel to the first digital channel, including: coupling a first terminal of a double-throw switch in the switching circuit to a third terminal of the double-throw switch to couple the second branch terminal of the power divider to the second analog channel; the control switching circuit couples the first analog channel to the first digital channel and the second analog channel to the second digital channel, including: coupling a second terminal of a double-throw switch in the switching circuit to a third terminal to couple the second analog channel to the second digital channel. Wherein, the first digital channel is coupled to the combining terminal of the power divider, the first branch terminal of the power divider is coupled to the first analog channel, the second branch terminal of the power divider is coupled to the first terminal of the double-throw switch, the second digital channel is coupled to the second terminal of the double-throw switch, and the second analog channel is coupled to the third terminal of the double-throw switch.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: in a first mode, coupling the second terminal of the double-throw switch to the fourth terminal of the double-throw switch to couple the second digital channel to a grounding matching circuit in the switching circuit; and in a second mode, coupling the first terminal of the double-throw switch to the fourth terminal to couple the second shunt terminal of the power divider to the matching circuit. The fourth terminal of the double-throw switch is coupled to the matching circuit.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the power splitter combiner is a reconfigurable power splitter combiner; it further includes: in a first mode, controlling the reconfigurable power splitter combiner to operate in a power splitter-combiner state to couple the combiner terminal with the first branch terminal and the second branch terminal; in a second mode, controlling the reconfigurable power splitter combiner to operate in a switching state to couple the first branch terminal to the combiner terminal and disconnect the coupling between the second branch terminal and the combiner terminal.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the analog signal is a millimeter-wave signal, an intermediate frequency signal, or an analog baseband signal.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the control switching circuit switches to the first mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: the reference signal received power RSRP of the received signal is less than a first RSRP threshold, the signal-to-noise ratio SNR of the received signal is less than a first SNR threshold, or the transmit power control TPC of the transmitted signal is greater than a first TPC threshold.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the control switching circuit switches to the second mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: the RSRP of the received signal is greater than the second RSRP threshold, the SNR of the received signal is greater than the second SNR threshold, or the TPC of the transmitted signal is less than the second TPC threshold.

[0020] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, including a digital baseband processor and a radio frequency circuit as described in the first aspect and any embodiment thereof, wherein the digital baseband processor is coupled to a first digital channel and a second digital channel of the radio frequency circuit.

[0021] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, including a first analog channel, a second analog channel, and a switching circuit, wherein the first analog channel and the second analog channel are coupled to the switching circuit.

[0022] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a first digital channel, a second digital channel, and a switching circuit, wherein the first digital channel and the second digital channel are coupled to the switching circuit.

[0023] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein instructions are stored therein, the instructions being executed on a processor of a communication device, such that the communication device can perform the methods described in the second aspect and any embodiment thereof.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions that run on a processor of a communication device, such that the communication device can perform the methods described in the second aspect and any embodiment thereof.

[0025] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor for storing instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the second aspect and any embodiment thereof. Optionally, the device may include a memory coupled to the processor for storing the instructions.

[0026] Regarding the specific solutions and technical effects of aspects two through eight, refer to the technical effects of aspect one and any of its implementations, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency circuit for a simulated beamforming transmitter and receiver provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a digital beamforming transmitter and receiver provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a hybrid beamforming transmitter and receiver radio frequency circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 3 ;

[0033] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 4 ;

[0034] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 5 ;

[0035] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 6 ;

[0036] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 7 ;

[0037] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 8 ;

[0038] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 9 ;

[0039] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 ;

[0040] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 one;

[0041] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 two;

[0042] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 three;

[0043] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 Four;

[0044] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 five;

[0045] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 six;

[0046] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 seven;

[0047] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 eight;

[0048] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 Nine;

[0049] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 ten;

[0050] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 eleven;

[0051] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 twelve;

[0052] Figure 26 A schematic diagram of the radio frequency circuit of a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 Thirteen;

[0053] Figure 27 A flowchart illustrating a channel switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Beamforming originates from adaptive antennas. During signal processing at the receiver, multiple signals received by various antenna elements can be weighted and synthesized to form the desired ideal signal. This manifests in the receiver pattern as a beam with a specific direction; for example, transforming an omnidirectional receiver pattern into a pattern with nulls and a maximum directional lobe. The same principle applies to the transmitter; by adjusting the gain and phase of the antenna elements, a specific transmit pattern can be formed. As mentioned earlier, beamforming technology includes analog beamforming, digital beamforming, and hybrid beamforming.

[0056] First, combine Figure 1 The simulated beamforming is explained. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the transmitter includes multiple transmitting antennas 101, multiple transmitting components (Tx elements) 102 corresponding one-to-one with the multiple transmitting antennas 101, a power splitter 103, an RF transmitting link (RF Tx chain) 104, and a first digital baseband processor 105.

[0057] The receiver includes multiple receiving antennas 111, multiple receiving components (Rxelement) 112 corresponding to the multiple receiving antennas 111, a power combiner 113, an RF receiving chain 114, and a second digital baseband processor 115.

[0058] Each transmitting component 102 or receiving component 112 includes an amplifier (or low-noise amplifier) ​​and an analog phase shifter. The amplifier (or low-noise amplifier) ​​amplifies the radio frequency signal, such as a millimeter-wave signal, and the analog phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the analog signal. The number of transmitting components 102 or receiving components 112 also represents the number of radio frequency channels; that is, one transmitting component 102 or receiving component 112 corresponds to one radio frequency channel.

[0059] The power splitter 103 performs power splitting, and the power combiner 113 performs power combining. The RF transmit link 104 or RF receive link 114 performs signal mixing, amplification, filtering, and other functions. The first digital baseband processor 105 and the second digital baseband processor 115 are used for digital domain processing of the signals; for example, the first digital baseband processor 105 is used for modulation of the transmitted signal in the digital domain, and the second digital baseband processor 115 is used for demodulation of the received signal in the digital domain.

[0060] The power divider 103 and the transmitting assembly 102 at the transmitting end control the gain and phase of the antenna elements in the analog domain at the transmitting end, thereby realizing the analog beamforming function at the transmitting end. Similarly, the combiner 113 and the receiving assembly 112 at the receiving end control the gain and phase of the antenna elements in the analog domain at the receiving end, thereby realizing the analog beamforming function at the receiving end.

[0061] The following is combined with Figure 2 Digital beamforming is explained. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the transmitter includes multiple transmitting antennas 201, a first digital baseband processor 207, and multiple transmitting components 202, multiple radio frequency transmitting links 203, multiple digital-to-analog converters (DACs) 204, multiple digital upconversions (DUCs) 205, and multiple digital phase shifters 206, which are corresponding to the multiple transmitting antennas 201. The digital phase shifters 206 are used to adjust the phase of the digital signal.

[0062] The receiver includes multiple receiving antennas 211, a second digital baseband processor 217, and multiple receiving components 212, multiple radio frequency receiving links 213, multiple analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) 214, multiple digital downconverters (DDCs) 215, and multiple digital phase shifters 216, which are used to adjust the phase of the digital signal.

[0063] DAC 204 is used for digital-to-analog conversion. ADC 214 is used for analog-to-digital conversion. DUC 205 is used for small-range upward frequency shifting in the digital domain. DDC 215 is used for small-range downward frequency shifting in the digital domain.

[0064] and Figure 1 In contrast, the transmitting assembly 202 or the receiving assembly 212 does not include an analog phase shifter, combiner, or power divider. The digital phase shifter 206 at the transmitting end controls the phase of the antenna elements in the digital domain, achieving digital beamforming at the transmitting end. Similarly, the digital phase shifter 216 at the receiving end controls the phase of the antenna elements in the digital domain, achieving digital beamforming at the receiving end. The functional details of other structures are as described above. Figure 1 As described in the text.

[0065] Hybrid beamforming combines analog and digital beamforming, including partially connected hybrid beamforming and fully connected hybrid beamforming. Partially connected hybrid beamforming is also called "subarray hybrid beamforming," where one subarray corresponds to one RF link.

[0066] The following is combined with Figure 3 This section explains partially connected hybrid beamforming. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the transmitter includes multiple radio frequency transmission links 304 and a first digital baseband processor 308. Each radio frequency transmission link 304 is coupled to an antenna subarray through a power divider 303. Each antenna subarray includes multiple sets of transmitting components 302 and transmitting antennas 301.

[0067] The receiver includes multiple radio frequency receiving links 314 and a second digital baseband processor 318. Each radio frequency receiving link 314 is coupled to an antenna subarray through a combiner 313. Each antenna subarray includes multiple sets of receiving components 312 and receiving antennas 311.

[0068] The analog phase shifters in the power divider 303 and transmitting assembly 302 at the transmitting end implement analog beamforming at the transmitting end. The analog phase shifters in the combiner 313 and receiving assembly 312 at the receiving end implement analog beamforming at the receiving end. The digital phase shifter 307 at the transmitting end implements digital beamforming at the transmitting end, and the digital phase shifter 311 at the receiving end implements digital beamforming at the receiving end. The functional details of other structures are described in the following references. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described in the text.

[0069] The main difference between analog beamforming, digital beamforming, and partially connected hybrid beamforming lies in the relationship between the number of digital channels and the number of RF channels (the number of antennas), as shown in Table 1:

[0070] Table 1

[0071]

[0072] Currently, terminal devices (such as mobile phones) typically employ partially connected hybrid beamforming. For example, the number of digital channels can be 1 or 2, and the number of radio frequency channels (number of antennas) can be 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, etc.

[0073] Combining the radio frequency circuits of the transmitter and receiver can yield results such as Figure 4 or Figure 5The radio frequency circuitry in the communication device shown includes a transmit / receive antenna 401, a transmit / receive assembly 402, a power divider / combiner 403, a radio frequency transmit / receive link 404, a DAC / ADC 405, a DUC / DDC 406, a digital phase shifter 407, and a digital baseband processor 408.

[0074] Specifically, the transmit / receive antenna 401 can be referred to in the previous description of the transmit and receive antennas; the transmit / receive component 402 can be referred to in the previous description of the transmit and receive components; the power divider / combiner 403 can be referred to in the previous description of the combiner and power divider; the RF transmit / receive link 404 can be referred to in the previous description of the RF transmit link and RF receive link; the DAC / ADC 405 can be referred to in the previous description of the RF transmit link and RF receive link; the DUC / DDC 406 can be referred to in the previous description of the DUC and DDC; the digital phase shifter 407 can be referred to in the previous description of the digital phase shifter; and the digital baseband processor 408 can be referred to in the previous description of the digital baseband processor. These details will not be repeated here.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, taking an example with 2 digital channels and 8 radio frequency channels (antennas), the communication device can have two digital channels, each of which can couple four radio frequency channels. In this embodiment, the two digital channels can be controlled independently, offering relative flexibility. Alternatively, as... Figure 5 As shown, the terminal device can have one digital channel, but in the RF transmit / receive link 404, a power divider / combiner 4041 couples one digital channel to two RF channels. In this embodiment, since only one digital channel is needed, the power consumption of the digital channel is lower. However, since the configuration of the digital channel and the RF channel is fixed, it is currently not possible to obtain the advantages of the above two configurations with a single RF circuit.

[0076] Therefore, such as Figure 6 As shown, this application embodiment provides a radio frequency (RF) circuit, including: a first analog channel 601, a second analog channel 602, a first digital channel 603, a second digital channel 604, a switching circuit 605, and a digital baseband processor 606. The RF circuit may further include a plurality of first transmit / receive antennas 607 coupled to the first analog channel 601, and a plurality of second transmit / receive antennas 608 coupled to the second analog channel 602. The digital baseband processor 606 is coupled to the first digital channel 603 and the second digital channel 604, and the first analog channel 601, the second analog channel 602, the first digital channel 603, and the second digital channel 604 are coupled to the switching circuit 605.

[0077] It should be noted that although the embodiments of this application use two digital channels and two analog channels as an example for illustration, it is not intended to be limited to this, and can also be applied to the case of multiple digital channels and multiple analog channels.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, the first analog channel 601 includes multiple coupled first transmit / receive components 6011 and a first power divider / combiner 6012; the multiple first transmit / receive components 6011 are also coupled to multiple first transmit / receive antennas 607 respectively. The second analog channel 602 includes at least multiple coupled second transmit / receive components 6021 and a second power divider / combiner 6022, and the multiple second transmit / receive components 6021 are also coupled to multiple second transmit / receive antennas 608 respectively. As mentioned above, one transmit / receive component corresponds to one radio frequency channel, so it can be considered that the radio frequency channel includes the transmit / receive components. One analog channel includes one power divider / combiner and multiple radio frequency channel transmit / receive components, and phase adjustment (e.g., control of the gain and phase of the antenna array elements) can be performed in the analog domain to achieve analog beamforming, that is, the first analog channel 601 and the second analog channel 602 can respectively perform analog beamforming through multiple radio frequency channels.

[0079] like Figure 7 As shown, the first digital channel 603 includes at least a coupled first digital phase shifter 6031, a first DUC / DDC 6032, and a first DAC / ADC 6033; the first digital phase shifter 6031 is coupled to the digital baseband processor 606. The second digital channel 604 includes at least a coupled second digital phase shifter 6041, a second DUC / DDC 6042, and a second DAC / ADC 6043; the second digital phase shifter 6041 is coupled to the digital baseband processor 606. As described above, the digital phase shifter performs phase adjustment in the digital domain (e.g., controlling the phase of antenna elements). The first digital phase shifter 6031 and the second digital phase shifter 6041 can realize digital beamforming, that is, the first digital channel 603 and the second digital channel 604 can control the phase of antenna elements in the digital domain to achieve digital beamforming. Optionally, digital phase shifters, DUC / DDC, and DAC / ADC can be integrated into the analog baseband processor for conversion between analog baseband signals and digital baseband signals. The digital baseband processor 606 performs digital baseband signal processing and may include digital logic circuitry and run necessary software. This digital baseband processing includes, but is not limited to, modulation, demodulation, channel coding, channel decoding, or physical layer communication processing.

[0080] Figure 7 The ellipsis in the middle indicates that other devices can also be coupled. The following section combines... Figures 8-10 illustrate Figure 7 Devices where analog and digital channels can be coupled. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the first digital channel 603 may further include a first intermediate frequency circuit 6034 and a first millimeter-wave circuit 6035 coupled to the first DAC / ADC 6033. The second digital channel 604 may further include a second intermediate frequency circuit 6044 and a second millimeter-wave circuit 6045 coupled to the second DAC / ADC 6043. In this case, the analog signal transmitted by the switching circuit 605 is a millimeter-wave signal. The intermediate frequency circuits (first intermediate frequency circuit 6034 and second intermediate frequency circuit 6044) can be integrated into the RF chip, and the millimeter-wave circuits (first millimeter-wave circuit 6035 and second millimeter-wave circuit 6045) can be integrated into the millimeter-wave chip. Optionally, the switching circuit 605, the first analog channel 601, the second analog channel 602, the first transmit / receive antenna 607, and the second transmit / receive antenna 608 can also be integrated into the millimeter-wave chip.

[0081] The intermediate frequency (IF) circuit is used for spectrum shifting, filtering, and amplification between the analog baseband signal and the IF signal, while the millimeter-wave circuit is used for spectrum shifting, filtering, and amplification between the IF signal and the millimeter-wave signal. For example, when transmitting a signal, the analog baseband processor converts the digital baseband signal from the digital baseband processor into an analog baseband signal through digital-to-analog conversion; the IF circuit performs a first mixing to shift the spectrum of the analog baseband signal to the IF band, obtaining the IF signal; the millimeter-wave circuit performs a second mixing to shift the spectrum of the IF signal to the millimeter-wave band, obtaining the millimeter-wave signal; the power divider distributes the millimeter-wave signal to each transmitting / receiving component, and the transmitting / receiving components amplify and phase-shift the signal before radiating the radio frequency signal into space through the antenna. When receiving a signal, the transmitting / receiving components amplify and phase-shift the signal to obtain a millimeter-wave signal. The millimeter-wave circuit performs a first mixing to shift the spectrum of the millimeter-wave signal to the intermediate frequency (IF) band, obtaining an IF signal. The IF circuit then performs a second mixing to shift the IF signal's spectrum to the low-frequency band, obtaining an analog baseband signal. The analog baseband processor converts the analog baseband signal to an analog signal via digital-to-digital conversion to obtain a digital baseband signal, which is then output to the digital baseband processor.

[0082] like Figure 9As shown, the first digital channel 603 may further include a first intermediate frequency (IF) circuit 6034 coupled to the first DAC / ADC 6033, and the second digital channel 604 may further include a second IF circuit 6044 coupled to the second DAC / ADC 6043. The first analog channel 601 may further include a first millimeter-wave circuit 6013 coupled to the first power splitter / combiner 6012, and the second analog channel 602 may further include a second millimeter-wave circuit 6023 coupled to the second power splitter / combiner 6022. In this case, the analog signal transmitted by the switching circuit 605 is an IF signal. The IF circuit and the switching circuit can be integrated into the RF chip, and the millimeter-wave circuit can be integrated into the millimeter-wave chip.

[0083] like Figure 10 As shown, the first analog channel 601 may further include a first millimeter-wave circuit 6013 and a first intermediate frequency circuit 6014 coupled to the first power splitter / combiner 6012, and the second analog channel 602 may further include a second millimeter-wave circuit 6023 and a second intermediate frequency circuit 6024 coupled to the second power splitter / combiner 6022. In this case, the analog signal transmitted by the switching circuit 605 is an analog baseband signal. The intermediate frequency circuit and the switching circuit can be integrated into the RF chip, and the millimeter-wave circuit can be integrated into the millimeter-wave chip.

[0084] exist Figure 7 On the basis of, such as Figures 11-14 As shown, the switching circuit 605 includes a third power splitter / combiner 6051 and a double-throw switch 6052. A first digital channel 603 is coupled to the combining terminal of the third power splitter / combiner 6051. The first sliding terminal of the third power splitter / combiner 6051 is coupled to the first analog channel 6051. The second sliding terminal of the third power splitter / combiner 6051 is coupled to the first terminal of the double-throw switch 6052. A second digital channel 604 is coupled to the second terminal of the double-throw switch 6052. The second analog channel 604 is coupled to the third terminal of the double-throw switch 6052. The double-throw switch 6052 can be a double-pole double-throw switch or a single-pole double-throw switch. The double-throw switch 6052 can switch between two states. In the first state, the first terminal of the double-throw switch 6052 can be coupled to the third terminal, so that the second branch terminal of the third power splitter / combiner 6051 is coupled to the second analog channel 604; or, in the second state, the second terminal of the double-throw switch 6052 can be coupled to the third terminal, so that the second digital channel 604 is coupled to the second analog channel 604.

[0085] Optional, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the switching circuit 605 may also include a grounded matching circuit 6053 (e.g., a resistor R, which can be 50 ohms). The fourth terminal of the double-throw switch 6052 is coupled to the grounded matching circuit 6053, i.e., grounded through the matching circuit 6053. The function of the matching circuit 6053 is to prevent the pin from being left floating, thus preventing echo interference and ensuring signal quality. In this case, the double-throw switch 6052 is a double-pole double-throw switch, such as... Figure 11 As shown, in the first state, the fourth terminal of the double-throw switch 6052 is coupled to the second terminal, causing the second digital channel 604 to be coupled to the matching circuit 6053; or, as... Figure 12 As shown, in the second state, the fourth terminal of the double-throw switch 6052 is coupled to the first terminal to couple the second shunt terminal of the third power divider / combiner 6051 to the matching circuit 6053.

[0086] Optional, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the third power splitter / combiner 6051 is a reconfigurable power splitter / combiner (or power splitter switch, power splitter / combiner switch). In this case, the double-throw switch 6052 is a single-pole double-throw switch, relative to... Figure 11 It can save on matching circuitry. The third power divider / combiner 6051 can switch between two states, such as... Figure 13 As shown, in the first state (power splitter and combiner state), the combining terminal of the third power splitter and combiner 6051 (reconfigurable power splitter and combiner) is coupled to the first and second branch terminals; as Figure 14 As shown, in the second state (switching state), the third power splitter and combiner 6051 (reconfigurable power splitter and combiner) couples the first branch terminal to the combiner terminal and disconnects the coupling between the second branch terminal and the combiner terminal.

[0087] It should be noted that, Figures 11-14 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle can be applied to Figures 8-10 In any of the attached figures. For example, Figure 11 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 8 From which can be obtained Figure 15 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown are shown. Figure 12 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 8 From which can be obtained Figure 16 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown; will Figure 11 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 9 From which can be obtained Figure 17 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown are shown. Figure 12 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 9 From which can be obtained Figure 18 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown; will Figure 11 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 10 From which can be obtained Figure 19 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown are shown. Figure 12 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 10 From which can be obtained Figure 20 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit are shown. Figure 13 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 8 From which can be obtained Figure 21 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown are shown. Figure 14 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 8 From which can be obtained Figure 22 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown; will Figure 13 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 9 From which can be obtained Figure 23 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown are shown. Figure 14 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 9 From which can be obtained Figure 24 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown; will Figure 13 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 10 From which can be obtained Figure 25 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit shown are shown. Figure 14 The structure of the switching circuit in the middle is applied to Figure 10 From which can be obtained Figure 26 The communication device and its radio frequency circuit are shown.

[0088] The following is combined with Figure 27 illustrate Figures 6-26 The working principle of the radio frequency circuit shown is that the radio frequency circuit can perform actions such as Figure 27 The channel switching method shown is as follows: Figure 27 As shown, the channel switching method includes:

[0089] S2701, In the first mode, the switching circuit 605 couples the first analog channel 601 and the second analog channel 602 to the first digital channel 603. In other words, in the first mode, when receiving a signal, the switching circuit 605 combines the analog signal output from the first analog channel 601 and the analog signal output from the second analog channel 602 and provides them to the first digital channel 603; or, when transmitting a signal, the switching circuit 605 splits the analog signal output from the first digital channel 603 and provides it to the first analog channel 601 and the second analog channel 602. This analog signal can be... Figure 8 The millimeter-wave signal shown Figure 9 The intermediate frequency signal shown, or, Figure 10 The analog baseband signal shown is shown.

[0090] Specifically, such as Figure 11 , Figure 13 As shown, in the first mode, the double-throw switch 6052 is in the first state, that is, the first terminal is coupled to the third terminal, so as to couple the second branch terminal of the third power splitter / combiner 6051 to the second analog channel 602. Figure 13 As shown, the third power splitter / combiner 6051 operates in the first state (power splitter / combiner state). In this state, the first analog channel 601 and the second analog channel 602 are combined and coupled to the first digital channel 603 through the third power splitter / combiner 6051. Optionally, as... Figure 11 As shown, in the first mode, the double-throw switch 6052 can also couple the second terminal to the fourth terminal to couple the second digital channel 604 to the matching circuit 6053.

[0091] The processor (not shown in the figure) controls the switching circuit 605 to switch to the first mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: the reference signal receiving power (RSRP) of the received signal is less than a first RSRP threshold, the signal noise ratio (SNR) of the received signal is less than a first SNR threshold, or the transmit power control (TPC) of the transmitted signal is greater than a first TPC threshold. In other words, when the signal quality is poor, multiple analog channels are coupled to a single digital channel. Taking two digital channels and eight RF channels as an example, only one digital channel is active, and the ratio of active digital channels to RF channels is 1:8. The same digital baseband signal is transmitted through more antennas, resulting in better communication quality when transmitting or receiving signals.

[0092] S2702, in the second mode, the switching circuit 605 couples the first analog channel 601 to the first digital channel 603 and the second analog channel 602 to the second digital channel 604. In other words, in the second mode, when receiving a signal, the switching circuit 605 provides the analog signal output from the first analog channel 601 to the first digital channel 603 and the analog signal output from the second analog channel 602 to the second digital channel 604; or, when transmitting a signal, the switching circuit 605 provides the analog signal output from the first digital channel 603 to the first analog channel 601 and the analog signal output from the second digital channel 604 to the second analog channel 602. This analog signal can be... Figure 8 The millimeter-wave signal shown Figure 9 The intermediate frequency signal shown, or, Figure 10 The analog baseband signal shown is shown.

[0093] Specifically, such as Figure 12 , Figure 14As shown, in the second mode, the double-throw switch 6052 is in the second state, that is, the second terminal is coupled to the third terminal to couple the second analog channel 602 to the second digital channel 604. Figure 14 As shown, the third power divider / combiner 6051 operates in the second state (switching state) to couple the first analog channel 601 to the first digital channel 603. Optionally, as... Figure 12 As shown, in the first mode, the double-throw switch 6052 can also couple the first terminal to the fourth terminal to couple the second shunt terminal of the third power splitter 6051 to the matching circuit 6053.

[0094] The processor (not shown in the figure) controls the switching circuit 605 to switch to the second mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: the RSRP of the received signal is greater than the second RSRP threshold, the SNR of the received signal is greater than the second SNR threshold, or the TPC of the transmitted signal is less than the second TPC threshold. The second RSRP threshold can be greater than the first RSRP threshold, the second SNR threshold can be greater than the first SNR threshold, and the second TPC threshold can be less than the first TPC threshold to increase the hysteresis range and prevent frequent switching between the first and second conditions. That is, when the signal quality is good, one analog channel is switched to one digital channel. Taking two digital channels and eight RF channels as an example, both digital channels are working, and the ratio of working digital channels to RF channels is 2:8. At this time, it is in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) mode. The two digital channels transmit independent digital baseband signals, which can obtain a larger data throughput. Alternatively, one digital channel and one analog channel can be turned off to reduce power consumption.

[0095] For more details on this channel switching method, please refer to the previous section on... Figures 6-14 The description will not be repeated here.

[0096] The radio frequency circuit, channel switching method, and communication device provided in this application embodiment, in a first mode, couple the first analog channel and the second analog channel to the first digital channel, and the same digital baseband signal is transmitted through more antennas, which can obtain better communication quality when transmitting or receiving signals; in a second mode, the switching circuit couples the first analog channel to the first digital channel and the second analog channel to the second digital channel, and the two digital channels transmit independent digital baseband signals, which can obtain a larger data throughput through MIMO and expand the implementation flexibility of the hybrid beamforming radio frequency architecture.

[0097] like Figure 28As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a communication device 28, including a processor 2801 for storing instructions. The instructions are executed on the processor 2801, causing the communication device to perform... Figure 27 The channel switching method is shown. Optionally, the communication device may include a memory 2802, coupled (e.g., via bus 2803) to a processor 2801, for storing the above-described instructions.

[0098] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that run on a processor (not shown) of a communication device, causing the communication device to perform... Figure 27 The corresponding method is described in the text. This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that run on the processor of a communication device, causing the communication device to execute... Figure 27 The corresponding method. In other words, software instructions are used to execute the aforementioned channel switching method to control... Figures 6 to 26 Any of the radio frequency circuits in the device can control the switching of the switching circuits within it. The software instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a non-volatile memory; however, volatile memory can be used instead of non-volatile memory, and this embodiment is not limited to this. The processor of the communication device executes the software instructions. The processor may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, or a microcontroller (MCU). The processor can further control and manipulate... Figures 6 to 26 Other parts besides the switching circuit, such as controlling the gain and phase of any analog channel or any RF channel, or controlling the operating mode of the digital baseband processor, etc.

[0099] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0102] In the above embodiments, the implementation apparatus of the control method can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0103] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A radio frequency circuit, characterized by include: The system comprises a first analog channel, a second analog channel, a first digital channel, a second digital channel, and a switching circuit. The first analog channel and the second analog channel are used to perform phase adjustment in the analog domain to achieve analog beamforming, and the first digital channel and the second digital channel are used to perform phase adjustment in the digital domain to achieve digital beamforming. The switching circuit includes a power splitter and a double-throw switch. The first digital channel is coupled to the combining terminal of the power splitter and the first split terminal of the power splitter and the first split terminal of the power splitter and the second split terminal of the power splitter and the second split terminal of the power splitter and the second double-throw switch. The second digital channel is coupled to the second terminal of the double-throw switch, and the second analog channel is coupled to the third terminal of the double-throw switch. In the first mode, the double-throw switch is used to couple the first terminal to the third terminal to couple the second shunting terminal of the power divider to the second analog channel, and the analog signal output from the first analog channel and the analog signal output from the second analog channel are combined and provided to the first digital channel; or, the analog signal output from the first digital channel is shunted and provided to the first analog channel and the second analog channel. In the second mode, the double-throw switch is used to couple the second terminal to the third terminal to couple the second analog channel to the second digital channel, wherein the analog signal output by the first analog channel is provided to the first digital channel, and the analog signal output by the second analog channel is provided to the second digital channel; or, the analog signal output by the first digital channel is provided to the first analog channel, and the analog signal output by the second digital channel is provided to the second analog channel.

2. The radio frequency circuit of claim 1, wherein, The switching circuit also includes a matching circuit for grounding, and the fourth terminal of the double-throw switch is coupled to the matching circuit. In the first mode, the double-throw switch is also used to couple the second terminal to the fourth terminal to couple the second digital channel to the matching circuit; In the second mode, the double-throw switch is also used to couple the first terminal to the fourth terminal to couple the second branch terminal of the power splitter to the matching circuit.

3. The radio frequency circuit of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power splitter and combiner is a reconfigurable power splitter and combiner; In the first mode, the reconfigurable power splitter and combiner operates in a power splitter and combiner state to couple the combiner terminal with the first branch terminal and the second branch terminal; In the second mode, the reconfigurable power splitter / combiner operates in a switching state to couple the first branch terminal to the combiner terminal and disconnect the coupling between the second branch terminal and the combiner terminal.

4. The radio frequency circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The analog signal is a millimeter-wave signal, an intermediate frequency signal, or an analog baseband signal.

5. The radio frequency circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Processor: Controls the switching circuit to switch to the first mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: The received reference signal power (RSRP) of the received signal is less than the first RSRP threshold, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the received signal is less than the first SNR threshold, or the transmit power control (TPC) of the transmitted signal is greater than the first TPC threshold.

6. The radio frequency circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Processor: Controls the switching circuit to switch to the second mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: The RSRP of the received signal is greater than the second RSRP threshold, the SNR of the received signal is greater than the second SNR threshold, or the TPC of the transmitted signal is less than the second TPC threshold.

7. A channel switching method, characterized in that, include: In the first mode, the first terminal of the double-throw switch in the switching circuit is coupled to the third terminal of the double-throw switch, so as to couple the second branch terminal of the power divider combiner in the switching circuit to the second analog channel; wherein, the analog signal output from the first analog channel and the analog signal output from the second analog channel are combined and provided to the first digital channel; or, the analog signal output from the first digital channel is split and provided to the first analog channel and the second analog channel. In the second mode, the second terminal of the double-throw switch is coupled to the third terminal to couple the second analog channel to the second digital channel; wherein, the analog signal output by the first analog channel is provided to the first digital channel, and the analog signal output by the second analog channel is provided to the second digital channel; or, the analog signal output by the first digital channel is provided to the first analog channel, and the analog signal output by the second digital channel is provided to the second analog channel. The first analog channel and the second analog channel are used to perform phase adjustment in the analog domain to achieve analog beamforming, and the first digital channel and the second digital channel are used to perform phase adjustment in the digital domain to achieve digital beamforming. The first digital channel is coupled to the combining terminal of the power splitter and combiner, the first sliding terminal of the power splitter and combiner is coupled to the first analog channel, the second sliding terminal of the power splitter and combiner is coupled to the first terminal of the double-throw switch, the second digital channel is coupled to the second terminal of the double-throw switch, and the second analog channel is coupled to the third terminal of the double-throw switch.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: In the first mode, the second terminal of the double-throw switch is coupled to the fourth terminal of the double-throw switch to couple the second digital channel to the grounding matching circuit in the switching circuit; In the second mode, the first terminal of the double-throw switch is coupled to the fourth terminal to couple the second branch terminal of the power divider to the matching circuit; The fourth terminal of the double-throw switch is coupled to the matching circuit.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The power splitter combiner is a reconfigurable power splitter combiner; the method further includes: In the first mode, the reconfigurable power splitter and combiner is controlled to operate in the power splitter and combiner state to couple the combiner terminal with the first branch terminal and the second branch terminal; In the second mode, the reconfigurable power splitter and combiner is controlled to operate in a switching state to couple the first branch terminal to the combiner terminal and disconnect the coupling between the second branch terminal and the combiner terminal.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The analog signal is a millimeter-wave signal, an intermediate frequency signal, or an analog baseband signal.

11. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The switching circuit is controlled to switch to the first mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: The received reference signal power (RSRP) of the received signal is less than the first RSRP threshold, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the received signal is less than the first SNR threshold, or the transmit power control (TPC) of the transmitted signal is greater than the first TPC threshold.

12. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The switching circuit is controlled to switch to the second mode when at least one of the following conditions is met: The RSRP of the received signal is greater than the second RSRP threshold, the SNR of the received signal is greater than the second SNR threshold, or the TPC of the transmitted signal is less than the second TPC threshold.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a digital baseband processor and a radio frequency circuit as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the digital baseband processor is coupled to a first digital channel and a second digital channel of the radio frequency circuit.

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