Communication module, terminal device and power control method

Abstract

This application discloses a communication module, a terminal device, and a power control method. The communication module includes a power amplifier, a first coupler, and a transceiver. The transceiver sends a first signal to be output to the power amplifier. The power amplifier amplifies the first signal to obtain a second signal. The first coupler generates a first coupling signal based on the second signal and transmits the first coupling signal to the transceiver. The transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier. The transceiver adjusts the output power corresponding to the first signal based on the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal to increase the actual transmit power of the second signal output by the power amplifier. This application enhances uplink network coverage and improves the communication performance of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a communication module, terminal equipment, and power control method. Background Technology

[0002] During communication between a terminal device and a base station, the radio frequency (RF) module in the terminal device amplifies the RF signal transmitted by the transceiver through a power amplifier (PA), and then feeds the amplified RF signal to the antenna for radiation. The transceiver can control the transmission power of the amplified RF signal by adjusting the power of the output RF signal, thereby controlling the transmission power of the terminal device. Currently, this method of controlling the transmission power of the terminal device has limited uplink network coverage, affecting the communication performance of the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application discloses a communication module, a terminal device, and a power control method, which can increase the actual transmit power of the power amplifier, thereby enhancing the uplink network coverage and improving the communication performance of the terminal device.

[0004] This application discloses a communication module, including a power amplifier, a first coupler, and a transceiver. The first coupler is connected to the power amplifier and the transceiver, and the transceiver is also connected to the power amplifier.

[0005] The transceiver is used to send a first signal to be output to the power amplifier;

[0006] The power amplifier is used to amplify the first signal to obtain the second signal;

[0007] The first coupler is configured to generate a first coupling signal based on the second signal and transmit the first coupling signal to the transceiver; the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier;

[0008] The transceiver is configured to adjust the output power corresponding to the first signal according to the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal, so as to increase the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier.

[0009] This application discloses a terminal device, including the communication module described above.

[0010] This application discloses a power control method, including:

[0011] The transceiver sends the first signal to be output to the power amplifier.

[0012] The first signal is amplified by the power amplifier to obtain the second signal;

[0013] A first coupling signal is generated by a first coupler based on the second signal; the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier.

[0014] The transceiver adjusts the output power corresponding to the first signal according to the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal, thereby increasing the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier.

[0015] The communication module, terminal device, and power control method disclosed in this application transmit a first signal to be output to a power amplifier via a transceiver. The power amplifier amplifies the first signal to obtain a second signal. A first coupler generates a first coupling signal based on the second signal. The transceiver then adjusts the output power corresponding to the first signal based on the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal. Since the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal generated by the first coupler is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier, the first coupler lowers the detected transmit power value. This allows the transceiver to increase the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier, making the actual transmit power of the power amplifier larger, thereby enhancing the uplink network coverage and improving the communication performance of the terminal device. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency module in related technologies;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an application scenario of the power control method in one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of the communication module in one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of the communication module in another embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of the communication module in another embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6This is a structural block diagram of the communication module in another embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of the communication module in another embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of the communication module in another embodiment;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of the communication module in another embodiment;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of a terminal device in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a power control method in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0030] It is understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, a first coupler may be referred to as a second coupler, and similarly, a second coupler may be referred to as a first coupler. Both the first coupler and the second coupler are couplers, but they are not the same coupler. The term "multiple" as used herein refers to two or more. The term "and / or" as used herein refers to one of the embodiments, or any combination of multiple embodiments.

[0031] During communication between a terminal device and a base station, the terminal device's transmission power primarily depends on the maximum transmission power Pmax set at the factory and the currently required transmission power Pb. The maximum transmission power Pmax is typically determined by the manufacturer based on the communication protocol and the safety design specifications of the power amplifier (PA) within the terminal device. The currently required transmission power Pb is determined by the base station through a series of algorithms and is communicated to the terminal device by the base station. The terminal device's transmission power P = min{Pmax, Pb}. For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency module in related technologies. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the RF module may include a transceiver, a coupler, a power amplifier (PA), and an antenna. The transceiver sends the RF signal to be output to the PA. The PA amplifies the RF signal and transmits the amplified signal to the antenna for radiation. The coupler couples the amplified RF signal output from the PA to obtain the corresponding transmit power and feeds the transmit power back to the transceiver. The transceiver adjusts its output power based on the transmit power feedback from the coupler, thereby controlling the transmit power of the amplified RF signal obtained by the PA until the transmit power of the amplified RF signal reaches the desired transmit power Pb.

[0032] against Figure 1 The power control scheme shown above cannot achieve the maximum communication performance of the terminal device because the required transmit power Pb issued by the base station is usually a fixed value. Assuming the maximum transmit power Pmax is 24dBm, and the required transmit power Pb issued by the base station is 23dBm, the terminal device can only transmit signals at a transmit power of 23dBm. However, the legal power value in the communication protocol is allowed to fluctuate. For example, the Pb issued by the base station for Band 1 is 23dBm (decibels milliwatts), while the communication protocol allows the terminal device to transmit within the range of 232dBm.

[0033] This application discloses a communication module, a terminal device, and a power control method, which can increase the actual transmit power of the power amplifier, thereby enhancing the uplink network coverage and improving the communication performance of the terminal device.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an application scenario of the power control method in one embodiment. For example... Figure 2 As shown, a communication connection is established between the terminal device 210 and the network device 220. Optionally, the terminal device 210 and the network device 220 can establish a communication connection through fourth-generation, fifth-generation, or other communication technologies. The communication connection method is not limited in this embodiment.

[0035] In some embodiments, terminal device 210 may be referred to as user equipment (UE). This terminal device may be a personal communication service (PCS) telephone, cordless telephone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other similar devices. It may also be a mobile phone, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal, or laptop computer. Terminal device 210 can communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN). For example, terminal device 210 may be a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) or a computer with a terminal device. It may also be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network. Terminal device 210 can also be a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, or a terminal device in a future network evolution, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0036] In some embodiments, network device 220 may be an evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) macro base station, micro base station (also called "small base station"), pico base station, access point (AP), transmission point (TP), or new generation Node B (gNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, NR communication system, or Authorized Auxiliary Access Long Term Evolution (LAA-LTE) system. The network device 220 may also be other types of network devices in future evolved networks, which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0037] like Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, a communication module 300 is provided. The communication module 300 may include a transceiver 302, a power amplifier 304, and a first coupler 306. The first coupler 306 may be connected to both the power amplifier 304 and the transceiver 302, and the transceiver 302 may also be connected to the power amplifier 304. Further, the communication module 300 may also include an antenna 308, and the power amplifier 304 may also be connected to the antenna 308.

[0038] Transceiver 302 is used to send the first signal to be output to power amplifier 304.

[0039] The first signal may be a radio frequency signal. In some embodiments, the communication module 300 may also include a processor. The transceiver 302 may be connected to the processor. The processor may send a digital signal corresponding to the data to be transmitted to the transceiver 302. The transceiver 302 may receive the digital signal sent by the processor and process the digital signal to obtain the corresponding radio frequency signal, that is, to obtain the first signal to be output, and send the first signal to be output to the power amplifier 304.

[0040] Power amplifier 304 is used to amplify the first signal to obtain the second signal.

[0041] Power amplifier 304 receives a first signal sent by transceiver 302 and amplifies it to obtain a second signal, which can be the amplified first signal. Power amplifier 304 can send the second signal to antenna 308 for radiating. Antenna 308 can be a single antenna or an antenna array composed of multiple antennas. Power amplifier 304 can also transmit the second signal to first coupler 306 through the coupling path between power amplifier 304 and first coupler 306.

[0042] The first coupler 306 is used to generate a first coupling signal based on the second signal and transmit the first coupling signal to the transceiver 302.

[0043] The first coupler 306 can couple the second signal output by the power amplifier 304 to obtain a first coupled signal, which can be used to characterize the transmit power of the power amplifier 304. In this embodiment, the transmit power value indicated by the first coupled signal is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304. That is, the transmit power value indicated by the first coupled signal obtained by the first coupler 306 does not match the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304, and the transmit power value is inaccurate and less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304. For example, assuming that the actual transmit power of the current power amplifier 304 is 23dBm, the transmit power value indicated by the first coupled signal generated by the first coupler 306 is 22dBm, which is 1dBm smaller than the actual transmit power of 23dBm.

[0044] The first coupler 306 can send the generated first coupling signal to the transceiver 302. Optionally, the first coupling signal can be a transmit power value. The first coupler 306 can directly determine the transmit power value based on the second signal and send the transmit power value to the transceiver 302. Optionally, the first coupling signal can be a voltage signal and / or a current signal corresponding to the transmit power value. The first coupler 306 can couple the second signal to generate a corresponding voltage signal and / or current signal, which is used to characterize the transmit power value, and send the generated voltage signal and / or current signal to the transceiver 302.

[0045] The transceiver 302 is also used to adjust the output power corresponding to the first signal according to the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal, so as to increase the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier.

[0046] The transceiver 302 can receive a first coupling signal sent by the first coupler 306 and determine the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal. In one embodiment, the first coupling signal can be a voltage signal and / or a current signal corresponding to the transmit power value. The transceiver 302 can pre-store the correspondence between the transmit power value and the voltage / current value. Upon receiving the voltage signal and / or current signal sent by the first coupler 306, it can determine the transmit power value corresponding to the voltage signal and / or current signal based on this correspondence.

[0047] The transceiver 302 can adjust the output power of the first signal based on the transmit power value to adjust the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier 304. In one implementation, the transceiver 302 can compare the transmit power value with the transmit power that should be achieved. If the transmit power value is less than the transmit power that should be achieved, the output power of the first signal can be increased; if the transmit power value is greater than the transmit power that should be achieved, the output power of the first signal can be decreased, until the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal fed back by the first coupler 306 matches the required transmit power, i.e., the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is equal to the required transmit power. Optionally, the transmit power that should be achieved can be the target transmit power sent by the base station, the maximum transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304, or the smaller value between the target transmit power sent by the base station and the maximum transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304.

[0048] Since the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 (i.e., the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is too small), the transceiver 302 adjusts the output power of the first signal based on this transmit power value, which will cause the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal to be larger. For example, assuming the current actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is 23dBm, the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal generated by the first coupler 306 is 22dBm, and the required transmit power is 23dBm, since the transmit power value of 22dBm is less than the required transmit power of 23dBm, the transceiver 302 will increase the output power corresponding to the first signal, thereby increasing the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304, making the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 greater than the required transmit power of 23dBm, thus enhancing the uplink network coverage.

[0049] In this embodiment, the actual transmission power of the power amplifier 304 is less than or equal to the maximum transmission power of the power amplifier 304, which can ensure the stability of the signal transmitted by the communication module 300 and reduce the possibility of damage to the communication module 300.

[0050] In this embodiment, transceiver 302 sends a first signal to be output to power amplifier 304. Power amplifier 304 amplifies the first signal to obtain a second signal. First coupler 306 generates a first coupling signal based on the second signal. Transceiver 302 adjusts the output power corresponding to the first signal based on the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal. Since the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal generated by the first coupler 306 is less than the actual transmit power of power amplifier 304, the first coupler 306 lowers the detected transmit power value, thereby enabling transceiver 302 to increase the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by power amplifier 304. This makes the actual transmit power of power amplifier 304 larger, enhancing the uplink network coverage and improving the communication performance of the terminal device.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, in addition to the transceiver 302, power amplifier 304, first coupler 306 and antenna 308, the communication module 300 also includes a second coupler 310, which can be connected to the power amplifier 304 and the transceiver 302 respectively.

[0052] The first coupler 306 is also used to generate a first coupling signal based on the second signal and transmit the first coupling signal to the transceiver 302 when the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304 is less than the maximum transmit power.

[0053] The target transmit power is the transmit power currently required by the power amplifier 304. Further, the target transmit power can be the transmit power sent by the base station to the terminal device, calculated by the base station using a series of closed-loop algorithms. The maximum transmit power can refer to the theoretically maximum transmit power that the power amplifier 304 can achieve, as set at the factory by the communication module 300.

[0054] When the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304 is less than the maximum transmit power, in related technologies, the power amplifier 304 is usually controlled to output a signal at the target transmit power. However, in communication protocols, it is permissible to transmit signals at a transmit power within the range corresponding to the target transmit power. The upper limit of the power within this range may be less than or equal to the maximum transmit power. Therefore, if the signal is directly output at the target transmit power, the coverage of the uplink network of the communication module 300 is limited, which affects the communication performance.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304 is less than the maximum transmit power, the second signal output by the power amplifier 304 is coupled through the first coupler 306 to generate a first coupling signal. Since the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal generated by the first coupler 306 is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304, the transceiver 302 can increase the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304, making the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 greater than the target transmit power. This enhances the uplink network coverage of the communication module 300 and improves communication performance.

[0056] The transceiver 302 is also configured to increase the output power corresponding to the first signal when the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is detected to be less than the target transmit power, until the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal matches the target transmit power, so that the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier 304 is greater than the target transmit power.

[0057] When the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304 is less than the maximum transmit power, the transceiver 302 can receive the first coupling signal sent by the first coupler 306. The transceiver 302 can determine whether the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal reaches the target transmit power. If the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the target transmit power (i.e., the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal has not reached the target transmit power), the output power corresponding to the first signal can be increased until it is detected that the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal sent by the first coupler 306 matches the target transmit power, that is, the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is equal to the target transmit power. Since the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304, when the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is equal to the target transmit power, the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier 304 is greater than the target transmit power, making the actual transmit power larger, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing the transmit power of the power amplifier 304.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 may be equal to the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power. The first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is the power value pulled low by the first coupler 306. For example, if the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is 23 dBm and the corresponding transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal generated by the first coupler 306 is 22 dBm, then the power value pulled low by the first coupler 306 is 1 dBm. The power value pulled low by the first coupler 306 is the power value by which the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is excessive after the transceiver 302 increases its output power (i.e., the power value exceeding the target transmit power). Therefore, the first coupler can be selected to lower the power value to be exactly equal to the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power. This allows the transceiver 302 to increase the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304, so that the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is larger and exactly the maximum transmit power, allowing the communication module 300 to achieve the maximum communication performance.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is a set floating range value. This floating range value is a floating range value allowed in the communication protocol. For example, if the communication protocol allows the terminal device to transmit signals within a target transmit power range of 2dBm, then the floating range value can be 2dBm. The first coupler, whose power value is lowered to equal the floating range value, can be selected so that after the transceiver 302 increases the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304, the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is higher, and the actual transmit power is within the upper limit allowed in the communication protocol. This improves the communication performance of the communication module 300, meets the requirements of the communication protocol, and ensures communication stability.

[0060] In one specific implementation, a second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power can be compared with a set floating range value. If the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power is less than or equal to the set floating range value, then the first coupler 306 can be a coupler where the first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the generated first coupling signal and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is equal to the second difference; if the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power is greater than the set floating range value, then the first coupler 306 can be a coupler where the first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the generated first coupling signal and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is equal to the floating range value. This ensures that, within the limits allowed by the communication protocol, the communication performance of the communication module 300 is maximized, thereby enhancing the coverage of the uplink network.

[0061] The second coupler 310 is used to generate a second coupling signal based on the second signal when the target transmission power is greater than or equal to the maximum transmission power, and to transmit the second coupling signal to the transceiver 302.

[0062] When the target transmit power corresponding to power amplifier 304 is greater than or equal to the maximum transmit power, power amplifier 304 can output a second signal at its maximum transmit power. In this embodiment, when the target transmit power is greater than or equal to the maximum transmit power, the second signal output by power amplifier 304 can be coupled through second coupler 310 to generate a second coupled signal, and the generated second coupled signal is sent to transceiver 302. The transmit power value indicated by the second coupled signal matches the actual transmit power of power amplifier 304, that is, the transmit power value indicated by the second coupled signal is equal to the actual transmit power of power amplifier 304.

[0063] Optionally, the second coupling signal can be a transmit power value. The second coupler 310 can directly determine the transmit power value based on the second signal and send the transmit power value to the transceiver 302. Optionally, the second coupling signal can be a voltage signal and / or a current signal corresponding to the transmit power value. The second coupler 310 can couple the second signal to generate a corresponding voltage signal and / or current signal, which is used to characterize the transmit power value, and send the generated voltage signal and / or current signal to the transceiver 302.

[0064] The transceiver 302 is also used to adjust the output power corresponding to the first signal according to the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal.

[0065] When the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier is greater than or equal to the maximum transmit power, the transceiver 302 can receive the second coupling signal sent by the second coupler 310 and determine the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal. As one implementation, the second coupling signal can be a voltage signal and / or a current signal corresponding to the transmit power value. Upon receiving the voltage signal and / or current signal sent by the second coupler 310, the transceiver 302 can determine the transmit power value corresponding to the voltage signal and / or current signal based on a pre-stored correspondence between transmit power values ​​and voltage / current values.

[0066] In some embodiments, transceiver 302 is further configured to increase the output power corresponding to the first signal when it is detected that the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal is less than the maximum transmit power, until the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal matches the maximum transmit power.

[0067] The transceiver 302 can determine whether the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal has reached the maximum transmit power. If the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal is less than the maximum transmit power (i.e., the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal has not reached the target transmit power), the output power corresponding to the first signal can be increased until the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal sent by the second coupler 310 matches the maximum transmit power, i.e., the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal is equal to the maximum transmit power. At this time, the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is the maximum transmit power, so that the communication module 300 can perform its maximum communication performance.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304 is less than the maximum transmit power, a first coupling signal is generated by the first coupler 306. Since the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal generated by the first coupler 306 is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304, the first coupler 306 pulls down the detected transmit power value, thereby enabling the transceiver 302 to increase the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier 304, making the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 greater than the target transmit power, enhancing the uplink network coverage and improving communication performance.

[0069] Furthermore, when the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304 is not less than the maximum transmit power, a second coupling signal is generated by the second coupler 310. The second coupling signal can accurately characterize the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304, which improves the accuracy of the transceiver 302 in controlling the transmit power of the power amplifier 304, and enables the communication module 300 to perform at its maximum communication performance.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the communication module 300 includes a transceiver 302, a power amplifier 304, a first coupler 306, an antenna 308, and a second coupler 310, and may also include a switch module 312. The switch module 312 may be disposed between the first coupler 306, the second coupler 310, and the transceiver 302, and the switch module 312 may be connected to the first coupler 306, the second coupler 310, and the transceiver 302 respectively.

[0071] The switch module 312 is used to connect the path between the first coupler 306 and the transceiver 302 when the target transmission power is less than the maximum transmission power; and to connect the path between the second coupler 310 and the transceiver 302 when the target transmission power is greater than or equal to the maximum transmission power.

[0072] When the target transmit power corresponding to power amplifier 304 is less than the maximum transmit power, switch module 312 can open the path between first coupler 306 and transceiver 302 and close the path between second coupler 310 and transceiver 302, so that first coupler 306 transmits the generated first coupling signal to transceiver 302. Transceiver 302 adjusts its output power according to the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal fed back by first coupler 306. When the target transmit power corresponding to power amplifier 304 is not less than the maximum transmit power, switch module 312 can open the path between second coupler 310 and transceiver 302 and close the path between first coupler 306 and transceiver 302, so that second coupler 310 transmits the generated second coupling signal to transceiver 302. Transceiver 302 adjusts its output power according to the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal fed back by second coupler 310.

[0073] In some embodiments, the switch module 312 may include two single-throw switches, one of which is connected to the first coupler 306 and the transceiver 302 and is used to control the connection or disconnection of the path between the first coupler 306 and the transceiver 302, and the other single-throw switch is connected to the second coupler 310 and the transceiver 302 and is used to control the connection or disconnection of the path between the second coupler 310 and the transceiver 302.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the switch module 312 may include a single-pole double-throw switch. The first end of the single-pole double-throw switch may be connected to the first coupler 306, the second end of the single-pole double-throw switch may be connected to the second coupler 310, and the third end of the single-pole double-throw switch may be connected to the transceiver 302. The single-pole double-throw switch may switch between conducting the first end and the third end to conduct the path between the first coupler 306 and the transceiver 302, or switch between conducting the second end and the third end to conduct the path between the second coupler 310 and the transceiver 302.

[0075] In this embodiment of the application, by setting a switch module 312 between the first coupler 306, the second coupler 310 and the transceiver 302, the conduction and disconnection of the path between the first coupler 306 and the transceiver 302, as well as the path between the second coupler 310 and the transceiver 302, can be flexibly controlled, thereby realizing the selection and switching of the coupler under different conditions and improving the communication performance of the communication module 300.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the switch module 312 may also be disposed between the power amplifier 304 and the first coupler 306 and the second coupler 310, and the switch module 312 may be connected to the power amplifier 304, the first coupler 306 and the second coupler 310 respectively.

[0077] The switch module 312 is used to turn on the path between the power amplifier 304 and the first coupler 306 when the target transmission power is less than the maximum transmission power; and to turn on the path between the power amplifier 304 and the second coupler 310 when the target transmission power is greater than or equal to the maximum transmission power.

[0078] When the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304 is less than the maximum transmit power, the switch module 312 can open the path between the first coupler 306 and the power amplifier 304 and close the path between the second coupler 310 and the power amplifier 304, so that the power amplifier 304 transmits the second signal to the first coupler 306. The first coupler 306 can generate a corresponding first coupling signal and transmit it to the transceiver 302. The transceiver 302 adjusts the output power according to the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal fed back by the first coupler 306. When the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier 304 is not less than the maximum transmit power, the switch module 312 can connect the path between the second coupler 310 and the power amplifier 304 and disconnect the path between the first coupler 306 and the power amplifier 304, so that the power amplifier 304 transmits the second signal to the second coupler 310. The second coupler 310 can generate a corresponding second coupling signal and transmit it to the transceiver 302. The transceiver 302 adjusts the output power according to the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal fed back by the second coupler 310.

[0079] In some embodiments, the switch module 312 may include two single-throw switches, one of which is connected to the first coupler 306 and the power amplifier 304 and is used to control the connection or disconnection of the path between the first coupler 306 and the power amplifier 304, and the other single-throw switch is connected to the second coupler 310 and the power amplifier 304 and is used to control the connection or disconnection of the path between the second coupler 310 and the power amplifier 304.

[0080] In some embodiments, the switch module 312 may include a single-pole double-throw switch. The first end of the single-pole double-throw switch may be connected to the first coupler 306, the second end of the single-pole double-throw switch may be connected to the second coupler 310, and the third end of the single-pole double-throw switch may be connected to the power amplifier 304. The single-pole double-throw switch may switch between conducting the first end and the third end to conduct the path between the first coupler 306 and the power amplifier 304, or switch between conducting the second end and the third end to conduct the path between the second coupler 310 and the power amplifier 304.

[0081] In this embodiment of the application, by setting a switch module 312 between the first coupler 306, the second coupler 310 and the power amplifier 304, the conduction and disconnection of the path between the first coupler 306 and the power amplifier 304, as well as the path between the second coupler 310 and the power amplifier 304, can be flexibly controlled, thereby realizing the selection and switching of the coupler under different conditions and improving the communication performance of the communication module 300.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the communication module 300 may further include a processor 314, which may be connected to the switch module 312.

[0083] The processor 314 can be used to obtain the target transmission power and the maximum transmission power corresponding to the power amplifier 304, and determine whether the target transmission power is less than the maximum transmission power. If the target transmission power is less than the maximum transmission power, the switch module 312 can be controlled to switch to the first conduction state. If the target transmission power is not less than the maximum transmission power, the switch module 312 can be controlled to switch to the second conduction state.

[0084] Optionally, if the switch module 312 is disposed between the first coupler 306, the second coupler 310 and the transceiver 302, the first conduction state can be the state of conducting the path between the first coupler 306 and the transceiver 302, and the second conduction state can be the state of conducting the path between the second coupler 310 and the transceiver 302.

[0085] Optionally, if the switch module 312 is disposed between the first coupler 306, the second coupler 310 and the power amplifier 304, the first conduction state can be the state of conducting the path between the first coupler 306 and the power amplifier 304, and the second conduction state can be the state of conducting the path between the second coupler 310 and the power amplifier 304.

[0086] In this embodiment, the processor 314 can flexibly control the selection and switching of the coupler under different conditions, thereby improving the communication performance of the communication module 300.

[0087] In some embodiments, the communication module 300 may include a plurality of first couplers 306, each of which can be connected to the power amplifier 304 and the transceiver 302 respectively. The first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal generated by each first coupler 306 and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 may be different, that is, the power value pulled down by each first coupler 306 may be different. For example, the communication module 300 may include two first couplers 306, wherein one first coupler 306 pulls down a power value of 1dBm and the other first coupler 306 pulls down a power value of 2dBm.

[0088] The processor 314 is also configured to determine, from a plurality of first couplers 306, a target first coupler that matches the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power.

[0089] The target first coupler is used to generate a first coupling signal based on the second signal and transmit the first coupling signal to the transceiver 302.

[0090] In some embodiments, the processor 314 may select a first coupler 306 whose first difference between the transmitted power value indicated by the generated first coupling signal and the actual transmitted power of the power amplifier 304, and whose second difference between the target transmitted power and the maximum transmitted power corresponding to the power amplifier 304, is equal to the first coupler 306. The transceiver 302 may adjust its output power according to the transmitted power value indicated by the first coupling signal sent by the target first coupler. For example, if the target transmitted power is 23dBm, the maximum transmitted power is 24dBm, and the second difference is 1dBm, then the first coupler 306 with a lowered power value of 1dBm can be selected as the target first coupler. This ensures that after the transceiver 302 increases the actual transmitted power of the power amplifier 304, the actual transmitted power of the power amplifier 304 is slightly higher, but exactly at the maximum transmitted power. This allows the communication module 300 to achieve its maximum communication performance while ensuring that the actual transmitted power of the power amplifier 304 does not exceed the maximum transmitted power, thus guaranteeing the stability of the signal transmitted by the communication module 300.

[0091] In some embodiments, the processor 314 can also be used to determine a target first coupler that matches a set floating range value from a plurality of first couplers 306.

[0092] The processor 314 can select a first coupler 306 whose first difference between the transmitted power value indicated by the generated first coupling signal and the actual transmitted power of the power amplifier 304 is equal to the set floating range value, as the target first coupler. For example, if the set floating range value is 2dBm, then the first coupler 306 with a lowered power value of 1dBm can be selected as the target first coupler. This allows the transceiver 302 to increase the actual transmitted power of the power amplifier 304, resulting in a higher actual transmitted power that is within the upper limit allowed by the communication protocol. This improves the communication performance of the communication module 300 while meeting the requirements of the communication protocol and ensuring communication stability.

[0093] In some embodiments, the processor 314 can compare a second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power with a set floating range value. If the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power is less than or equal to the set floating range value, the processor 314 can identify a first coupler 306 whose first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the generated first coupling signal and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is equal to the second difference as the target first coupler. If the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power is greater than the set floating range value, the processor 314 can identify a first coupler 306 whose first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the generated first coupling signal and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier 304 is equal to the floating range value as the target first coupler. This ensures that, within the limits allowed by the communication protocol, the communication performance of the communication module 300 is maximized, and the coverage of the uplink network is enhanced.

[0094] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the communication module 300 may include a plurality of first couplers 306, and the switch module 312 may be disposed between the plurality of first couplers 306, the second coupler 310 and the transceiver 302.

[0095] After determining the target first coupler, the processor 314 can send a switching command to the switching module 312. The switching module 312 can connect the path between the target first coupler and the transceiver 302 according to the switching command, so that the target first coupler can transmit the generated first coupling signal to the transceiver 302.

[0096] Optionally, the switch module 312 may also be disposed among multiple first couplers 306, second couplers 310, and power amplifier 304. After determining the target first coupler, the processor 314 may send a switching command to the switch module 312. The switch module 312 may, according to the switching command, open the path between the target first coupler and the power amplifier 304, so that the target first coupler receives the second signal output by the power amplifier 304, couples the second signal to generate a first coupling signal, and transmits the first coupling signal to the transceiver 302.

[0097] In some embodiments, the switching configuration of the switch module 312 is not limited in this application embodiment. For example, the switch module 312 may include single-throw switches corresponding to each coupler, or it may include multiple single-off double-throw switches, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] In this embodiment, the communication module 300 may include a plurality of first couplers 306, each first coupler 306 pulling down a different power value. The processor 314 may select a suitable target first coupler 306 according to actual needs to detect the transmission power of the power amplifier 304, thereby increasing the actual transmission power of the power amplifier 304 and improving the communication performance of the communication module 300.

[0099] like Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment, a terminal device 1000 is provided, which may include the communication module 300 described in the above embodiments.

[0100] like Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment, a power control method is provided, which can be applied to the above-mentioned communication module and / or terminal device. The method may include the following steps:

[0101] Step 1110: Send the first signal to be output to the power amplifier via the transceiver.

[0102] Step 1120: Amplify the first signal using a power amplifier to obtain the second signal.

[0103] Step 1130: A first coupling signal is generated by the first coupler based on the second signal; the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier.

[0104] Step 1140: The transceiver adjusts the output power corresponding to the first signal according to the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal, so as to increase the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier.

[0105] In one embodiment, step 1140 may include: when the transceiver detects that the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the target transmit power, increasing the output power corresponding to the first signal until the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal matches the target transmit power, so that the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier is greater than the target transmit power; wherein, the target transmit power is the transmit power currently required by the power amplifier.

[0106] In one embodiment, step 1130 may include: generating a first coupling signal based on a second signal through a first coupler when the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier is less than the maximum transmit power; the target transmit power is the transmit power currently required by the power amplifier.

[0107] In one embodiment, the method further includes: when the target transmit power is greater than or equal to the maximum transmit power, generating a second coupling signal according to a second signal via a second coupler; the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal is matched with the actual transmit power of the power amplifier; and adjusting the output power corresponding to the first signal via a transceiver according to the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal.

[0108] In one embodiment, prior to step 1130, the method further includes: determining a target first coupler from a plurality of first couplers that matches the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power; step 1130 includes: generating a first coupling signal through the target first coupler based on the second signal.

[0109] It should be noted that the description of the power control method provided in the embodiments of this application can be referred to the relevant description of the communication module provided in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] In this embodiment, a first signal to be output is sent to a power amplifier via a transceiver. The power amplifier amplifies the first signal to obtain a second signal. A first coupler generates a first coupling signal based on the second signal. The transceiver then adjusts the output power corresponding to the first signal based on the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal. Since the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal generated by the first coupler is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier, the first coupler lowers the detected transmit power value. This allows the transceiver to increase the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier, making the actual transmit power of the power amplifier larger, thereby enhancing the uplink network coverage and improving the communication performance of the terminal device.

[0111] This application discloses a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0112] This application discloses a computer program product, which includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, and the computer program can be executed by a processor to implement the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0113] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, ROM, etc.

[0114] Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used herein may include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Suitable non-volatile memory may include ROM, Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM may take many forms, such as Static RAM (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), and Direct Rambus DRAM (DRDRAM).

[0115] It should be understood that the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Those skilled in the art should also recognize that the embodiments described in the specification are optional embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0116] In the various embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not necessarily 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.

[0117] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; they can be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0118] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0119] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0120] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of a communication module, terminal device, and power control method disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this application, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A communication module, characterized in that, It includes a power amplifier, a first coupler, and a transceiver, wherein the first coupler is connected to the power amplifier and the transceiver, and the transceiver is also connected to the power amplifier; The transceiver is used to send a first signal to be output to the power amplifier; The power amplifier is used to amplify the first signal to obtain the second signal; The first coupler is configured to generate a first coupling signal based on the second signal and transmit the first coupling signal to the transceiver; the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier; The transceiver is used to adjust the output power corresponding to the first signal according to the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal, so as to increase the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier; The transceiver is further configured to, when detecting that the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the target transmit power, increase the output power corresponding to the first signal until the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal matches the target transmit power; when the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal matches the target transmit power, the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier is greater than the target transmit power; The target transmit power is the transmit power currently required by the power amplifier.

2. The communication module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first coupler is further configured to generate a first coupling signal based on the second signal and transmit the first coupling signal to the transceiver when the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier is less than the maximum transmit power; the target transmit power is the transmit power currently required by the power amplifier.

3. The communication module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication module further includes a second coupler, which is connected to the power amplifier and the transceiver respectively. The second coupler is configured to generate a second coupling signal based on the second signal when the target transmit power is greater than or equal to the maximum transmit power, and transmit the second coupling signal to the transceiver; the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal matches the actual transmit power of the power amplifier; The transceiver is further configured to adjust the output power corresponding to the first signal according to the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal.

4. The communication module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The communication module further includes a switch module, which is connected to the first coupler and the second coupler respectively, and is also connected to the transceiver; The switching module is used to connect the path between the first coupler and the transceiver when the target transmission power is less than the maximum transmission power. And to enable the connection between the second coupler and the transceiver when the target transmit power is greater than or equal to the maximum transmit power.

5. The communication module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The communication module further includes a switch module, which is connected to the first coupler and the second coupler respectively, and is also connected to the power amplifier; The switching module is used to connect the power amplifier and the first coupler when the target transmission power is less than the maximum transmission power; And to enable the path between the power amplifier and the second coupler when the target transmit power is greater than or equal to the maximum transmit power.

6. The communication module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier is equal to the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power; And / or, The first difference between the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal and the actual transmit power of the power amplifier is a set floating range value.

7. The communication module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The communication module includes a plurality of the first couplers, and the communication module further includes a processor; The processor is configured to determine a target first coupler that matches the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power from a plurality of first couplers; The target first coupler is used to generate a first coupling signal based on the second signal and transmit the first coupling signal to the transceiver.

8. The communication module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The actual transmit power of the power amplifier is less than or equal to the maximum transmit power of the power amplifier.

9. A terminal device, characterized in that, Includes the communication module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A power control method, characterized in that, include: The transceiver sends the first signal to be output to the power amplifier. The first signal is amplified by the power amplifier to obtain the second signal; A first coupling signal is generated based on the second signal using a first coupler; The transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the actual transmit power of the power amplifier; When the transceiver detects that the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal is less than the target transmit power, it increases the output power corresponding to the first signal until the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal matches the target transmit power; when the transmit power value indicated by the first coupling signal matches the target transmit power, the actual transmit power corresponding to the second signal output by the power amplifier is greater than the target transmit power. The target transmit power is the transmit power currently required by the power amplifier.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of generating a first coupling signal based on the second signal via a first coupler includes: When the target transmit power corresponding to the power amplifier is less than the maximum transmit power, a first coupling signal is generated by the first coupler based on the second signal; the target transmit power is the transmit power currently required by the power amplifier.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the target transmit power is greater than or equal to the maximum transmit power, a second coupling signal is generated by the second coupler based on the second signal; the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal matches the actual transmit power of the power amplifier. The transceiver adjusts the output power corresponding to the first signal based on the transmit power value indicated by the second coupling signal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, Before generating the first coupling signal based on the second signal via the first coupler, the method further includes: Based on the second difference between the target transmit power and the maximum transmit power, a target first coupler that matches the second difference is determined from a plurality of first couplers; The step of generating a first coupling signal based on the second signal via a first coupler includes: The first coupling signal is generated by the target first coupler based on the second signal.

Images