RF front-end module and its control method, control circuit, communication equipment

Abstract

This application provides a radio frequency (RF) front-end module and its control method, control circuit, and communication device, belonging to the field of communication technology. The RF front-end module provided by this application can receive a first RF signal transmitted by an RF circuit through a first connection terminal in a first transmission mode, and feed back a portion of the first RF signal to the RF circuit through a second connection terminal. The RF front-end module can also transmit a second RF signal received by the antenna to the RF circuit through the second connection terminal in a receive mode. Since the RF front-end module can transmit different RF signals in different transmission modes through a single second connection terminal, the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit can be effectively reduced while ensuring the reliability of RF signal transmission, thereby effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a radio frequency front-end module and its control method, control circuit, and communication equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Communication equipment typically includes, in sequence, a baseband (BB) circuit, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, RF front-end modules (FEM), and an antenna. The BB circuit processes the baseband signal, the RF circuit modulates the baseband signal to be transmitted into an RF signal and demodulates the received RF signal back into a baseband signal, the FEM amplifies the RF signal, and the antenna radiates and receives the RF signal.

[0003] In related technologies, a common type of amplifier (FEM) typically includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a power amplifier (PA), and a coupler. The LNA's input is connected to the antenna, and its output is connected to the RF circuit via a receive (RX) signal line. The LNA amplifies the RF signal received by the antenna in RX mode and transmits the amplified signal to the RF circuit via the RX signal line. The PA's input is connected to the RF circuit via a transmit (TX) signal line, and its output is connected to the coupler. The PA receives the RF signal transmitted by the RF circuit via the TX signal line in TX mode, amplifies it, and then transmits it to the coupler. The coupler is connected to the RF circuit via a feedback signal line and transmits a portion of the amplified RF signal from the PA to the antenna, while the remaining portion is fed back to the RF circuit via the feedback signal line. The RF circuit calculates parameters such as delay, frequency, and phase shift on the RF signal fed back from the coupler. This allows the baseband amplifier (BB) circuit to pre-distort the baseband signal to be transmitted based on the parameters calculated by the RF circuit, thereby compensating for the nonlinear distortion generated when the PA amplifies the RF signal.

[0004] However, since the FEM and RF circuit need to be connected through RX signal lines, TX signal lines and feedback signal lines, the number of signal lines in the communication equipment is large, and the wiring space occupied is large. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a radio frequency front-end module and its control method, control circuit, and communication equipment, which can solve the technical problem in related technologies that the number of signal lines between the FEM and RF circuits is large and occupies a large wiring space.

[0006] In a first aspect, a radio frequency (RF) front-end module is provided for use in communication equipment. The RF front-end module has a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, which are used to connect to RF circuitry in the communication equipment. The RF front-end module includes: a first amplification circuit, a signal transmission circuit, a switching circuit, and a second amplification circuit. The first amplification circuit is connected to both the first connection terminal and the antenna of the communication equipment, and is used to amplify a first RF signal received through the first connection terminal and output it to the antenna. The signal transmission circuit is connected to the first amplification circuit, the antenna, the second amplification circuit, and the switching circuit, and is used to transmit a portion of the amplified first RF signal to the switching circuit in a first transmission mode, and to transmit a second RF signal received by the antenna to the second amplification circuit in a first reception mode. The second amplification circuit is also connected to the second connection terminal and is used to amplify the second RF signal and output it to the second connection terminal. The switching circuit is also connected to the second connection terminal and is used to turn on the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal in the first transmission mode, and to turn off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal in the first reception mode.

[0007] The RF front-end module provided in this application can transmit different RF signals in different transmission modes through a second connection terminal. Therefore, while ensuring the reliability of RF signal transmission, the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit can be effectively reduced, thereby effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines.

[0008] Optionally, the signal transmission circuit can be used in the first transmission mode to form a first signal path between the first amplification circuit and the switching circuit, wherein the impedance of the first signal path is greater than the impedance between the first amplification circuit and the antenna. This ensures that only a small portion of the energy in the amplified first radio frequency signal is fed back to the radio frequency circuit for pre-distortion processing, while most of the energy is transmitted to the antenna and radiated by it, thus effectively ensuring the radiation effect of the first radio frequency signal.

[0009] This signal transmission circuit can also be used in the first receiving mode to form a second signal path between the antenna and the second amplifier circuit, the impedance of which is less than that of the first signal path. This ensures that the energy of the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna can be transmitted to the second amplifier circuit or switching circuit with minimal loss.

[0010] Optionally, the signal transmission circuit may include a plurality of transistors connected in series. In the first transmitting mode, the plurality of transistors may be in a weakly conducting state, that is, all of the transistors are conducting, but the impedance is relatively high. In the first receiving mode, the plurality of transistors may be in a fully conducting state.

[0011] This application uses multiple transistors connected in series to couple a portion of the energy in the amplified first radio frequency signal. Compared to directly using a coupler to couple the energy of the radio frequency signal, this not only effectively reduces the insertion loss of the radio frequency signal transmission path, but also effectively reduces the circuit cost.

[0012] Optionally, the signal transmission circuit may further include a first switch connected in parallel with the plurality of transistors. The first switch is used to turn off in a first transmitting mode and turn on in a first receiving mode.

[0013] Since the first switch can bypass multiple transistors when it is turned on, it can ensure that the second radio frequency signal can be transmitted to the second amplifier circuit or switching circuit through the first switch, thereby effectively reducing the loss of the second radio frequency signal.

[0014] Optionally, the input terminal of the signal transmission circuit is connected to the first amplifier circuit and the antenna, respectively; the first output terminal of the signal transmission circuit is connected to the switching circuit; and the second output terminal of the signal transmission circuit is connected to the second amplifier circuit. The plurality of transistors are connected in series between the input terminal and the first output terminal of the signal transmission circuit. Furthermore, the signal transmission circuit may further include a second switch connected between the first and second output terminals, which is used to turn off in the first transmitting mode and turn on in the first receiving mode.

[0015] By setting the second switch to be off in the first transmission mode, it can be ensured that the first radio frequency signal transmitted by the multiple transistors (i.e., the feedback first radio frequency signal) will not be transmitted to the second amplifier circuit for amplification. Therefore, it can be ensured that the feedback first radio frequency signal can be transmitted to the second connection terminal without distortion through the switching circuit.

[0016] Optionally, the signal transmission circuit is further configured to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the switching circuit in the second receiving mode. The switching circuit is also configured to be turned on in the second receiving mode.

[0017] In the solution provided in this application, when the power of the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna is large, the radio frequency front-end module does not need to amplify the second radio frequency signal, but can directly transmit it to the radio frequency circuit for processing.

[0018] Optionally, the signal transmission circuit can also be used to turn off the first amplifier circuit and the switching circuit in the second transmission mode; the switching circuit is also used to turn off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal in the second transmission mode. That is, in the second transmission mode, the RF front-end module will not feed back the first RF signal to the RF circuit.

[0019] In the solution provided in this application, the radio frequency (RF) circuit can update the parameters used for predistortion processing every parameter update cycle. During the intervals when the RF circuit updates parameters, i.e., during periods when the RF circuit does not need to update parameters, the RF front-end module can operate in a second transmission mode. Since the signal transmission circuit can turn off the first amplification circuit and the switching circuit in this second transmission mode, it can ensure that the amplified first RF signal output by the first amplification circuit can be radiated through the antenna, thereby ensuring that the power of the first RF signal radiated by the antenna is high.

[0020] Optionally, the signal transmission circuit is further configured to turn off the first amplifier circuit and the switching circuit, and to turn off the antenna and the second amplifier circuit in energy-saving mode. The switching circuit is also configured to turn off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal in energy-saving mode.

[0021] The RF front-end module provided in this application can also operate in energy-saving mode when there is no need to transmit or receive RF signals, so as to effectively reduce the power consumption of communication equipment.

[0022] Optionally, the switching circuit may include a third switch, which may be a single-pole single-throw switch.

[0023] Secondly, a radio frequency (RF) front-end module is provided for use in communication equipment. The RF front-end module has a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, which are used to connect to RF circuits in the communication equipment. The RF front-end module includes a switching circuit, a first amplification circuit, a signal transmission circuit, and a second amplification circuit. The switching circuit is connected to the first connection terminal, the first amplification circuit, and the second amplification circuit, and is used to transmit a first RF signal from the first connection terminal to the first amplification circuit in a first transmitting mode, and to transmit an amplified second RF signal from the second amplification circuit to the first connection terminal in a first receiving mode. The first amplification circuit is also connected to an antenna and is used to amplify the first RF signal and output it to the antenna. The signal transmission circuit is connected to the first amplification circuit, the second connection terminal, the second amplification circuit, and the antenna of the communication equipment, and is used to transmit a portion of the amplified first RF signal to the second connection terminal in the first transmitting mode, and to transmit the second RF signal received by the antenna to the second amplification circuit in the first receiving mode. The second amplification circuit amplifies the second RF signal and transmits it to the switching circuit.

[0024] The RF front-end module provided in this application can transmit different RF signals in different transmission modes through a first connection terminal. Therefore, while ensuring the reliability of RF signal transmission, it can effectively reduce the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit, thereby effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines.

[0025] Optionally, the signal transmission circuit may include a transmission sub-circuit and a switching sub-circuit. The transmission sub-circuit is connected to both the first amplifier circuit and the second connection terminal, and is used to transmit a portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the second connection terminal in the first transmission mode. The switching sub-circuit is connected to both the antenna and the second amplifier circuit, and is used to disconnect the antenna from both the second amplifier circuit and the switching circuit in the first transmission mode, and to connect the antenna to the second amplifier circuit in the first reception mode.

[0026] In the first transmitting mode, the transmission sub-circuit can form a signal path between the first amplification circuit and the second connection terminal, with the impedance of this signal path being greater than the impedance between the first amplification circuit and the antenna. This allows a small portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal's energy to be coupled to the second connection terminal. Furthermore, in the first receiving mode, the transmission sub-circuit can remain off to prevent the second radio frequency signal from leaking to the second connection terminal.

[0027] If the RF front-end module can also operate in the second receiving mode, the transmission sub-circuit can remain off in this mode. The switching sub-circuit is also connected to the switching circuit and can connect the antenna to the switching circuit in this second receiving mode.

[0028] Optionally, the transport sub-circuit may include multiple transistors connected in series. Coupling a portion of the energy in the amplified first radio frequency signal using multiple transistors connected in series not only effectively reduces the insertion loss of the radio frequency signal transmission path but also effectively reduces circuit costs.

[0029] Alternatively, the transmission sub-circuit may include a coupler, through which the first amplifier circuit is connected to the antenna. The coupler is also used in the first transmission mode to transmit another portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the antenna. By employing a coupler to transmit the first radio frequency signal to the antenna and the second connection point separately, effective compatibility with conventional radio frequency front-end modules can be achieved.

[0030] Optionally, the switch sub-circuit may include a first switch. A first terminal of the first switch is connected to the antenna, and a second terminal is connected to a second amplifier circuit. The first switch is used to turn off both the first and second terminals in a first transmit mode and to turn both terminals on in a first receive mode.

[0031] Optionally, the switch sub-circuit may further include a second switch. One end of the second switch is connected to the second end of the first switch, and the other end of the second switch is connected to the switch circuit. The second switch is used to turn off in the first receiving mode and turn on in the second receiving mode. The first switch is also used to connect the first end and the second end in the second receiving mode. The switch circuit is also used to transmit a second radio frequency signal from the second switch to the first connection end in the second receiving mode.

[0032] When the second switch is turned on in the second receiving mode, it can bypass the second amplifier circuit, thereby enabling the second radio frequency signal to be directly transmitted to the switching circuit without being amplified by the second amplifier circuit.

[0033] Optionally, the switching sub-circuit may further include a third switch. One end of the third switch is connected to the second end of the first switch, and the other end of the third switch is connected to the second amplifier circuit. The third switch is used to turn on in the first receiving mode and turn off in the second receiving mode.

[0034] By setting a third switch and turning it off in the second receiving mode, the second radio frequency signal can be effectively prevented from being transmitted to the second amplifier circuit for amplification in the second receiving mode.

[0035] Optionally, the first switch can be a single-pole double-throw switch, and the third terminal of the first switch is connected to the first amplifier circuit. The first switch is also used to connect the first terminal and the third terminal in a first transmitting mode, and to disconnect the first terminal and the third terminal in a first receiving mode.

[0036] Since the single-pole double-throw switch can turn off the first and third terminals in the first receiving mode, it can effectively prevent the second radio frequency signal from being transmitted to the transmission sub-circuit or the first amplifier circuit.

[0037] Optionally, the switching circuit may include a fourth switch, which is a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0038] Optionally, the signal transmission circuit is also used to turn off the first amplifier circuit and the second connection terminal in the second transmission mode. This ensures that the amplified first radio frequency signal output by the first amplifier circuit can be transmitted to the antenna.

[0039] Optionally, the switching circuit is also used to turn off both the first connection terminal and the first and second amplifier circuits in energy-saving mode. The signal transmission circuit is also used to turn off both the antenna and the second amplifier circuit and the switching circuit in energy-saving mode.

[0040] Thirdly, a control method for a radio frequency (RF) front-end module is provided for controlling the RF front-end module as provided in the first aspect. The method includes: in a first transmitting mode, controlling a signal transmission circuit to transmit a portion of a first RF signal amplified by a first amplification circuit to a switching circuit, and controlling the switching circuit to connect the signal transmission circuit to a second connection terminal. And, in a first receiving mode, controlling the signal transmission circuit to transmit a second RF signal received by the antenna to a second amplification circuit, and controlling the switching circuit to disconnect the signal transmission circuit from the second connection terminal.

[0041] Optionally, the method may further include: in the second receiving mode, controlling the signal transmission circuit to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the switching circuit, and controlling the switching circuit to connect the signal transmission circuit to the second connection terminal.

[0042] Optionally, the method may further include: in the second transmission mode, controlling the signal transmission circuit to turn off the first amplification circuit and the switching circuit, and controlling the switching circuit to turn off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal.

[0043] Optionally, the method may further include: in energy-saving mode, controlling the signal transmission circuit to turn off the first amplification circuit and the switching circuit, and turning off the antenna and the second amplification circuit, and controlling the switching circuit to turn off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal.

[0044] Optionally, the method may further include: shutting down the second amplifier circuit in at least one of the first transmission mode, the second transmission mode, and the energy-saving mode; and shutting down the first amplifier circuit in at least one of the first reception mode, the second reception mode, and the energy-saving mode.

[0045] Fourthly, a control method for a radio frequency (RF) front-end module is provided for controlling the RF front-end module as provided in the second aspect. The method includes: in a first transmitting mode, controlling a switching circuit to transmit a first RF signal from a first connection terminal to a first amplification circuit, and controlling a signal transmission circuit to transmit a portion of the amplified first RF signal from the first amplification circuit to a second connection terminal. And, in a first receiving mode, controlling the signal transmission circuit to transmit a second RF signal received by an antenna to a second amplification circuit, and controlling the switching circuit to transmit the amplified second RF signal from the second amplification circuit to the first connection terminal.

[0046] Optionally, the method may further include: in the second receiving mode, controlling the signal transmission circuit to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the switching circuit, and controlling the switching circuit to transmit the second radio frequency signal from the signal transmission circuit to the first connection terminal.

[0047] Optionally, the method may further include: in the second transmission mode, controlling the switching circuit to transmit the first radio frequency signal from the first connection terminal to the first amplification circuit, and controlling the signal transmission circuit to turn off the first amplification circuit from the second connection terminal.

[0048] Optionally, the method may further include: in energy-saving mode, controlling the switching circuit to turn off both the first connection terminal and the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuit, and controlling the signal transmission circuit to turn off both the antenna and the second amplifier circuit and the switching circuit.

[0049] Optionally, the method may further include: turning off the second amplifier circuit in at least one of the first transmission mode, the second transmission mode, and the energy-saving mode; and turning off the first amplifier circuit in at least one of the first reception mode, the second reception mode, and the energy-saving mode.

[0050] Fifthly, a control circuit is provided, which includes programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions, and is used to implement the control method provided in the third or fourth aspect above.

[0051] A sixth aspect provides a control circuit comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the control method provided in the third or fourth aspect above.

[0052] A seventh aspect provides a radio frequency (RF) signal processing circuit, comprising: an RF circuit, and an RF front-end module as provided in any of the preceding aspects. The RF circuit is connected to a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal of the RF front-end module.

[0053] Optionally, the radio frequency signal processing circuit may further include a control circuit. This control circuit is connected to the signal transmission circuit and the switching circuit in the radio frequency front-end module, and is used to control the operating state of the signal transmission circuit and the switching circuit.

[0054] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a baseband circuit, a radio frequency signal processing circuit as described above, and an antenna. The radio frequency signal processing circuit is connected to both the baseband circuit and the antenna.

[0055] Ninthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the control method provided in any of the preceding aspects.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the control method for the radio frequency front-end module provided in any of the preceding aspects.

[0057] In summary, this application provides a radio frequency (RF) front-end module and its control method, control circuit, and communication device. The RF front-end module provided by this application can receive a first RF signal transmitted by an RF circuit through a first connection terminal in a first transmission mode, and feed back a portion of the first RF signal to the RF circuit through a second connection terminal. The RF front-end module can also transmit a second RF signal received by the antenna to the RF circuit through the second connection terminal in a receive mode. Since the RF front-end module can transmit different RF signals in different transmission modes through a single second connection terminal, the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit can be effectively reduced while ensuring the reliability of RF signal transmission, thereby effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency front-end module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency front-end module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency signal transmitted by a signal transmission circuit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency front-end module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency front-end module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency front-end module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency front-end module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency front-end module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a control method for a radio frequency front-end module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an RF front-end module operating in the first TX mode according to an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency front-end module operating in the first RX mode according to an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of another control method for a radio frequency front-end module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency front-end module provided in this application operating in the first TX mode;

[0072] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency front-end module provided in this application operating in the first RX mode;

[0073] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of an RF front-end module operating in the second RX mode, provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0074] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the radio frequency front-end module and its control method, control circuit, and communication equipment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0075] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. The terminal device can be a mobile phone, computer, wearable device, or smart home device, etc. The network device can be a base station or an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN). The AP can be a router or switch that supports WLAN, etc.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication device includes a baseband circuit 01, an RF circuit 02, an RF front-end module 03, and an antenna 04. Furthermore, the communication device operates on a half-duplex communication model. In RX mode, the antenna 04 transmits the received RF signal to the RF front-end module 03. The RF front-end module 03 amplifies the RF signal via an LNA and transmits the amplified RF signal to the RF circuit 02. The RF circuit 02 demodulates the RF signal into a baseband signal and transmits it to the baseband circuit 01. Key performance indicators of the LNA include noise factor (NF) and linearity.

[0077] In TX mode, baseband circuit 01 transmits baseband signals to RF circuit 02. RF circuit 02 modulates the baseband signal into an RF signal and transmits it to RF front-end module 03. RF front-end module 03 amplifies the RF signal via PA and transmits the amplified RF signal to antenna 04 for radiation to other communication devices. PA is typically made of gallium arsenide (GaAs), and its key performance indicators include gain flatness at different bandwidths (e.g., 80MHz and 160MHz), maximum power in typical rate modes, error vector magnitude (EVM), and power consumption at various transmit powers.

[0078] It is understandable that the PA (Power Amplifier) ​​will exhibit certain discrete characteristics due to fluctuations in process technology, temperature, or voltage, leading to nonlinear distortion in the amplified RF signal. To improve the linearity of the amplified RF signal, the RF front-end module 03 can feed back a portion of the amplified RF signal to the RF circuit 02. The RF circuit 02 can extract features from the feedback RF signal and calculate parameters such as delay, frequency, and phase shift using its integrated digital signal processing (DSP) circuit. The baseband circuit 01 can then perform pre-distortion processing on the baseband signal to be transmitted based on the calculated parameters. This effectively counteracts the nonlinearity of the PA, thereby improving the PA's EVM (Effective Virtualization) and increasing the signal's transmit power. Furthermore, based on the RF signal fed back by the RF front-end module 03, it can accurately detect whether the power of the transmitted RF signal meets the transmit power requirements.

[0079] It is understood that the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application may include multiple radio frequency front-end modules 03, and the operating frequency bands of the multiple radio frequency front-end modules 03 may be the same or different. For example, assuming that the operating frequency bands of the communication device (e.g., AP) include 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, the communication device may include multiple (e.g., 4) radio frequency front-end modules 03 with an operating frequency band of 2.5 GHz, and multiple (e.g., 4) radio frequency front-end modules 03 with an operating frequency band of 5 GHz.

[0080] Based on the foregoing analysis, it is known that the RF circuit 02 and each RF front-end module 03 need to transmit the RF signal to be transmitted, the RF signal received through the antenna 04, and the RF signal used for pre-distortion processing. If each type of signal occupies a separate signal line for transmission, the number of signal lines required between the RF circuit 02 and each RF front-end module 03 will be large. Since the transmission of RF signals has requirements on trace spacing, ground plane, and spacing of ground vias, in scenarios where the communication equipment includes a large number of RF front-end modules 03, the signal lines will occupy a significant amount of wiring space.

[0081] This application provides a radio frequency (RF) front-end module that can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the illustrated electronic device, the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit is reduced, thereby effectively decreasing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the RF front-end module 03 has a first connection terminal L1 and a second connection terminal L2, which are used to connect to the RF circuit 02 in the communication device. Furthermore, the RF front-end module 03 includes: a first amplification circuit 101, a signal transmission circuit 102, a switching circuit 103, and a second amplification circuit 104.

[0082] The first amplifier circuit 101 is connected to the first connection terminal L1 and the antenna 04 of the communication device, respectively. The first amplifier circuit 101 is used to amplify the first radio frequency signal received through the first connection terminal L1 and output it to the antenna 04.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first amplifier circuit 101 can be a power amplifier (PA). The input terminal of the PA is connected to the first connection terminal L1, and the output terminal is connected to the antenna 04. Since the PA is located outside the radio frequency circuit 02, it can also be called an external PA (ePA). In the first TX mode, the PA can receive the first radio frequency signal transmitted by the radio frequency circuit 02 through the first connection terminal L1, and output the first radio frequency signal after power amplification. The first radio frequency signal output by the PA can be radiated to other communication devices through the antenna 04.

[0084] like Figure 2As shown, the signal transmission circuit 102 is connected to the first amplifier circuit 101, the antenna 04, the second amplifier circuit 104, and the switch circuit 103. For example, the input terminal of the signal transmission circuit 102 is connected to the first amplifier circuit 101 and the antenna 04, and the output terminal is connected to the input terminal of the second amplifier circuit 104 and one end of the switch circuit 103. The signal transmission circuit 102 is used to: transmit a portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the switch circuit 103 in the first TX mode; and transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 to the second amplifier circuit 104 in the first RX mode.

[0085] The second amplifier circuit 104 is also connected to the second connection terminal L2. For example, the output terminal of the second amplifier circuit 104 is connected to the second connection terminal L2. The second amplifier circuit 104 is used to amplify the second radio frequency signal and output it to the second connection terminal L2.

[0086] The second amplifier circuit 104 can be an LNA. Since this LNA is located outside the RF circuit 02, it can also be called an external LNA (eLNA). This LNA can amplify the relatively weak second RF signal received by the antenna 04 and reduce the interference of the amplifier's own noise on the second RF signal, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the amplified second RF signal. It is understandable that when designing the input impedance matching of the LNA, the impedance of the RF signal transmission link (i.e., the TX branch network) needs to be considered.

[0087] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The other end of the switching circuit 103 is connected to the second connection terminal L2. The switching circuit 103 is used to turn on the signal transmission circuit 102 and the second connection terminal L2 in the first TX mode, and to turn off the signal transmission circuit 102 and the second connection terminal L2 in the first RX mode.

[0088] When the switching circuit 103 connects the signal transmission circuit 102 to the second connection terminal L2, a portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal (i.e., the feedback first radio frequency signal) can be transmitted to the radio frequency circuit 02 through the second connection terminal L2. The radio frequency circuit 02 can then perform parameter calculations on the feedback first radio frequency signal to achieve pre-distortion processing of the baseband signal.

[0089] When the switching circuit 103 turns off the signal transmission circuit 102 and the second connection terminal L2, it can prevent the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 from being shunted by the switching circuit 103. Therefore, it can be ensured that the energy of the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 can be transmitted to the second amplifier circuit 104 for amplification.

[0090] Based on the above analysis, it can be seen that in the first TX mode, the RF front-end module 03 can receive the first RF signal through the first connection terminal L1 and feed back a portion of the first RF signal through the second connection terminal L2. In the first RX mode, the RF front-end module 03 can transmit the second RF signal through the second connection terminal L2. Since the RF front-end module 03 can transmit three different types of RF signals through two connection terminals, only two RF signal lines are needed between the RF front-end module 03 and the RF circuit 02, effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines between the two.

[0091] Optionally, the RF front-end module 03 can also operate in a second RX mode. The signal transmission circuit 102 can also be used in this second RX mode to transmit the second RF signal received by the antenna 04 to the switching circuit 103. The switching circuit 103 is also used to be turned on in this second RX mode.

[0092] It is understandable that once the switching circuit 103 is turned on, the second amplifier circuit 104 can be bypassed. Therefore, the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 can be directly transmitted to the second connection terminal L2 through the switching circuit 103 without being amplified by the second amplifier circuit 104. This second RX mode can also be called the bypass reception mode.

[0093] In this embodiment, when the strength of the second radio frequency signal received by antenna 04 is weak, radio frequency front-end module 03 can operate in the first RX mode and amplify the weak second radio frequency signal through the second amplification circuit 104 to ensure the reception effect of the radio frequency signal. Specifically, when the distance between the peer communication device and the local communication device is far, or when the peer communication device is blocked by obstacles such as walls, the strength of the second radio frequency signal received by antenna 04 of the local communication device may be weak.

[0094] When the second radio frequency signal received by antenna 04 is strong, radio frequency front-end module 03 can operate in the second RX mode. In the second RX mode, radio frequency front-end module 03 can directly transmit the second radio frequency signal to radio frequency circuit 02 without amplification by second amplifier circuit 104. This avoids signal distortion caused by amplifying the strong radio frequency signal.

[0095] Optionally, the RF front-end module 03 can also operate in a second TX mode. The signal transmission circuit 102 can also be used to turn off the first amplifier circuit 101 and the switching circuit 103 in the second TX mode. The switching circuit 103 is also used to turn off the signal transmission circuit 102 and the second connection terminal L2 in the second TX mode.

[0096] In the second TX transmission mode, the signal transmission circuit 102 and the switching circuit 103 can turn off the first amplifier circuit 101 and the second connection terminal L2, thus ensuring that the amplified first radio frequency signal output by the first amplifier circuit 101 will not be transmitted to the second connection terminal L2. That is, in this second TX transmission mode, the energy of the amplified first radio frequency signal can be radiated through the antenna 04, thereby ensuring that the power of the first radio frequency signal radiated by the antenna 04 is high.

[0097] Understandably, the RF circuit 02 can update the parameters used for predistortion processing (hereinafter referred to as predistortion parameters) once every parameter update cycle. During the intervals when the RF circuit 02 updates the predistortion parameters, that is, during the periods when the RF circuit 02 does not need to update the predistortion parameters, the RF front-end module 03 can operate in the second TX mode to ensure that the power of the transmitted first RF signal is high.

[0098] Optionally, the RF front-end module 03 can also operate in an energy-saving mode. The signal transmission circuit 102 can also be used in this energy-saving mode to turn off the first amplifier circuit 101 and the switching circuit 103, and to turn off the antenna 04 and the second amplifier circuit 104. The switching circuit 103 is also used in this energy-saving mode to turn off the signal transmission circuit 102 and the second connection terminal L2.

[0099] In this energy-saving mode, since both the signal transmission circuit 102 and the switching circuit 103 are in the off state, it can be ensured that no radio frequency (RF) signals are transmitted to the second amplifier circuit 104 and the RF circuit 02. Accordingly, the second amplifier circuit 104 and the RF circuit 02 do not need to process RF signals, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the communication equipment.

[0100] In this embodiment, the signal transmission circuit 102 can be used to form a first signal path between the first amplifier circuit 101 and the switching circuit 103 in the first TX mode. The impedance of the first signal path is greater than the impedance between the first amplifier circuit 101 and the antenna 04, thereby ensuring that only a small portion of the energy in the amplified first radio frequency signal is fed back to the radio frequency circuit 02 for pre-distortion processing, while most of the energy can be transmitted to the antenna 04 and radiated by the antenna 04, thus effectively ensuring the radiation effect of the first radio frequency signal.

[0101] The signal transmission circuit 102 is also used to form a second signal path between the antenna 04 and the second amplifier circuit 104 in the first RX mode and the second RX mode. The impedance of the second signal path is less than the impedance of the first signal path, for example, the impedance of the second signal path can be ignored, thereby ensuring that the energy of the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 can be transmitted to the second amplifier circuit 104 or the switching circuit 103 with as little loss as possible.

[0102] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 The signal transmission circuit 102 may include a plurality of transistors M0 connected in series. The plurality of transistors M0 may all be metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs).

[0103] Based on this implementation, in the first TX mode, all of the multiple transistors M0 can be in a weakly conducting state. Alternatively, some of the multiple transistors M0 can be in a weakly conducting state, while others can be in a fully conducting state. This ensures that only a small portion of the amplified first RF signal can be transmitted to the switching circuit 103. Alternatively, it can be understood that the multiple transistors M0 can attenuate the amplified first RF signal before transmitting it to the switching circuit 103. Weak conduction, also known as pre-conduction, refers to the state where transistor M0 is conducting, but with a relatively high impedance, allowing only a small current to flow.

[0104] In both the first RX mode and the second RX mode, the multiple transistors M0 can be in a fully on state, for example, all of the multiple transistors M0 can operate in the saturation region. At this time, the impedance of the multiple transistors M0 is relatively small, thereby ensuring that all the energy of the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 can be transferred to the second amplifier circuit 104 or the switching circuit 103.

[0105] In the second TX mode and power-saving mode, all transistors M0 can be in the off state (i.e., cutoff state). At this time, the impedance of the transistors M0 can be considered infinite, and they cannot transmit radio frequency signals.

[0106] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency signal transmitted by multiple transistors according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the amplitude of the radio frequency signal. (Reference) Figure 4 In (a) of the first TX mode, when multiple transistors M0 are in a weakly conducting state, the energy of the first radio frequency signal transmitted to the switching circuit 103 is relatively small. (See reference...) Figure 4 In (b) of the first RX and second RX modes, when the multiple transistors M0 are in a fully on state, the energy of the second radio frequency signal transmitted to the switching circuit 103 is relatively large.

[0107] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency front-end module provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 5As shown, the signal transmission circuit 102 may further include a first switch S1 connected in parallel with a plurality of transistors M0. For example, one end of the first switch S1 is connected to the output terminal of the first amplifier circuit 101 and the antenna O4, respectively, and the other end of the first switch S1 is connected to one end of the switch circuit 103 and the input terminal of the second amplifier circuit 104, respectively.

[0108] The first switch S1 is used to turn off in the first TX mode and turn on in the first RX mode. If the RF front-end module can also operate in the second RX mode, the second TX mode, and the power-saving mode, then the first switch S1 is also used to turn on in the second RX mode and turn off in the second TX mode and the power-saving mode.

[0109] Since the first switch S1 is connected in parallel with multiple transistors M0, it can bypass these transistors M0 when it is turned on in the first RX mode and the second RX mode. Accordingly, regardless of the conduction state of these transistors M0, the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 can be transmitted to the second amplifier circuit 104 or the switching circuit 103 through the first switch S1.

[0110] It is understandable that the impedance after the first switch S1 is turned on is less than the impedance after the multiple transistors M0 are turned on. By setting the first switch S1 to be turned on in the first RX mode and the second RX mode, the attenuation of the second RF signal during transmission can be effectively reduced, ensuring better reception of the second RF signal.

[0111] It is also understandable that, in the scenario where the signal transmission circuit 102 also includes a first switch S1, the multiple transistors M0 can all remain off in the first TX mode.

[0112] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the signal transmission circuit 102 may have two output terminals, a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The first output terminal is connected to the switching circuit 103, and the second output terminal is connected to the input terminal of the second amplifier circuit 104. The plurality of transistors M0 are connected in series between the input terminal and the first output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 102. The signal transmission circuit 102 may further include a second switch S2 connected between the first and second output terminals.

[0113] The second switch S2 is used to turn off in the first TX mode and turn on in the first RX mode. If the RF front-end module 03 can also operate in the second RX mode, the second TX mode and the power-saving mode, then the second switch S2 is also used to turn off in all three modes.

[0114] By setting the second switch S2 to be off in the first TX mode, it can be ensured that the first radio frequency signal transmitted by the plurality of transistors M0 (i.e., the feedback first radio frequency signal) will not be transmitted to the second amplifier circuit 104 for amplification. Thus, it can be ensured that the feedback first radio frequency signal can be transmitted to the second connection terminal L2 without distortion through the switch circuit 103.

[0115] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The switching circuit 103 may include a third switch S3. One end of the third switch S3 is connected to the first output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 102, and the other end is connected to the second connection terminal L2. The third switch S3 is used to turn on in the first TX mode and the second RX mode, and to turn off in the first RX mode, the second TX mode, and the power-saving mode.

[0116] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 102 may include a first terminal and a second terminal. The plurality of transistors M0 are connected in series between the input terminal and the first terminal of the signal transmission circuit 102. A first switch S1 is connected between the input terminal and the second terminal of the signal transmission circuit 102. The switching circuit 103 may further include a fourth switch S4, one end of which is connected to the first terminal, and the other end of which is connected to the second connection terminal L2. One end of a third switch S3 is connected to the second terminal, and the other end of which is connected to the second connection terminal L2.

[0117] In a scenario where the switching circuit 103 also includes a fourth switch S4, the fourth switch S4 is used to be turned on in the first TX mode and turned off in the first RX mode, the second RX mode, the second TX mode, and the energy-saving mode. The third switch S3 is used to be turned on in the second RX mode and turned off in the first TX mode, the first RX mode, the second TX mode, and the energy-saving mode.

[0118] It is understood that the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, and the fourth switch S4 in the embodiments of this application can all be single-pole single-throw switches. Furthermore, the first switch S1, the second switch S2, the third switch S3, and the fourth switch S4 can all be fabricated using GaAs material.

[0119] Optionally, Figure 5The multiple transistors M0 in the signal transmission circuit 102 shown can also be replaced by an RC network. This RC network can be a circuit with a certain impedance, composed of at least two of the following: resistors, capacitors, inductors, and microstrip lines. Furthermore, the impedance of this RC network is greater than the impedance between the output of the first amplifier circuit 101 and the antenna 04. Therefore, this RC network can couple a small portion of the energy from the amplified first radio frequency signal output by the first amplifier circuit 101 to the second amplifier circuit 104 or the switching circuit 103.

[0120] In this embodiment, the signal transmission circuit 102 couples a portion of the energy in the amplified first radio frequency signal through multiple transistors MO connected in series or a resistor-capacitor-inductor network. Compared with directly using a coupler to couple the energy of the radio frequency signal, this not only effectively reduces the insertion loss of the radio frequency signal transmission path, but also effectively reduces the cost.

[0121] Understandably, in order to effectively reduce the power consumption of communication equipment and ensure the transmission performance of radio frequency signals, the second amplifier circuit can be in a switched-off state in the first TX mode, the second TX mode, and / or the energy-saving mode. The first amplifier circuit can be in a switched-off state in the first RX mode, the second RX mode, and / or the energy-saving mode.

[0122] In summary, this application provides a radio frequency (RF) front-end module. In a first transmission mode, this RF front-end module can receive a first RF signal transmitted by an RF circuit through a first connection terminal, and feed back a portion of the first RF signal to the RF circuit through a second connection terminal. In a receive mode, this RF front-end module can also transmit a second RF signal received by the antenna to the RF circuit through the second connection terminal. Since this RF front-end module can transmit different RF signals in different transmission modes through a single second connection terminal, it can effectively reduce the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit while ensuring the reliability of RF signal transmission, thereby effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines.

[0123] This application provides another radio frequency front-end module, which can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the illustrated electronic device, the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit is reduced, thereby effectively decreasing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the RF front-end module 03 has a first connection terminal L1 and a second connection terminal L2, which are used to connect to the RF circuit 02 in the communication device. Furthermore, the RF front-end module 03 includes: a switching circuit 201, a first amplification circuit 202, a signal transmission circuit 203, and a second amplification circuit 204.

[0124] The switching circuit 201 is connected to the first connection terminal L1, the first amplifier circuit 202, and the second amplifier circuit 204, respectively. The switching circuit 201 is used to transmit the first radio frequency signal from the first connection terminal L1 to the first amplifier circuit 202 in the first TX mode, and to transmit the amplified second radio frequency signal from the second amplifier circuit 204 to the first connection terminal L1 in the first RX mode.

[0125] For example, the first terminal of the switching circuit 201 is connected to the first connection terminal L1, the second terminal is connected to the input terminal of the first amplifier circuit 202, and the third terminal is connected to the output terminal of the second amplifier circuit 204. In the first TX mode, the switching circuit 201 can connect the first terminal and the second terminal, thereby transmitting the first radio frequency signal sent by the radio frequency circuit 02 through the first connection terminal L1 to the first amplifier circuit 202. In the first RX mode, the switching circuit 201 can connect the first terminal and the third terminal, thereby transmitting the amplified second radio frequency signal output by the second amplifier circuit 204 to the radio frequency circuit 02 through the first connection terminal L1.

[0126] Continue to refer to Figure 7 The output terminal of the first amplifier circuit 202 is connected to the antenna 04. The first amplifier circuit 202 is used to amplify the first radio frequency signal and output it to the antenna 04. The first amplifier circuit 202 can be a PA.

[0127] The signal transmission circuit 203 is connected to the first amplifier circuit 202, the second connection terminal L2, the second amplifier circuit 204, and the antenna 04 of the communication device. The signal transmission circuit 203 is used to transmit a portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the second connection terminal L2 in the first TX mode, and to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 to the second amplifier circuit 204 in the first RX mode.

[0128] For example, the first input terminal of the signal transmission circuit 203 is connected to the output terminal of the first amplifier circuit 202, the second input terminal is connected to the antenna 04, the first output terminal is connected to the second connection terminal L2, and the second output terminal is connected to the input terminal of the second amplifier circuit 204. In the first TX mode, the first input terminal and the first output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 203 are connected, thereby coupling a portion of the energy of the amplified first radio frequency signal (i.e., the feedback first radio frequency signal) to the second connection terminal L2. In the first RX mode, the second input terminal and the second output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 203 are connected, thereby transmitting the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 to the second amplifier circuit 204.

[0129] The second amplifier circuit 204 is used to amplify the second radio frequency signal and then transmit it to the switching circuit 201. The second amplifier circuit 204 can be an LNA.

[0130] Based on the above analysis, it can be seen that in the first TX mode, the RF front-end module 03 can receive the first RF signal through the first connection terminal L1 and feed back part of the first RF signal through the second connection terminal L2. In the first RX mode, the RF front-end module 03 can transmit the second RF signal through the first connection terminal L1. Since the RF front-end module 03 can transmit three different types of RF signals through two connection terminals, only two RF signal lines are needed between the RF front-end module 03 and the RF circuit 02, effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines between the two.

[0131] Optionally, the third output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 203 can also be connected to the third terminal of the switching circuit 201. The RF front-end module 03 can also operate in a second RX mode. In this second RX mode, the signal transmission circuit 203 can connect its input terminal to its third output terminal, thereby transmitting the second RF signal received by the antenna 04 to the switching circuit 201. The switching circuit 201 is also used to connect its first terminal to its third terminal in this second RX mode, thereby transmitting the second RF signal to the RF circuit 02 through the first connection terminal L1.

[0132] Understandably, once the signal transmission circuit 203 connects its input terminal to the third output terminal, the second amplifier circuit 204 can be bypassed. Therefore, the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna 04 can be directly transmitted to the first connection terminal L1 via the switching circuit 201, without being amplified by the second amplifier circuit 204.

[0133] Optionally, the RF front-end module 03 can also operate in a second TX mode. The signal transmission circuit 203 is also used to turn off the first amplifier circuit 202 and the second connection terminal L2 in the second TX mode. At this time, the amplified first RF signal output by the first amplifier circuit 202 will not be transmitted to the second connection terminal L2, meaning that the energy of the amplified first RF signal can be radiated through the antenna 04, thereby ensuring that the power of the first RF signal radiated by the antenna 04 is high.

[0134] Understandably, during the period when the RF circuit 02 does not need to update the predistortion parameters, the RF front-end module 03 can operate in the second TX mode to ensure that the power of the transmitted first RF signal is high.

[0135] Optionally, the RF front-end module 03 can also operate in an energy-saving mode. The switching circuit 201 is also used to turn off both the first connection terminal L1 and the first amplifier circuit 202 and the second amplifier circuit 204 in energy-saving mode. The signal transmission circuit 203 is also used to turn off both the antenna 04 and the second amplifier circuit 204 and the switching circuit 201 in energy-saving mode.

[0136] In this energy-saving mode, since both the switching circuit 201 and the signal transmission circuit 203 are in the off state, it can be ensured that no radio frequency (RF) signals are transmitted to the first amplifier circuit 202, the second amplifier circuit 204, and the RF circuit 02. Accordingly, the first amplifier circuit 202, the second amplifier circuit 204, and the RF circuit 02 do not need to process RF signals, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the communication equipment.

[0137] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the signal transmission circuit 203 may include a transmission sub-circuit 2031 and a switching sub-circuit 2032.

[0138] The transmission sub-circuit 2031 is connected to the first amplifier circuit 202 and the second connection terminal L2 respectively. The transmission sub-circuit 2031 is used to transmit a portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the second connection terminal L2 in the first TX mode.

[0139] For example, in the first TX mode, the transmission sub-circuit 2031 can form a signal path between the output of the first amplifier circuit 202 and the second connection terminal L2, where the impedance of this signal path is greater than the impedance between the output of the first amplifier circuit 202 and the antenna 04. This allows a small portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal energy to be coupled to the second connection terminal L2. Furthermore, in the first RX mode, the second RX mode, and the second TX mode, the transmission sub-circuit 2031 can remain in an off state to prevent radio frequency signal leakage to the second connection terminal L2.

[0140] The switch sub-circuit 2032 is connected to the antenna 04 and the second amplifier circuit 204, respectively. The switch sub-circuit 2032 is used to disconnect the antenna 04 from both the second amplifier circuit 204 and the switch circuit 201 in the first TX mode, and to connect the antenna 04 to the second amplifier circuit 204 in the first RX mode.

[0141] If the RF front-end module 03 can also operate in the second RX mode, the switch sub-circuit 2032 is also connected to the third terminal of the switch circuit 201, and can conduct the antenna 04 to the third terminal of the switch circuit 201 in the second RX mode.

[0142] As one possible implementation, such as Figure 8 As shown, the transmission sub-circuit 2031 may include a coupler, through which the output of the first amplifier circuit 202 is connected to the antenna 04. The coupler is also used in the first TX mode to transmit another portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the antenna 04.

[0143] As another possible implementation, such as Figure 9As shown, the transmission sub-circuit 2031 may include multiple transistors M0 connected in series. These multiple transistors M0 are connected in series between the output terminal of the first amplifier circuit 202 and the second connection terminal L2, that is, between the first input terminal and the first output terminal of the signal transmission circuit 203. For example, these multiple transistors M0 can be in a weakly conducting state in the first TX mode and are turned off in the second TX mode, the first RX mode, the second RX mode, and the power-saving mode.

[0144] As another possible implementation, the transmission sub-circuit 2031 can be an RC-inductor network composed of resistors and capacitors. At least two of the resistors, capacitors, inductors, and microstrip lines in this RC-inductor network can be connected in series and / or in parallel between the output terminal of the first amplifier circuit 202 and the second connection terminal L2.

[0145] By using multiple transistors M0 or a resistor-capacitor-inductor network to form the transmission sub-circuit 2031, the insertion loss of the first radio frequency signal transmission path can be effectively reduced, and the circuit cost can also be effectively reduced.

[0146] Optionally, continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The switch sub-circuit 2032 may include a first switch S1. The first terminal of the first switch S1 is connected to the antenna 04, and the second terminal of the first switch S1 is connected to the input terminal of the second amplifier circuit 204. The first switch S1 is used to turn off the first and second terminals in the first TX mode and to turn on the first and second terminals in the first RX mode.

[0147] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first switch S1 can be a single-pole single-throw switch. Or, as... Figure 8 As shown, the first switch S1 can be a single-pole double-throw switch, and its third terminal is connected to the output terminal of the first amplifier circuit 202. The first switch S1 is also used to turn on the first terminal and the third terminal in the first TX mode to allow the first radio frequency signal to be transmitted to the antenna 04. And, in the first RX mode, it is used to turn off the first terminal and the third terminal to prevent the second radio frequency signal from being transmitted to the transmission sub-circuit 2031 or the first amplifier circuit 202.

[0148] If the RF front-end module 03 can still operate in the second RX mode, then refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9The switching sub-circuit 2032 may further include a second switch S2. One end of the second switch S2 is connected to the second end of the first switch S1, and the other end of the second switch S2 is connected to the third end of the switching circuit 201. The second switch S2 is used to turn off in the first RX mode to ensure that all the energy of the second radio frequency signal can be transmitted to the second amplifier circuit 204. The second switch S2 is also used to turn on in the second RX mode to bypass the second amplifier circuit 204, thereby allowing the second radio frequency signal to be directly transmitted to the switching circuit 201.

[0149] Correspondingly, the first switch S1 is also used to connect the first terminal and the second terminal in the second RX mode. The switch circuit 201 is also used to transmit the second radio frequency signal from the second switch S2 to the first connection terminal L1 in the second RX mode.

[0150] Optionally, continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The switching sub-circuit 2032 may further include a third switch S3. One end of the third switch S3 is connected to the second end of the first switch S1, and the other end of the third switch S3 is connected to the input terminal of the second amplifier circuit 204. The third switch S3 is used to turn on in the first RX mode and turn off in the second RX mode.

[0151] By setting the third switch S3 and turning it off in the second RX mode, the second radio frequency signal can be effectively prevented from being transmitted to the second amplifier circuit 204 for amplification in the second RX mode.

[0152] Optionally, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the switching circuit 201 may include a fourth switch S4, which is a single-pole double-throw switch. The first end of the fourth switch S4 is connected to the first connection terminal L1, the second end is connected to the input terminal of the first amplifier circuit 202, and the third end is connected to the output terminal of the second amplifier circuit 204.

[0153] Understandable Figure 8 and Figure 9 The second switch S2 and the third switch S3 can both be single-pole single-throw switches. Furthermore, the first switch S1 to the fourth switch S4 can all be made of GaAs material.

[0154] It is also understandable that, in order to effectively reduce the power consumption of communication equipment and ensure the transmission performance of radio frequency signals, the second amplifier circuit can be in a turned-off state in the first TX mode, the second TX mode, and / or the energy-saving mode. The first amplifier circuit can be in a turned-off state in the first RX mode, the second RX mode, and / or the energy-saving mode.

[0155] In summary, this application provides a radio frequency (RF) front-end module. In a first transmit mode, this RF front-end module can receive a first RF signal transmitted by an RF circuit through a first connection terminal, and feed back a portion of the first RF signal to the RF circuit through a second connection terminal. In a receive mode, this RF front-end module can also transmit a second RF signal received by the antenna to the RF circuit through the first connection terminal. Since this RF front-end module can transmit different RF signals in different transmission modes through a single first connection terminal, it can effectively reduce the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit while ensuring the reliability of RF signal transmission, thereby effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines.

[0156] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device provided in this application embodiment may further include a control circuit 020, which is connected to the radio frequency front-end module 03 and used to control the operating mode of the radio frequency front-end module 03. For example, the control circuit 020 is connected to the signal transmission circuit and the switching circuit in the radio frequency front-end module 03, and can control the operating state of the signal transmission circuit and the switching circuit to make the radio frequency front-end module 03 operate in different modes.

[0157] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a control method for an RF front-end module provided in this application. This method can be applied to control circuit 020 and can be used to control, for example... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The RF front-end module shown in any of the attached figures. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the control method includes:

[0158] Step 301: In the first TX mode, the control signal transmission circuit transmits a portion of the first radio frequency signal amplified by the first amplifier circuit to the switching circuit, and controls the switching circuit to connect the signal transmission circuit to the second connection terminal.

[0159] In this first TX mode, refer to Figure 11 The control circuit can control the third switch S3 in the switching circuit to be turned on (i.e., closed), and control each transistor M0 in the signal transmission circuit to be in a weakly conducting state. If the signal transmission circuit includes the first switch S1, it can control the first switch S1 to be turned off (i.e., open); if the signal transmission circuit also includes the second switch S2, then... Figure 11 As shown, the second switch S2 can be turned off.

[0160] Step 302: In the first RX mode, the control signal transmission circuit transmits the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the second amplifier circuit, and controls the switching circuit to turn off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal.

[0161] In this first RX mode, refer to Figure 12 The control circuit can turn off the third switch S3 in the switching circuit and can also ensure that all transistors M0 in the signal transmission circuit are fully turned on. If the signal transmission circuit also includes a second switch S2, then... Figure 12 As shown, the second switch S2 can be controlled to close. If the signal transmission circuit also includes a first switch S1, the control circuit can control the first switch S1 to close.

[0162] Step 303: In the second RX mode, the control signal transmission circuit transmits the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the switching circuit, and controls the switching circuit to connect the signal transmission circuit to the second connection terminal.

[0163] In this second RX mode, continue to refer to Figure 11 The control circuit can turn off the third switch S3 in the switching circuit and can also ensure that all transistors M0 in the signal transmission circuit are fully turned on. If the signal transmission circuit also includes a second switch S2, then... Figure 11 As shown, the second switch S2 can be controlled to open. If the signal transmission circuit also includes a first switch S1, the control circuit can control the first switch S1 to close.

[0164] Optionally, the default receiving mode of the RF front-end module can be the second RX mode. That is, when it is necessary to receive signals through antenna 04, the control circuit can control the RF front-end module to operate in the second RX mode. If the control circuit detects that the power of the received second RF signal is lower than a preset power threshold, it can determine that the received second RF signal needs to be amplified. Accordingly, the control circuit can control the RF front-end module to operate in the first RX mode.

[0165] Step 304: In the second TX mode, the control signal transmission circuit turns off the first amplifier circuit and the switching circuit, and controls the switching circuit to turn off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal.

[0166] In the second TX mode, the control circuit can turn off all transistors M0 in the signal transmission circuit. Furthermore, refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 5 The control circuit can also control the third switch S3 in the switching circuit to turn off. If the signal transmission circuit also includes a first switch S1 and a second switch S2, the control circuit can control both the first switch S1 and the second switch S2 to turn off.

[0167] It is understandable that the control circuit can control the RF front-end module to operate in the second TX mode during the intervals when the RF circuit updates the predistortion parameters, that is, during the period when the RF circuit does not need to update the parameters.

[0168] Step 305: In energy-saving mode, the control signal transmission circuit turns off the first amplifier circuit and the switching circuit, and turns off the antenna and the second amplifier circuit, and the control switching circuit turns off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal.

[0169] In energy-saving mode, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The control circuit can turn off the third switch S3 in the switching circuit and turn off all transistors M0 in the signal transmission circuit. If the signal transmission circuit also includes a first switch S1 and a second switch S2, the control circuit can turn off both the first switch S1 and the second switch S2.

[0170] Based on the above analysis, it can be seen that under different working modes, the control circuit can control each device in the RF front-end module to work in the state shown in Table 1.

[0171] Table 1

[0172] Work mode Series transistors Second switch S2 Third switch S3 First TX Mode Weak conduction disconnect closure Second TX mode disconnect disconnect disconnect First RX Mode Fully conductive closure disconnect Second RX Mode Fully conductive disconnect closure Energy saving mode disconnect disconnect disconnect

[0173] Optionally, in the first TX mode, the second TX mode, and / or the energy-saving mode, the control circuit can also shut down the second amplifier circuit. In the first RX mode, the second RX mode, and / or the energy-saving mode, the control circuit can also shut down the first amplifier circuit. This effectively reduces the power consumption of the communication equipment.

[0174] Understandably, the control circuit can control each transistor M0 to be in a weak conduction state, a fully conduction state, or a turn-off state by adjusting the voltage applied to the gate of each transistor M0.

[0175] It is also understood that the order of steps in the control method for the RF front-end module provided in this application embodiment can be appropriately adjusted, and steps can be added or removed as needed. For example, at least one of the steps 303, 304, and 305 above can be deleted as needed. Alternatively, step 303 can be performed before step 302. Or, steps 301 and 304 above can be performed alternately.

[0176] In summary, this application provides a control method for an RF front-end module. This control method enables the RF front-end module to receive a first RF signal transmitted by an RF circuit through a first connection terminal in a first transmission mode, and to feed back a portion of the first RF signal to the RF circuit through a second connection terminal. The control method also enables the RF front-end module to transmit a second RF signal received by the antenna to the RF circuit through the second connection terminal in a receive mode. Because the RF front-end module can transmit different RF signals in different transmission modes through a single second connection terminal, the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit can be effectively reduced while ensuring the reliability of RF signal transmission, thereby effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines.

[0177] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a control method for an RF front-end module provided in this application. This method can be applied to control circuit 020 and can be used to control, for example... Figures 7 to 9 The RF front-end module shown in any of the attached figures. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the control method includes:

[0178] Step 401: In the first TX mode, the control switch circuit transmits the first radio frequency signal from the first connection terminal to the first amplifier circuit, and controls the signal transmission circuit to transmit a portion of the first radio frequency signal amplified by the first amplifier circuit to the second connection terminal.

[0179] In the first TX mode, refer to Figure 14 The control circuit can close the first and second terminals of the fourth switch S4 in the switching circuit, close the first and third terminals of the first switch S1 in the control signal transmission circuit, and close the second switch S2 and the third switch S3. If the first switch S1 is a single-pole single-throw switch, the control circuit can open the first switch S1.

[0180] Step 402: In the first RX mode, the control signal transmission circuit transmits the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the second amplifier circuit, and controls the switching circuit to transmit the second radio frequency signal amplified by the second amplifier circuit to the first connection terminal.

[0181] In the first RX mode, refer to Figure 15 The control circuit can control the first and third terminals of the fourth switch S4 in the switching circuit to close, control the first and second terminals of the first switch S1 in the control signal transmission circuit to close, control the third switch S3 to close, and control the second switch S2 to turn off. If the first switch S1 is a single-pole single-throw switch, the control circuit can control the first switch S1 to close.

[0182] Step 403: In the second RX mode, the control signal transmission circuit transmits the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the switching circuit, and controls the switching circuit to transmit the second radio frequency signal from the signal transmission circuit to the first connection terminal.

[0183] In the second RX mode, refer to Figure 16 The control circuit can control the first and third terminals of the fourth switch S4 in the switching circuit to close, control the first and second terminals of the first switch S1 in the control signal transmission circuit to close, control the second switch S2 to close, and control the third switch S3 to turn off. If the first switch S1 is a single-pole single-throw switch, the control circuit can control the first switch S1 to close.

[0184] Step 404: In the second TX mode, the control switch circuit transmits the first radio frequency signal from the first connection terminal to the first amplifier circuit, and controls the signal transmission circuit to turn off the first amplifier circuit and the second connection terminal.

[0185] In this second TX mode, the control circuit can close the first and third terminals of the fourth switch S4 in the switching circuit and turn off the signal transmission circuit. For example, the control circuit can turn off all the transistors included in the transmission sub-circuit of the signal transmission circuit. In addition, the control circuit can also turn off the first and second terminals of the first switch S1 in the signal transmission circuit, and turn off the second switch S2 and the third switch S3.

[0186] Step 405: In energy-saving mode, the control switch circuit turns off the first connection terminal and both the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuit, and controls the signal transmission circuit to turn off the antenna and both the second amplifier circuit and the switch circuit.

[0187] In this energy-saving mode, the control circuit can control the first and third terminals of the fourth switch S4 in the switching circuit to close, control the first and second terminals of the first switch S1 in the control signal transmission circuit to close, and control the second switch S2 and the third switch S3 to turn off.

[0188] Based on the above analysis, it can be seen that under different working modes, the control circuit can control each device in the RF front-end module to work in the state shown in Table 2.

[0189] Table 2

[0190] Work mode First switch S1 Second switch S2 Third switch S3 Fourth switch S4 First TX Mode The first and third terminals are connected. disconnect disconnect The first and second ends are connected. Second TX mode The first and third terminals are connected. disconnect disconnect The first and second ends are connected. First RX Mode The first and second ends are connected. disconnect closure The first and third terminals are connected. Second RX Mode The first and second ends are connected. closure disconnect The first and third terminals are connected. Energy saving mode The first and second ends are connected. disconnect disconnect The first and third terminals are connected.

[0191] Optionally, in the first TX mode, the second TX mode, and / or the energy-saving mode, the control circuit can also shut down the second amplifier circuit. In the first RX mode, the second RX mode, and / or the energy-saving mode, the control circuit can also shut down the first amplifier circuit. This effectively reduces the power consumption of the communication equipment.

[0192] It is understood that the order of steps in the control method for the RF front-end module provided in this application embodiment can be appropriately adjusted, and steps can be added or removed as needed. For example, at least one of steps 403, 404, and 405 can be deleted as needed. Alternatively, step 403 can be performed before step 402. Or, steps 401 and 404 can be performed alternately.

[0193] In summary, this application provides a control method for an RF front-end module. This control method enables the RF front-end module to receive a first RF signal transmitted by an RF circuit through a first connection terminal in a first transmission mode, and to feed back a portion of the first RF signal to the RF circuit through a second connection terminal. The control method also enables the RF front-end module to transmit a second RF signal received by the antenna to the RF circuit through the first connection terminal in a receive mode. Because the RF front-end module can transmit different RF signals in different transmission modes through a single first connection terminal, the number of signal lines required between the RF front-end module and the RF circuit can be effectively reduced while ensuring the reliability of RF signal transmission, thereby effectively reducing the wiring space occupied by the signal lines.

[0194] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the control method described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the aforementioned RF front-end module embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0195] This application also provides a control circuit, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, and can be used to implement the control method of the radio frequency front-end module provided in the above method embodiments.

[0196] Optionally, the control circuit provided in this application embodiment can be implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD). The PLD can be a complex programmable logical device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the control method for the RF front-end module provided in the above method embodiments can also be implemented in software. When the control method for the RF front-end module provided in the above method embodiments is implemented in software, the control circuit may also include a software module for implementing the above method.

[0197] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that are executed by a processor to implement the control method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0198] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the control method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0199] This application also provides a radio frequency (RF) signal processing circuit, which may include: an RF circuit 02, and at least one RF front-end module 03 as provided in the above embodiments. The RF circuit 02 is connected to a first connection terminal L1 and a second connection terminal L2 of the RF front-end module 03.

[0200] Optionally, the radio frequency signal processing circuit may further include a control circuit 020. The control circuit 020 is connected to the signal transmission circuit and the switching circuit in the radio frequency front-end module 03, and is used to control the operating state of the signal transmission circuit and the switching circuit.

[0201] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9 Therefore, the control circuit 020 can be integrated into the radio frequency circuit 02. (Reference) Figure 9 It can be seen that the RF circuit 02 may also include a modulation and demodulation circuit 021, an RF processing circuit 022, and a main controller 023.

[0202] The modulation / demodulation circuit 021 modulates the baseband signal into a first radio frequency (RF) signal and demodulates the received second RF signal back into a baseband signal. The RF processing circuit 022 processes (e.g., amplifies) the RF signal. The main controller 023 controls the operating states of the modulation / demodulation circuit 021, the RF processing circuit 022, and the control circuit 020.

[0203] It is understood that the control circuit 020 and the main controller 023 can be integrated or set up independently. Furthermore, the radio frequency circuit 02 can be an integrated circuit (IC), which can also be called a radio frequency IC or an embedded analog radio frequency IC.

[0204] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0205] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0206] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0207] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the concept and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that, Applied to communication equipment, the radio frequency front-end module has a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, which are used to connect to the radio frequency circuit in the communication equipment. The radio frequency front-end module includes: a first amplifier circuit, a signal transmission circuit, a switching circuit, and a second amplifier circuit. The first amplification circuit is connected to the first connection terminal and the antenna of the communication device respectively. The first amplification circuit is used to amplify the first radio frequency signal received through the first connection terminal and output it to the antenna. The signal transmission circuit is connected to the first amplifier circuit, the antenna, the second amplifier circuit and the switch circuit respectively. The signal transmission circuit is used to transmit a portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the switch circuit in the first transmission mode, and to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the second amplifier circuit in the first reception mode. The second amplifier circuit is also connected to the second connection terminal, and the second amplifier circuit is used to amplify the second radio frequency signal and output it to the second connection terminal; The switching circuit is also connected to the second connection terminal. The switching circuit is used to connect the signal transmission circuit to the second connection terminal in the first transmitting mode and to disconnect the signal transmission circuit from the second connection terminal in the first receiving mode.

2. The radio frequency front-end module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transmission circuit is used for: In the first transmission mode, a first signal path is formed between the first amplifier circuit and the switching circuit, and the impedance of the first signal path is greater than the impedance between the first amplifier circuit and the antenna. Furthermore, in the first receiving mode, a second signal path is formed between the antenna and the second amplification circuit, the impedance of the second signal path being less than the impedance of the first signal path.

3. The radio frequency front-end module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The signal transmission circuit includes multiple transistors connected in series.

4. The radio frequency front-end module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The signal transmission circuit further includes: a first switch connected in parallel with the plurality of transistors; The first switch is used to turn off in the first transmitting mode and turn on in the first receiving mode.

5. The radio frequency front-end module according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The input terminal of the signal transmission circuit is connected to the first amplifier circuit and the antenna respectively, the first output terminal of the signal transmission circuit is connected to the switching circuit, and the second output terminal of the signal transmission circuit is connected to the second amplifier circuit. The plurality of transistors are connected in series between the input terminal and the first output terminal of the signal transmission circuit; The signal transmission circuit further includes a second switch connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, the second switch being used to turn off in the first transmitting mode and turn on in the first receiving mode.

6. The radio frequency front-end module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The signal transmission circuit is also used to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the switching circuit in the second receiving mode; The switching circuit is also used to connect the signal transmission circuit to the second connection terminal in the second receiving mode.

7. The radio frequency front-end module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The signal transmission circuit is also used to turn off the first amplification circuit and the switching circuit in the second transmission mode; The switching circuit is also used to disconnect the signal transmission circuit from the second connection terminal in the second transmission mode.

8. The radio frequency front-end module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The signal transmission circuit is also used to turn off the first amplifier circuit and the switching circuit in energy-saving mode, and to turn off the antenna and the second amplifier circuit. The switching circuit is also used to disconnect the signal transmission circuit from the second connection terminal in the energy-saving mode.

9. The radio frequency front-end module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The switching circuit includes a third switch.

10. A radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that, Applied to communication equipment, the radio frequency front-end module has a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, which are used to connect to the radio frequency circuit in the communication equipment. The radio frequency front-end module includes: a switching circuit, a first amplifier circuit, a signal transmission circuit, and a second amplifier circuit. The switching circuit is connected to the first connection terminal, the first amplification circuit, and the second amplification circuit respectively. The switching circuit is used to transmit the first radio frequency signal from the first connection terminal to the first amplification circuit in the first transmitting mode, and to transmit the amplified second radio frequency signal from the second amplification circuit to the first connection terminal in the first receiving mode. The first amplifier circuit is also connected to the antenna of the communication device, and the first amplifier circuit is used to amplify the first radio frequency signal and output it to the antenna; The signal transmission circuit is connected to the first amplifier circuit, the second connection terminal, the second amplifier circuit, and the antenna of the communication device, respectively. The signal transmission circuit is used to transmit a portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the second connection terminal in the first transmission mode, and to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the second amplifier circuit in the first reception mode. The second amplifier circuit is used to amplify the second radio frequency signal and then transmit it to the switching circuit.

11. The radio frequency front-end module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The signal transmission circuit includes: a transmission sub-circuit and a switching sub-circuit; The transmission sub-circuit is connected to the first amplifier circuit and the second connection terminal respectively. The transmission sub-circuit is used to transmit a portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the second connection terminal in the first transmission mode. The switching sub-circuit is connected to the antenna and the second amplifier circuit respectively. The switching sub-circuit is used to disconnect the antenna from both the second amplifier circuit and the switching circuit in the first transmitting mode, and to connect the antenna to the second amplifier circuit in the first receiving mode.

12. The radio frequency front-end module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The transmission sub-circuit includes multiple transistors connected in series; Alternatively, the transmission sub-circuit may include a coupler, through which the first amplification circuit is connected to the antenna, and the coupler may also be used to transmit another portion of the amplified first radio frequency signal to the antenna in the first transmission mode.

13. The radio frequency front-end module according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The switching sub-circuit includes: a first switch; The first terminal of the first switch is connected to the antenna, and the second terminal of the first switch is connected to the second amplifier circuit. The first switch is used to turn off the first terminal and the second terminal in the first transmitting mode and to turn on the first terminal and the second terminal in the first receiving mode.

14. The radio frequency front-end module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The switching sub-circuit also includes a second switch; One end of the second switch is connected to the second end of the first switch, and the other end of the second switch is connected to the switch circuit. The second switch is used to turn off in the first receiving mode and turn on in the second receiving mode. The first switch is also used to connect the first terminal to the second terminal in the second receiving mode; The switching circuit is also used to transmit the second radio frequency signal from the second switch to the first connection terminal in the second receiving mode.

15. The radio frequency front-end module according to claim 14, characterized in that, The switching sub-circuit also includes a third switch; One end of the third switch is connected to the second end of the first switch, and the other end of the third switch is connected to the second amplifier circuit. The third switch is used to turn on in the first receiving mode and turn off in the second receiving mode.

16. The radio frequency front-end module according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The first switch is a single-pole double-throw switch, and the third terminal of the first switch is connected to the first amplifier circuit; The first switch is also used to connect the first terminal to the third terminal in the first transmitting mode, and to disconnect the first terminal from the third terminal in the first receiving mode.

17. The radio frequency front-end module according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, The switching circuit includes a fourth switch, which is a single-pole double-throw switch.

18. The radio frequency front-end module according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that, The signal transmission circuit is also used to turn off the first amplifier circuit and the second connection terminal in the second transmission mode.

19. The radio frequency front-end module according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that, The switching circuit is also used to turn off the first connection terminal from both the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuit in energy-saving mode. The signal transmission circuit is also used to turn off the antenna, the second amplifier circuit, and the switching circuit in the energy-saving mode.

20. A control method for a radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that, The method for controlling the radio frequency front-end module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 includes: In the first transmission mode, the control signal transmission circuit transmits a portion of the first radio frequency signal amplified by the first amplifier circuit to the switching circuit, and controls the switching circuit to connect the signal transmission circuit to the second connection terminal. In the first receiving mode, the signal transmission circuit is controlled to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the second amplification circuit, and the switching circuit is controlled to turn off the signal transmission circuit from the second connection terminal.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: In the second receiving mode, the signal transmission circuit is controlled to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the switching circuit, and the switching circuit is controlled to connect the signal transmission circuit to the second connection terminal. In the second transmission mode, the signal transmission circuit is controlled to turn off the first amplification circuit and the switching circuit, and the switching circuit is controlled to turn off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal. In energy-saving mode, the signal transmission circuit is controlled to turn off the first amplifier circuit and the switching circuit, and to turn off the antenna and the second amplifier circuit, and the switching circuit is controlled to turn off the signal transmission circuit and the second connection terminal.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: In the first transmission mode, the second transmission mode, and / or the energy-saving mode, the second amplifier circuit is turned off; In the first receiving mode, the second receiving mode, and / or the energy-saving mode, the first amplifier circuit is turned off.

23. A control method for a radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that, The method for controlling the radio frequency front-end module as described in any one of claims 10 to 19 includes: In the first transmission mode, the control switch circuit transmits the first radio frequency signal from the first connection terminal to the first amplifier circuit, and controls the signal transmission circuit to transmit a portion of the first radio frequency signal amplified by the first amplifier circuit to the second connection terminal. In the first receiving mode, the signal transmission circuit is controlled to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the second amplification circuit, and the switching circuit is controlled to transmit the second radio frequency signal amplified by the second amplification circuit to the first connection terminal.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: In the second receiving mode, the signal transmission circuit is controlled to transmit the second radio frequency signal received by the antenna to the switching circuit, and the switching circuit is controlled to transmit the second radio frequency signal from the signal transmission circuit to the first connection terminal. In the second transmission mode, the switching circuit is controlled to transmit the first radio frequency signal from the first connection terminal to the first amplification circuit, and the signal transmission circuit is controlled to turn off the first amplification circuit from the second connection terminal. In energy-saving mode, the control switch circuit turns off the first connection terminal from both the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuit, and controls the signal transmission circuit to turn off the antenna from both the second amplifier circuit and the switch circuit.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: In the first transmission mode, the second transmission mode, and / or the energy-saving mode, the second amplifier circuit is turned off; In the first receiving mode, the second receiving mode, and / or the energy-saving mode, the first amplifier circuit is turned off.

26. A control circuit, characterized in that, The control circuit includes programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions, and the control circuit is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 25.

27. A radio frequency signal processing circuit, characterized in that, The radio frequency signal processing circuit includes: a radio frequency circuit, and a radio frequency front-end module as described in any one of claims 1 to 19; The radio frequency circuit is connected to the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal of the radio frequency front-end module.

28. The radio frequency signal processing circuit according to claim 27, characterized in that, The radio frequency signal processing circuit also includes a control circuit. The control circuit is connected to the signal transmission circuit and the switching circuit in the radio frequency front-end module, and is used to control the working state of the signal transmission circuit and the switching circuit.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a baseband circuit, a radio frequency signal processing circuit as described in claim 27 or 28, and an antenna; The radio frequency signal processing circuit is connected to the baseband circuit and the antenna, respectively.

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