Phase shifter assembly, phase shifter assembly combination and antenna

Abstract

The application provides a phase shifter assembly, a phase shifter assembly combination and an antenna, the phase shifter assembly comprising: at least one phase shifter, the phase shifter comprising a fixed part and a movable part arranged oppositely, the movable part having a first movement position and a second movement position corresponding to 0 and N unit phase shift amounts of the phase shifter respectively; and a driving part comprising a bidirectional self-holding electromagnet and a driving rod arranged on the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet, the driving rod being drivingly connected to the movable part and used for driving the movable part to switch between the first movement position and the second movement position, the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet having a first wire and a second wire, the first wire and the second wire being used for applying a forward voltage or a reverse voltage, and the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet being used for driving the driving rod to extend or retract when the voltage is applied. The phase shifter assembly, the phase shifter assembly combination and the antenna provided by the application have the advantages of fast phase shift speed, high precision, flexible layout and power-off self-holding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of base station antenna technology, and in particular to a phase shifter assembly, a phase shifter assembly combination, and an antenna. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the mobile communication industry, electrically tunable antennas have been widely used to meet the need for precise coverage. Electrically tunable antennas contain a phase shifter. By changing the electrical length of the transmission line inside the phase shifter, the phase of the corresponding radiating element in the antenna array is altered, thereby affecting the beam offset angle of the synthesized beam of the radiating element and achieving the purpose of controlling beam offset.

[0003] Currently, phase shifters are divided into digital phase shifters and analog phase shifters. Digital phase shifters require power to change or maintain the phase and are typically used in products such as phased array radar that require high real-time beam shift performance. Electrically adjustable base station antennas, which also require real-time beam shift performance and do not require continuous power, typically use analog phase shifters.

[0004] Electrically adjustable base station antennas control beam shift by manually or by using a motor-driven mechanical transmission structure to control the movement of an analog phase shifter. Manual adjustment requires manual intervention at the tower, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and poses safety hazards. Motor-driven adjustment is relatively simple and can be remotely controlled through the base station network management system, and has gradually become the mainstream method.

[0005] In the motor-driven phase adjustment method, the motor drives the phase shifter through a transmission structure, thereby changing the phase of the phase shifter and thus altering the antenna beam. Each antenna subarray requires at least one such phase adjustment structure.

[0006] Currently, mainstream phase shifters and transmission mechanisms have the following problems: 1. Defects in motion limit; 2. The electronic control unit cannot directly identify the current position of the phase shifter; 3. The transmission system is too complex. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a phase shifter assembly, a phase shifter assembly combination, and an antenna, aiming to solve the problem of low antenna phase control efficiency in conventional technologies.

[0008] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a phase shifter assembly, comprising: At least one phase shifter, the phase shifter comprising a fixed member and a movable member disposed opposite to each other, the movable member having a first movement position and a second movement position, corresponding respectively to a first phase and a second phase of the phase shifter; and The driving unit includes a bidirectional self-holding electromagnet and a driving rod disposed on the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet. The driving rod is driven to connect to the movable member and is used to drive the movable member to switch between a first moving position and a second moving position. The bidirectional self-holding electromagnet has a first wire and a second wire, which are used to apply a positive or reverse voltage. The bidirectional self-holding electromagnet is used to drive the driving rod to extend or retract when a voltage is applied.

[0009] According to a phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention, the fixed member is provided with a first radio frequency port and a second radio frequency port, and the movable member is used to movably adjust the electrical length between the first radio frequency port and the second radio frequency port.

[0010] According to a phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention, a first radio frequency transmission line and a second radio frequency transmission line are arranged in parallel on the fixing member. One end of the first radio frequency transmission line forms the first radio frequency port, and the second radio frequency transmission line forms the second radio frequency port accordingly. The bidirectional self-holding electromagnet is used to drive the movable member to move closer to or away from the first radio frequency port and the second radio frequency port.

[0011] According to a phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention, the first radio frequency transmission line and the second radio frequency transmission line are connected by a first radio frequency connection line. The movable component includes a dielectric plate. The orthographic projection of the dielectric plate is at least partially overlapped with the first radio frequency transmission line and the second radio frequency transmission line. When the dielectric plate approaches or moves away from the first radio frequency port, the overlapping area of ​​the orthographic projection of the dielectric plate with the first radio frequency transmission line and the second radio frequency transmission line gradually changes. The dielectric substrate is arranged parallel to the surface of the first radio frequency transmission line, and the rod is driven to connect to one end of the dielectric substrate.

[0012] According to a phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention, the movable component includes a dielectric plate, the dielectric plate is provided with two third radio frequency transmission lines and a second radio frequency connection line connecting the two third radio frequency transmission lines, wherein the orthographic projection of one of the third radio frequency transmission lines is at least partially coincident with the first radio frequency transmission line, and the orthographic projection of the other third radio frequency transmission line is at least partially coincident with the second radio frequency transmission line. As the dielectric substrate moves closer to or further away from the first RF port, the overlapping area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third RF transmission line with the first RF transmission line and the second RF transmission line gradually changes.

[0013] According to a phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention, the fixing member includes a first dielectric sleeve and a second dielectric sleeve, one end of the first dielectric sleeve forms the first radio frequency port, and the second dielectric sleeve correspondingly forms the second radio frequency port. The movable component includes two first medium rods and a second medium rod connecting the two first medium rods. The two first medium rods are respectively movably inserted into the first medium sleeve and the second medium sleeve. The driving rod drives the second medium rod.

[0014] According to the present invention, a phase shifter assembly includes a first phase shifter and a second phase shifter, wherein a driving rod is disposed inside a bidirectional self-holding electromagnet, and the two ends of the driving rod are respectively driven and connected to the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter; Specifically, when the movable component of the first phase shifter is in the first moving position, the movable component of the second phase shifter is in the second moving position, and when the movable component of the first phase shifter is in the second moving position, the movable component of the second phase shifter is in the first moving position.

[0015] According to a phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention, the phase shifter assembly includes a plurality of phase shifters connected in series, wherein the first radio frequency port and the second radio frequency port of two adjacent phase shifters are connected in sequence, and the drive rod synchronously drives the movable element connected to each phase shifter; or, The phase shifter assembly includes a plurality of phase shifters connected in parallel, and the drive rod synchronously drives the movable element connected to each phase shifter.

[0016] The present invention also provides a phase shifter assembly, comprising a plurality of phase shifter assemblies connected in series, wherein the phase shifter assemblies are as described in any of the preceding claims, and the first radio frequency ports and second radio frequency ports of two adjacent phase shifter assemblies are connected in series; wherein the maximum phase shift amount of each phase shifter assembly is 2. 0 2 1 2 2 …2 n-1 Unit phase shift.

[0017] The present invention also provides an antenna comprising a phase shifter assembly as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0018] The phase shifter assembly provided by this invention is applied to base station antennas, eliminating the complex transmission structure and control motor required by existing electrically tunable base station antennas. It avoids the risks of long phase shifting time and easy jamming of existing analog phase shifters and transmission mechanisms, and the structural layout is more flexible and convenient. At the same time, it avoids the disadvantage of existing digital phase shifters requiring continuous power, realizing step-by-step digital phase shifting, and has the advantages of fast phase shifting speed, high accuracy, flexible layout, and self-holding after power failure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention in the first moving position; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure in the second motion position; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth embodiment of the phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sixth embodiment of the phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention; Reference numerals: 10: Phase shifter assembly; 100: Phase shifter; 110: Fixing element; 111: First RF port; 112: Second RF port; 113: First RF transmission line; 114: Second RF transmission line; 115: First RF connection line; 116: First dielectric sleeve; 117: Second dielectric sleeve; 120: Moving element; 121: Dielectric plate; 122: Third RF transmission line; 123: Second RF connection line; 124: First dielectric rod; 125: Second dielectric rod; 200: Drive unit; 210: Bidirectional self-holding electromagnet; 211: First wiring; 212: Second wiring; 220: Drive rod. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0026] The following is combined with Figures 1-8 The phase shifter assembly 10 and antenna of the present invention are described.

[0027] Traditional phase shifter phase control methods are inefficient and have poor control effects. Traditional phase shifters require transmission and motor structures, and digital phase shifters require continuous power supply. In view of this, the present invention provides a phase shifter assembly 10, including at least one phase shifter 100. The phase shifter 100 includes a fixed member 110 and a movable member 120 disposed opposite to each other. The movable member 120 has a first movement position and a second movement position, corresponding to the first phase and the second phase of the phase shifter 100, respectively. The present invention also includes a drive unit 200, including a bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210 and a drive rod 220 disposed on the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210. The drive rod 220 drives and connects to the movable member 120 to drive the movable member 120 to switch between the first movement position and the second movement position. The bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210 has a first wire 211 and a second wire 212, which are used to apply a positive or reverse voltage.

[0028] It should be noted that when voltage is applied to the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210, the drive rod 220 will extend and retract accordingly, thereby driving the movable part 120 to move and perform phase switching of the phase shifter 100. When the applied voltage is stopped, the drive rod 220 will maintain its current position and lock itself, thereby keeping the movable medium block in a terminated state. To return the drive rod 220, a reverse voltage or current must be applied. The phase shifter assembly 10 provided by this invention is applied to base station antennas, eliminating the complex transmission structure and control motor required by existing electrically tunable base station antennas, avoiding the risks of long phase shifting time and easy jamming of existing analog phase shifters and transmission mechanisms, and making the structural layout more flexible and convenient; at the same time, it avoids the disadvantage of existing digital phase shifters requiring continuous power, realizing step-by-step digital phase shifting, and has the advantages of fast phase shifting speed, high accuracy, flexible layout, and self-holding when power is off.

[0029] Specifically, the fixed member 110 is provided with a first radio frequency port 111 and a second radio frequency port 112, and the movable member 120 is used to movably adjust the electrical length between the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112. It is understood that the phase shift of the phase shifter 100 can be changed by the electrical length between the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112. In an optional embodiment, when the movable member 120 moves from the first moving position to the second moving position, the electrical length between the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112 can increase; correspondingly, when the movable member 120 moves from the second moving position to the first moving position, the electrical length between the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112 decreases. The changes in electrical length are inverse in the two opposite moving strokes. Of course, in other embodiments, the electrical length can be decreased when the movable member 120 moves from the first moving position to the second moving position; this invention does not limit this. Furthermore, it should be noted that when the movable part 120 is in the first or second moving position, the phase shift amount of the corresponding phase shifter 100 can be arbitrarily set, as long as it conforms to the change law of the electrical length. For example, the phase shift amount can be 0 in the first moving position, and the phase shift amount is the maximum phase shift amount N in the second moving position.

[0030] Specifically, in the technical solution provided by the present invention, a first radio frequency transmission line 113 and a second radio frequency transmission line 114 are arranged in parallel on the fixing member 110. One end of the first radio frequency transmission line 113 forms a first radio frequency port 111, and a corresponding second radio frequency port 112 is formed on the second radio frequency transmission line 114. The bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210 is used to drive the movable member 120 to approach or move away from the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112, thereby changing the electrical length between the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112.

[0031] This invention provides several embodiments of the movable part 120 and the fixed part 110; please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 1In the first embodiment, the first RF transmission line 113 and the second RF transmission line 114 are connected by a first RF connection line 115. The movable component 120 includes a dielectric substrate 121, the orthographic projection of which at least partially overlaps with the first RF transmission line 113 and the second RF transmission line 114. It should be noted that the dielectric substrate 121 is close to the first RF transmission line 113 and the second RF transmission line 114, and signal transmission is achieved through coupling. When the dielectric substrate 121 moves closer to or further away from the first RF port 111, the overlapping area of ​​the orthographic projection of the dielectric substrate 121 with the first RF transmission line 113 and the second RF transmission line 114 gradually changes. It is understood that when the dielectric substrate 121 is in different moving positions, the dielectric constants of the first RF transmission line 113 and the second RF transmission line 114 will change accordingly, thereby changing their electrical lengths.

[0032] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the fixing member 110 can also be a dielectric plate 121. The two dielectric plates 121 are arranged close to each other and parallel to each other. The first radio frequency transmission line 113 and the second radio frequency transmission line 114 can also be arranged parallel to each other. The driving rod 220 drives one end of the dielectric plate 121 connected to the movable member 120. Alternatively, a groove can be provided on the fixing member 110 and a slider can be provided on the movable member 120. Through the cooperation of the slider and the groove, the movement of the movable member 120 is guided, so that the movable member 120 can perform stable linear translational movement.

[0033] In the second embodiment, the dielectric substrate 121 is provided with two third radio frequency transmission lines 122 and a second radio frequency connection line 123 connecting the two third radio frequency transmission lines 122. The orthographic projection of one of the third radio frequency transmission lines 122 at least partially overlaps with the first radio frequency transmission line 113, and the orthographic projection of the other third radio frequency transmission line 122 at least partially overlaps with the second radio frequency transmission line 114. When the dielectric substrate 121 moves closer to or further away from the first radio frequency port 111, the overlapping area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third radio frequency transmission line 122 with the first radio frequency transmission line 113 and the second radio frequency transmission line 114 gradually changes. It can be understood that when the overlapping area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third radio frequency transmission line 122 with the first radio frequency transmission line 113 and the second radio frequency transmission line 114 changes, the electrical length between the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112 changes accordingly, and the phase between the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112 changes accordingly.

[0034] In specific embodiments, see [reference]. Figures 2-3 The movable component 120 is provided with two parallel first radio frequency transmission lines 113 and second radio frequency transmission lines 114, and the third radio frequency transmission line 122 and the second radio frequency connection line 123 on the dielectric board 121 form a U-shaped transmission line. Figure 2 The first wiring 211 is connected to the positive voltage, and the second wiring 212 is connected to the negative voltage. At this time, the drive rod 220 is in the extended state. The overlapping area of ​​the third radio frequency transmission line 122 with the first radio frequency transmission line 113 and the second radio frequency transmission line 114 is large, and the transmission line length between the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112 is relatively long. Figure 3 The voltage of the first connection 211 is set to negative and the voltage of the second connection 212 is set to positive. At this time, the drive rod 220 is in a retracted state, and the electrical length of the transmission line between the first RF port 111 and the second RF port 112 is relatively short. By applying a positive or negative voltage to the electrical interface of the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210, the electrical length of the transmission line between the first RF port 111 and the second RF port 112 can be changed, thereby changing the phase between the first RF port 111 and the second RF port 112.

[0035] In the third embodiment, the fixing member 110 includes a first dielectric sleeve 116 and a second dielectric sleeve 117. One end of the first dielectric sleeve 116 forms a first radio frequency port 111, and a corresponding second radio frequency port 112 is formed on the second dielectric sleeve 117. The movable member 120 includes two first dielectric rods 124 and a second dielectric rod 125 connecting the two first dielectric rods. The two first dielectric rods 124 are respectively movably inserted into the first dielectric sleeve 116 and the second dielectric sleeve 117. The driving rod 220 drives the connection of the second dielectric rod 125. Please refer to [link to previous embodiment]. Figure 4 In a specific embodiment, the first dielectric rod 124 and the second dielectric rod 125 are combined to form a U-shaped dielectric element. The U-shaped dielectric element is coupled with the first dielectric sleeve 116 and the second dielectric sleeve 117 for signal transmission. By applying a positive or negative voltage to the first terminal 211 of the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210, the extension or retraction state of the drive rod 220 can be changed, thereby changing the phase between the first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112.

[0036] In the three embodiments described above, by applying a positive or negative voltage to the first wiring 211, the drive rod 220 can be driven to extend or retract, thereby causing the movable member 120 to be in different moving positions. When the movable member 120 is in different moving positions, the dielectric constant of the RF transmission line on the fixed member 110 will change, thereby changing the electrical length between the first RF port 111 and the second RF port 112, and thus changing the phase between the first RF port 111 and the second RF port 112. It should be noted that in the three embodiments described above, the surfaces of the fixed member 110 and the movable member 120 are generally metal-isolated by processes such as spraying PI or PTFE insulating film layers, and the fixed member 110 and the movable member 120 are in close contact, and the RF signal path is realized through their coupling.

[0037] Further, the phase shifter assembly 10 includes a first phase shifter and a second phase shifter. A drive rod 220 is disposed within the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210. The two ends of the drive rod 220 are respectively driven and connected to the first phase shifter 100 and the second phase shifter 100. When the movable part 120 of the first phase shifter 100 is in the first moving position, the movable part 120 of the second phase shifter 100 is in the second moving position. When the movable part 120 of the first phase shifter 100 is in the second moving position, the movable part 120 of the second phase shifter 100 is in the first moving position. Depending on the form of the drive rod 220, the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210 is divided into through-type and non-through-type. The non-through-type drive rod 220 has only one end protruding from the drive rod 220, while the through-type has both ends protruding from the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210. In the first, second, and third embodiments, the drive rod 220 is non-through-type. In the fourth embodiment described above, the drive rod 220 is through-type. Please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 5 By applying opposite voltages in their initial state to the first terminal 211 of the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210, the relative positions of the moving part 120 and the fixed part 110 in the two phase shifters 100 are interchanged. Thus, two opposite phase shift states of the two phase shifters 100 can be simultaneously achieved by a single bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210. It should be noted that the moving part 120 and the fixed part 110 can be selected from any of the above embodiments, and the present invention does not limit them in this regard.

[0038] As previously described, the phase shifter 100 assembly includes at least one phase shifter 100. In the above embodiments, the present invention provides a specific embodiment of two phase shifters 100. In an optional embodiment, the number of phase shifters 100 can be set to n.

[0039] Specifically, in the fifth embodiment, the phase shifter assembly 10 includes multiple phase shifters 100 connected in series. The first radio frequency port 111 and the second radio frequency port 112 of two adjacent phase shifters 100 are connected in sequence. The drive rod 220 synchronously drives the movable part 120 connected to each phase shifter 100. In the fifth embodiment, the drive rod 220 of the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210 is simultaneously connected to n phase shifters 100 and can simultaneously drive the movement of n phase shifters 100. By applying a positive or negative voltage to the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210, the phase between the first and last ports can be changed. The amount of phase change is proportional to the stroke of the drive rod 220 by a factor of n. In other words, if the stroke of the drive rod 220 of the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210 is increased by a factor of n, the same amount of phase change of the phase shifter 100 can also be achieved. Assuming that the phase shift of each phase shifter 100 is a unit 1, the above is the construction and principle of a single-channel (two-port) phase shifter 100 with a phase shift of n units (hereinafter referred to as a 1-channel n-unit phase shifter 100).

[0040] Correspondingly, in the sixth embodiment, the phase shifter assembly 10 includes multiple phase shifters 100 connected in parallel, and the drive rod 220 synchronously drives the movable part 120 connected to each phase shifter 100. The drive rod 220 of the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210 is simultaneously connected to multiple phase shifters 100, and can drive n phase shifters 100 to move at the same time. By applying a positive or negative voltage to the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet 210, the phase between multiple sets of first RF ports 111 and second RF ports 112 can be changed. The phase change of these n phase shifters 100 is the same and proportional to the stroke of the drive rod 220. Assuming that the phase shift of each phase shifter 100 is a unit, the above describes the structure and principle of an n-channel (2n-port) phase shifter 100 with a phase shift of 1 unit (hereinafter referred to as an n-channel 1-unit phase shifter 100).

[0041] Furthermore, if m n-channel 1-unit phase shifters 100 are connected in series as in the fifth embodiment, a phase shifter 100 with an n-channel (2n-port) phase shift of m units can be realized, referred to as an n-channel m-unit phase shifter 100; if m n-channel m-unit phase shifters 100 are further connected according to the scheme in the fourth embodiment, using a through-type drive rod 220, a bidirectional phase shifter 100 with an n-channel (2n-port) phase shift of m units can be realized, referred to as an n-channel m-unit bidirectional phase shifter 100.

[0042] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a phase shifter assembly assembly, comprising a plurality of phase shifter assemblies connected in series, wherein the first radio frequency port and the second radio frequency port of two adjacent phase shifter assemblies are connected in sequence; wherein the maximum phase shift amount of each phase shifter assembly is 20, 21, 22…2n-1, respectively. See also... Figure 8In the seventh embodiment provided by the present invention, the phase shifter assembly includes a plurality of phase shifter assemblies 10 connected in series, and each phase shifter assembly 10 includes a driving unit 200. In an optional implementation, the maximum phase shift of the first phase shifter assembly 10 is 1 unit, the maximum phase shift of the second phase shifter assembly 10 is 2 units, and so on, with the maximum phase shift of the nth phase shifter assembly 10 being 2n-1 units. By applying a positive or negative voltage to the first phase shifter assembly 10, two phase shift states of 0 and 1 units can be achieved; by applying a positive or negative voltage to the second phase shifter assembly 10, two phase shift states of 0 and 2 units can be achieved; similarly, by applying a positive or negative voltage to the nth phase shifter assembly 10, two phase shift states of 0 and 2n-1 units can be achieved. The maximum phase shift of each phase shifter assembly 10 is an exponential series of 2. By controlling the voltage direction of each phase shifter assembly 10, any phase shift of 0 to 2n-1 units can be achieved at the first and last RF ports of the phase shifter assembly combination. It should be noted that in the phase shifter assembly provided by the present invention, the maximum phase shift amount of each phase shifter assembly 10 is set in a regular pattern, which is an exponential sequence of 2. In other embodiments, the maximum phase shift amount of each phase shifter assembly 10 may also be set in other patterns according to actual needs, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0043] The following example illustrates a combination of phase shifter components 10 with four phase shifter components 10. The maximum phase shift amount of the four phase shifter components 10 is shown in the table below:

[0044] The state of applying a positive or negative voltage to the phase shifter assembly 10 is recorded as 0 or 1. By applying a positive or negative voltage to these four phase shifter assemblies 10, the following 16 phase shift states can be obtained. The status of the phase shifter components and the combined phase shifting units of the phase shifter components are shown in the table below:

[0045] The present invention also provides an antenna comprising the above-mentioned phase shifter assembly. Since the main inventive point of the present invention lies in the phase shifter assembly, the structure of the antenna will not be described in detail again.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phase shifter assembly, characterized in that, include: At least one phase shifter, the phase shifter comprising a fixed member and a movable member disposed opposite to each other, the movable member having a first movement position and a second movement position, corresponding respectively to a first phase and a second phase of the phase shifter; and The driving unit includes a bidirectional self-holding electromagnet and a driving rod disposed on the bidirectional self-holding electromagnet. The driving rod is driven to connect to the movable member and is used to drive the movable member to switch between a first moving position and a second moving position. The bidirectional self-holding electromagnet has a first wire and a second wire, which are used to apply a positive or reverse voltage. The bidirectional self-holding electromagnet is used to drive the driving rod to extend or retract when a voltage is applied.

2. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed component is provided with a first radio frequency port and a second radio frequency port, and the movable component is used to adjust the electrical length between the first radio frequency port and the second radio frequency port.

3. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing member is provided with a first radio frequency transmission line and a second radio frequency transmission line in parallel. One end of the first radio frequency transmission line forms the first radio frequency port, and the second radio frequency transmission line forms the second radio frequency port. The bidirectional self-holding electromagnet is used to drive the moving member to move closer to or away from the first radio frequency port and the second radio frequency port.

4. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first radio frequency transmission line and the second radio frequency transmission line are connected by a first radio frequency connection line. The movable component includes a dielectric substrate. The orthographic projection of the dielectric substrate is at least partially overlapped with the first radio frequency transmission line and the second radio frequency transmission line. When the dielectric substrate moves closer to or further away from the first radio frequency port, the overlapping area of ​​the orthographic projection of the dielectric substrate with the first radio frequency transmission line and the second radio frequency transmission line gradually changes. The dielectric substrate is arranged parallel to the surface of the first radio frequency transmission line, and the driving rod drives one end of the dielectric substrate.

5. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movable component includes a dielectric plate, on which two third radio frequency transmission lines and a second radio frequency connection line connecting the two third radio frequency transmission lines are provided. The orthographic projection of one of the third radio frequency transmission lines is at least partially overlapped with the first radio frequency transmission line, and the orthographic projection of the other third radio frequency transmission line is at least partially overlapped with the second radio frequency transmission line. As the dielectric substrate moves closer to or further away from the first RF port, the overlapping area of ​​the orthographic projection of the third RF transmission line with the first RF transmission line and the second RF transmission line gradually changes.

6. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fastener includes a first dielectric sleeve and a second dielectric sleeve, one end of the first dielectric sleeve forms the first radio frequency port, and the second dielectric sleeve correspondingly forms the second radio frequency port. The movable component includes two first medium rods and a second medium rod connecting the two first medium rods. The two first medium rods are respectively movably inserted into the first medium sleeve and the second medium sleeve. The driving rod drives the second medium rod.

7. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase shifter assembly includes a first phase shifter and a second phase shifter. The bidirectional self-holding electromagnet has a drive rod running through it, and the two ends of the drive rod are respectively driven and connected to the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter. Specifically, when the movable component of the first phase shifter is in the first moving position, the movable component of the second phase shifter is in the second moving position, and when the movable component of the first phase shifter is in the second moving position, the movable component of the second phase shifter is in the first moving position.

8. The phase shifter assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The phase shifter assembly includes multiple phase shifters connected in series, with the first RF port and the second RF port of two adjacent phase shifters connected sequentially, and the drive rod synchronously driving the movable element connected to each phase shifter; or... The phase shifter assembly includes a plurality of phase shifters connected in parallel, and the drive rod synchronously drives the moving part connected to each phase shifter.

9. A phase shifter assembly, characterized in that, The system comprises multiple phase shifter assemblies connected in series, wherein each phase shifter assembly is as described in any one of claims 1-8, and the first RF port and second RF port of two adjacent phase shifter assemblies are connected in series; wherein the maximum phase shift amount of each phase shifter assembly is 2. 0 2 1 2 2 …2 n-1 Unit phase shift.

10. An antenna, characterized in that, Includes the phase shifter assembly as described in claim 9.

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