Phased array transceiver including a bidirectional phase shifter

Abstract

A method, phase shifter, and user equipment (UE) for transmitting and receiving signals in a phased array are disclosed. The method includes receiving a transmit single-ended input signal on a single-ended side of a balun of the phase shifter and generating a transmit differential input signal on a differential side of the balun through the balun; generating a transmit in-phase signal and a transmit quadrature signal based on the transmit differential input signal through a differential quadrature coupler of the phase shifter; and combining the transmit in-phase signal and the transmit quadrature signal into a differential phase-shifted output signal through a differential attenuator of the phase shifter.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 438,184, filed January 10, 2023, entitled “TECHNIQUE TO LOWER POWER AND AREAIN PHASED ARRAY TRANSCEIVER (TRX) FRONT END USING A BIDIRECTIONAL PHASESHIFTER”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure relate to wireless communication. More specifically, various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure relate to improved phased-array systems. Background Technology

[0004] Modern communication systems (e.g., mobile phones, vehicles, satellites, etc.) can use relatively high frequencies to receive and transmit signals. Some communication systems can use omnidirectional antennas to receive and transmit signals. Omnidirectional antennas may waste power on the transmission path far from the corresponding receiver. This wasted power can become increasingly problematic at higher frequencies.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To utilize power more efficiently at higher frequencies, some communication systems are configured with phased array systems. For example, a communication system may include an integrated phased array system designed for fifth-generation (5G) millimeter-wave (5G mm-wave) communication. To enable 5G mm-wave communication in user equipment (UE), the UE can be configured to meet stringent specifications for effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of the transmitter (TX) and sensitivity of the receiver (RX). Such a UE can be configured for improved TX power output and RX signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by incorporating a low-power and low-area transceiver (TRX) front-end (FE) architecture. This architecture may result in a relatively large array within a limited space, potentially leading to instability in the UE due to ground coupling between different stages of the transceiver FE.

[0007] One or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and methods including a passive phase shifter architecture that can be shared across TX and RX chains in a communication system (e.g., in the FE architecture of a UE) to achieve a low-power and small-area phased array system with improved stability.

[0008] A phase shifter is a component in a phased array system. Phase shifters enable electronically steerable beamforming. In some radio frequency (RF) phase shifters, where the phase shifter is part of the FE array element, each TX and RX chain can have its own phase shifter. Conversely, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, in a bidirectional phase shifter implementation, the phase shifter can be shared across the TX and RX paths, thereby reducing the size of the array element. Furthermore, when designed using passive circuit blocks, the phase shifter can have reduced current consumption (e.g., zero current consumption). Reducing the current consumption of the phase shifter can save current for each array element. The saved current can be used elsewhere in the integrated phased array system.

[0009] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to phased arrays including a balun with a single-ended input and a differential output connected to the transmit input side of a differential quadrature coupler. The transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler can be connected to a differential passive attenuator. The balun, differential quadrature coupler, and differential passive attenuator can be shared across the TX and RX chains.

[0010] The above method improves upon previous methods because: (i) the components of the phase shifter shared across the TX and RX chains reduce the array size; (ii) the use of passive components in the phase shifter reduces current consumption; and (iii) the use of a switcher with single-ended input and differential output for transmission allows for improved stability through common-mode rejection (CMR).

[0011] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a method for transmitting and receiving signals in a phased array includes: receiving a transmission single-ended input signal at the single-ended side of a phase shifter via a phase shifter and generating a transmission differential input signal at the differential side of the phase shifter; generating a transmission in-phase signal and a transmission quadrature signal based on the transmission differential input signal via a differential quadrature coupler of the phase shifter; and combining the transmission in-phase signal and the transmission quadrature signal into a differential phase-shifted output signal via a differential attenuator of the phase shifter.

[0012] Phase shifters can be shared between the transmit and receive paths.

[0013] The method may also include configuring the phase shifter's switches for transmission via a processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter, and providing the differential phase shift output signal to the transmit amplifier for transmission.

[0014] The method may further include configuring a switch for receiving via a processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter; separating the received differential input signal into a received in-phase signal and a received quadrature signal via a differential attenuator; generating a received differential output signal based on the received in-phase signal and the received quadrature signal via a differential quadrature coupler; and generating a received single-ended output signal on the single-ended side of the balance changer based on the received differential output signal being input to the differential side of the balance changer.

[0015] The balancer can be connected to the transmit input side of the differential quadrature coupler, and the differential attenuator can be connected to the transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler.

[0016] The differential attenuator can be configured to be digitally controlled, and the phase shifter can be configured to generate a 360-degree phase range in 22.5-degree steps.

[0017] Differential orthogonal couplers can be 90-degree hybrid couplers, and differential attenuators can include pi implementations.

[0018] The first phase shifter interface corresponding to the transmit input side of the differential quadrature coupler may have a single-ended impedance equal to a first value, and the second phase shifter interface corresponding to the transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler may have a differential impedance substantially equal to the first value, for example, the value of the differential impedance is equal to the first value or within a certain range deviating from the first value.

[0019] According to other embodiments of this disclosure, a phase shifter in a phased array for transmitting and receiving signals includes a phase shifter, a differential quadrature coupler, and a differential attenuator. The phase shifter is configured to receive a single-ended input signal on the single-ended side of the phase shifter and generate a differential input signal on the differential side of the phase shifter; generate a transmit in-phase signal and a transmit quadrature signal based on the transmit differential input signal via the differential quadrature coupler; and combine the transmit in-phase signal and the transmit quadrature signal into a differential phase-shifted output signal via the differential attenuator.

[0020] Phase shifters can be shared between the transmit and receive paths.

[0021] The phase shifter can be configured to transmit based on a processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter, such that the phase shifter's switches are configured to transmit, and the differential phase-shifted output signal is provided to the transmit amplifier for transmission.

[0022] The phase shifter can be configured to receive signals based on a processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter, such that the phase shifter's switches are configured for receiving; the received differential input signal is separated into a received in-phase signal and a received quadrature signal via a differential attenuator; a received differential output signal is generated based on the received in-phase signal and the received quadrature signal via a differential quadrature coupler; and a received single-ended output signal is generated on the single-ended side of the scale changer based on the received differential output signal being input to the differential side of the scale changer.

[0023] The balancer can be connected to the transmit input side of the differential quadrature coupler, and the differential attenuator can be connected to the transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler.

[0024] The differential attenuator can be configured to be numerically controlled, and the phase shifter can be configured to generate a 360-degree phase range in 22.5-degree steps.

[0025] Differential orthogonal couplers can be 90-degree hybrid couplers, and differential attenuators can be implemented using pi.

[0026] The first phase shifter interface corresponding to the transmit input side of the differential quadrature coupler may have a single-ended impedance equal to a first value, and the second phase shifter interface corresponding to the transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler may have a differential impedance equal to the first value, for example, the value of the differential impedance is equal to the first value or within a certain range deviating from the first value.

[0027] According to other embodiments of this disclosure, a UE for transmitting and receiving signals in a phased array includes a phase shifter configured to receive a transmit single-ended input signal on the single-ended side of a phase shifter and generate a transmit differential input signal on the differential side of the phase shifter; generate a transmit in-phase signal and a transmit quadrature signal based on the transmit differential input signal via a differential quadrature coupler; and combine the transmit in-phase signal and the transmit quadrature signal into a differential phase-shifted output signal via a differential attenuator.

[0028] Phase shifters can be shared between the transmit and receive paths.

[0029] The phase shifter can be configured to transmit based on a processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter, such that the phase shifter's switches are configured to transmit, and the differential phase-shifted output signal is provided to the transmit amplifier for transmission.

[0030] The phase shifter can be configured to: receive signals by configuring the phase shifter's switches for receiving based on a processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter; separate the received differential input signal into a received in-phase signal and a received quadrature signal via a differential attenuator; generate a received differential output signal based on the received in-phase signal and the received quadrature signal via a differential quadrature coupler; and generate a received single-ended output signal on the single-ended side of the scale changer based on the received differential output signal being input to the differential side of the scale changer. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a block diagram depicting a system including a UE and a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a diagram depicting the transmission of an omnidirectional antenna;

[0034] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is a diagram depicting the beam steering of a UE in two different locations according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4This is a block diagram depicting components of a UE according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5A This describes some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 The schematic circuit diagram of the phase shifter components of the UE is depicted in the image.

[0037] Figure 5B and Figure 5C This describes some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 5A The diagram depicts the differential quadrature coupler and differential passive attenuator of the phase shifter performing phase shifting and amplitude scaling.

[0038] Figure 5D It describes some embodiments according to this disclosure and Figure 5A A schematic diagram of the pi implementation associated with the attenuator in the phase shifter, as depicted in the figure;

[0039] Figure 5E This describes some embodiments according to the present disclosure, including Figure 5A The diagram depicts the coupling between the two stages of the transceiver of the phase shifter.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a flowchart depicting a method for transmitting and receiving signals using a phased array according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0041] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the aspects disclosed can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0043] The term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used in this specification refers to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment that may be included in at least one embodiment disclosed herein. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "in an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "according to an embodiment" (or other phrases with similar meanings) throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner. In this regard, as used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" should not be construed as necessarily being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner. Additionally, depending on the context of the discussion herein, singular terms may include corresponding plural forms, and plural terms may include corresponding singular forms. Similarly, hyphenated terms (e.g., "two-dimensional", "pre-determined", "pixel-specific") are sometimes interchangeable with their non-hyphenated counterparts (e.g., "two-dimensional", "pre-determined", "pixel specific"), and uppercase terms (e.g., "counter clock", "row select", "PIXOUT") are interchangeable with their non-uppercase counterparts (e.g., "counter clock", "row select", "pixout"). This occasional interchangeability should not be considered inconsistent with each other.

[0044] Furthermore, depending on the context of this discussion, singular terms may include their corresponding plural forms, and plural terms may include their corresponding singular forms. It should also be noted that the various figures shown and discussed herein (including component diagrams) are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale. For example, some dimensions of elements may be enlarged relative to others for clarity. Additionally, reference numerals are repeated in the figures to denote corresponding and / or similar elements where appropriate.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing some exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claimed subject matter. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that, as used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0046] It should be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being on, "connected to," or "coupled to" another component or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other component or layer, or there may be intermediate components or layers. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another component or layer, there are no intermediate components or layers. The same notation always refers to the same component. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations relating to one or more of the listed items.

[0047] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., serve as labels for the nouns that follow them and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.) unless explicitly defined as such. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be used in two or more figures to refer to parts, components, blocks, circuits, units, or modules having the same or similar functions. However, this usage is merely for simplicity and ease of discussion; it does not imply that the construction or architectural details of these components or units are identical in all embodiments, or that these commonly referenced parts / modules are the only way to implement some of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject pertains. It should also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0049] As used herein, the term "module" refers to any combination of software, firmware, and / or hardware configured to provide the functionality described herein in conjunction with modules. For example, software may be implemented as a software package, code, and / or instruction set or instructions, and the term "hardware" as used in any implementation described herein may include, for example, accessories, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry, state machine circuitry, and / or firmware storing instructions executed by programmable circuitry, either individually or in any combination. These modules may be implemented collectively or individually as circuitry forming part of a larger system, such as, but not limited to, integrated circuits (ICs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), accessories, etc.

[0050] Electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of these devices can be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or a discrete IC chip. Furthermore, various components of these devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. Additionally, various components of these devices can be processes or threads running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, executing computer program instructions and interacting with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which can be implemented in a computing device using standard memory devices (such as, for example, random access memory (RAM)). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media (such as, for example, CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc.). Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the functionality of various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functionality of a particular computing device can be distributed across one or more other computing devices.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a block diagram depicting a system including user equipment (UE) 105 and network node 110 (e.g., gNodeB) according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, UE 105 and network node 110 are communicatively connected to each other.

[0052] refer to Figure 1UE 105 may include a radio 115 and processing circuitry 120 (or components for processing) which may perform the various methods described herein. For example, processing circuitry 120 may receive transmissions from network node 110 via radio 115, and processing circuitry 120 may transmit signals to network node 110 via radio 115. Radio 115 may include transceiver 150 (e.g., see...). Figure 4 In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, processing circuitry 120 may determine whether to perform a receive or transmit operation based on information received from network node 110. Based on this determination, processing circuitry 120 may configure UE 105 to transmit mode or receive mode.

[0053] UE 105 may correspond to electronic device 701 (e.g., see Figure 7 UE 105 may be a communication device (e.g., mobile phone, satellite, tablet, personal computer, navigation device, game console, etc.). In some embodiments of this disclosure, network node 110 may be included in the first network 798 (e.g., see...). Figure 7 In some embodiments of this disclosure, network node 110 may be included in a second network 799 (e.g., see...). Figure 7 In ), radio 115 may correspond to wireless communication module 792 (e.g., see Figure 7 Radio 115 may include antenna module 797 (e.g., see...). Figure 7 Processing circuitry 120 may correspond to processor 720 (e.g., see...). Figure 7 ).

[0054] For example, in some embodiments, processing circuitry 120 may include one or more processors and memory. Each of the processors may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a set of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Each of the processors may be integrated in a single device or distributed across multiple separate systems, servers, or devices (e.g., computers). For example, each of the processors may be an internal processor relative to UE 105, or one or more of the processors may be external processors, for example, implemented as part of one or more servers or a cloud-based computing system. Each of the processors may be configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory and / or received from other computer-readable media (e.g., CD-ROMs, network storage devices, remote servers, etc.).

[0055] The memory may include one or more devices (e.g., memory cells, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to perform and / or facilitate the various processes described herein. The memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. The memory may include database components, object code components, scripting components, and / or any other kind of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. The memory may be communicatively coupled to one or more processors via processing circuitry 120 and may include computer code for (e.g., via one or more processors or processing circuitry) performing one or more processes described herein.

[0056] Figure 2 It is a diagram depicting the transmission from the omnidirectional antenna.

[0057] refer to Figure 2 As described above, some communication systems can be configured to receive and transmit signals using an omnidirectional antenna. For example, UE 105 can be configured with an omnidirectional antenna for transmitting at relatively low frequencies. UE 105 can generate omnidirectional radiation 50 via the omnidirectional antenna. A portion of the omnidirectional radiation 50 can be received by network node 110 and thus corresponds to the utilized power 50a. A portion of the omnidirectional radiation 50 can be directed away from network node 110 and not received by network node 110, thus corresponding to wasted power 50x. The wasted power 50x associated with the omnidirectional radiation 50 can be problematic at relatively high frequencies. For example, for fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication, UE 105 can be configured to transmit at 2 GHz, while for 5G wireless communication, UE 105 can be configured to transmit at 40 GHz within the millimeter-wave band. The wasted power 50x at 2 GHz is acceptable because generating power at 2 GHz is likely easier than generating power at 40 GHz. Therefore, in some embodiments, UE 105 may be configured with a phased array 170 (e.g., see...). Figure 4 ) to in beam 60 (e.g., see Figure 3A and Figure 3B It transmits radio waves.

[0058] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a diagram depicting the beam orientation of a UE at two different locations according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3BUE 105 can be configured with a phased array 170 (e.g., see...). Figure 4 ), to transmit radio waves in beam 60, thereby reducing wasted power by 50x. When transmitting in beam 60, UE 105 can be configured to steer the beam when its position changes relative to network node 110. To achieve beam steer, UE 105 may include phase shifter 200 (e.g., see Figure 4 ).

[0060] Figure 4 This is a block diagram depicting components of a UE according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] refer to Figure 4 UE 105 may include one or more antennas 122 and transceiver 150. Antenna 122 may correspond to antenna module 797 (e.g., see...). Figure 7 The transceiver may include a phased array 170. The phased array 170 may include one or more transceiver front ends (FEs), such as a first transceiver front end FE1 to an nth transceiver front end FEn, where n is a positive integer. In some embodiments, the UE may include 32 or more transceiver FEs. A transceiver FE may be coupled at one end to a mixing and distribution component. A transceiver FE may be coupled at the other end to an antenna 122.

[0062] The compact transceiver element (FE) architecture allows for a larger array within a limited space, enabling higher EIRP in transmission and improved signal-to-noise ratio in reception. The bidirectional architecture achieves a low-area FE by sharing circuitry modules between the TX and RX chains. Each transceiver element (FE) in the phased array 170 may include a phase shifter 200. The phase shifter 200 can provide a 360-degree phase range with a desired resolution (e.g., a certain or predetermined resolution). For example, the phase shifter 200 can be configured to provide a 360-degree phase range in 22.5-degree steps. UE applications can leverage RF phase shifting because it allows for the maximum or increased amount of component sharing in a phased array system.

[0063] Some RF phase-shifting systems include separate phase shifters for the TX and RX paths. In contrast, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, by utilizing bidirectional phase shifters and a switching network, the number of phase shifters can be reduced (e.g., halved), and therefore the area occupied by the phase shifters can be reduced. In some embodiments of this disclosure, phase shifter 200 may be a passive RF path phase shifter. Phase shifter 200 may be shared across the TX and RX chains to reduce the area consumed by each transceiver FE. For example, phase shifter 200 may be part of transceiver 150. In some embodiments, transceiver 150 may be a 28 / 39 GHz phased array transceiver. In some embodiments, transceiver 150 may have two paths for each channel: a transmit path T and a receive path R (e.g., see...). Figure 5A ).

[0064] like Figure 5A As shown and described in more detail below, each channel may include a switch 202 (e.g., a switch matrix), a receive amplifier 240 (e.g., a single-ended receive amplifier) ​​including a low-noise amplifier (LNA) for receiving, a transmit amplifier 270 (e.g., a differential transmit amplifier) ​​including a power amplifier (PA) for transmitting, and a phase shifter 200. For phase shifter 200, both the transmit path T and the receive path R may share the same circuit topology. Phase shifter 200 may include a transmit input balancer 210 (“balancer”), a coupler 220, and an attenuator 230.

[0065] Figure 5A This describes some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 The schematic circuit diagram of the phase shifter components of the UE is depicted in the figure.

[0066] Figure 5B and Figure 5C This describes some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 5A The diagram depicts the differential quadrature coupler and differential passive attenuator of the phase shifter performing phase shifting and amplitude scaling.

[0067] Figure 5D It describes some embodiments according to this disclosure and Figure 5A The diagram depicts a pi implementation associated with an attenuator in a phase shifter.

[0068] refer to Figure 5APhase shifter 200 can be a passive phase shifter that can be shared between the TX and RX chains. The transmit path T may include a mixer and distribution component 160, phase shifter 200, and transmit amplifier 270. The receive path R may include a receive amplifier 240, phase shifter 200, and mixer and distribution component 160. Mixer and distribution component 160 may include a combiner-splitter network 162 (e.g., a transmission line-based combiner / splitter network). Combiner-splitter network 162 may be connected to the TX and RX chains corresponding to each transceiver FE (e.g., see...). Figure 4 One or more up / downconversion mixer interfaces.

[0069] Phase shifter 200 can be configured to generate a 360-degree phase range in 22.5-degree steps (e.g., at 4-bit resolution). Phase shifter 200 may include a first phase shifter interface P1 and a second phase shifter interface P2. The first phase shifter interface P1 can be connected to combiner-splitter network 162. The second phase shifter interface P2 can be connected to transmit amplifier 270 and receive amplifier 240 via switch 202 (e.g., switching circuitry). In other words, the first phase shifter interface P1 can be located on the transmit input side (i.e., the receive output side) of phase shifter core 204. The second phase shifter interface P2 can be located on the transmit output side (i.e., the receive input side) of phase shifter core 204.

[0070] Transmit amplifier 270 may include components for amplifying and transmitting signals. For example, transmit amplifier 270 may include a transmit chain variable-gain amplifier (TX VGA), a pre-power amplifier (PPA), and a power amplifier (PA) for the TX chain. Transmit amplifier 270 can amplify and transmit the differential phase-shifted output signal from the second phase shifter interface P2. As discussed in further detail below, phase shifter 200 can generate a differential phase-shifted output signal in transmit mode.

[0071] Receive amplifier 240 may include components for amplifying the received signal. For example, receive amplifier 240 may include an RX chain low noise amplifier (LNA) and a receive input converter 250. The RX LNA and receive input converter 250 may generate a receive differential input signal on the differential side 254 of the receive input converter 250 based on a received single-ended input signal being input to the single-ended side 252 of the receive input converter 250. Receive input converter 250 may provide the receive differential input signal to the second phase shifter interface P2 in receive mode. As discussed in further detail below, phase shifter 200 may process the receive differential input signal in receive mode.

[0072] A switch 202, which can be located at two interfaces (first phase shifter interface P1 and second phase shifter interface P2), can operate the phase shifter 200 according to either a transmit or receive mode. For example, processing circuitry 120 (see, for example, see...) Figure 4 This determines whether to perform a transmission or a reception. Based on this determination, switch 202 can connect the components of phase shifter core 204 to the transmission path T for transmission mode or to the reception path R for reception mode.

[0073] In some embodiments of this disclosure, phase shifter 200 may include (e.g., a) a vector modulator-based phase shifter. Integrated passive phase shifters can be categorized into three types: switched-transmission line phase shifters (STPS), reflection-type phase shifters (RTPS), and vector modulator-based phase shifters. STPS and RTPS phase shifters rely on passive component values ​​to generate phase shifts. Therefore, the phase range and phase error of STPS and RTPS phase shifters vary with process corners (e.g., variations in manufacturing parameters). In contrast, vector modulator-based phase shifters can generate phase shifts as a function of the ratio of resistance values ​​in an attenuator. Therefore, vector modulator-based phase shifters are less sensitive to process corner variations compared to STPS or RTPS.

[0074] As described above, phase shifter 200 may include a balancer 210, a coupler 220, and an attenuator 230. The balancer 210, coupler 220, and attenuator 230 may be included within phase shifter core 204. The following paragraphs discuss signal processing corresponding to the transmit path T, followed by a discussion of signal processing corresponding to the receive path R.

[0075] The weighing switch 210 may include a single-ended side 212 and a differential side 214. Regarding the transmission path T, in transmission mode, based on the single-ended input signal being input to the single-ended side 212 of the weighing switch 210, the weighing switch 210 can generate a differential input signal on its differential side 214. The single-ended side 212 of the weighing switch 210 can be connected to the first phase shifter interface P1 on the transmission input side of the phase shifter core 204. The differential side 214 of the weighing switch 210 can be connected to the transmission input side 221 of the coupler 220.

[0076] Coupler 220 may be a hybrid coupler (e.g., a 90-degree hybrid coupler). Coupler 220 may be a differential quadrature coupler (e.g., a differential quadrature hybrid coupler). As used herein, "differential quadrature coupler" refers to a transceiver component for generating a differential in-phase signal I (also referred to as "in-phase signal I") and a differential quadrature signal Q (also referred to as "quadrature signal Q") based on a differential input signal. In transmit mode, coupler 220 may generate a transmit in-phase signal I that is in phase with the transmit differential input signal from switch 210, and may generate a transmit quadrature signal Q that is phase-shifted (e.g., time-delayed) by 90 degrees relative to the transmit differential input signal from switch 210 and relative to the transmit in-phase signal I.

[0077] refer to Figure 5B In transmit mode, coupler 220 can generate a transmit in-phase signal I and a transmit quadrature signal Q, which are two 90-degree components (also referred to as "quadrature components") of the transmit differential input signal. Adding (or combining) the transmit in-phase signal I and the transmit quadrature signal Q provides a phase shift result. For example, combining transmit in-phase signal I and transmit quadrature signal Q with the same amplitude can provide a phase-shifted version of the transmit differential input signal with a 45-degree phase rotation, such as... Figure 5B The first result R1 is shown in the figure. The transmit output side 222 of coupler 220 can be connected to attenuator 230.

[0078] refer to Figure 5CAttenuator 230 can be a differential passive attenuator. As used herein, "differential passive attenuator" refers to an attenuator capable of providing amplitude scaling of a differential input signal without the use of a power supply. In transmit mode, attenuator 230 can provide amplitude scaling for the transmitted in-phase signal I and / or transmitted quadrature signal Q received as input to attenuator 230. Attenuator 230 can provide additional phase shift by amplitude scaling and combining the transmitted in-phase signal I and / or transmitted quadrature signal Q. For example, attenuator 230 can be configured to halve the amplitude of the transmitted quadrature signal Q without reducing the amplitude of the transmitted in-phase signal I. Therefore, the second result R2 can have a rotation angle that is reduced relative to the rotation angle of the first result R1. For example, attenuator 230 can provide a phase-shifted version of the transmitted differential input signal with a 22.5-degree phase rotation, such as... Figure 5C The second result R2 is shown in the diagram. In other words, in transmit mode, phase shifter 200 can generate a differential phase-shifted output signal at the second phase shifter interface P2 for transmission by transmit amplifier 270 and antenna 122.

[0079] Regarding the receiving path R, in receiving mode, attenuator 230 can separate and perform amplitude scaling on the receiving differential input signal provided by the receiving input converter 250, as described above. For example, attenuator 230 can separate the receiving differential input signal into a receiving in-phase signal I and a receiving quadrature signal Q, which are provided as inputs to the receiving input side (i.e., the transmitting output side) 222 of coupler 220. Coupler 220 can generate a receiving differential output signal on the receiving output side (i.e., the transmitting input side) 221 of coupler 220 based on the receiving in-phase signal I and the receiving quadrature signal Q. In receiving mode, based on the receiving differential output signal being input to the differential side 214 of converter 210, converter 210 can generate a receiving single-ended output signal on the single-ended side 212 of converter 210.

[0080] As described above, phase shifter 200 can be a vector modulator-based phase shifter. The vector modulator can use a 90-degree hybrid coupler to generate in-phase signal I and quadrature signal Q. To provide a 360-degree phase range, the vector modulator can use four phases, including 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. These four phases can be implemented by using a swain after a differential coupler or by using two swains after a single-ended coupler. In some embodiments of this disclosure, phase shifter 200 uses a swain 210 followed by a differential coupler because this configuration is less sensitive to ground coupling due to fewer ground injection points. The vector modulator amplitude-weights the four phases to generate a 360-degree phase-controlled attenuator at the second phase shifter interface P2. Due to the bidirectional nature of coupler 220 and attenuator 230, phase shifting operations from the second phase shifter interface P2 to the first phase shifter interface P1 can also be performed.

[0081] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5D Attenuator 230 can be a pi-based attenuator, enabling phase shifter 200 to perform phase shifting in both the transmit and receive directions. For example, attenuator 230 may include a first attenuator branch (arm) 230a and a second attenuator branch 230b. Each attenuator branch of attenuator 230 can be a pi attenuator with a pi implementation 230z. For example, the first attenuator branch 230a may have nodes 1-4 corresponding to nodes 1-4 of the pi implementation 230z. The second attenuator branch 230b may also have nodes 1-4 corresponding to nodes 1-4 of the pi implementation 230z. Therefore, the first attenuator branch 230a and the second attenuator branch 230b can form a pi network. The pi network allows phase shifter 200 to maintain a constant impedance value (e.g., 50 ohms) at both interfaces of attenuator 230. The pi network also allows phase shifter 200 to maintain a constant impedance value (e.g., 50 ohms) at both interfaces of phase shifter 200. For example, due to the vector summation of the in-phase signal I and the quadrature signal Q, the first phase shifter interface P1 can be 50 ohms single-ended, while the second phase shifter interface P2 can be 50 ohms differential. Therefore, the implementation 230z allows the phase shifter 200 to be bidirectional. In some embodiments, the attenuator 230 can be coupled to a transistor (e.g., coupled to a transistor-based switch) to enable numerical control of the attenuator 230. For example, in some embodiments, the phase shifter 200 can be configured to generate a 360-degree phase range in 22.5-degree steps by accepting digital inputs for numerical control to the transistor coupled to the attenuator 230. For example, processing circuitry 120 can provide digital inputs for numerical control of the phase shifter 200.

[0082] In some embodiments, phase shifter 200 may include shunt inductors (e.g., L1 and L2) to resonate the parasitic capacitance of attenuator 230. Therefore, the parasitic capacitance of attenuator 230 can be reduced or minimized. In some embodiments, tunable capacitor 218 (e.g., a capacitor bank) may be connected to the transmit input side 221 of coupler 220 (e.g., connected to a swivel-coupler interface) to help tune the response of phase shifter 200 at the lower end of the crossband (e.g., the lower frequency of the crossband). In some embodiments, differential side 214 of swivel 210 may be connected to differential side swivel capacitor 216 to provide a ground reference.

[0083] Figure 5E This describes some embodiments according to the present disclosure, including Figure 5A The diagram depicts the coupling between the two stages of the transceiver of a phase shifter.

[0084] refer to Figure 5E Phase shifter 200 can be configured with a differential coupler following balancer 210, as this configuration is less sensitive to ground coupling Cx. Figure 5E As can be seen, the ground coupling Cx corresponding to the transmit input side 221 of antenna 122 and coupler 220 can be suppressed by the differential side 214 of switcher 210 through common-mode rejection (CMR). Therefore, the phase shifter 200 reduces instability by using a switcher configuration with differential side 214. Otherwise, such instability could lead to the loss of wireless data link associated with phase shifter 200.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a flowchart depicting example operations of a method for transmitting and receiving signals using a phased array according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to... Figure 6 The order or number of operations of the method 600 shown can be altered to any desired order or number of operations as would be known to those skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the order may vary, some processes may be performed simultaneously or sequentially, or method 600 may include fewer or more operations.

[0086] refer to Figure 6 A method 600 for transmitting and receiving signals using a phased array may include one or more of the following operations. Method 600 may begin, and in operation 601, it may be determined whether to perform reception or transmission. For example, in some embodiments, coupled to phase shifter 200 (e.g., see...) Figure 4 The processing circuit 120 can determine whether to perform reception or transmission (e.g., in operation 601). Based on the determination to perform transmission in operation 601, in operation 602, a single-ended input signal can be received for transmission. For example, in some embodiments, a switch 202 corresponding to phase shifter 200 can be configured for transmission, and the single-ended side 212 of the phase shifter 200 switch 210 can receive a single-ended input signal for transmission (e.g., see...). Figure 5A (For example, in operation 602). The transmitted single-ended input signal may correspond to a single-ended signal to be transmitted to network node 110 provided by the mixer and distribution component 160 of UE 105. In operation 603, a transmitted differential input signal may be generated based on the transmitted single-ended input signal. For example, in some embodiments, the weighing switch 210 may generate a transmitted differential input signal on the differential side 214 of the weighing switch 210 based on the transmitted single-ended input signal being input to the single-ended side 212 of the weighing switch 210 (e.g., in operation 603).

[0087] In operation 604, a transmit in-phase signal (e.g., a transmit differential in-phase signal) and a transmit quadrature signal (e.g., a transmit differential quadrature signal) can be generated based on the transmit differential input signal. For example, in some embodiments, coupler 220 can generate the transmit in-phase signal and the transmit differential quadrature signal based on the transmit differential input signal (e.g., in operation 604). In operation 605, the transmit in-phase signal and the transmit quadrature signal can be combined into a differential phase-shifted output signal. For example, in some embodiments, attenuator 230 can combine the transmit in-phase signal and the transmit quadrature signal into a differential phase-shifted output signal (e.g., in operation 605). In operation 606, the differential phase-shifted output signal can be provided for amplification and transmission. For example, in some embodiments, the differential phase-shifted output signal can be provided from attenuator 230 to transmit amplifier 270 via switch 202, and amplified and transmitted by transmit amplifier 270, as described above (e.g., in operation 606), and method 600 can end.

[0088] Returning to reference operation 601, based on the determined performance of reception, in operation 607, a receive single-ended input signal can be received. The receive single-ended input signal can be a single-ended signal transmitted by network node 110 and received by UE 105. For example, in some embodiments, the receive single-ended input signal can be received by UE 105 and provided to receive amplifier 240 via antenna 122 (e.g., in operation 607). In operation 608, a receive differential input signal can be generated based on the receive single-ended input signal. For example, in some embodiments, receive input converter 250 can generate a receive differential input signal on the differential side 254 of receive input converter 250 based on the receive single-ended input signal being input to the single-ended side 252 of receive input converter 250 (e.g., in operation 608).

[0089] In operation 609, the received differential input signal can be separated into a received in-phase signal (e.g., a received differential in-phase signal) and a received quadrature signal (e.g., a received differential quadrature signal). For example, in some embodiments, switch 202 can be configured for receiving, and attenuator 230 can separate the received differential input signal into a received in-phase signal and a received quadrature signal (e.g., in operation 609). In operation 610, a received differential output signal can be generated based on the received in-phase signal and the received quadrature signal. For example, in some embodiments, coupler 220 can generate a received differential output signal based on the received in-phase signal and the received quadrature signal (e.g., in operation 610). In operation 611, a received single-ended output signal can be generated based on the received differential output signal. For example, in some embodiments, the differential side 214 of the weighing transducer 210 can be based on the received differential output signal being applied to the differential side 214 of the weighing transducer 210, generating a received single-ended output signal on the single-ended side 212 of the weighing transducer 210 (e.g., in operation 611). In operation 612, a received single-ended signal can be output, and method 600 can end. For example, in some embodiments, the received single-ended output signal can be provided from the balancer 210 to the mixer and distribution component 160 via switch 202 for further processing by the mixer and distribution component 160 (e.g., in operation 612), and method 600 can end.

[0090] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] refer to Figure 7 In network environment 700, electronic device 701 can communicate with electronic device 702 via a first network 798 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with electronic device 704 or server 708 via a second network 799 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). Electronic device 701 can communicate with electronic device 704 via server 708. Electronic device 701 may include processor 720, memory 730, input device 740, sound output device 755, display device 760, audio module 770, sensor module 776, interface 777, haptic module 779, camera module 780, power management module 788, battery 789, communication module 790, subscriber identification module (SIM) card 796, or antenna module 797. In one embodiment, at least one of the components (e.g., display device 760 or camera module 780) may be omitted from electronic device 701, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 701. Some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC). For example, a sensor module 776 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be embedded in a display device 760 (e.g., a display).

[0092] The processor 720 can execute software (e.g., program 740) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) coupled to the electronic device 701, and can perform various data processing or calculations.

[0093] As at least part of data processing or computation, processor 720 can load commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module 776 or communication module 790) into volatile memory 732, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 732, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 734. Processor 720 may include a main processor 721 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 723 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor hub processor, or communication processor (CP)). The auxiliary processor 723 may operate independently of or in conjunction with the main processor 721. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 723 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 721 or to perform specific functions. The auxiliary processor 723 may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor 721.

[0094] The auxiliary processor 723 can replace the main processor 721 when the main processor 721 is inactive (e.g., in sleep) or, when the main processor 721 is active (e.g., executing an application), control, together with the main processor 721, at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 701 (e.g., display device 760, sensor module 776, or communication module 790). The auxiliary processor 723 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) can be implemented as part of another component (e.g., a camera module 780 or communication module 790) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 723.

[0095] The memory 730 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 701 (e.g., processor 720 or sensor module 776). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 740) and input or output data for commands associated with it. The memory 730 may include volatile memory 732 or non-volatile memory 734.

[0096] The program 740 can be stored as software in the memory 730 and can include, for example, an operating system (OS) 742, middleware 744, or application 746.

[0097] Input device 750 can receive commands or data from outside electronic device 701 (e.g., a user) that will be used by another component of electronic device 701 (e.g., processor 720). Input device 750 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, or keyboard.

[0098] The sound output device 755 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 701. The sound output device 755 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or recording, while the receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. The receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0099] Display device 760 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 701 (e.g., a user). Display device 760 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry that controls a corresponding one of the display, holographic device, and projector. Display device 760 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect touch, or sensor circuitry adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch (e.g., a pressure sensor).

[0100] The audio module 770 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. The audio module 770 can acquire sound via the input device 750, or output sound via the sound output device 755 or via headphones of the external electronic device 702 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly coupled to the electronic device 701.

[0101] Sensor module 776 can detect the operating state of electronic device 701 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 701 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. Sensor module 776 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0102] Interface 777 may support one or more specified protocols for direct (e.g., wired) or wireless coupling of electronic device 701 to external electronic device 702. Interface 777 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0103] Connection terminal 778 may include a connector through which electronic device 701 can be physically connected to external electronic device 702. Connection terminal 778 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0104] The tactile module 779 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimulation, which a user can identify via touch or kinesthesia. The tactile module 779 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0105] Camera module 780 can capture still or moving images. Camera module 780 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash. Power management module 788 can manage the power supplied to electronic device 701. Power management module 788 may be implemented as at least a part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0106] The battery 789 can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 701. The battery 789 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0107] Communication module 790 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 701 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 702, electronic device 704, or server 708), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 790 may include one or more communication processors that are independent of processor 720 (e.g., AP) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. Communication module 790 may include wireless communication module 792 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 794 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate via a first network 798 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth). TM The communication module 792 communicates with external electronic devices via a first network 798 or a second network 799 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). These different types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single IC) or as multiple components that are separate from each other (e.g., multiple ICs). The wireless communication module 792 can use subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 796 to identify and authenticate electronic devices 701 in the communication network, such as the first network 798 or the second network 799.

[0108] Antenna module 797 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside of electronic device 701 (e.g., external electronic device). Antenna module 797 may include one or more antennas, and thus, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network such as a first network 798 or a second network 799 may be selected, for example, by communication module 790 (e.g., wireless communication module 792). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 790 and external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.

[0109] Commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 701 and external electronic device 704 via server 708 coupled to a second network 799. Each of electronic devices 702 and 704 can be a device of the same or different type as electronic device 701. All or some operations to be performed on electronic device 701 can be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices 702, 704, or 708. For example, if electronic device 701 is required to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, instead of performing the function or service, or in addition to performing the function or service, electronic device 701 can request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request can perform at least a portion of the requested function or service or additional functions or services associated with the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 701. Electronic device 701 can provide the result, with or without further processing, as at least part of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technologies can be used, for example.

[0110] The embodiments of the subject matter and operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents), or in a combination of one or more of the foregoing. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more computer program instruction modules encoded on a computer storage medium, executed by a data processing device or controlling the operation of a data processing device. Alternatively or additionally, program instructions can be encoded on artificially generated propagated signals, such as machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signals, generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device for execution by the data processing device. The computer storage medium can be a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination thereof, or be included in a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, although the computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, it can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in artificially generated propagated signals. Computer storage media may also be one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, discs, or other storage devices) or included within one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, discs, or other storage devices). Furthermore, the operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

[0111] While this specification may contain numerous specific implementation details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of any claimed subject matter, but rather as descriptions of specific features of particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from that combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0112] Similarly, although the operations are depicted in a specific order in the figures, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or requiring all of the shown operations to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of the various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0113] Therefore, specific embodiments of the subject matter are described herein. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions set forth in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or sequence shown to achieve the desired result. In some implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0114] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovative concepts described herein can be modified and varied across a wide range of applications. Therefore, the scope of the claimed subject matter should not be limited to any specific exemplary teachings discussed above, but is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting and receiving signals in a phased array, the method comprising: The phase shifter-based weighing device receives and transmits single-ended input signals on its single-ended side and generates and transmits differential input signals on its differential side. A differential quadrature coupler using a phase shifter generates in-phase and quadrature signals based on the transmitted differential input signal; and The differential attenuator of the phase shifter combines the in-phase and quadrature signals into a differential phase-shifted output signal, and the differential attenuator is connected to the transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The phase shifter is shared between the transmit path and the receive path.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter allows the phase shifter's switches to be configured for transmission; as well as The differential phase shift output signal is provided to the transmitting amplifier for transmission.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter allows the phase shifter's switches to be configured for receiving; The differential input signal is separated into a receiving in-phase signal and a receiving quadrature signal by a differential attenuator; A differential output signal is generated based on the received in-phase signal and the received quadrature signal using a differential quadrature coupler. as well as Based on the received differential output signal being input to the differential side of the weighing changer, the weighing changer generates a received single-ended output signal on the single-ended side of the weighing changer.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The weighing device is connected to the transmit input side of the differential quadrature coupler.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The differential attenuator is configured to be numerically controlled; and The phase shifter is configured to generate a 360-degree phase range in 22.5-degree steps.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The differential orthogonal coupler is a 90-degree hybrid coupler; and The differential attenuator is implemented using pi.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first phase shifter interface corresponding to the transmit input side of the differential quadrature coupler has a single-ended impedance equal to a first value; and The second phase shifter interface corresponding to the transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler has a differential impedance that is substantially equal to the first value.

9. A phase shifter for transmitting and receiving signals in a phased array, the phase shifter comprising: Replace the weighing instrument; Differential orthogonal coupler; and Differential attenuator, The phase shifter is configured as follows: The single-ended input signal is received and transmitted on the single-ended side of the weighing switch, and a differential input signal is generated and transmitted on the differential side of the weighing switch. A differential quadrature coupler is used to generate in-phase and quadrature signals for transmission based on the differential input signal. as well as A differential attenuator combines the in-phase and quadrature signals into a differential phase-shifted output signal, and the differential attenuator is connected to the transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler.

10. The phase shifter according to claim 9, wherein, The phase shifter is shared between the transmit path and the receive path.

11. The phase shifter according to claim 9, configured as follows: A processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter enables the phase shifter's switches to be configured for transmission; and transmission is performed. The differential phase shift output signal is provided to the transmitting amplifier for transmission.

12. The phase shifter according to claim 9, configured as follows: A processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter enables the phase shifter's switches to be configured for receiving and transmitting. The differential input signal is separated into a receiving in-phase signal and a receiving quadrature signal by a differential attenuator; A differential output signal is generated based on the received in-phase signal and the received quadrature signal using a differential quadrature coupler. as well as Based on the received differential output signal being input to the differential side of the weighing changer, the weighing changer generates a received single-ended output signal on the single-ended side of the weighing changer.

13. The phase shifter according to claim 9, wherein, The weighing device is connected to the transmit input side of the differential quadrature coupler.

14. The phase shifter according to claim 9, wherein: The differential attenuator is configured to be numerically controlled; and The phase shifter is configured to generate a 360-degree phase range in 22.5-degree steps.

15. The phase shifter according to claim 9, wherein: The differential orthogonal coupler is a 90-degree hybrid coupler; and The differential attenuator is implemented using pi.

16. The phase shifter according to claim 9, wherein: The first phase shifter interface corresponding to the transmit input side of the differential quadrature coupler has a single-ended impedance equal to a first value; and The second phase shifter interface corresponding to the transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler has a differential impedance that is substantially equal to the first value.

17. A user equipment (UE) including a phase shifter, wherein, The phase shifter is configured as follows: The single-ended input signal is received and transmitted on the single-ended side of the weighing switch, and a differential input signal is generated and transmitted on the differential side of the weighing switch. A differential quadrature coupler is used to generate in-phase and quadrature signals for transmission based on the differential input signal. as well as A differential attenuator combines the in-phase and quadrature signals into a differential phase-shifted output signal, and the differential attenuator is connected to the transmit output side of the differential quadrature coupler.

18. The UE according to claim 17, wherein, The phase shifter is shared between the transmit path and the receive path.

19. The UE according to claim 17, wherein, The phase shifter is configured as follows: A processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter enables the phase shifter's switches to be configured for transmission; and transmission is performed. The differential phase shift output signal is provided to the transmitting amplifier for transmission.

20. The UE according to claim 17, wherein, The phase shifter is configured as follows: A processor communicatively coupled to the phase shifter enables the phase shifter's switches to be configured for receiving and transmitting. The differential input signal is separated into a receiving in-phase signal and a receiving quadrature signal by a differential attenuator; A differential output signal is generated based on the received in-phase signal and the received quadrature signal using a differential quadrature coupler. as well as Based on the received differential output signal being input to the differential side of the weighing changer, the weighing changer generates a received single-ended output signal on the single-ended side of the weighing changer.

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