Gating circuits, RF front-end modules, RF systems and electronic devices

Abstract

The present application provides a gating circuit, a radio frequency front-end module, a radio frequency system and an electronic device, which can reduce the insertion loss in the radio frequency path. The gating circuit includes N single-input multiple-output input ports, M multiple-input single-output output ports, N input switching nodes, M antenna switching nodes and N gating links, where N and M are both positive integers greater than or equal to 3; the N single-input multiple-output input ports are electrically connected to the N input switching nodes in a one-to-one correspondence, the N input switching nodes are electrically connected to the N gating links in a one-to-one correspondence, and the M antenna switching nodes are electrically connected to the M multiple-input single-output output ports in a one-to-one correspondence; each gating link includes M gating sub-links, the M gating sub-links of the i-th gating link are coupled to the i-th single-input multiple-output input port and the i-th input switching node, and the j-th gating sub-links of the N gating links are coupled to the j-th antenna switching node, where i is less than or equal to N, and j is less than or equal to M.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a gating circuit, a radio frequency front-end module, a radio frequency system and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of wireless communication technology, the application scenarios of wireless communication equipment are becoming more and more extensive, and users are pursuing excellent communication effects more and more strongly. In order to achieve excellent communication effects and cope with complex working scenarios, electronic devices need to support higher-specification communication capabilities and more antenna switching scenarios.

[0003] However, as the number of antennas increases and the antenna switching capability improves, the RF front-end design for switching becomes increasingly complex. As the complexity of the RF front-end increases, the insertion loss of the RF path increases. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a gating circuit, a radio frequency front-end module, a radio frequency system and an electronic device, which can reduce the insertion loss in the radio frequency path.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a gating circuit, which includes N single-input multiple-output input ports, M multiple-input single-output output ports, N input switching nodes, M antenna switching nodes and N gating links, where N and M are both positive integers greater than or equal to 2; the N single-input multiple-output input ports are electrically connected to the N input switching nodes in a one-to-one correspondence, the N input switching nodes are electrically connected to the N gating links in a one-to-one correspondence, and the M antenna switching nodes are electrically connected to the M multiple-input single-output output ports in a one-to-one correspondence; each gating link includes M gating sub-links, the M gating sub-links of the i-th gating link are coupled to the i-th single-input multiple-output input port and the i-th input switching node, and the j-th gating sub-links of the N gating links are all coupled to the j-th antenna switching node, wherein i is a positive integer greater than 0 and less than or equal to N, and j is a positive integer greater than 0 and less than or equal to M.

[0006] By adopting integrated multi-port switching, multiple single-input multiple-output input ports and multiple multiple-input single-output output ports can be switched arbitrarily, thereby realizing switching between multiple antennas. Compared with multiple cascaded switch modules to realize antenna switching, this solution can simplify the circuit structure and has a smaller channel insertion loss.

[0007] For example, N and M may be equal or unequal.

[0008] Exemplarily, the gating circuit includes five single-input multiple-output input ports and three multiple-input single-output output ports. Accordingly, the number of input switching nodes is five, the number of antenna switching nodes is three, the number of gating links is five, and the number of gating sub-links in each gating link is three.

[0009] On this basis, exemplarily, the three gating sub-links of the first gating link and the first single-input multiple-output input port are coupled to the first input switching node, the three gating sub-links of the second gating link and the second single-input multiple-output input port are coupled to the second input switching node, the three gating sub-links of the third gating link and the third single-input multiple-output input port are coupled to the third input switching node, the three gating sub-links of the fourth gating link and the fourth single-input multiple-output input port are coupled to the fourth input switching node, the three gating sub-links of the fifth gating link and the fifth single-input multiple-output input port are coupled to the fifth input switching node, and the first gating sub-links of the five gating links are all coupled to the first antenna switching node, the second gating sub-links of the five gating links are all coupled to the second antenna switching node, and the third gating sub-links of the five gating links are all coupled to the third antenna switching node, so as to realize free switching between five single-input multiple-output input ports and three multiple-input single-output output ports.

[0010] According to the first aspect, N and M satisfy: and N is greater than M, that is, radio frequency signals of multiple frequency bands can be transmitted and received through a smaller number of antennas, thereby reducing the number of antennas and simplifying the structure of the radio frequency system.

[0011] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the selection circuit also includes L single-input single-output input ports, which are electrically connected to L antenna switching nodes among the M antenna switching nodes in a one-to-one correspondence; L is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0012] That is, corresponding to the single-input and single-output scenario, the frequency band that does not require dual-antenna switching (transmit antenna switch, TAS) or multi-antenna switching (multi-transmit antenna switch, MAS) function can be directly output. Compared with the prior art, even the frequency band that does not require the TAS or MAS function needs to accept the TAS or MAS function, avoiding insertion loss in the RF path.

[0013] Exemplarily, the frequency band that does not require TAS or MAS functions includes B39.

[0014] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, L single-input single-output input ports are used to support time division duplex frequency band usage, or MIMO reception usage.

[0015] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the N single-input multiple-output input ports include at least one first single-input multiple-output input port, the first single-input multiple-output input port includes at least a first transmitting subport and a first receiving subport, the first transmitting subport, the first receiving subport and the M selection sublinks corresponding to the first single-input multiple-output input port are coupled to the input switching node corresponding to the first single-input multiple-output input port, the first transmitting subport is used to transmit a radio frequency signal of a preset frequency band number, the first receiving subport is used to receive a radio frequency signal of a preset frequency band number, and the preset frequency band number includes a time-division duplex frequency band. That is, the first single-input multiple-output input port is designed for association of reception and transmission, and a separate logic controller is used to implement time-division duplex frequency band support for frequency-division duplex antenna switching logic to meet multi-platform requirements.

[0016] Exemplarily, when the first transmitting subport transmits a radio frequency signal of a preset frequency band number, the first receiving subport does not receive a reception signal of the preset frequency band number; when the first receiving subport receives a reception signal of a preset frequency band number, the first transmitting subport does not transmit a radio frequency signal of the preset frequency band number.

[0017] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect, each gating sub-link includes at least one first switch.

[0018] This arrangement enables each gating sub-link to be controlled individually, thereby achieving simultaneous and / or non-simultaneous control of different gating sub-links, thereby meeting different operating frequency band requirements.

[0019] Exemplarily, the first switch includes, for example, a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOS transistor) or the like, which can realize a switching function and has a small insertion loss.

[0020] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, at least one first switch is further grounded through a second switch to change the isolation of the circuit. The number of first switches grounded through the second switch is not limited in this application and can be increased or decreased according to isolation requirements.

[0021] Exemplarily, each first switch is grounded via a second switch; or, some of the plurality of first switches are grounded via a second switch.

[0022] Exemplarily, the second switch includes a device such as a MOS tube that can realize a switch function.

[0023] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, at least part of the (M×N) selection sub-links operate simultaneously and transmit signals of different frequency bands.

[0024] That is, a multi-port simultaneous conduction (multi on) solution can be implemented, so that when the selection sub-link needs to support simultaneous operation between different frequencies, there is no need to add a combiner or equivalent device to the channel. A combiner or phase shift solution can be formed by adding an external frequency notch to reduce insertion loss.

[0025] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency front-end module, which includes at least one gating circuit corresponding to the above-mentioned first aspect and any one of the implementation methods of the first aspect.

[0026] The second aspect and any implementation of the second aspect correspond to the first aspect and any implementation of the first aspect respectively. The technical effects corresponding to the second aspect and any implementation of the second aspect can refer to the technical effects corresponding to the above-mentioned first aspect and any implementation of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0027] According to the second aspect, the RF front-end module also includes a first switch module; the N single-input multiple-output input ports include at least one second single-input multiple-output input port, and the M multiple-input single-output output ports include at least one first multiple-input single-output output port; at least one first multiple-input single-output output port is electrically connected to at least one input port of the first switch module, and at least one second single-input multiple-output input port is electrically connected to at least one output port of the first switch module.

[0028] That is, the gating circuit and the first switch module implement a cross switching, thereby realizing TAS or MAS switching between more antennas.

[0029] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the first switch module includes a first multi-pole multi-throw switch; at least one first multi-input single-output output port is electrically connected to at least one input port of the first multi-pole multi-throw switch, and at least one second single-input multiple-output input port is electrically connected to at least one output port of the first multi-pole multi-throw switch.

[0030] That is, the gating circuit and the first multi-pole multi-throw switch realize a cross switching, thereby realizing TAS or MAS switching between more antennas.

[0031] Exemplarily, the first multi-pole multi-throw switch includes a three-pole three-throw switch. Of course, the first multi-pole multi-throw switch is not limited to a three-pole three-throw switch, and can also be a four-pole four-throw switch or a five-pole five-throw switch, etc. When the first multi-pole multi-throw switch is a three-pole three-throw switch, a first multiple-input single-output output port is electrically connected to an input port of the three-pole three-throw switch, a second single-input multiple-output input port is electrically connected to an output port of the three-pole three-throw switch, the other two input ports of the three-pole three-throw switch are used to transmit radio frequency signals of different frequency bands, and the other two output ports of the three-pole three-throw switch are electrically connected to two different antennas respectively.

[0032] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the first switch module also includes a second multi-pole multi-throw switch; the N single-input multiple-output input ports include at least one third single-input multiple-output input port; and at least one output port of the second multi-pole multi-throw switch is electrically connected to at least one third single-input multiple-output input port.

[0033] Such an arrangement can make the application range of the gating circuit of the present application wider, for example, it can be applicable to a solution in which five antennas are arranged in an electronic device.

[0034] Exemplarily, the second multi-pole multi-throw switch includes a double-pole double-throw switch, a three-pole three-throw switch, a four-pole four-throw switch, or a five-pole five-throw switch, etc., that is, most are positive integers greater than or equal to 2.

[0035] When the first multi-pole multi-throw switch includes a three-pole three-throw switch and the second multi-pole multi-throw switch includes a double-pole double-throw switch, a first multi-input single-output output port is electrically connected to an input port of the three-pole three-throw switch, a second single-input multi-output input port is electrically connected to an output port of the three-pole three-throw switch, the other two input ports of the three-pole three-throw switch are respectively used to transmit radio frequency signals of different frequency bands, the other two output ports of the three-pole three-throw switch are respectively electrically connected to two different antennas, two of the multi-input single-output output ports in the selection circuit (different from the multi-input single-output output ports of the first multi-input single-output output port) are electrically connected to two different antennas, and in addition, two input ports of the double-pole double-throw switch are respectively used to transmit radio frequency signals of different frequency bands, one of the output ports of the double-pole double-throw switch is electrically connected to one of the multi-input single-output output ports of the selection circuit, and the other output port of the double-pole double-throw switch is electrically connected to an antenna.

[0036] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the first switch module also includes a third multi-pole multi-throw switch; one of the input ports of the third multi-pole multi-throw switch is electrically connected to the first multi-input single-output port, and one of the output ports of the third multi-pole multi-throw switch is electrically connected to the input port of the first multi-pole multi-throw switch.

[0037] Such an arrangement can make the application range of the gating circuit of the present application wider, for example, it can be applicable to a solution in which five antennas are arranged in an electronic device.

[0038] Exemplarily, the third multi-pole multi-throw switch includes a double-pole double-throw switch, a three-pole three-throw switch, a four-pole four-throw switch or a five-pole five-throw switch, etc., that is, most are positive integers greater than or equal to 2.

[0039] When the first multi-pole multi-throw switch includes a three-pole three-throw switch and the third multi-pole multi-throw switch includes a double-pole double-throw switch, a second single-input multi-output input port is electrically connected to an output port of the three-pole three-throw switch, a first multi-input single-output output port is electrically connected to one of the input ports of the double-pole double-throw switch, one of the output ports of the double-pole double-throw switch is electrically connected to the input port of the three-pole three-throw switch, the other two input ports of the three-pole three-throw switch are respectively used to transmit radio frequency signals of different frequency bands, the other two output ports of the three-pole three-throw switch are respectively electrically connected to two different antennas, two of the multi-input single-output output ports in the selection circuit (different from the multi-input single-output output ports of the first multi-input single-output output port) are electrically connected to two different antennas, and in addition, another output port of the double-pole double-throw switch is electrically connected to an antenna.

[0040] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, there are multiple gating circuits, and the multiple gating circuits include a first gating circuit and a second gating circuit; at least one multiple-input single-output output port of the first gating circuit is electrically connected to at least one single-input multiple-output input port of the second gating circuit, and at least one multiple-input single-output output port of the second gating circuit is electrically connected to at least one single-input multiple-output input port of the first gating circuit.

[0041] This configuration can make the application range of the gating circuit of the present application wider.

[0042] Of course, on this basis, the switch module can also be used to realize the transmission of signals in more frequency bands.

[0043] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency system, comprising: multiple antennas and at least one radio frequency front-end module corresponding to the second aspect and any one of the implementation methods of the second aspect; at least part of the multiple antennas are electrically connected one-to-one with at least part of the M multiple-input single-output ports.

[0044] The third aspect and any implementation of the third aspect correspond to the second aspect and any implementation of the second aspect, respectively. The technical effects corresponding to the third aspect and any implementation of the third aspect can refer to the technical effects corresponding to the above-mentioned second aspect and any implementation of the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0045] According to the third aspect, when the RF front-end module further includes a first switch module, at least one output port of the first switch module is electrically connected to at least one antenna.

[0046] This configuration enables cross switching of the gating circuit and the first switch module, thereby achieving TAS or MAS switching between more antennas.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a baseband processor; a radio frequency integrated circuit electrically connected to the baseband processor; and a radio frequency system corresponding to the third aspect and any one of the implementation methods of the third aspect, electrically connected to the radio frequency integrated circuit.

[0048] The fourth aspect and any implementation of the fourth aspect correspond to the third aspect and any implementation of the third aspect, respectively. The technical effects corresponding to the fourth aspect and any implementation of the fourth aspect can refer to the technical effects corresponding to the third aspect and any implementation of the third aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a circuit structure of a radio frequency system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a radio frequency front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a gating circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a circuit structure of another gating circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a radio frequency front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another RF front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another RF front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another RF front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0059] The term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0060] The terms "first" and "second" in the description and claims of the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order of objects. For example, a first target object and a second target object are used to distinguish different target objects rather than to describe a specific order of target objects.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.

[0062] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple" refers to two or more than two. For example, multiple processing units refer to two or more processing units; multiple systems refer to two or more systems.

[0063] Before describing the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application, the related technologies involved in the present application are briefly described:

[0064] With the continuous updating of mobile communication technology, the transmission scenarios of big data are becoming more and more widely used, and people's demand for data transmission efficiency and data transmission volume is also increasing. The frequency resources of mobile communications are particularly precious, and multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna technology can greatly increase channel capacity and improve data throughput. MIMO antenna technology refers to the use of multiple transmitting antennas and receiving antennas (such as 4*4MIMO antenna system) at the transmitting end (such as the base station end) and the receiving end (such as the electronic device end) respectively, so that the signal is transmitted and received through multiple antennas at the transmitting end and the receiving end, thereby improving the communication quality. It can make full use of spatial resources and achieve multiple transmission and multiple reception through multiple antennas. Without increasing spectrum resources and antenna transmission power, it can multiply the system channel capacity. For example, for an electronic device that uses 4*4 MIMO, it can achieve high-speed throughput transmission of 4 signals. The transmission links of the 4 signals are respectively the main set receive and transmit (transmitter-receiver, TRX) link, the diversity receive (diversity receive, DRX) link, the MIMO main set receive (primary receive, PRX) link (abbreviated as MPRX link) and the MIMO DRX link (abbreviated as MDRX link).

[0065] The fifth generation of mobile communication technology (5G) has higher transmission efficiency and is therefore widely used. There are currently two ways to network 5G base stations, one is standalone networking (SA) and the other is non-standalone networking (NSA). Among them, the NSA method accounts for a considerable proportion, that is, long term evolution (LTE) and 5G new radio (NR) are used for NSA networking. At present, the dual connectivity (DC) method is used in NSA to achieve collaborative work between 4G and 5G networks, and electronic devices can support the simultaneous transmission and reception of the fourth generation of mobile communication technology (4G) and 5G dual standards.

[0066] It should be noted that the frequency band of the radio frequency signal in the 5G network can be Sub6G, that is, the frequency band below 7.125GHz; the frequency band of the radio frequency signal in the 4G network can be Sub3G, that is, the frequency band below 3GHz.

[0067] From the frequency bands of the radio frequency signals in the above-mentioned 5G network and the frequency bands of the radio frequency signals in the 4G network, it can be found that the frequency bands of the 5G radio frequency signals and the 4G radio frequency signals overlap, specifically the frequency bands below 3 GHz. Among them, the frequency bands below 3 GHz may include low frequency bands (LB), middle frequency bands (MB), and high frequency bands (HB). Exemplarily, LB is, for example, a frequency band below 1000 MHz, MB is, for example, a frequency band of 1.7 to 2.3 GHz, and HB is, for example, a frequency band of 2.3 to 2.7 GHz.

[0068] It should be understood that LB and MB can constitute LMB, and MB and HB can constitute MHB.

[0069] In order to better realize communication, the current 4G frequency and 5G frequency ranges are divided into different frequency bands, and in order to distinguish the divided frequency bands, corresponding frequency band numbers are assigned to different frequency bands. Exemplarily, for the frequency bands divided from the 5G frequency range, nx is represented, "n" starts with the frequency band number of the NR standard, and "x" is the frequency band number, such as n3, n41, n78, etc. For the frequencies divided from the 4G frequency range, Bx is represented, "B" starts with the frequency band number of the LTE standard, and "x" is the frequency band number, such as B1, B2, B3, B39, B40, B7, etc. The above-mentioned LB may include B28, B5, n8, B8, etc.; the above-mentioned MB may include n3, B1, B2, B3, B66, etc.; the above-mentioned HB may include n41, B41, n40, B40, n7, B7, etc.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, Bx_TRX represents the transceiver link of the signal with frequency band Bx (hereinafter referred to as Bx signal); Bx_PRX represents the main set receiving link of the signal with frequency band Bx (hereinafter referred to as Bx signal); Bx_MPRX represents the main set receiving link of MIMO of Bx signal; Bx_MDRX represents the diversity receiving link of MIMO of Bx signal; Bx_TX represents the transmitting link of Bx signal.

[0071] In the embodiment of the present application, nx_PRX represents the main set receiving link of the nx signal; nx_DRX represents the diversity receiving link of the nx signal; nx_MPRX represents the main set receiving link of the MIMO of the nx signal; and nx_TX represents the transmitting link of the nx signal.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present application, Bx_Bx_MPRX refers to the main set receiving link of MIMO of Bx signal and Bx signal. In this case, it means that different Bx signals share the Bx_Bx_MPRX for MIMO main set reception; Bx_Bx_MDRX refers to the diversity receiving link of MIMO of Bx signal and Bx signal. In this case, it means that different Bx signals share the Bx_Bx_MDRX for MIMO diversity reception.

[0073] It should be understood that the above description is merely an example listed for a better understanding of the technical solution of this embodiment, and is not intended to be the sole limitation to this embodiment.

[0074] The embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, and the electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application may include but is not limited to mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, ultra-mobile personal computers (ultra-mobile personal computers, UMPCs), personal digital assistants (personal digital assistants, PDAs for short), point of sales (Point of sales, POS) machines, intercoms, car computers, televisions, smart wearable devices (such as smart watches or smart bracelets, etc.), smart home devices (such as Bluetooth speakers, etc.), driving recorders, security equipment, and other electronic devices that can communicate with external devices. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the specific types of the above electronic devices. For the convenience of explanation, the following description is taken as an example of an electronic device being a mobile phone.

[0075] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein: Figure 1 (1) is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the electronic device. Figure 1 (2) is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the electronic device. Figure 1 As shown, the mobile phone 100 includes a display module 10 , a back cover (also called a battery cover) 20 and a middle frame 30 .

[0076] The display module 10 includes a cover plate and a display screen which are stacked. The cover plate, for example, protects the display screen. The display screen includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display screen, and an LED display screen, among which the LED display screen includes, for example, a Micro-LED display screen, a Mini-LED display screen, and the like. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the display screen.

[0077] The material of the back cover 20 may include, for example, opaque materials such as plastic, plain leather, and glass fiber; or may include translucent materials such as glass. The material of the back cover 20 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0078] The middle frame 30 includes an annular appearance member 31 and a support member (not shown) located inside the annular appearance member 31 and between the display module 10 and the back cover 20 .

[0079] The display module 10, the back cover (also called the battery cover) 20 and the annular appearance member 31 surround a housing cavity, and the housing cavity is provided with a battery, a printed circuit board (PCB) 40 and functional components arranged on the PCB 40 and other structures ( Figure 1 The functional devices may include, for example, a processor, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and a radio frequency front end module (RFFEM), and the devices are electrically connected through the PCB 40 to achieve signal transmission and interaction. The support member may support part of the structure in the accommodating cavity.

[0080] The processor may include one or more processing units, for example, the processor may include a baseband processor, an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a memory, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or a neural-network processing unit (NPU), etc. Different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0081] The annular appearance part 31 may include a top frame 311, a bottom frame 312, a left frame 313 and a right frame 314, and the top frame 311, the bottom frame 312, the left frame 313 and the right frame 314 form an appearance part 31 with a square ring structure. The top frame 311 and the bottom frame 312 are arranged opposite to each other, and the left frame 313 and the right frame 314 are arranged opposite to each other. The top frame 311 is connected with one end of the left frame 313 and one end of the right frame 314 in a rounded corner, and the bottom frame 312 is connected with the other end of the left frame 313 and the other end of the right frame 314 in a rounded corner, so as to form a rounded rectangular area together. The annular appearance part 31 can be a metal appearance part, a ceramic appearance part, a glass appearance part, etc. When the annular appearance part 31 is a metal appearance part, the material of the metal appearance part includes but is not limited to aluminum alloy, stainless steel, steel-aluminum composite die-casting plate or titanium alloy, etc.

[0082] For example, at least part of the annular appearance part 31 (such as a metal appearance part) can form an antenna module. The antenna module and the RF front-end module, RF integrated circuit and baseband processor on the PCB 40 constitute a radio frequency system, and the electronic device can achieve wireless communication with other devices through the radio frequency system.

[0083] It should be noted that the top, bottom, left and right are the positions of the frames when the user holds the mobile phone 100 and the display module 10 of the mobile phone 100 faces the user.

[0084] Understandably, Figure 1 The following figures and the related drawings only schematically show some components included in the mobile phone 100. The actual mobile phone 100 may have more or fewer components than those shown in the figures, or some components may be combined, or some components may be separated, or the components may be arranged differently. The components shown in the figures may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0085] It should be noted that Figure 1 In the embodiment, the mobile phone 100 is in a rectangular flat plate shape. In other optional embodiments, the shape of the electronic device can also be a square flat plate shape, a circular flat plate shape, an elliptical flat plate shape, etc. Of course, the electronic device can also be a foldable electronic device, etc.

[0086] See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a circuit structure of a radio frequency system provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the RF system 50 includes an antenna module 51, a RF front-end module 52, a RF integrated circuit 53 and a baseband processor 54. The antenna module 51, the RF front-end module 52, the RF integrated circuit 53 and the baseband processor 54 are coupled to realize various functions associated with transmitting and receiving RF signals.

[0087] For example, when the mobile phone 100 transmits a signal, the baseband processor 54 synthesizes the data to be transmitted (digital signal) into a baseband signal to be transmitted, and modulates the baseband signal into a baseband modulated signal and sends it to the RF integrated circuit 53. The RF integrated circuit 53 converts the baseband modulated signal into a transmitting signal (RF signal). After the transmitting signal is mixed, amplified, filtered, etc. by the RF front-end module 52, it is passed to the antenna module 51 and transmitted through the antenna module 51.

[0088] Correspondingly, when the mobile phone 100 needs to receive a signal, the antenna module 51 sends the received signal (RF signal) to the RF front-end module 52, and in the RF front-end module 52, a device with a switching function is used to switch to the corresponding receiving link. After amplifying, filtering, mixing, and other processing are performed on the RF signal through the receiving link, the RF signal is sent to the RF integrated circuit 53. The RF integrated circuit 53 processes the RF signal into a baseband modulation signal, and transmits the baseband modulation signal to the baseband processor 54. The baseband processor 54 converts the baseband modulation signal into a baseband signal, and converts the baseband signal into data and performs corresponding processing.

[0089] The above-mentioned electronic device may be an electronic device that supports simultaneous transmission and reception of LTE and NR dual standards.

[0090] It should be understood that for electronic devices that support simultaneous transmission and reception of LTE and NR dual standards, the RF front-end module supports simultaneous operation of 4G and 5G RF front-end channels.

[0091] It should also be understood that the above description is only an example listed for a better understanding of the technical solution of this embodiment, and is not the only limitation to this embodiment. With the development of communication technology, the above electronic device can also be other dual-mode simultaneous transceiver electronic devices, or, only supports one mode of transceiver, for example, an electronic device supporting 5GNR and future next-generation communication technology (for example, 6G), or, an electronic device supporting 4G and future next-generation communication technology (for example, 6G), or, an electronic device supporting only future next-generation communication technology (for example, 6G), etc., which is not limited here.

[0092] As can be seen from the above content, at least part of the annular appearance part 31 can form an antenna module. However, after research, it is found that for terminal devices used close to the human body, especially handheld terminals, when the human body or other conductors are close to the antenna module of the terminal device, the antenna radiation performance will change, causing the antenna radiation efficiency of the working frequency band to drop significantly, resulting in a phenomenon similar to the "death grip".

[0093] In order to solve this problem, the terminal device adopts a multi-antenna switching solution. When the terminal device senses that the performance of a certain antenna has dropped significantly, it will actively switch to other antennas with better performance of the terminal device for reception or transmission (hereinafter referred to as transceiver). This solution is generally referred to as dual antenna switching (transmit antenna switch, TAS) or multi-antenna switching (multi-transmit antenna switch, MAS). For the convenience of explanation, TAS is used for explanation below. It should be understood that in NSA mode, the NR system and LTE system of the terminal device can independently perform TAS functions and execute TAS services. Based on this, in NSA mode, the terminal device may simultaneously perform TAS services in the NR band and TAS services in the LTE band.

[0094] In the related art, different frequency bands of services use different antennas and different RF front-end modules for separate transmission and reception, which leads to Figure 2 The RF system shown needs to set up different antennas and RF front-end modules for different services. However, due to the limited size of electronic equipment, too many antennas will cause the distance between antennas to be close, affecting the isolation between antennas, which will lead to a decrease in throughput. Therefore, Figure 2 The RF system shown often adopts a common antenna and / or common RF front-end design, and services in different frequency bands use the same antenna and / or RF front-end for simultaneous transmission and reception, that is, the frequency band services of the RF signals in the 5G network and the frequency band services of the RF signals in the 4G network use the same antenna and / or RF front-end for simultaneous transmission and reception.

[0095] For example, see Figure 3 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a radio frequency front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, B39_MDRX, B1_B3_MDRX, B41_PRX, n41_TX, n41_DRX, B39_MDRX, B1_B3_MPRX, MB_TRX / n41_MPRX and a common receiving link are connected to antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 and ANT4 in the antenna module through switch module 1, switch module 2, switch module 3 and switch module 4, as well as frequency division combiner 1 and frequency division combiner 2. The transmission and reception of signals such as B1 band, B3 band, B39 band, B41 band, n41 and other intermediate frequencies are realized through antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 and ANT4. That is to say, the RF front-end module and four antennas can realize the transmission and reception of more than four RF signals.

[0096] in, Figure 3The public receiving link in the communication channel refers to the link shared by the diversity receiving of B1, B3 and other signals, that is, it can be used as the diversity receiving link of B1 signal or the diversity receiving link of B3 signal, etc. MB_TRX / n41_MPRX refers to the receiving and transmitting link of intermediate frequency signal or the main receiving link of MIMO of n41 signal.

[0097] It should be noted that Figure 3 The types and quantities of antennas, transmission links, and reception links in the circuit structure shown in FIG. 1 are only examples. Figure 3 On the basis shown in the figure, more antennas, transmission links and receiving links can be included according to product specifications, and multiple transmission links or multiple receiving links can be partially merged or split through devices in the RF front-end module, such as duplexers, etc., and filters, switch modules and other devices can be configured on the link according to the requirements of specific frequency bands. Figure 3 The circuit structure shown does not cause any limitation to the application scenarios of the RF front-end module in the embodiment of the present application. The following contents are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0098] The following is based on Figure 3 The RF front-end module shown provides an exemplary description of the process of implementing the TAS function.

[0099] When the TAS function is not performed, MB_TRX can be connected to antenna ANT3 through the b-1 channel of switch module 4 and frequency division combiner 2, the common receiving link (common diversity receiving link) can be connected to antenna ANT4 through the c-2 channel of switch module 4, B1_B3_MPRX is connected to antenna ANT2 through the d-1 channel of switch module 3 and frequency division combiner 1, and B1_B3_MDRX is connected to antenna ANT1 through the b-1 channel of switch module 1 and the a-1 channel of switch module 2.

[0100] When performing the TAS function, MB_TRX can be connected to antenna ANT1 through the b-3 channel of switch module 4 and the d-1 channel of switch module 2, and B1_B3_MDRX can be connected to antenna ANT3 through the b-1 channel of switch module 1, the a-2 channel of switch module 2, the a-2 channel of switch module 3, the a-1 channel of switch module 4 and the frequency division combiner 2, that is, MB_TRX is switched from antenna ANT3 to antenna ANT1, and B1_B3_MDRX is switched from antenna ANT1 to antenna ANT3.

[0101] Of course, MB_TRX can also switch to antenna ANT2, and B1_B3_MPRX can also switch to ANT3. Specifically, MB_TRX can be connected to antenna ANT2 through the b-3 channel of switch module 4, the d-2 channel of switch module 2, the a-1 channel of switch module 3 and the frequency division combiner 1, and B1_B3_MPRX is connected to antenna ANT3 through the d-2 channel of switch module 3, the a-1 channel of switch module 4 and the frequency division combiner 2, that is, MB_TRX is switched from antenna ANT3 to antenna ANT2, and B1_B3_MPRX is switched from antenna ANT2 to antenna ANT3.

[0102] It can be understood that the above only exemplarily shows the switching between the MB_TRX link, the B1_B3_MDRX link, the B1_B3_MPRX link and the antenna ANT1, the antenna ANT2 and the antenna ANT3. Other link switching can be understood by reference and will not be described here one by one.

[0103] It can be seen that Figure 3 In the RF front-end module shown, in order to realize the TAS function, the signal corresponding to each link needs to pass through multiple switch modules connected in series. For example, B1_B3_MDRX is connected to antenna ANT3 through the b-1 channel of switch module 1, the a-2 channel of switch module 2, the a-2 channel of switch module 3, the a-1 channel of switch module 4 and the frequency division combiner 2, that is, it needs to pass through four switch modules to realize the TAS function; for another example, MB_TRX can be connected to antenna ANT2 through the b-3 channel of switch module 4, the d-2 channel of switch module 2, the a-1 channel of switch module 3 and the frequency division combiner 1, that is, it needs to pass through three switch modules to realize the TAS function. This results in a large insertion loss of each link, and as the number of antennas increases and the antenna switching capability improves, the insertion loss of each link increases. In addition, there are some frequency bands, such as B39, which do not require TAS switching. If using Figure 3 The RF front-end module B39 shown also requires passive receive TAS switching, which further leads to increased insertion loss and increased cost.

[0104] In order to solve the above problems, the present application embodiment provides a gating circuit, which can be applied to a radio frequency front-end module, thereby enabling the radio frequency front-end module to be applied to Figure 2 In the RF system shown in the figure. The gating circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application can realize arbitrary switching of multiple single-input multiple-output input ports and multiple multiple-input single-output output ports by adopting integrated multi-port switching, thereby realizing switching between multiple antennas. Compared with multiple cascaded switch modules to realize antenna switching, the circuit structure is simplified, the channel insertion loss is small, the multi-antenna switching capability is improved, and the hardware conflict under dual cards can be reduced.

[0105] The gating circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0106] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 The circuit structure diagram of a gating circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the gating circuit 521 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes N SIMO input ports 5211, M MIMO output ports 5212, N input switching nodes 5213, M antenna switching nodes 5214 and N gating links, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. Exemplarily, some of the N SIMO input ports 5211 are, for example, frequency division duplex (FDD) ports, and some of the N SIMO input ports 5211 are, for example, time division duplex (TDD) frequency band ports.

[0107] The N SIMO input ports 5211 are electrically connected to the N input switching nodes 5213 in one-to-one correspondence, the N input switching nodes 5213 are electrically connected to the N selection links in one-to-one correspondence, and the M antenna switching nodes 5214 are electrically connected to the M MIMO output ports 5212 in one-to-one correspondence.

[0108] Each gating link includes M gating sub-links, the M gating sub-links of the i-th gating link and the i-th SIMO input port 5211 are coupled to the i-th input switching node 5213, and the j-th gating sub-links of the N gating links are all coupled to the j-th antenna switching node 5214, wherein i is a positive integer greater than 0 and less than or equal to N, and j is a positive integer greater than 0 and less than or equal to M. In other words, each input switching node 5213 can be connected to different antenna switching nodes 5214, and the link between an input switching node 5213 and an antenna switching node 5214 is a gating sub-link, and all links between an input switching node 5213 and M antenna switching nodes 5214 are gating links corresponding to the input switching node 5213.

[0109] For example, see Figure 4The gating circuit 521 includes two SIMO input ports 5211 and two MIMO output ports 5212. The two SIMO input ports 5211 include a first SIMO input port 5211a and a second SIMO input port 5211b. The two MIMO output ports 5212 include a first MIMO output port 5212a and a second MIMO output port 5212b. Accordingly, the number of input switching nodes 5213 is two, the number of antenna switching nodes 5214 is two, the two input switching nodes 5213 include a first input switching node 5213a and a second input switching node 5213b, and the two antenna switching nodes 5214 include a first antenna switching node 5214a and a second antenna switching node 5214b. The link between the first input switching node 5213a and the first antenna switching node 5214a is a gating sub-link, and the link between the first input switching node 5213a and the second antenna switching node 5214b is another gating sub-link, and the two gating sub-links are the gating links corresponding to the first input switching node 5213a. The link between the second input switching node 5213b and the first antenna switching node 5214a is a gating sub-link, and the link between the second input switching node 5213b and the second antenna switching node 5214b is another gating sub-link, and the two gating sub-links are the gating links corresponding to the second input switching node 5213b. A total of two gating links are included.

[0110] That is to say, the two gating sub-links of the first gating link are coupled to the first single-input multiple-output input port 5211a to the first input switching node 5213a, the two gating sub-links of the second gating link are coupled to the second single-input multiple-output input port 5211b to the second input switching node 5213b, and the first gating sub-links of the two gating links are coupled to the first antenna switching node 5214a, and the second gating sub-links of the two gating links are coupled to the second antenna switching node 5214b. In this way, free switching between the two single-input multiple-output input ports 5211 and the two multiple-input single-output output ports 5212 can be achieved. When the gating circuit is applied to a radio frequency system, TAS switching between the antennas can be achieved.

[0111] For example, see Figure 5 , Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another gating circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5As shown, the selection circuit 521 includes five single-input multiple-output input ports 5211 and three multiple-input single-output output ports 5212. The five single-input multiple-output input ports 5211 include a first single-input multiple-output input port 5211a, a second single-input multiple-output input port 5211b, a third single-input multiple-output input port 5211c, a fourth single-input multiple-output input port 5211d and a fifth single-input multiple-output input port 5211e, and the three multiple-input single-output output ports 5212 include a first multiple-input single-output output port 5212a, a second multiple-input single-output output port 5212b and a third multiple-input single-output output port 5212c. Correspondingly, the number of input switching nodes 5213 is five, the number of antenna switching nodes 5214 is three, the five input switching nodes 5213 include a first input switching node 5213a, a second input switching node 5213b, a third input switching node 5213c, a fourth input switching node 5213d and a fifth input switching node 5213e, and the three antenna switching nodes 5214 include a first antenna switching node 5214a, a second antenna switching node 5214b and a third antenna switching node 5214c. The link between the first input switching node 5213a and the first antenna switching node 5214a is a gating sub-link, the link between the first input switching node 5213a and the second antenna switching node 5214b is a second gating sub-link, and the link between the first input switching node 5213a and the third antenna switching node 5214c is a third gating sub-link, and the three gating sub-links are the gating links corresponding to the first input switching node 5213a. The link between the second input switch node 5213b and the first antenna switch node 5214a is a gating sub-link, the link between the second input switch node 5213b and the second antenna switch node 5214b is the second gating sub-link, the link between the second input switch node 5213b and the third antenna switch node 5214c is the third gating sub-link, and the three gating sub-links are the gating links corresponding to the second input switch node 5213b. The link between the third input switch node 5213c and the first antenna switch node 5214a is a gating sub-link, the link between the third input switch node 5213c and the second antenna switch node 5214b is the second gating sub-link, the link between the third input switch node 5213c and the third antenna switch node 5214c is the third gating sub-link, and the three gating sub-links are the gating links corresponding to the third input switch node 5213c.The link between the fourth input switching node 5213d and the first antenna switching node 5214a is a gating sub-link, the link between the fourth input switching node 5213d and the second antenna switching node 5214b is the second gating sub-link, the link between the fourth input switching node 5213d and the third antenna switching node 5214c is the third gating sub-link, and the three gating sub-links are the gating links corresponding to the third input switching node 5213c. The link between the fifth input switching node 5213e and the first antenna switching node 5214a is a gating sub-link, the link between the fifth input switching node 5213e and the second antenna switching node 5214b is the second gating sub-link, the link between the fifth input switching node 5213e and the third antenna switching node 5214c is the third gating sub-link, and the three gating sub-links are the gating links corresponding to the fifth input switching node 5213e. A total of five gating links are included.

[0112] That is, the three gating sub-links of the first gating link and the first SIMO input port 5211a are coupled to the first input switching node 5213a, the three gating sub-links of the second gating link and the second SIMO input port 5211b are coupled to the second input switching node 5213b, the three gating sub-links of the third gating link and the third SIMO input port 5211c are coupled to the third input switching node 5213c, the three gating sub-links of the fourth gating link and the fourth SIMO input port 5211d are coupled to the fourth input switching node 5213d, and the three gating sub-links of the fifth gating link and the third SIMO input port 5211c are coupled to the third input switching node 5213c. The link is coupled to the fifth single-input multiple-output input port 5211e at the fifth input switching node 5213e, and the first enabling sub-links of the five enabling links are coupled to the first antenna switching node 5214a, the second enabling sub-links of the five enabling links are coupled to the second antenna switching node 5214b, and the third enabling sub-links of the five enabling links are coupled to the third antenna switching node 5214c. In this way, free switching between the five single-input multiple-output input ports 5211 and the three multiple-input single-output output ports 5212 can be achieved. When the enabling circuit is applied to a radio frequency system, TAS switching between the antennas can be achieved.

[0113] In summary, by adopting integrated multi-port switching, multiple single-input multiple-output input ports and multiple multiple-input single-output output ports can be switched arbitrarily, thereby realizing switching between multiple antennas. Compared with multiple cascaded switch modules to realize antenna switching, it simplifies the circuit structure, reduces channel insertion loss, improves multi-antenna switching capability, and can reduce hardware conflicts under dual cards.

[0114] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific values ​​of N and M, and those skilled in the art can set them according to actual conditions. The relationship between N and M is also not limited, that is, N and M can be the same or different. When N and M are different, N can be greater than M, or N can be less than M. When N can be greater than M, that is, radio frequency signals of multiple frequency bands can be transmitted and received through a smaller number of antennas, reducing the number of antennas and simplifying the structure of the radio frequency system.

[0115] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 , the N SIMO input ports 5211 include at least one first SIMO input port, wherein, Figure 5 The N SIMO input ports 5211 include a first SIMO input port, and the first SIMO input port is Figure 5 The fifth single-input multiple-output input port 5211e in the example is used for explanation. The fifth single-input multiple-output input port 5211e at least includes a first transmitting sub-port 5211e1 and a first receiving sub-port 5211e2, and the three selection sub-links corresponding to the first transmitting sub-port 5211e1, the first receiving sub-port 5211e2 and the fifth single-input multiple-output input port 5211e are coupled to the fifth input switching node 5213e, the first transmitting sub-port 5211e1 is used to transmit a radio frequency signal of a preset frequency band number, and the first receiving sub-port 5211e2 is used to receive a radio frequency signal of a preset frequency band number, and the preset frequency band number includes a time division duplexing (TDD) frequency band. When the preset frequency band number is the TDD frequency band, when the first transmitting subport 5211e1 transmits the RF signal of the preset frequency band number, the first receiving subport 5211e2 does not receive the RF signal of the preset frequency band number; when the first receiving subport 5211e2 receives the RF signal of the preset frequency band number, the first transmitting subport 5211e1 does not transmit the RF signal of the preset frequency band number.

[0116] That is, the first single-input multiple-output input port is designed for the association of receiving and transmitting, and uses a separate logic controller to implement the time-division duplex frequency band to support the frequency-division duplex antenna switching logic to meet the requirements of multiple platforms.

[0117] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 , the gating circuit 521 further includes L single-input single-output input ports 5211f, which are electrically connected to the L antenna switching nodes in the M antenna switching nodes in a one-to-one correspondence; L is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, wherein, Figure 4 The example in which the selection circuit 521 further includes a SISO input port 5211f and the SISO input port 5211 is electrically connected to the second antenna switch node 5214b is used to support TDD frequency band use or MIMO reception use.

[0118] That is, corresponding to the single-input and single-output scenario, the frequency band that does not require dual-antenna switching (transmit antenna switch, TAS) or multi-antenna switching (multi-transmit antenna switch, MAS) function can be directly output. Compared with the prior art, even the frequency band that does not require the TAS or MAS function needs to accept the TAS or MAS function, avoiding insertion loss in the RF path.

[0119] Continue to see Figure 5 When the L single-input single-output input ports 5211f are used to support the use of the time division duplex frequency band, the L single-input single-output input ports 5211f can also be combined ports (such as combined with the 5211g port), which can realize the low insertion loss reception design of the TDD frequency band RX time slot, and can also realize frequency combining by forming a combiner or a phase shift scheme through an external frequency notch.

[0120] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 or Figure 5 Each gated sub-link includes at least one first switch S. For example, the first switch S can be controlled by the radio frequency integrated circuit 53 to gate the corresponding gated sub-link.

[0121] This arrangement enables each gating sub-link to be controlled individually, thereby achieving simultaneous and / or non-simultaneous control of different gating sub-links, thereby meeting different operating frequency band requirements.

[0122] Exemplarily, the first switch S includes, for example, a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOS transistor) or the like, which can realize a switching function and has a small insertion loss.

[0123] On this basis, at least some of the (M×N) gated sub-links work simultaneously and transmit signals of different frequency bands. That is, a multi-port simultaneous conduction (multi on) solution can be realized, so that when the gated sub-link needs to support simultaneous operation between different frequencies, there is no need to add a combiner or equivalent device to the channel. A combiner or phase shift solution can be formed by adding an external frequency notch to reduce insertion loss.

[0124] For example, see Figure 4, the first MIMO port 5212a supports the link between the first input switching node 5213a and the first antenna switching node 5214a, and the link between the second SIMO input port 5211b1 and the first antenna switching node 5214a operates simultaneously; or, the first MIMO port 5212a supports the link between the first input switching node 5213a and the first antenna switching node 5214a, and the link between the second SIMO input port 5211b2 and the first antenna switching node 5214a operates simultaneously.

[0125] The second MIMO port 5212b supports a link between the first input switching node 5213a and the second antenna switching node 5214b, and a link between the second SIMO port 5211b1 and the second antenna switching node 5214b operates simultaneously; or, the second MIMO port 5212b supports a link between the first input switching node 5213a and the second antenna switching node 5214b, and a link between the second SIMO port 5211b2 and the second antenna switching node 5214b operates simultaneously; or, the second MIMO port 5212b supports a link between the first input switching node 5213a and the second antenna switching node 5214b. The link between the second single-input multiple-output port 5211b1 and the second antenna switching node 5214b, and the link between the single-input single-output port 5211f and the second antenna switching node 5214b operate simultaneously; or, the second multiple-input single-output port 5212b supports the link between the second single-input multiple-output input port 5211b1 and the second antenna switching node 5214b, and the link between the single-input single-output port 5211f and the second antenna switching node 5214b operate simultaneously; or, the second multiple-input single-output port 5212b supports the link between the second single-input multiple-output input port 5211b2 and the second antenna switching node 5214b, and the link between the single-input single-output port 5211f and the second antenna switching node 5214b operate simultaneously.

[0126] For example, see Figure 5 Table 1 shows the working status of each selected sub-link. In Table 1, "-" means that it can be opened at the same time or not, which is not important; "X" means that it can work at the same time without involving port overlap; "Y" means that it can work at the same time, involving port overlap, and enters the multi-on state when working at the same time. In addition, Figure 5The "start" represents the single-input multiple-output input port, and the "end" represents the multiple-input single-output output port. 1 represents 5211a, 2 represents 5211b, 3 represents 5211c, 4 represents 5211d, 5 represents 5211e1, 6 represents 5211e2, 7 represents the first 5211f, 8 represents the first 5211g, 9 represents the second 5211f, and 10 represents the second 5211g; A represents 5212a, B represents 5212b, and C represents 5212c.

[0127] Table 1

[0128]

[0129]

[0130] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 or Figure 5 , at least one first switch S is also grounded through a second switch C to change the isolation of the circuit. The number of first switches S grounded through second switches C is not limited in this application and can be increased or decreased according to isolation requirements.

[0131] Exemplarily, each first switch S is grounded via the second switch C; or, some of the first switches S among the plurality of first switches S are grounded via the second switch C.

[0132] Exemplarily, the second switch C includes a device such as a MOS tube that can realize a switch function.

[0133] The structure of the gating circuit 521 is introduced above. It can be seen from the above content that the insertion loss of the gating circuit 521 provided in the embodiment of the present application is small. Figure 5 ,right Figure 5 The insertion loss of each gating sub-link in the gating circuit shown is exemplarily described, wherein: Figure 5 In the figure, a triangular node represents a node with two channels at a common end, or a similar design with the same function; a quadrilateral node represents a node with three channels at a common end, or a similar design with the same function; a pentagonal node represents a node with four channels at a common end, or a similar design with the same function. According to the current common process level in the industry, taking the 2.5GHz frequency point, the typical insertion loss is as follows: the mismatch insertion loss of the triangular node is 0.1dB; the mismatch insertion loss of the quadrilateral node is 0.15dB; the mismatch insertion loss of the pentagonal node is 0.2dB; the insertion loss of the first switch S is 0.1dB.

[0134] Refer to Table 2, which is the insertion loss estimate of each enabled sub-link. In addition, in Table 2, 1 represents 5211a, 2 represents 5211b, 3 represents 5211c, 4 represents 5211d, 5 represents 5211e1, 6 represents 5211e2, 7 represents the first 5211f, 8 represents the first 5211g, 9 represents the second 5211f, and 10 represents the second 5211g; A represents 5212a, B represents 5212b, and C represents 5212c.

[0135] Table 2

[0136]

[0137]

[0138] It can be seen from Table 2 that the insertion loss of each gating sub-link is basically less than 1 dB, that is, compared with multiple cascaded switch modules to achieve antenna switching, the insertion loss of each gating sub-link in the gating circuit provided in the embodiment of the present application is smaller.

[0139] The specific application scenarios of the gating circuit provided in the embodiments of the present application are exemplified below.

[0140] In one scenario, see Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a radio frequency front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, the RF front-end module 52 includes the above-mentioned gating circuit 521, and the RF front-end module 52 also includes a first switch module 522. The first switch module 522 includes, for example, a first multi-pole multi-throw switch. Figure 6 The first multi-pole multi-throw switch includes a three-pole three-throw switch. The N single-input multiple-output input ports 5211 include at least one second single-input multiple-output input port, and the M multiple-input single-output output ports 5212 include at least one first multiple-input single-output output port, wherein: Figure 6 The gating circuit included in the RF front-end module 52 is Figure 5 The gating circuit 521 shown in the figure is used as an example for explanation, and Figure 6 In the example, the N SIMO input ports 5211 include a second SIMO input port, the M MIMO output ports 5212 include a first MIMO output port, and the second SIMO input port is Figure 6 The first single-input multiple-output input port 5211a in the embodiment of the present invention is Figure 6 The description is made taking the first multiple-input single-output port 5212a in the example.

[0141] The first multiple-input single-output port 5212a is electrically connected to the input port a of the first switch module 522, the second single-input multiple-output port 5211a is electrically connected to the output port 1 of the first switch module 522, the second multiple-input single-output port 5212b and the third multiple-input single-output port 5212c are electrically connected to the antenna ANT1 and the antenna ANT2 respectively, and the output port 2 and the output port 3 of the first switch module 522 are electrically connected to the antenna ANT3 and the antenna ANT4 respectively.

[0142] B1_B3_MPRX, B1_B3_MDRX, n41_DRX, n41_TX, B39_MDRX, n41_PRX, B39_MPRX, B39_MDRX, n78, MHB_TRX and the common receiving link are connected to the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 and ANT4 in the antenna module 51 through the gating circuit 521 and the first switch module 522. The gating circuit 521 and the first switch module 522 cross-switches to realize TAS or MAS switching between the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 and ANT4, and then realize the transmission and reception of B1 band, B3 band, B39 band, n78 band, n41 and other medium and high frequency signals through the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 and ANT4.

[0143] The following is based on Figure 6 The RF front-end module shown provides an exemplary description of the process of implementing the TAS function.

[0144] When the TAS function is not performed, MHB_TRX can be connected to antenna ANT3 through the b-2 channel of the three-pole three-throw switch, the common receive link (common diversity receive link) can be connected to antenna ANT4 through the c-3 channel of the three-pole three-throw switch, B1_B3_MPRX is connected to antenna ANT1 through the second single-input multiple-output input port 5211b, the second input switching node 5213b, the first switch S22, the first switch S89, the second antenna switching node 5214b and the second multiple-input single-output output port 5212b, and B1_B3_MDRX is connected to antenna ANT2 through the third single-input multiple-output input port 5211c, the third input switching node 5213c, the first switch S33, the first switch S96, the third antenna switching node 5214c and the third multiple-input single-output output port 5212c.

[0145] When performing the TAS function, MHB_TRX can be connected to the antenna ANT1 through the b-1 channel of the three-pole three-throw switch, the first single-input multiple-output input port 5211a, the first input switching node 5213a, the first switch S12, the first switch S86, the node Q11, the first switch S90, the second antenna switching node 5214b and the second multiple-input single-output output port 5212b, and B1_B3_MPRX is connected to the antenna ANT3 through the second single-input multiple-output input port 5211b, the second input switching node 5213b, the first switch S21, the first switch S81, the node T14, the first switch S84, the first antenna switching node 5214a and the first multiple-input single-output output port 5212a, and the a-2 channel of the three-pole three-throw switch.

[0146] It is understandable that the above only exemplarily shows the switching between the MHB_TRX link, the B1_B3_MPRX link and the antenna ANT1 and the antenna ANT3, and the switching of other links can be understood by reference, and will not be repeated here. From the above content, it can be known that the gating circuit 521 can realize the switching between any antennas.

[0147] In another scenario, see Figure 7 , Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another RF front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, different from the above scenario, the first switch module 522 also includes a second multi-pole multi-throw switch. Figure 7 The description is made by taking the second MPMT switch including a DPDT switch as an example; the N SIMO input ports 5211 include at least one third SIMO input port, Figure 7 The N SIMO input ports 5211 include a third SIMO input port, and the third SIMO input port is Figure 5 The description is made by taking the first transmitting subport 5211e1 in the fifth SIMO input port 5211e as an example.

[0148] An output port 2 of the double-pole double-throw switch is electrically connected to the first transmitting subport 5211e1 in the fifth single-input multiple-output input port 5211e, and an output port 1 of the double-pole double-throw switch is electrically connected to the antenna ANT5.

[0149] B1_B3_MPRX, B1_B3_MDRX, n41_DRX, n41_TX, n41_PRX, B39_MDRX, B39_MPRX, B39_MDRX, MHB_TRX and the common receiving link are connected to the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, ANT4 and ANT5 in the antenna module 51 through the three-pole three-throw switch and the double-pole double-throw switch in the selection circuit 521 and the first switch module 522. The three-pole three-throw switch and the double-pole double-throw switch in the selection circuit 521 and the first switch module 522 are cross-switched to realize TAS or MAS switching between the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, ANT4 and ANT5, and then the transmission and reception of B1 band, B3 band, B39 band, n41 and other medium and high frequency signals are realized through the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, ANT4 and ANT5.

[0150] Figure 7 The process of the RF front-end module shown in the figure to implement the TAS function is the same as the above example. The specific switching process can be understood by referring to the above content and will not be repeated here.

[0151] In another scenario, see Figure 8 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another RF front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the above scenario ( Figure 7 The difference between the corresponding scenario and the first switch module 522 is that the first switch module 522 includes a third multi-pole multi-throw switch, Figure 8 The third multi-pole multi-throw switch includes a double-pole double-throw switch as an example for description. One of the input ports (such as input port b) of the double-pole double-throw switch is electrically connected to the first multi-input single-output output port 5212a, one of the output ports (such as output port 1) of the double-pole double-throw switch is electrically connected to the input port (input port a) of the three-pole three-throw switch, and one of the output ports (such as output port 2) of the double-pole double-throw switch is electrically connected to the antenna ANT5.

[0152] B1_B3_MPRX, B1_B3_MDRX, n41_DRX, n41_TX, n41_PRX, B39_MDRX, B39_MPRX, MHB_TRX and the common receiving link are connected to the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, ANT4 and ANT5 in the antenna module 51 through the three-pole three-throw switch and the double-pole double-throw switch in the selection circuit 521 and the first switch module 522. The three-pole three-throw switch and the double-pole double-throw switch in the selection circuit 521 and the first switch module 522 are cross-switched to realize TAS or MAS switching between the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, ANT4 and ANT5, and then the transmission and reception of B1 band, B3 band, B39 band, n41 and other medium and high frequency signals are realized through the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, ANT4 and ANT5.

[0153] Figure 8 The process of the RF front-end module shown in the figure to implement the TAS function is the same as the above example. The specific switching process can be understood by referring to the above content and will not be repeated here.

[0154] In another scenario, see Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a circuit structure of another RF front-end module provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided for the purpose of clearly showing Fig. 9 The invention point, Fig. 9 Only the SIMO input port 5211 and the MISO output port 5212 of the gating circuit 521 are shown, and the specific structure of the gating circuit 521 is not shown. Fig. 9 As shown, there are multiple gating circuits 521, and the multiple gating circuits 521 include a first gating circuit 521a and a second gating circuit 521b. At least one MIMO output port 5212 of the first gating circuit 521a is electrically connected to at least one SIMO input port 5211 of the second gating circuit 521b, and at least one MIMO output port 5212 of the second gating circuit 521b is electrically connected to at least one SIMO input port 5211 of the first gating circuit 521a. Fig. 9 The description is made by taking the example that the first MIMO output port 5212a of the first selection circuit 521a is electrically connected to the first SIMO input port 5211a of the second selection circuit 521b, and the first MIMO output port 5212a of the second selection circuit 521b is electrically connected to the first SIMO input port 5211a of the first selection circuit 521a.

[0155] On this basis, see Fig. 9 The first gating circuit 521a and the second gating circuit 521b can also cooperate with a switch module, such as a single-pole four-throw switch and a single-pole double-throw switch, to achieve transmission of signals in more frequency bands.

[0156] Exemplarily, B1_B3_MPRX, B1_B3_MDRX, n41_DRX, n41_TX, n41_PRX, B39_MDRX, B41_TRX, B1_TRX, B3_TRX, B2_TRX, HB_TX, B34_39_PRX, B39_TX, B7_TX, B41_MPRX and a common receiving link are connected to antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 and ANT4 in the antenna module 51 through a first gating circuit 521a and a second gating circuit 521b. The first gating circuit 521a and the second gating circuit 521b are cross-switched to achieve TAS or MAS switching between antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 and ANT4, thereby achieving transmission and reception of signals such as B1 band, B2 band, B3 band, B7 band, B34 band, B39 band, n41 and other high frequencies through antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 and ANT4.

[0157] It can be seen from the above scenarios that the gating circuit provided in the embodiments of the present application has a wide range of applications, that is, it can be applied to various RF front-end modules and realize TAS switching with other devices.

[0158] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A gating circuit, characterized in that: include: N single-input multiple-output input ports, M multiple-input single-output output ports, N input switching nodes, M antenna switching nodes and N gating links, where N and M are both positive integers greater than or equal to 2; The N single-input multiple-output input ports are electrically connected to the N input switching nodes in a one-to-one correspondence, the N input switching nodes are electrically connected to the N gating links in a one-to-one correspondence, and the M antenna switching nodes are electrically connected to the M multiple-input single-output output ports in a one-to-one correspondence; Each of the gating links includes M gating sub-links, the M gating sub-links of the i-th gating link and the i-th single-input multiple-output input port are coupled to the i-th input switching node, and the j-th gating sub-links of the N gating links are coupled to the j-th antenna switching node, wherein i is a positive integer greater than 0 and less than or equal to N, and j is a positive integer greater than 0 and less than or equal to M.

2. The gating circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: N and M satisfy: N is greater than M.

3. The gating circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gating circuit also includes L single-input single-output input ports, which are electrically connected to L of the M antenna switching nodes in a one-to-one correspondence; L is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

4. The gating circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The L single-input single-output input ports are used to support time division duplex frequency band usage, or MIMO reception usage.

5. The gating circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The N single-input multiple-output input ports include at least one first single-input multiple-output input port, the first single-input multiple-output input port includes at least a first transmitting sub-port and a first receiving sub-port, the first transmitting sub-port, the first receiving sub-port and the M selection sub-links corresponding to the first single-input multiple-output input port are coupled to the input switching node corresponding to the first single-input multiple-output input port, the first transmitting sub-port is used to transmit a radio frequency signal of a preset frequency band number, the first receiving sub-port is used to receive a radio frequency signal of the preset frequency band number, and the preset frequency band number includes a time division duplex frequency band.

6. The gating circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the gated sub-links includes at least one first switch.

7. The gating circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that: At least one of the first switches is further connected to ground via a second switch.

8. The gating circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: At least part of the (M×N) selected sub-links operate simultaneously and transmit signals of different frequency bands.

9. A radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that: include: At least one gating circuit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The RF front-end module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The RF front-end module also includes a first switch module; The N said SIMO input ports include at least one second SIMO input port, and the M said MISO output ports include at least one first MISO output port; At least one of the first MIMO output ports is electrically connected to at least one input port of the first switch module, and at least one of the second MIMO input ports is electrically connected to at least one output port of the first switch module.

11. The RF front-end module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first switch module includes a first multi-pole multi-throw switch; At least one of the first MIMO output ports is electrically connected to at least one input port of the first MPMT switch, and at least one of the second MIMO input ports is electrically connected to at least one output port of the first MPMT switch.

12. The RF front-end module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first switch module further includes a second multi-pole multi-throw switch; The N said SIMO input ports include at least one third SIMO input port; At least one output port of the second multi-pole multi-throw switch is electrically connected to at least one of the third single-input multiple-output input ports.

13. The RF front-end module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first switch module further includes a third multi-pole multi-throw switch; One of the input ports of the third multi-pole multi-throw switch is electrically connected to the first multi-input single-output port, and one of the output ports of the third multi-pole multi-throw switch is electrically connected to the input port of the first multi-pole multi-throw switch.

14. The RF front-end module according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that: The number of the gating circuits is multiple, and the multiple gating circuits include a first gating circuit and a second gating circuit; At least one MIMO output port of the first gating circuit is electrically connected to at least one SIMO input port of the second gating circuit, and at least one MIMO output port of the second gating circuit is electrically connected to at least one SIMO input port of the first gating circuit.

15. A radio frequency system, characterized in that: include: Multiple antennas and a radio frequency front-end module as described in any one of claims 9 to 14; At least part of the plurality of antennas are electrically connected to at least part of the M MISO ports in a one-to-one correspondence.

16. The radio frequency system according to claim 15, characterized in that: When the RF front-end module further includes a first switch module, at least one output port of the first switch module is electrically connected to at least one of the antennas.

17. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: Baseband processor; A radio frequency integrated circuit, electrically connected to the baseband processor; The radio frequency system according to claim 15 or 16, electrically connected to the radio frequency integrated circuit.

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