Couplers, coupling methods and systems

Abstract

This application provides a coupler, coupling method, and system. The coupler includes a main signal channel and a coupling channel. The main signal channel is used as the signal channel of the coupler; the coupling channel is used to couple the signal of the main signal channel. The main signal channel includes a first port and a second port, which are respectively used as the input port and output port of the coupler. The coupling channel includes a third port, a fourth port, and a fifth port. This system can address the challenges of various signal scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to communication technology, and more particularly to a coupler, coupling method, and system. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of technology, various technologies can be applied to different scenarios. For example, in some technical scenarios, it is necessary to monitor and calibrate the power of the signal, but in other scenarios, a set of common antennas that can transmit and receive signals simultaneously is needed to achieve signal synchronization. This is the current technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a coupler, coupling method, and system. It addresses the challenges posed by various signals in different scenarios, and the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a coupler, including:

[0005] The main signal channel is used as the signal channel of the coupler; the coupling channel is used to couple the signal of the main signal channel. The main signal channel includes a first port and a second port, which are respectively used as the input port and output port of the coupler; the coupling channel includes a third port, a fourth port and a fifth port.

[0006] It should be noted that among these five ports, the main signal channel is used as the signal channel of the coupler, including a first port and a second port. The first port and the second port are used as the input port and output port of the coupler, respectively. The coupling channel includes a third port, a fourth port, and a fifth port. This coupling channel is used to couple the signal of the main signal channel, so that the signal can be coupled to the third port or the fourth port for sampling. In some scenarios, the sampled signal can be calibrated, monitored, or grounded, or one or more of these operations can be performed. The fifth port on the coupling channel can serve as a connection point, connecting the coupler to the external area of ​​the chip it is located in. For example, this connection point can be Ground-Signal-Ground (GSG). The coupler can output its coupled signal outward through the fifth port and then transmit it back to the chip through external transmission, thereby solving the problem of significant interference and signal loss when certain signals are transmitted inside the coupler.

[0007] With five ports on the main signal channel and the coupling channel, the coupler can transmit signals on the main signal channel and connect to external devices through the ports on the coupling channel to meet the different needs of different scenarios, thus meeting the challenges of various signals in different scenarios.

[0008] For example, when addressing a scenario requiring both business data transmission and shared-antenna data transmission, the coupler's main signal channel can guarantee the basic signal transmission requirements of business data. Furthermore, two ports on the coupling channel can be allocated to fulfill one or more of the following needs during business data transmission: calibration, monitoring, or grounding. Then, through the last port, it connects to the external chip containing the coupler, allowing signals received by the coupler that are unsuitable for transmission within the chip to be output externally and then transmitted back to the chip after being returned from the external source. This approach effectively addresses the challenges of both business data transmission and shared-antenna scenarios.

[0009] Of course, when there are many functional requirements in a scenario and the port is insufficient to implement all functions, two functions can be implemented by using one port on the coupling channel. That is, an external power splitter can be connected to the port to meet the challenges of more requirements in different scenarios.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the coupler further includes: a sixth port; the coupling channel includes a second coupling path and a third coupling path, wherein the second coupling path includes the third port and the fourth port, and the second coupling path is used to transmit signals between the third port and the fourth port; the third coupling channel includes the fifth port and the sixth port, and the third coupling path is used to transmit signals between the fifth port and the sixth port.

[0011] The coupling channel of the coupler can also include more coupling paths, and each coupling path can include more ports. On the one hand, such a coupler can cope with more scenario requirements and thus meet the challenges of different scenarios for various signals. On the other hand, by flexibly adjusting the position of each coupling path on the main signal channel, the on-chip area occupied by the coupler can be saved.

[0012] In one possible embodiment, the coupler further includes a seventh port and an eighth port, and the coupling channel further includes a fourth coupling path, wherein the fourth coupling path includes the seventh port and the eighth port, and the fourth coupling path is used to realize the transmission of signals between the seventh port and the eighth port.

[0013] The coupler of this application can couple signals on the main signal channel through more coupling paths, and can connect different couplers through different ports to correspond to more scenarios and realize more functions.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first port is an input terminal for receiving the transmitted signal input from the main signal channel; the second port is a pass-through terminal for outputting the transmitted signal; the pass-through terminal is also used to input the reflected signal and the received signal; the third port is a first coupling terminal for sampling the transmitted signal; the fourth port is a first isolation terminal for selectively sampling and grounding the reflected signal; or, the third port is the first coupling terminal for sampling the transmitted signal; the fourth port is a second coupling terminal for sampling the transmitted signal; and the fifth port is a second isolation terminal for connecting to the outside of the chip, outputting the signal received by the pass-through terminal to the outside of the chip.

[0015] It should be noted that among the five ports of the coupler, there should be at least one input port for inputting the transmitted signal, one through port for outputting the transmitted signal, inputting the reflected signal, and inputting the received signal, one second isolation port for connecting to the outside of the chip and outputting the signal received by the through port to the outside of the chip, and one first coupling port for sampling the transmitted signal. If a power divider is connected to the first coupling port, the transmitted signal can be calibrated and monitored simultaneously. Another port can be selectively sampled and grounded. For example, it can be determined as grounding or monitoring the reflected signal according to the needs of the application scenario. For instance, in some scenarios where the monitoring requirements are not high, the monitoring of the reflected signal is not required, so this port can be grounded. If the monitoring requirements are high, this port should be used as an isolation port, referred to as the first isolation port, to monitor the reflected signal. The reason for using an isolation port to monitor the reflected signal is that the isolation port is unidirectional, preventing the reflected signal from returning to the main signal channel and interfering with the transmitted signal.

[0016] Furthermore, the coupler is not limited to the five ports mentioned above. Ports can be added according to the business needs of different application scenarios to achieve the integration of more signals or functions.

[0017] The sampling of the transmitted signal in the coupler is applicable to scenarios requiring monitoring or verification of the transmitted signal. Similarly, sampling of the reflected signal can also be used for monitoring or verification of the reflected signal. The coupler provided in this application offers flexible configuration. In scenarios with low monitoring requirements, it can be adapted to monitor the transmitted signal sampled at the paired port while not sampling the reflected signal in an external connection. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the coupler and the integrated chip for external devices used in scenarios with low monitoring requirements, effectively controlling costs while meeting scenario requirements.

[0018] Meanwhile, since the coupler provides a port, namely the second isolation terminal, for connecting to the outside of the chip, the signal received by the through terminal is output to the outside of the chip. This signal, which is output to the outside and then loops back from the outside of the chip, can avoid crosstalk and other problems caused by transmission inside the chip, and can effectively improve the transmission performance of some signals that are not suitable for transmission inside the chip.

[0019] In one possible configuration, the first port is an input terminal for receiving the transmitted signal input from the main signal channel; the second port is a pass-through terminal for outputting the transmitted signal, and the pass-through terminal is also used to input the reflected signal and the received signal; the third port is a first coupling terminal for sampling the transmitted signal; the fourth port is a first isolation terminal for sampling the reflected signal; the fifth port is a second isolation terminal for connecting to the outside of the chip and outputting the signal received by the pass-through terminal to the outside of the chip; and the sixth port is a second coupling terminal for grounding; or, the third port is a first coupling terminal for sampling the transmitted signal; the fourth port is a second coupling terminal for sampling the transmitted signal; the fifth port is a second isolation terminal for connecting to the outside of the chip and outputting the signal received by the pass-through terminal to the outside of the chip; and the sixth port is a first isolation terminal for sampling the reflected signal.

[0020] Besides the input terminal, the through terminal, and the second isolation terminal, the other three ports can be a first coupling terminal, a first isolation terminal, and a second coupling terminal, respectively. The first coupling terminal is used to sample the transmitted signal, and the sampled signal can be calibrated and monitored. The first isolation terminal is used to sample the reflected signal and monitor the sampled reflected signal. The second coupling terminal can be used for grounding. Of course, in this case, if grounding is not required, the coupler may not need the second coupling terminal, or it can be reserved as a grounding port for future functional additions. Alternatively, the first coupling terminal can be used to sample the transmitted signal and calibrate the sampled transmitted signal, the second coupling terminal can be used to sample the transmitted signal and monitor the transmitted signal, and the first isolation terminal can be used to sample the reflected signal and monitor the reflection. In this case, the coupler does not have an external power divider; each port is connected to an external functional device to implement a specific function.

[0021] In one possible configuration, the first port is an input terminal for receiving the transmitted signal input from the main signal channel; the second port is a pass-through terminal for outputting the transmitted signal, and the pass-through terminal is also used to input the reflected signal and the received signal; the third port is a first coupling terminal for sampling the transmitted signal; the fourth port is a first isolation terminal for sampling the reflected signal; the fifth port is a second isolation terminal for connecting to the outside of the chip and outputting the signal received by the pass-through terminal to the outside of the chip; the sixth port is a third coupling terminal for grounding; the seventh port is a second coupling terminal for sampling the transmitted signal; and the eighth port is a third isolation terminal for grounding.

[0022] The coupling end and isolation end perform different processing on the sampled signal according to different scenario requirements. You can refer to the example above, or there may be other extensions.

[0023] Since the coupler provided in this application can be applied in different scenarios, different coupling coefficients need to be matched for different scenarios. It should be noted that the coupler needs to provide multiple transmit and receive coupling signals with different coupling degrees according to the scenario requirements. The transmit coupling signal is the signal coupled from the transmitted signal to the coupling end, and the receive coupling signal is the signal coupled from the received signal to the second isolation end. Simultaneously, the coupler also needs to have high isolation to ensure that the transmit and receive coupling signals do not interfere with each other, improving the accuracy of calibration, monitoring, and signal synchronization. Therefore, the coupler provided in this application is a reconfigurable coupler, which can be adapted to different scenarios by setting a switch, such as a single-chip scenario or a multi-chip array scenario. The reconfigurable coupler can adapt to the coupling degree required by different scenarios through time-division switching, i.e., switching the closed position of the switch, while maintaining the high isolation of the coupler.

[0024] In couplers with coupling lines, the ratio of even-mode impedance to odd-mode impedance and the length of the coupling line are key factors affecting the coupling coefficient. However, if the odd-mode impedance is changed by adjusting the common-mode or differential-mode capacitance of the coupling line to achieve reconfigurable coupling, the matching conditions at the ports of the coupling line will be disrupted, leading to a deterioration in isolation. Therefore, in this application, the reconfigurable coupling coefficient is achieved by changing the length of the coupling line through a switch.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the coupling channel includes a first coupling path, which includes a first signal transmission path and a second signal transmission path; the first signal transmission path is used to transmit signals between the third port and the fourth port; the second signal transmission path is used to transmit signals between the third port and the fifth port; the first coupling path includes a first coupling switch, which is used to connect and disconnect the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path.

[0026] The coupler includes a coupling switch that can switch between different signal transmission paths by controlling the connection and disconnection of the first and second signal transmission paths. It can also configure the coupling line lengths of the first and second signal transmission paths according to the coupling coefficient required by different scenarios, thereby achieving the matching conditions of the port requirements in different scenarios when switching to the signal transmission path in different scenarios.

[0027] It should be noted that the coupler may include multiple coupling switches. Taking a first coupling switch connecting and disconnecting a first signal transmission path and a second signal transmission path as an example, if the third port of the coupler is the first coupling end, the fourth port is the first isolation end, and the fifth port is the second isolation end, a switch is provided on the first coupling channel between the first coupling end, the first isolation end, and the second isolation end. When the switch is closed in the first position, the second signal transmission path is connected, the first signal transmission path is disconnected, and the first coupling end is connected to the second isolation end. When the switch is closed in the second position, the first signal transmission path is connected, the second signal transmission path is disconnected, and the first coupling end is connected to the first isolation end. Furthermore, if a sixth port is also included, such as the sixth port being the second coupling end, a switch can be set on the path between the four ports to control the connection and disconnection of more transmission paths. If the coupler is used for more scenarios requiring different coupling coefficients, then switches should be added according to the scenario requirements. This application uses the setting of a coupling switch as an example to illustrate how to achieve reconfigurability. Since couplers have multiple ports to implement multiple functions, the specific setting of the switch depends on the function required by the coupler's working scenario. Here, we only take the switching of the monitoring and calibration business function and the common antenna function for simultaneous transmission and reception as an example, but this is not a limitation.

[0028] In one possible implementation, when the first signal transmission path is connected and the second signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line of the first signal transmission path corresponds to a first coupling coefficient; when the second signal transmission path is connected and the first signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line of the second signal transmission path corresponds to a second coupling coefficient. When the second signal transmission path is connected and the first signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line of the second signal transmission path corresponds to the second coupling coefficient, and the length of the connected coupling line corresponds to the coupling coefficient required for a radar array chip scenario. When the first signal transmission path is connected and the second signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line of the first signal transmission path corresponds to the first coupling coefficient, and the length of the connected coupling line corresponds to the coupling coefficient required for a radar single-chip scenario. That is, when the second signal transmission path is connected and the first signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line corresponds to the coupling coefficient required for a shared antenna scenario with simultaneous transmission and reception; when the first signal transmission path is connected and the second signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the connected coupling line corresponds to the coupling coefficient required by the service scenario.

[0029] It should be noted that when the coupling channel includes a second coupling path and a third coupling path, the second coupling path can be located on one side of the main signal channel, and the third coupling path can be located on the other side of the main signal channel. Similarly, when the coupling channel also includes a fourth coupling path, two of the second, third, and fourth coupling paths can be located on one side of the main signal channel, and the other path can be located on the other side of the main signal channel.

[0030] In this way, the coupler can provide multiple signal couplings while improving its miniaturization and maintaining high isolation between the couplers. The coupler can also be arranged in another way: multiple coupling channels in parallel. Compared to the traditional series arrangement, where the second, third, and fourth coupling paths are all designed on one side of the main signal channel, this effectively reduces the longitudinal area of ​​the coupler, reduces additional insertion loss on the main signal channel, and maintains high isolation between the couplers. It should be noted that "parallel arrangement" here refers to distributing multiple ports of the coupler side-by-side on both sides of the main signal channel, while "series arrangement" refers to placing all ports serially on one side of the main signal channel.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the input terminal is connected to an external transmitter (TX), which transmits the transmitted signal to the main signal channel. The through-hole terminal is connected to an external antenna, which transmits the transmitted signal and inputs the reflected signal of the transmitted signal and the signal received by the antenna in reverse order. The second isolation terminal is connected to the outside of the chip via a connection point, outputting the signal received by the antenna to the outside of the chip and then looping back to the receiver (RX). When the signals in the coupler are all high-frequency signals, the connection point can be a Ground-Signal-Ground (GSG) connection point. SGS has better transmission performance for high-frequency signals. The signal received by the antenna is coupled to the GSG, output through the GSG to the outside of the chip, and loops back to the RX on the chip from the outside.

[0032] Through this connection, the coupler can transmit the transmitted signal on the main service channel while simultaneously sending the signal received by the antenna in the external space to the RX via the GSG connected to the second isolation terminal. This enables the transmission and reception signals to share the same antenna, allowing them to be transmitted simultaneously. Since the received signal is transmitted from outside the chip, it does not interfere with the transmitted signal.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the TX, the antenna, and the RX are connected to an external radar single chip or radar array chip.

[0034] Different scenarios require different functionalities from the circuit. For example, in a millimeter-wave radar monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC), in operational scenarios, calibration is needed to ensure the amplitude and phase consistency of each TX and RX signal. For functional safety, signal power monitoring is also required. In radar array scenarios, a common antenna for both transmit and receive channels is needed for signal synchronization. This application provides a coupler that enables channel multiplexing in both operational and common antenna scenarios. In other operational scenarios, where signal calibration or power monitoring is not required, but other functions still need to be implemented, the corresponding output devices at the coupling and / or isolation terminals of this coupler can be adjusted accordingly.

[0035] A radar array chip consists of multiple radar chips arranged in an array to work collaboratively and achieve high-performance monitoring. In radar array scenarios, the system requires signal synchronization among multiple chips, and a shared antenna is a hardware implementation method that can achieve this signal synchronization.

[0036] The scenario of radar without array, also known as radar single-chip scenario, refers to a single chip working independently. In some scenarios where the requirements for monitoring performance are not high, a single chip can meet the performance requirements, so radar array is not required. In the scenario of radar without array, the system does not need signal synchronization. It only needs to monitor and calibrate the signal when transmitting the transmitted signal and a part of the reflected signal on the main signal channel.

[0037] Furthermore, if the first coupling terminal is used to calibrate and monitor the transmitted signal, the output of the first coupling terminal is connected to a power divider, and the output of the power divider is connected to a first power detector (PD) and a test receiver (MRX), respectively. The first PD is used to monitor the transmitted signal, and the MRX is used to calibrate the transmitted signal, wherein the coupling coefficient of the first PD and the MRX is the same.

[0038] It should be noted that in a single-chip scenario, the TX transmits the signal to the coupler through its input terminal. The coupler's through-terminal outputs the same transmit signal to the antenna, which then transmits the signal. In this case, the coupler's coupling terminal, such as the first coupling terminal connected to a power divider, can output the transmit signal as a transmit coupled signal according to the coupling coefficient. This transmit coupled signal is then output to the first PD and MRX for monitoring via an external power divider. The first PD monitors the transmit signal power, and the MRX calibrates the transmit signal.

[0039] It should be noted that the coupler can have one or multiple coupling terminals, depending on the requirements of different scenarios. Furthermore, if the scenario requires separate output of the transmit coupled signal for power monitoring and calibration, the coupler can be connected to a power divider via its first coupling terminal. The power divider then outputs the transmit coupled signal to the first PD and MRX respectively. In this case, the coupling coefficients of the first PD and MRX are equal. Alternatively, the transmit coupled signal can be output to the first PD via the first coupling terminal according to the coupling coefficient, and to the MRX via the second coupling terminal according to the coupling coefficient.

[0040] The TX transmits the signal to the coupler through its input terminal. The coupler's through-terminal outputs the same signal to the antenna, which then transmits the signal back. Simultaneously, the coupler receives a small portion of the reflected signal from the antenna's reverse input. In scenarios requiring monitoring of this reflected signal, the coupler's first isolation terminal outputs the reflected coupling signal (based on the coupling coefficient) to the second PD. The second PD then monitors the reflected signal. If the antenna malfunctions, the second PD will detect a very strong reflected coupling signal. This strong signal indicates an antenna problem; conversely, a weak signal indicates the antenna is functioning correctly.

[0041] In a radar array scenario, the TX channel, antenna, and RX channel can share an antenna using the coupler provided in this application embodiment. Specifically, the TX channel inputs the transmitted signal to the coupler through its input terminal, and the coupler outputs the transmitted signal to the antenna through its through-terminal terminal. The antenna then transmits the signal. Simultaneously, the antenna receives external signals and inputs them back to the coupler. The second isolation terminal of the coupler outputs the received coupled signal obtained from the received external signal to the outside of the chip through the GSG according to the ratio of the coupling coefficient. Then, the signal loops back outside the chip and is input to the RX channel.

[0042] Because the coupler has directional transmission characteristics, the TX transmitted signal and the RX received signal will not interfere with each other, thus realizing a set of TX / RX channels sharing an antenna. Further, combined with algorithms, signal synchronization of multiple radar chips can be achieved.

[0043] The coupler provided in this application can be used as a service channel in a monolithic scenario to achieve signal power monitoring and calibration. In a radar array scenario, the TX and RX channels share a common antenna, enabling signal synchronization across multiple radar chips. This achieves multiplexing of the shared antenna channel and the service channel, effectively solving the problem of channel waste.

[0044] For example, in the aforementioned reconfigurable coupler, in a radar array scenario, the coupling switch is closed in the first position, the second signal transmission path is connected, and the first signal transmission path is disconnected. At this time, the TX channel outputs a transmit signal to the coupler input, the through-hole outputs a transmit signal to the antenna, and the antenna receives external signals, which are then input back to the coupler's through-hole. The second isolation terminal outputs the received coupled signal to the off-chip via the GSG and loops back to the RX channel off-chip. Because the switch is closed in the first position, the length of the coupling line is adapted to the coupling coefficient in the radar array scenario, and no adjustment of the common-mode or differential-mode capacitor changes the odd-mode impedance, thus avoiding changes in port matching conditions and maintaining a high degree of isolation. In this scenario, the coupler's isolation affects the signal synchronization accuracy in cascaded scenarios; therefore, maintaining isolation ensures the accuracy of signal synchronization in radar array scenarios.

[0045] In a monolithic scenario, with the switch closed in the second position, the first signal transmission path is connected, and the second signal transmission path is disconnected. At this time, the TX channel outputs a transmit signal to the coupler input, the through-path outputs a transmit signal to the antenna, and the coupling terminal outputs the transmitted coupled signal to the power divider, which then outputs it to the first PD and MRX. The first isolation terminal outputs the reflected coupled signal to the second PD. In this scenario, the coupler's isolation level affects the accuracy of signal monitoring and calibration in a monolithic scenario. Because the switch is closed in the second position, the length of the coupling line is adapted to the coupling coefficient of the monolithic scenario, and there is no adjustment of the common-mode or differential-mode capacitors to change the odd-mode impedance, which does not cause changes in the port matching conditions. Therefore, a high isolation level can still be maintained, ensuring the accuracy of signal monitoring and calibration in a monolithic scenario.

[0046] For example, in the miniaturized coupler described above, in an array scenario, the second isolation terminal outputs a receive coupling signal and achieves TX / RX common antenna through the GSG, thus realizing signal synchronization of multiple radar chips. In a monolithic scenario, the second coupling terminal outputs a transmit coupling signal to the MRX for transmit signal calibration; the first coupling terminal outputs a transmit coupling signal to the first PD for transmit signal power monitoring; and the first isolation terminal outputs a reflective coupling signal to the second PD for reflective signal power monitoring.

[0047] In some instances, the required number of coupler ports can be increased or decreased depending on the functional requirements of different scenarios. The number of couplers connected to the output can be increased or decreased accordingly, and the number of couplers and their parallel arrangement can also be adjusted to more flexibly adapt to different scenarios.

[0048] In summary, the couplers provided in this application embodiment can adapt to various scenarios, and also achieve the effects of reconfigurable coupling coefficients and small on-chip area occupied by the integrated coupler chip, thus matching more scenario requirements.

[0049] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a coupling method for transmitting a signal on a main signal channel between a first port and a second port, wherein the main signal channel includes the first port and the second port, the first port and the second port being used as the input port and output port of a coupler, respectively; the signal is coupled to the coupling channel through a coupling channel including a third port, a fourth port and a fifth port coupled to the main signal channel.

[0050] Based on the structure of the coupler, signals are transmitted in the main signal channel and coupled to the coupling channel. Different processing is performed according to different needs in different scenarios, so the coupler can be applied in different scenarios.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the coupling channel includes a first coupling path, which includes a first signal transmission path and a second signal transmission path. The coupling of the signal to the coupling channel via a third, fourth, and fifth port, which are coupled to the main signal channel, includes: coupling the signal to the first signal transmission path via the third and fourth ports for transmission; and coupling the signal to the second signal transmission path via the third and fifth ports for transmission. The first coupling path includes a first coupling switch, which is used to connect and disconnect the first and second signal transmission paths.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the coupling channel further includes a sixth port. The coupling channel includes a second coupling path and a third coupling path. The coupling of the signal to the coupling channel via the third, fourth, and fifth ports of the coupling channel coupled to the main signal channel includes: coupling the signal to the second coupling path for transmission via the third and fourth ports; and coupling the signal to the third coupling path for transmission via the fifth and sixth ports. The second coupling path includes the third and fourth ports, and the third coupling path includes the fifth and sixth ports.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the coupling channel further includes a seventh port and an eighth port, and the coupling channel further includes a fourth coupling path. The method further includes: coupling the signal to the fourth coupling path for transmission through the seventh port and the eighth port, wherein the fourth coupling path includes the seventh port and the eighth port.

[0054] In one possible implementation, transmitting the signal on the main signal channel between the first port and the second port includes: receiving a transmitted signal input through the main signal channel via an input terminal, such that the transmitted signal is transmitted through the main signal channel to a pass-through terminal; outputting the transmitted signal through the pass-through terminal, and inputting a reflected signal and the received signal in reverse, wherein the first port is the input terminal and the second port is the pass-through terminal; coupling the signal to the coupling channel via a third port, a fourth port, and a fifth port coupled to the coupling channel of the main signal channel includes: using the first coupling terminal to... The transmitted signal is sampled, and the reflected signal is selectively sampled and grounded through the first isolation terminal. The signal received by the through-hole terminal is output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, and the fifth port is the second isolation terminal. Alternatively, the transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling terminal, the transmitted signal is sampled through the second coupling terminal, and the signal received by the through-hole terminal is output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the second coupling terminal, and the fifth port is the second isolation terminal.

[0055] In one possible implementation, transmitting the signal on the main signal channel between the first port and the second port includes: receiving a transmitted signal input through the main signal channel via an input terminal, such that the transmitted signal is transmitted to a through-hole terminal via the main signal channel; outputting the transmitted signal through the through-hole terminal, and inputting a reflected signal and the received signal in reverse, wherein the first port is the input terminal and the second port is the through-hole terminal; coupling the signal to the second coupling path for transmission via the third port and the fourth port; coupling the signal to the third coupling path for transmission via the fifth port and the sixth port includes: sampling the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal, and through a first isolation... The reflected signal is sampled at the off-end, and the signal received at the through-end is output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation end, and grounded through the second coupling end. The third port is the first coupling end, the fourth port is the first isolation end, the fifth port is the second isolation end, and the sixth port is the second coupling end. Alternatively, the transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling end, the transmitted signal is sampled through the second coupling end, the signal received at the through-end is output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation end, and the reflected signal is sampled through the first isolation end. The third port is the first coupling end, the fourth port is the second coupling end, the fifth port is the second isolation end, and the sixth port is the first isolation end.

[0056] In one possible implementation, transmitting the signal on the main signal channel between the first port and the second port includes: receiving a transmitted signal input through the main signal channel via an input terminal, such that the transmitted signal is transmitted through the main signal channel to a pass-through terminal; outputting the transmitted signal through the pass-through terminal, and inputting a reflected signal and the received signal in reverse, wherein the first port is the input terminal and the second port is the pass-through terminal; coupling the signal to the second coupling path for transmission via the third port and the fourth port; coupling the signal to the third coupling path for transmission via the fifth port and the sixth port; and so on. The seventh and eighth ports couple the signal into the fourth coupling path for transmission, including: sampling the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal, sampling the reflected signal through the first isolation terminal, outputting the signal received by the through-port to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, sampling the transmitted signal through the second coupling terminal, and grounding through the third coupling terminal and the third isolation terminal, wherein the third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, the sixth port is the third coupling terminal, the seventh port is the second coupling terminal, and the eighth port is the third isolation terminal.

[0057] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a coupling system, including:

[0058] The first aspect provides a coupler; a transmitter TX connected to a first port of the coupler; an antenna connected to a second port of the coupler; a first coupler connected to a third port of the coupler; a second coupler connected to a fourth port of the coupler; and an external connection point connected to a fifth port of the coupler.

[0059] The coupling system connects each device to the five ports of the coupler, enabling the coupler to transmit signals on the main signal channel and connect to devices in the system through the ports on the coupling channel, thus meeting the different needs of different scenarios and addressing the challenges of various signals in different scenarios.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the TX is used to input a transmitted signal to the coupler via an input terminal; the antenna is used to transmit the transmitted signal to an external chip and input the reflected signal into the coupler via a pass-through terminal; the antenna is also used to receive signals from the external chip and input the received signals into the coupler via a pass-through terminal; the external connection point is used to receive the received signal via a second isolation terminal and output the received signal to the outside of the chip, so that the received signal is returned to the receiver RX, wherein the first port is an input terminal, the second port is a pass-through terminal, the fifth port is a second isolation terminal, and the coupler, the antenna, the TX, and the RX are integrated on the chip.

[0061] Because in the coupling system, the second isolation terminal of the coupler can be connected to the outside of the chip, the signal received by the antenna is transmitted back to the RX on the chip through off-chip transmission, which effectively avoids crosstalk and other problems caused by the transmission of the signal inside the chip, and improves the transmission performance of some signals that are not suitable for transmission inside the chip.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the first coupler is a test receiver (MRX) used to calibrate the transmitted signal via a first coupling terminal, and the second coupler is a first power monitor (PD) used to monitor the transmitted signal via a second coupling terminal, wherein the third port is the first coupling terminal and the fourth port is the second coupling terminal; or, the first coupler is a power divider coupled to both the first PD and the MRX, used to calibrate and monitor the transmitted signal via the first coupling terminal, and the second coupler is a second PD used to monitor the reflected signal via a first isolation terminal, wherein the third port is the first coupling terminal and the fourth port is the first isolation terminal.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the system further includes: a third coupler connected to the sixth port of the first coupler; the first coupler is a test receiver MRX, used to calibrate the transmitted signal through a first coupling terminal; the second coupler is a first power monitor PD, used to monitor the transmitted signal through a second coupling terminal; the third coupler is a second PD, used to monitor the reflected signal through a first isolation terminal; the third port is the first coupling terminal; the fourth port is the second coupling terminal; and the sixth port is the first isolation terminal.

[0064] Sampling of the transmitted signal in the coupling system can be applied to scenarios requiring monitoring or verification of the transmitted signal. Similarly, sampling of the reflected signal can also be used for monitoring or verification of the reflected signal. The coupling system provided in this application allows for flexible configuration of the coupler, providing different devices for different scenarios and supporting monitoring and calibration needs in various contexts.

[0065] It should be understood that the second and third aspects of this application are consistent with the technical solutions of the first aspect of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, so they will not be described again. Attached Figure Description

[0066] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the coupler provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0072] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the trend of coupling coefficient as a function of coupling line length;

[0073] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of a high-isolation reconfigurable coupler structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of another reconfigurable coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a miniaturized coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another miniaturized coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a coupling method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a coupling system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0080] The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this article do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "one" or similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the existence of at least one. Terms such as "connection" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect, equivalent to connectivity in a broad sense.

[0081] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "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 this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple processors means two or more processors.

[0082] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. The structure of the terminal device can be referred to... Figure 1 The structure shown.

[0083] The terminal device includes at least one processor 211, at least one transceiver 212, and at least one memory 213. The processor 211, memory 213, and transceiver 212 are connected together. Optionally, the terminal device may further include an output device 214, an input device 215, and one or more antennas 216. The antennas 216 are connected to the transceiver 212, and the output devices 214 and input devices 215 are connected to the processor 211. The specific connection method between the antennas 216 and the transceiver 212 is described in the following embodiments.

[0084] The processor 211 can be a baseband processor or a CPU. The baseband processor and the CPU can be integrated together or separate.

[0085] Processor 211 can be used to implement various functions for the terminal device, such as processing communication protocols and communication data, or controlling the entire terminal device, executing software programs, and processing data from software programs; or assisting in completing computational processing tasks, such as graphics processing or audio processing; or processor 211 can be used to implement one or more of the above functions.

[0086] Output device 214 communicates with processor 211 and can display information in various ways. For example, output device 214 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector. Input device 215 communicates with processor 211 and can accept user input in various ways. For example, input device 215 can be a mouse, keyboard, touch screen device, or sensor device.

[0087] In existing technologies, scenarios requiring a service channel to transmit signals and perform monitoring and calibration, and scenarios requiring a common antenna channel capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving signals to achieve multi-signal synchronization, each require a channel to perform different functions, resulting in the problem that channels required for multiple signals cannot be reused.

[0088] This application provides a coupler according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the coupler provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, coupler 10 includes:

[0089] The system includes a main signal channel and a coupling channel. The main signal channel is used as the signal channel of the coupler, and the coupling channel is used to couple the signals of the main signal channel. The main signal channel includes a first port 101 and a second port 102, which are used as the input port and the output port of the coupler, respectively. In this embodiment, the first port 101 is referred to as the input terminal and the second port 102 is referred to as the output terminal. The coupling channel includes a third port 103, a fourth port 104, and a fifth port 105.

[0090] like Figure 2As shown, the coupler 10 has at least five ports. The main signal channel includes a first port 101 and a second port 102, which can guarantee the basic signal transmission requirements of service data. Two additional ports are used for signal sampling to meet different functional requirements in different scenarios. In some scenarios, signal sampling can be used for one or two functions, such as signal calibration, monitoring, or grounding. Of course, when one port performs two functions, it can also be implemented using an external power divider. Another port can output the received signal through its external connection point. It should be noted that the first port 101 is the input terminal, used to input the transmitted signal through the main signal channel. The second port 102 is the pass-through terminal, used to output the transmitted signal transmitted through the main signal channel. The pass-through terminal 102 is also used to input the reflected signal of the transmitted signal and the received signal. The fifth port 105 is the second isolation terminal, used to connect to the outside of the chip, outputting the signal received at the pass-through terminal to the outside of the chip. For example, in high-frequency signal transmission scenarios, GSG is preferably used as the connection point, and the second isolation terminal outputs the signal to the outside of the chip through GSG. In this way, when transmitting signals between the first port 101 and the second port 102, primarily when the first port 101 transmits the transmitted signal to the second port 102, the second port 102 outputs the received signal through the GSG connected externally to the fifth interface 105. Since the GSG has one signal terminal and two reference terminals, and is connected to the isolation port with unidirectional characteristics, the received signal will be output from the GSG to the outside of the chip and will not be reflected back to the main signal channel. Instead, it will be transmitted entirely through the outside of the chip. Thus, the received signal will not interfere with the transmission of the transmitted signal. Essentially, through the coupler provided in this application, the transmitted and received signals can simultaneously pass through two paths, achieving synchronous transmission and reception, i.e., achieving the effect of a shared antenna. Simultaneously, when it is necessary to monitor or calibrate the transmitted signal or the reflected signal input in reverse by the second port, this can be achieved through external devices connected to the third and fourth ports. Therefore, the coupler provided in this application provides one channel, but can simultaneously reuse the functions of a shared antenna and a service channel.

[0091] The third and fourth ports can be used as different ports to achieve different functions depending on the requirements of the coupled signal of the coupling channel. For example, the third port can be the first coupling terminal, used to calibrate and monitor the sampled transmitted signal (also called the coupled transmitted signal) as needed in the scenario. The fourth port 104 can be the first isolation terminal, used to selectively sample the reflected signal. The sampled signal can be used for reflected signal monitoring or grounding the reflected signal. Alternatively, the third port can be the first coupling terminal, used to sample the transmitted signal and calibrate the sampled transmitted signal (also called the coupled transmitted signal) as needed in the scenario. The fourth port can be the second coupling terminal, used to monitor the sampled transmitted signal (also called the coupled transmitted signal) as needed in the scenario.

[0092] In some examples, the first port 101 is an input terminal used to input the transmitted signal, enabling the transmitted signal to be transmitted through the main signal channel; the second port 102 is a through-hole terminal used to output the transmitted signal, input the reflected signal, and input the received signal; the third port is the first coupling terminal 103. Figure 2 The middle port is marked C1 and is used for calibrating and monitoring the transmitted signal. The fourth port is the first isolation terminal 104. Figure 2 The middle port is marked i1 and is used for monitoring reflected signals or for grounding; the fifth port is the second isolation terminal 105. Figure 2 The signal, marked i2, is used to connect the signal received at the pass-through end to the outside of the chip, and to output the signal received at the pass-through end to the outside of the chip. Since most scenarios involve the transmission of high-frequency signals, this application embodiment uses the GSG as an example to illustrate the connection point connected to the second isolation end. The GSG is usually used as the connection point between the package and the chip to realize the transmission of signals between the chip and the outside. The GSG has three pins, which are suitable for the transmission of high-frequency signals, because the transmission of high-frequency signals requires not only a signal S, but also two symmetrical reference grounds G. The signal received by the GSG passes through the GSG.

[0093] In situations where it is necessary to sample the transmitted signal for calibration and monitoring, and to monitor the reflected signal, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, coupler 10 includes:

[0094] The first port 101 is an input terminal used to input the transmitted signal, enabling the transmitted signal to be transmitted through the main signal channel; the second port 102 is a through-hole terminal used to output the transmitted signal, input the reflected signal, and input the received signal; the third port, the first coupling terminal 103 marked c1, is used for calibrating the transmitted signal; and the fourth port is the second coupling terminal 106. Figure 3 The middle port is marked C2 and is used to monitor the transmitted signal; the fifth port is the second isolation terminal 105. Figure 3 The part marked i2 is used to output the signal received at the pass-through end through the GSG.

[0095] It should be noted that among the five ports of the coupler, there should be at least one input port for inputting the transmitted signal, one through port for outputting the transmitted signal, inputting the reflected signal, and inputting the received signal, one second isolation port for outputting the signal received at the through port through the GSG, and one first coupling port. If the first coupling port is connected to an external power divider, it can simultaneously calibrate and monitor the transmitted signal. Then, the other port can be determined according to the needs of the application scenario, either as ground or for monitoring the reflected signal. For example, in some scenarios where the monitoring requirements are not high, there is no need to monitor the reflected signal, so this port can be grounded. If the monitoring requirements are high, this port should be used as an isolation port, referred to as the first isolation port, to monitor the reflected signal. The reason for using an isolation port to monitor the reflected signal is that the isolation port is unidirectional, preventing the reflected signal from returning to the main signal channel and interfering with the transmitted signal.

[0096] Furthermore, the coupler is not limited to the five ports mentioned above. Ports can be added according to the business needs of different application scenarios to achieve the integration of more signals or functions.

[0097] Taking a six-port multi-function coupler as an example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the main signal channel includes a first port 101 and a second port 102, and the coupling channel includes a second coupling path and a third coupling path. The second coupling path includes a third port 103 and a fourth port 104, and is used to realize the transmission of signals between the third port 103 and the fourth port 104. The third coupling channel includes a fifth port 105 and a sixth port 106, and is used to realize the transmission of signals between the fifth port and the sixth port.

[0098] The first port 101 is an input terminal used to receive the transmitted signal input from the main signal channel. The second port 102 is a through-hole terminal used to output the transmitted signal. The through-hole terminal is also used to input the reflected signal and the received signal. The third port 103 is a first coupling terminal used to sample the transmitted signal. The fourth port 104 is a first isolation terminal used to sample the reflected signal. The fifth port 105 is a second isolation terminal used to couple the signal received by the through-hole terminal to the GSG output. The sixth port 106 is a second coupling terminal used for grounding. Alternatively, the third port 103 is a first coupling terminal used to sample the transmitted signal. The fourth port 104 is a second coupling terminal used to sample the transmitted signal. The fifth port 105 is a second isolation terminal used to couple the signal received by the through-hole terminal to the GSG output. The sixth port 106 is a first isolation terminal used to sample the reflected signal.

[0099] For example, such as Figure 4As shown, the first port 101 is an input terminal used to input the transmitted signal into the main signal channel, and the second port 102 is a through terminal used to output the transmitted signal transmitted through the main signal channel. The through terminal 102 is also used to input the reflected signal and the received signal.

[0100] The third port is the first coupling terminal 103 Figure 4 The middle port is marked C1 and is used for calibrating and monitoring the transmitted signal. The fourth port is the first isolation terminal 104. Figure 4 The port marked i1 is used to monitor the reflected signal, and the sixth port is the second coupling terminal 106. Figure 4 The middle port is marked C2 and used for grounding; the fifth port is the second isolation terminal 105. Figure 4 The middle label is i2.

[0101] Alternatively, the third port can be the first coupling terminal, used for calibrating the transmitted signal; the fourth port can be the second coupling terminal, used for monitoring the transmitted signal; and the sixth port can be the first isolation terminal, used for monitoring the reflected signal. Besides the input terminal, the through terminal, and the second isolation terminal, the other three ports can be the first coupling terminal, the first isolation terminal, and the second coupling terminal, respectively. The first coupling terminal is used for calibrating and monitoring the transmitted signal, the first isolation terminal is used for monitoring the reflected signal, and the second coupling terminal can be used for grounding. Of course, in this case, if grounding is not required, the second coupling terminal can be omitted, or it can be reserved as a grounding port for future functional additions. Alternatively, the first coupling terminal can be used for calibrating the transmitted signal, the second coupling terminal for monitoring the transmitted signal, and the first isolation terminal for monitoring the reflected signal. In this case, the coupler does not have an external power divider; each port is connected to an external functional device to implement a specific function. Each port is used for either coupling or isolation, and will not be illustrated individually.

[0102] Taking an eight-port multi-functional coupler as an example, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, coupler 10 in Figure 4Based on the provided coupler 10, it also includes a seventh port 107 and an eighth port 108. The coupling channel also includes a fourth coupling path, which includes the seventh port 107 and the eighth port 108. The fourth coupling path is used to realize signal transmission between the seventh port 107 and the eighth port 108. The first port 101 is an input terminal, used to receive the transmitted signal input from the main signal channel. The second port 102 is a through terminal, used to output the transmitted signal. The through terminal 102 is also used to reverse the input of the reflected signal and the input of the received signal. The third port 103 is a first coupling terminal, used to sample the transmitted signal. The fourth port 104 is a first isolation terminal, used to sample the reflected signal. The fifth port 105 is a second isolation terminal, used to couple the signal received by the through terminal to the GSG output. The sixth port 106 is a third coupling terminal, used for grounding. The seventh port 107 is a second coupling terminal, used for sampling the transmitted signal. The eighth port 108 is a third isolation terminal, used for grounding.

[0103] The coupling end and isolation end perform different processing on the sampled signal according to different scenario requirements. You can refer to the example above, or there may be other extensions.

[0104] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first port 101 and the second port 102 are designed at both ends of the main signal channel, where the first port 101 is the input terminal and the second port 102 is the through terminal.

[0105] The third port 103 is the first coupling terminal, used to monitor the transmitted signal; the fourth port 104 is the first isolation terminal, used to monitor the reflected signal; the fifth port 105 is the second isolation terminal, used to couple the signal received at the through port to the GSG output; the sixth port 106 is the third coupling terminal, used for grounding; the seventh port 107 is the second coupling terminal, used for calibrating the transmitted signal; and the eighth port 108 is the third isolation terminal, used for grounding.

[0106] It should be noted that the ports of the coupler 10 described above do not necessarily have to be used as coupling terminals or isolation terminals as illustrated in the examples above, nor do they necessarily have to fulfill the functions of their respective ports according to the external connection functions described in the examples above. Figure 5 The sixth port 106 can also be the third isolation port, and the eighth port can also be the third coupling port; neither is limited. This application embodiment Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The three multi-functional couplers provided in the examples can all meet the requirements of the common antenna scenario through the second isolation terminal on the main signal channel and the coupling channel. At the same time, they can meet the requirements of the service scenario through the coupling terminal and / or isolation terminal on the main signal channel and the coupling channel, thereby realizing the channel multiplexing required for different scenarios, without being limited by the port or connection method provided in the examples.

[0107] Furthermore, the input terminal is externally connected to TX, which is used to transmit a signal to the main signal channel. The input terminal 101 transmits the transmitted signal of TX to the through-hole terminal through the main signal channel. The through-hole terminal is externally connected to an antenna, which is used to transmit a signal externally and inputs the reflected signal of the transmitted signal and the signal received by the antenna in reverse order. The second isolation terminal is connected to the outside of the chip through a connection point, outputting the signal received by the antenna to the outside of the chip and then looping back to RX. That is, the second isolation terminal couples the signal received by the antenna to GSG, outputting the signal received by the antenna to the outside of the chip through GSG and then looping back to RX.

[0108] With the continuous development of millimeter-wave radar technology, this technology has begun to be applied in various scenarios. Millimeter-wave radar is a core component in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that achieves high-precision perception, possessing advantages such as strong environmental adaptability, excellent detection performance, and moderate cost. In the MMIC of millimeter-wave radar, calibration is required to ensure the amplitude and phase consistency of each TX and RX signal. For functional safety considerations, signal power monitoring is also necessary. Furthermore, in radar array scenarios, a shared antenna for both the transmit and receive channels is required for signal synchronization. In existing technologies, the simultaneous implementation of calibration, monitoring, and signal synchronization functions is mainly achieved by setting up a separate TX / RX channel shared antenna in the circuit, in addition to the service channel, specifically for signal synchronization in radar array scenarios. In radar array scenarios, a shared antenna capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving signals is also required for signal synchronization. A radar array chip consists of multiple radar chips arranged in an array to work collaboratively, achieving high-performance monitoring. In radar array scenarios, the system requires signal synchronization across multiple chips, and a shared antenna is a hardware implementation method that can achieve this signal synchronization. The scenario of radar without array, also known as radar single-chip scenario, refers to a single chip working independently. In some scenarios where the requirements for monitoring performance are not high, a single chip can meet the performance requirements, so radar array is not required. In the scenario of radar without array, the system does not need signal synchronization. It only needs to monitor and calibrate the signal when transmitting the transmitted signal and a part of the reflected signal on the main signal channel.

[0109] For example, the TX, antenna, and RX are externally connected to a single radar chip or a radar array chip. In a scenario where the radar chip operates independently, a service channel is needed to transmit signals and perform monitoring and calibration. In a radar array scenario, the system requires signal synchronization from multiple chips, thus necessitating a shared antenna channel capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving signals. For these two different system functional requirements of radar arrays and single chips, the existing technical solutions suffer from the problem that the shared antenna channel cannot be reused with the service channel, resulting in low chip area utilization.

[0110] Furthermore, different scenarios have different requirements for the functions that the circuit can perform. For example, in operational scenarios, it is necessary to ensure the amplitude and phase consistency of each TX and RX through calibration, and for functional safety considerations, it is also necessary to monitor the signal power. In radar array scenarios, a common antenna for a set of transmit and receive channels is required to achieve signal synchronization. This application provides a coupler that can achieve channel multiplexing in operational scenarios and common antenna scenarios. In other operational scenarios, where it is not necessary to calibrate the signal or monitor the power, but other functions need to be implemented, it is only necessary to define the port of this coupler as the coupling terminal or the isolation terminal, and adjust the external output device accordingly to achieve the monitoring or calibration operational functions, provided that there is an external GSG connected to the isolation terminal.

[0111] In some instances, the first coupling terminal c1 is used to calibrate and monitor the transmitted signal. The output of the first coupling terminal c1 is connected to a power divider, and the output of the power divider is connected to the first PD and the MRX respectively. The first PD is used to monitor the transmitted signal, and the MRX is used to calibrate the transmitted signal. The first PD and the MRX have the same coupling coefficient.

[0112] It should be noted that in a single-chip scenario, the TX transmits the signal to the coupler through its input terminal. The coupler's through-terminal outputs the same transmit signal to the antenna, which then transmits the signal. In this case, the coupler's coupling terminal, such as the first coupling terminal connected to a power divider, can output the transmit signal as a transmit coupled signal according to the coupling coefficient. This transmit coupled signal is then output to the first PD and MRX for monitoring via an external power divider. The first PD monitors the transmit signal power, and the MRX calibrates the transmit signal.

[0113] It should be noted that the coupler can have one or multiple coupling terminals, depending on the requirements of different scenarios. Furthermore, if the scenario requires separate output of the transmit coupled signal for power monitoring and calibration, the coupler can be connected to a power divider via its first coupling terminal. The power divider then outputs the transmit coupled signal to the first PD and MRX respectively. In this case, the coupling coefficients of the first PD and MRX are equal. Alternatively, the transmit coupled signal can be output to the first PD via the first coupling terminal according to the coupling coefficient, and to the MRX via the second coupling terminal according to the coupling coefficient.

[0114] The TX transmits the signal to the coupler through its input terminal. The coupler's through-terminal outputs the same signal to the antenna, which then transmits the signal back. Simultaneously, the coupler receives a small portion of the reflected signal from the antenna's reverse input. In scenarios requiring monitoring of this reflected signal, the coupler's first isolation terminal outputs the reflected coupling signal (based on the coupling coefficient) to the second PD. The second PD then monitors the reflected signal. If the antenna malfunctions, the second PD will detect a very strong reflected coupling signal. This strong signal indicates an antenna problem; conversely, a weak signal indicates the antenna is functioning correctly.

[0115] In a radar array scenario, the TX channel, antenna, and RX channel can share an antenna using the coupler provided in this application embodiment. Specifically, the TX channel inputs the transmitted signal to the coupler through its input terminal, and the coupler outputs the transmitted signal to the antenna through its through-terminal terminal. The antenna then transmits the signal. Simultaneously, the antenna receives external signals and inputs them back to the coupler. The second isolation terminal of the coupler outputs the received coupled signal obtained from the received external signal to the outside of the chip through the GSG according to the ratio of the coupling coefficient. Then, the signal loops back outside the chip and is input to the RX channel.

[0116] Because the coupler has directional transmission characteristics, the TX transmitted signal and the RX received signal will not interfere with each other, thus realizing a set of TX / RX channels sharing an antenna. Further, combined with algorithms, signal synchronization of multiple radar chips can be achieved.

[0117] The coupler provided in this application can be used as a service channel in a monolithic scenario to achieve signal power monitoring and calibration. In a radar array scenario, the TX and RX channels share a common antenna, enabling signal synchronization across multiple radar chips. This achieves multiplexing of the shared antenna channel and the service channel, effectively solving the problem of channel waste.

[0118] Since the coupler provided in this application can be applied in different scenarios, different coupling coefficients need to be matched for different scenarios. It should be noted that the coupler needs to provide multiple transmit and receive coupling signals with different coupling degrees according to the scenario requirements. The transmit coupling signal is the signal coupled from the transmitted signal to the coupling end, and the receive coupling signal is the signal coupled from the received signal to the second isolation end. Simultaneously, the coupler also needs to have high isolation to ensure that the transmit and receive coupling signals do not interfere with each other, improving the accuracy of calibration, monitoring, and signal synchronization. Therefore, the coupler provided in this application is a reconfigurable coupler, which can be adapted to different scenarios by setting a coupling switch, such as a single-chip scenario or a multi-chip array scenario. The reconfigurable coupler can adapt to the coupling degree required by different scenarios through time-division switching, i.e., switching the closed position of the coupling switch, while maintaining the high isolation of the coupler.

[0119] In couplers with coupling lines, the ratio of odd-mode impedance to even-mode impedance and the length of the coupling line are key factors affecting the coupling coefficient. Figure 6 This is a graph showing the trend of coupling coefficient as a function of coupling line length, where Co represents the coupling coefficient. Figure 6 As shown, the coupling coefficient changes continuously with frequency, combined with Figure 6 As can be seen from Equation 1-1, the matching condition between the coupling line and the port is a key factor affecting isolation. While adjusting the common-mode or differential-mode capacitance of the coupling line to change the odd-mode impedance can achieve reconfigurable coupling, this method also disrupts the port matching condition of the coupling line, leading to a deterioration in isolation. The high-isolation reconfigurable coupler provided in this application allows for reconfigurable coupling coefficients by switching the coupling line length. Since the odd-mode impedance Zoe and even-mode impedance Zoo of the coupling line remain unchanged, and the port matching condition Zo in Equation 1-1 also remains unchanged, high isolation is maintained while achieving reconfigurable coupling.

[0120]

[0121] The coupling channel in a reconfigurable coupler provided in this application embodiment includes a first coupling path, which includes a first signal transmission path and a second signal transmission path. The first signal transmission path is used to realize the transmission of signals between a third port 103 and a fourth port 104. The second signal transmission path is used to realize the transmission of signals between a third port 103 and a fifth port 105. The first coupling path includes a first coupling switch, which is used to connect and disconnect the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path.

[0122] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of a reconfigurable coupler provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 7A As shown, the coupler 10 includes an input terminal 101, a through terminal 102, a first coupling terminal 103, a first isolation terminal 104, a second isolation terminal 105, and a coupling switch 109. A coupling switch 109 is provided on the transmission path between the first coupling terminal 103, the first isolation terminal 104, and the second isolation terminal 105. When the switch is closed in the first position, the second signal transmission path is connected, and the first signal transmission path is disconnected (marked as 1 in the figure). When the switch is closed in the second position, the first signal transmission path is connected, and the second signal transmission path is disconnected (marked as 2 in the figure). When the first coupling terminal 103 is connected to the second isolation terminal 105, the first port 101 is the input terminal, the second port 102 is the through terminal, the third port is the first coupling terminal 103, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal 104, and the fifth port is the second isolation terminal 105.

[0123] For example, Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of another reconfigurable coupler provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 7B As shown, in a radar array scenario, specifically a TX / RX common antenna scenario requiring synchronization signal transmission, coupling switch 109 is closed in the first position (marked as 1 in the figure), connecting the second signal transmission path and disconnecting the first. At this time, the TX channel outputs a transmit signal to coupler input 101, and the through-hole 102 outputs a transmit signal to the antenna. Simultaneously, the antenna receives external signals and inputs them in reverse to the coupler's through-hole 102. The second isolation terminal 105 outputs the received coupled signal to the off-chip via GSG and loops back to the RX channel off-chip. Because the switch is closed in the first position, the length of the coupling line is adapted to the coupling coefficient of the radar array scenario, and no adjustment of the common-mode or differential-mode capacitor changes the odd-even mode impedance, thus avoiding changes in port matching conditions and maintaining a high degree of isolation. In this scenario, the coupler's isolation affects the signal synchronization accuracy in cascaded scenarios; therefore, maintaining isolation ensures the signal synchronization accuracy in radar array scenarios.

[0124] In a monolithic scenario, where signal synchronization is not required and the signal is used as a service channel, coupling switch 109 is closed in the second position (marked as 2 in the diagram). The first signal transmission path is connected, and the second signal transmission path is disconnected. At this time, the TX channel outputs a transmit signal to the coupler input 101, and the direct-through end 102 outputs a transmit signal to the antenna. Simultaneously, the first coupling end 103 outputs the transmit coupled signal to the power divider, which then outputs it to the first PD and MRX. The first isolation end 104 outputs the reflected coupled signal to the second PD. In this scenario, the coupler's isolation level affects the accuracy of signal monitoring and calibration in a monolithic scenario. Because the coupling switch is closed in the second position, the length of the coupling line is adapted to the coupling coefficient of the monolithic scenario, and there is no adjustment of the common-mode or differential-mode capacitor to change the odd-mode impedance, thus avoiding changes in port matching conditions and maintaining a high isolation level, ensuring the accuracy of signal monitoring and calibration in a monolithic scenario. The transmit coupled signal, reflected coupled signal, and received coupled signal are all signals obtained based on the coupling coefficient, as described in the previous example, and will not be repeated here.

[0125] This application embodiment uses the closed position of coupling switch 109 as two locations to illustrate the setting of coupling line lengths at different positions corresponding to the coupling coefficient requirements of the common antenna scenario and the service scenario. In practice, as the number of scenarios does not increase, more switch positions can be added to set different coupling line lengths to correspond to the coupling coefficients required by each scenario, thereby realizing the switching of more scenarios, or setting more coupling switches to meet the requirements of different coupling coefficients for different scenarios. This is not limited to the example in this application. In some instances, if the system only needs to calibrate the transmitted signal or only needs to synchronize the transmitted signal, the power divider can be omitted. This example illustrates the case where both requirements exist.

[0126] It should be noted that the coupler may include a coupling switch. For example, if the sixth port is the second coupling end, a switch can be set on the path between the four ports to control the connection and disconnection of more transmission paths. If the coupler is used in scenarios requiring different coupling coefficients, then switches should be added according to the scenario requirements. This application uses the setting of a coupling switch as an example to illustrate how to achieve reconfigurability. Since couplers may have multiple ports to implement multiple functions, the specific setting of the switch depends on the functional settings required by the coupler's operating scenario. Here, we only take the switching between the monitoring and calibration service function and the common antenna function for simultaneous transmission and reception as an example, but this is not a limitation.

[0127] When the first signal transmission path is connected and the second signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line of the first signal transmission path corresponds to the first coupling coefficient; when the second signal transmission path is connected and the first signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line of the second signal transmission path corresponds to the second coupling coefficient. The length of the connecting coupling line corresponds to the coupling coefficient required for a radar array chip scenario; when the first signal transmission path is connected and the second signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line of the first signal transmission path corresponds to the first coupling coefficient, and the length of the connecting coupling line corresponds to the coupling coefficient required for a radar single-chip scenario. In other words, when the second signal transmission path is connected and the first signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line corresponds to the coupling coefficient required for a shared antenna scenario with simultaneous transmission and reception; when the first signal transmission path is connected and the second signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the connecting coupling line corresponds to the coupling coefficient required by the service scenario.

[0128] In the example, the coupling coefficient required for monitoring the power of transmitted and received signals is greater than the coupling coefficient for monitoring the reflected power in the service scenario. The first isolation terminal 104 is on the first signal transmission path, and the second isolation terminal 105 is on the second signal transmission path. In practice, the positions of the first isolation terminal 104 and the second isolation terminal 105 can be swapped according to the different coupling coefficient requirements. This is not limited to the example in this application.

[0129] Another way to implement a coupler is to use multiple independent couplers. The key to this design is to achieve multi-signal coupling while improving the miniaturization of the coupler and maintaining high isolation between the couplers.

[0130] It should be noted that when the coupling path includes a second coupling path and a third coupling path, the second coupling path can be on one side of the main signal path, and the third coupling path can be on the other side of the main signal path. Similarly, when the coupling path also includes a fourth coupling path, two of the second, third, and fourth coupling paths can be on one side of the main signal path, and the other path can be on the other side of the main signal path.

[0131] Couplers can be arranged in another way, namely, multiple coupling paths in parallel. Compared with the traditional series arrangement, where the second, third, and fourth coupling paths are all designed to be distributed on one side of the main signal path, the longitudinal area of ​​the coupler can be effectively reduced, the additional insertion loss of the transmitted signal on the main signal path can be reduced, and the couplers can maintain high isolation. It should be noted that the parallel arrangement here refers to the multiple ports of the coupler being distributed side by side on both sides of the main signal path, while the series arrangement refers to placing all ports in series on one side of the main signal path.

[0132] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a miniaturized coupler provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the coupler 10 includes an input terminal 101, a through terminal 102, a first isolation terminal 104, a second isolation terminal 105, a third isolation terminal 106, a first coupling terminal 103, a second coupling terminal 107, and a third coupling terminal 108.

[0133] like Figure 8As shown, in this coupler, the output of the first isolation terminal 104 is connected to the second PD, the output of the second isolation terminal 105 is connected to the GSG, the output of the first coupling terminal 103 is connected to the first PD, and the output of the second coupling terminal 107 is connected to the MRX. In an array scenario, the output of the second isolation terminal 105 receives the coupling signal and achieves TX / RX common antenna through the GSG, thus realizing signal synchronization of multiple radar chips. In a monolithic scenario, the output of the second coupling terminal 107 transmits the coupling signal to the MRX for transmitting signal calibration; the output of the first coupling terminal 103 transmits the coupling signal to the first PD for transmitting signal power monitoring; and the output of the first isolation terminal 104 reflects the coupling signal to the second PD for reflected signal power monitoring. The third coupling terminal 108 and the third isolation terminal 106 are both grounded. These two ports can be omitted, or they can be reserved for future addition of coupler functions. Alternatively, they can be grounded and connected to the MRX and GSG respectively according to their grounding requirements. In this example, the coupling of the TR / RX common antenna is higher than that of signal calibration and monitoring, and the coupling line connecting the GSG is longer than that connecting the PD and MRX. Therefore, the couplers are "parallel" as shown in Figure 7 to achieve miniaturization. That is, the first isolation terminal 104, the second isolation terminal 105, the first coupling terminal 103, and the second coupling terminal 107 are respectively located on both sides of the main signal channel. (Refer to Figure 7 for details.) Figure 4 As shown. In practice, the length of the coupling line varies according to the requirements of the coupling coefficient, and the parallel connection method and relative position of each coupler can be adjusted according to the requirements. The length of the coupler and the parallel arrangement are not limited to the example in this application.

[0134] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another miniaturized coupler provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The power monitoring and signal calibration PD and MRX are connected to a first coupling terminal 103 via a power divider. For example... Figure 9 As shown. In Figure 9 In the signal coupler 10, there are an input terminal 101, a through terminal 102, a first isolation terminal 104, a second isolation terminal 105, a first coupling terminal 103, and a second coupling terminal 106. The output of the first isolation terminal 104 is connected to a second PD, outputting the reflected coupling signal to the second PD. The output of the second isolation terminal 105 is connected to a GSG, outputting the received coupling signal to the GSG. The output of the first coupling terminal 103 is connected to a power divider, outputting the transmit coupling signal to the power divider. The output of this power divider is connected to both the first PD and the MRX. The first PD and the MRX have the same coupling coefficient. The power divider outputs the transmit coupling signal obtained according to this coupling coefficient to the first PD and the MRX, respectively. Figure 9 The coupler 10 shown above demonstrates the implementation methods for signal synchronization in a common antenna scenario and signal monitoring and calibration in a service scenario, which will not be elaborated further.

[0135] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the example, the coupler provides one transmit coupling signal for transmit power monitoring, one transmit coupling signal for transmit calibration, one receive coupling signal for TX / RX common antenna, and one reflection coupling signal for reflection power monitoring. In practice, the system's requirements for coupling signals may increase or decrease depending on different functional requirements. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The number of couplers in the illustrated scheme may be increased or decreased accordingly, and the number of couplers and the "parallel" arrangement are not limited to the example in this application.

[0136] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a multi-signal coupling method provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the method includes:

[0137] S101. Transmit signals on the main signal channel between the first port and the second port.

[0138] For example, the main signal channel includes a first port and a second port, which are respectively used as the input port and output port of the coupler; a transmit signal is input through the input port, so that the transmit signal is transmitted through the main signal channel to the output port, which is called the through port; the transmit signal is output through the through port, and a reflected signal and a received signal are input in reverse.

[0139] In some examples, transmitting a signal on the main signal channel between the first port and the second port includes: receiving a transmitted signal input through the main signal channel via an input terminal, such that the transmitted signal is transmitted through the main signal channel to a pass-through terminal; outputting the transmitted signal through the pass-through terminal and inputting a reflected signal and the received signal in reverse, wherein the first port is the input terminal and the second port is the pass-through terminal.

[0140] S102. The signal is coupled to the coupling channel through the coupling channel, which includes the third port, the fourth port and the fifth port of the main signal channel.

[0141] In some examples, the coupling channel includes a first coupling path, which includes a first signal transmission path and a second signal transmission path. Coupled to the main signal channel via a coupling channel including a third, fourth, and fifth port, the signal is coupled into the coupling channel by: coupling the signal to the first signal transmission path via the third and fourth ports for transmission; and coupling the signal to the second signal transmission path via the third and fifth ports for transmission. The first coupling path includes a first coupling switch, which is used to connect and disconnect the first and second signal transmission paths.

[0142] In some instances, the transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling terminal, the reflected signal is selectively sampled and grounded through the first isolation terminal, and the signal received at the through-hole terminal is output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, such as being coupled to the GSG for output to the outside of the chip. In this case, the third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, and the fifth port is the second isolation terminal. Alternatively, the transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling terminal, the transmitted signal is sampled through the second coupling terminal, and the signal received at the through-hole terminal is coupled to the GSG for output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal. In this case, the third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the second coupling terminal, and the fifth port is the second isolation terminal.

[0143] In some examples, the coupling channel also includes a sixth port. The coupling channel includes a second coupling path and a third coupling path. Coupled to the main signal channel by the coupling channel including the third, fourth, and fifth ports, the signal is coupled into the coupling channel by: coupling the signal into the second coupling path for transmission through the third and fourth ports; and coupling the signal into the third coupling path for transmission through the fifth and sixth ports. The second coupling path includes the third and fourth ports, and the third coupling path includes the fifth and sixth ports.

[0144] In some instances, the transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling terminal, the reflected signal is sampled through the first isolation terminal, the signal received at the through-hole terminal is coupled to the GSG for output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, and grounded through the second coupling terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, and the sixth port is the second coupling terminal. Alternatively, the transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling terminal, the transmitted signal is sampled through the second coupling terminal, the signal received at the through-hole terminal is coupled to the GSG for output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, and the reflected signal is sampled through the first isolation terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the second coupling terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, and the sixth port is the first isolation terminal.

[0145] In some instances, the coupling channel also includes a seventh port and an eighth port, and the coupling channel also includes a fourth coupling path. The method further includes: coupling a signal to the fourth coupling path for transmission through the seventh port and the eighth port, wherein the fourth coupling path includes the seventh port and the eighth port.

[0146] In some instances, the transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling terminal, the reflected signal is sampled through the first isolation terminal, the signal received at the through-hole terminal is coupled to the GSG for output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, the transmitted signal is sampled through the second coupling terminal, and grounded through the third coupling terminal and the third isolation terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, the sixth port is the third coupling terminal, the seventh port is the second coupling terminal, and the eighth port is the third isolation terminal.

[0147] Furthermore, the coupler couples the signal to the second coupling path through the third and fourth ports, and to the third coupling path through the fifth and sixth ports. Both the second and third coupling paths are used to couple the signal from the main signal path.

[0148] In some examples, the coupler can calibrate and monitor the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal, monitor the reflected signal through the first isolation terminal, couple the signal received at the through terminal to the GSG for output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, and ground through the second coupling terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, and the sixth port is the second coupling terminal.

[0149] The coupler can calibrate the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal, monitor the transmitted signal through the second coupling terminal, couple the signal received at the through-terminal to the GSG for output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, and monitor the reflected signal through the first isolation terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the second coupling terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, and the sixth port is the first isolation terminal.

[0150] Furthermore, the coupler couples the signal to the fourth coupling path through the seventh and eighth ports, whereby the fourth coupling path is used to couple the signal from the main signal path.

[0151] In some examples, the transmitted signal is calibrated through the first coupling terminal, the reflected signal is monitored through the first isolation terminal, the signal received by the through-hole terminal is coupled to the GSG for output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, the transmitted signal is monitored through the second coupling terminal, and grounded through the third coupling terminal and the third isolation terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, the sixth port is the third coupling terminal, the seventh port is the second coupling terminal, and the eighth port is the third isolation terminal.

[0152] As described in the above embodiments, in both scenarios of external radar array and external radar single chip, it is possible to determine which scenario it is. If it is an external radar array, the transmission signal needs to be synchronized; if it is an external single chip, the transmission signal does not need to be synchronized. This application embodiment only uses radar array and single-chip service scenarios as examples; other scenarios can also use this method for multi-signal transmission based on the above example. If the external single-chip coupler outputs the TX transmit signal to the antenna, the transmit coupling signal can be output to the first PD and MRX respectively, and the reflection coupling signal can be output to the second PD. This allows the first PD to monitor the transmit signal, the MRX to calibrate the transmit signal, and the second PD to monitor the reflection signal. The transmit coupling signal is obtained based on the transmit signal according to the coupling coefficient, and the reflection coupling signal is obtained based on the signal reflected by the antenna according to the coupling coefficient. If it is an external radar array, the coupler outputs the transmit signal to the antenna and outputs the receive coupling signal to the RX outside the chip via the GSG. The receive coupling signal is obtained based on the signal received by the antenna and then input in reverse according to the coupling coefficient.

[0153] The coupling method of the coupler provided in this application can be applied to the coupler in the above example with reference to the description above, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-signal coupling system provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, the multi-signal coupling system includes: coupler 10, TX 20, antenna 30, first coupler 40, second coupler 50, external connection point 60, and RX 70.

[0155] Coupler 10 is the coupler illustrated in the above embodiments.

[0156] TX 20 is connected to the first port 101 of the coupler. The first port 101 is an input terminal used to send signals to the coupler through the input terminal.

[0157] Antenna 30 is connected to the second port 102 of the coupler. The second port 102 is a through-hole terminal. The antenna is used to send a transmission signal to an external chip and input the reflected signal into the coupler through the through-hole terminal. The antenna is also used to receive signals from an external chip and input the received signal into the coupler through the through-hole terminal.

[0158] External connection point 60 is connected to the fifth port of the coupler and is used to receive the signal received by antenna 30 through the second isolation terminal and output it to RX 70.

[0159] RX 80 is used to receive the received signal output from external connection point 60.

[0160] For example, in a high-frequency signal transmission scenario, the external connection point 60 can be a GSG. The second isolation terminal outputs the received signal to the outside of the chip through the GSG, and after looping back outside the chip, it is transmitted to the RX 70 on the chip, forming a complete path for the received signal.

[0161] The first coupler 40 is connected to the third port 103 of the coupler, and the second coupler 50 is connected to the fourth port 104 of the coupler.

[0162] The first coupler is a test receiver MRX, which calibrates the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal. The second coupler is a first power monitor PD, which monitors the transmitted signal through the second coupling terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, and the fourth port is the second coupling terminal.

[0163] Alternatively, the first coupler is a power divider, which is coupled to the first PD and MRX respectively, and is used to calibrate and monitor the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal. The second coupler is a second PD, which monitors the reflected signal through the first isolation terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal and the fourth port is the first isolation terminal.

[0164] It should be noted that in scenarios with low monitoring requirements, this system may not require a second PD and does not need to monitor reflected signals. In scenarios with high monitoring requirements, a port can be added to connect a second PD for monitoring the reflected signals output by the coupler.

[0165] Furthermore, the system also includes a third coupler, with the third port serving as the first coupling terminal, the fourth port as the second coupling terminal, and the sixth port as the first isolation terminal. This third coupler is connected to the sixth port of the first coupler. For example, the first coupler could be an MRX (Magnetic Resonance Array) used to calibrate the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal; the second coupler could be a first power monitor (PD) used to monitor the transmitted signal through the second coupling terminal; and the third coupler could be a second PD used to monitor the reflected signal through the first isolation terminal.

[0166] In addition, in some examples, the system may also include a power amplifier (PA), a low-noise amplifier (LNA), and a mixer. The PA amplifies the signal power and is typically used in the transmit channel; the LNA amplifies the signal amplitude while maintaining low noise and is typically used in the receive channel; the mixer achieves frequency shifting of the signal through mixing. The multi-signal coupling system provided in this application includes a coupler capable of simultaneously performing calibration, monitoring, and signal synchronization. This coupler can be the aforementioned reconfigurable coupler or a miniaturized coupler. The multi-signal coupling system including the aforementioned coupler has high integration and high isolation, and can also achieve channel multiplexing in different scenarios, reducing channel waste, improving coupling isolation, and reducing on-chip area.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0168] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0169] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

Claims

1. A coupler, characterized in that, include: A main signal channel and a coupling channel, wherein the main signal channel is used as the signal channel of the coupler; The coupling channel is used to couple the signal of the main signal channel, wherein the main signal channel includes a first port and a second port, the first port and the second port being used as the input port and output port of the coupler, respectively; The coupling channel includes a third port, a fourth port, and a fifth port; The first port is an input terminal for receiving the transmitted signal input from the main signal channel, and the second port is a through terminal for outputting the transmitted signal. The through terminal is also used for reverse input of the reflected signal and input of the received signal. The third port is a first coupling terminal used to sample the transmitted signal, and the fourth port is a first isolation terminal used to selectively sample and ground the reflected signal; or, the third port is the first coupling terminal used to sample the transmitted signal, and the fourth port is a second coupling terminal used to sample the transmitted signal. The fifth port is the second isolation terminal, used to connect to the outside of the chip and output the signal received by the through terminal to the outside of the chip. The coupler is configured such that when the first port receives the transmitted signal, the second isolation terminal outputs the signal received by the pass-through terminal to the outside of the chip.

2. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling channel includes a first coupling path, and the first coupling path includes a first signal transmission path and a second signal transmission path; The first signal transmission path is used to realize the transmission of signals between the third port and the fourth port; The second signal transmission path is used to realize the transmission of signals between the third port and the fifth port; The first coupling path includes a first coupling switch, which is used to connect and disconnect the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path.

3. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Sixth port, The coupling channel includes a second coupling path and a third coupling path, wherein the second coupling path includes the third port and the fourth port, and the second coupling path is used to realize the transmission of signals between the third port and the fourth port; The third coupling path includes the fifth port and the sixth port, and the third coupling path is used to realize the transmission of signals between the fifth port and the sixth port.

4. The coupler according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Ports 7 and 8 The coupling channel further includes a fourth coupling path, wherein the fourth coupling path includes the seventh port and the eighth port, and the fourth coupling path is used to realize the transmission of signals between the seventh port and the eighth port.

5. The coupler according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first port is an input terminal for receiving the transmitted signal input from the main signal channel, and the second port is a through terminal for outputting the transmitted signal. The through terminal is also used for reverse input of the reflected signal and input of the received signal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, used to sample the transmitted signal; the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, used to sample the reflected signal; the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, used to connect to the outside of the chip through a connection point, and output the signal received by the through terminal to the outside of the chip; the sixth port is the second coupling terminal, used to ground. Alternatively, the third port is a first coupling terminal used to sample the transmitted signal, the fourth port is a second coupling terminal used to sample the transmitted signal, the fifth port is a second isolation terminal used to connect to the outside of the chip through a connection point and output the signal received by the through terminal to the outside of the chip, and the sixth port is a first isolation terminal used to sample the reflected signal.

6. The coupler according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first port is an input terminal for receiving the transmitted signal input from the main signal channel, and the second port is a through terminal for outputting the transmitted signal. The through terminal is also used for reverse input of the reflected signal and input of the received signal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, used to sample the transmitted signal; the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, used to sample the reflected signal; the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, used to connect to the outside of the chip through a connection point and output the signal received by the through terminal to the outside of the chip; the sixth port is the third coupling terminal, used for grounding; the seventh port is the second coupling terminal, used for sampling the transmitted signal; and the eighth port is the third isolation terminal, used for grounding.

7. The coupler according to any one of claims 1, 5, and 6, characterized in that, It also includes: an external transmitter TX connected to the input end, the TX being used to transmit the transmission signal to the main signal channel; an external antenna connected to the through end, the antenna being used to transmit the transmission signal externally and input the reflected signal of the transmission signal and the signal received by the antenna in reverse order; and a second isolation end connected to the outside of the chip through a connection point, outputting the signal received by the antenna to the outside of the chip and then looping back to the receiver RX.

8. The coupler according to claim 7, characterized in that, The TX, the antenna, and the RX are connected to an external radar single chip or radar array chip.

9. The coupler according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first signal transmission path is connected and the second signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line of the first signal transmission path corresponds to the first coupling coefficient. When the second signal transmission path is connected and the first signal transmission path is disconnected, the length of the coupling line of the second signal transmission path corresponds to the second coupling coefficient.

10. A multifunctional coupling method, characterized in that, include: A signal is transmitted on a main signal channel between a first port and a second port, wherein the main signal channel includes the first port and the second port, and the first port and the second port are respectively used as the input port and the output port of the coupler; The signal is coupled to the coupling channel, which includes a third port, a fourth port, and a fifth port, through the coupling channel coupled to the main signal channel; The transmission of signals on the main signal channel between the first port and the second port includes: The input terminal receives the transmitted signal input through the main signal channel, and the transmitted signal is transmitted to the through-hole terminal through the main signal channel. The transmitted signal is output through the through-port, and the reflected signal and the received signal are input in reverse. The first port is the input port, and the second port is the through-port. The coupling of the signal to the coupling channel via the third, fourth, and fifth ports coupled to the main signal channel includes: The transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling terminal, and the reflected signal is selectively sampled and grounded through the first isolation terminal. When the transmitted signal is received at the first port, the second isolation terminal outputs the signal received by the through terminal to the outside of the chip. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, and the fifth port is the second isolation terminal. Alternatively, the transmitted signal can be sampled through the first coupling terminal and the second coupling terminal. When the transmitted signal is received at the first port, the second isolation terminal outputs the signal received by the through terminal to the outside of the chip. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the second coupling terminal, and the fifth port is the second isolation terminal.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The coupling channel includes a first coupling path, which in turn includes a first signal transmission path and a second signal transmission path. The coupling channel, which is coupled to the main signal channel, includes a third port, a fourth port, and a fifth port, which couples the signal into the coupling channel. The signal is coupled into the first signal transmission path for transmission through the third port and the fourth port; The signal is coupled into the second signal transmission path for transmission through the third port and the fifth port; The first coupling path includes a first coupling switch, which is used to connect and disconnect the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The coupling channel also includes a sixth port, and the coupling channel includes a second coupling path and a third coupling path. The coupling channel, which is coupled to the main signal channel, includes a third port, a fourth port, and a fifth port, which couples the signal into the coupling channel. The signal is coupled into the second coupling path for transmission through the third port and the fourth port; The signal is coupled to the third coupling path for transmission through the fifth port and the sixth port; The second coupling path includes the third port and the fourth port, and the third coupling path includes the fifth port and the sixth port.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The coupling channel further includes a seventh port and an eighth port, and the coupling channel further includes a fourth coupling path; the method further includes: The signal is coupled to a fourth coupling path for transmission via the seventh port and the eighth port, wherein the fourth coupling path includes the seventh port and the eighth port.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The transmission of signals on the main signal channel between the first port and the second port includes: The input terminal receives the transmitted signal input through the main signal channel, and the transmitted signal is transmitted to the through-hole terminal through the main signal channel. The transmitted signal is output through the through-port, and the reflected signal and the received signal are input in reverse. The first port is the input port, and the second port is the through-port. The step of coupling the signal to the second coupling path for transmission through the third port and the fourth port; and coupling the signal to the third coupling path for transmission through the fifth port and the sixth port includes: The transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling terminal, the reflected signal is sampled through the first isolation terminal, the signal received by the through terminal is output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, and grounded through the second coupling terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, and the sixth port is the second coupling terminal. Alternatively, the transmitted signal can be sampled through the first coupling terminal, the transmitted signal can be sampled through the second coupling terminal, the signal received by the through-port can be output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, and the reflected signal can be sampled through the first isolation terminal. In this case, the third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the second coupling terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, and the sixth port is the first isolation terminal.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The transmission of signals on the main signal channel between the first port and the second port includes: The input terminal receives the transmitted signal input through the main signal channel, and the transmitted signal is transmitted to the through-hole terminal through the main signal channel. The transmitted signal is output through the through-port, and the reflected signal and the received signal are input in reverse. The first port is the input port, and the second port is the through-port. The steps of coupling the signal to the second coupling path for transmission via the third port and the fourth port; coupling the signal to the third coupling path for transmission via the fifth port and the sixth port; and coupling the signal to the fourth coupling path for transmission via the seventh port and the eighth port include: The transmitted signal is sampled through the first coupling terminal, the reflected signal is sampled through the first isolation terminal, the signal received by the through-terminal is output to the outside of the chip through the second isolation terminal, the transmitted signal is sampled through the second coupling terminal, and grounded through the third coupling terminal and the third isolation terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the first isolation terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, the sixth port is the third coupling terminal, the seventh port is the second coupling terminal, and the eighth port is the third isolation terminal.

16. A coupled system, characterized in that, include: The coupler as described in any one of claims 1-9; The transmitter TX is connected to the first port of the coupler; The antenna is connected to the second port of the coupler; A first coupler is connected to the third port of the coupler; The second coupler is connected to the fourth port of the coupler; An external connection point is connected to the fifth port of the coupler.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The TX is used to send a signal to the coupler via the input terminal; The antenna is used to send the transmitted signal to an external chip and input the reflected signal into the coupler through the through-hole terminal. The antenna is also used to receive signals from the external chip and input the received signals into the coupler through the through-hole terminal. The external connection point is used to receive the received signal through the second isolation terminal and output the received signal to the outside of the chip, so that the received signal is returned to the receiver RX. The first port is the input terminal, the second port is the through terminal, the fifth port is the second isolation terminal, and the coupler, the antenna, the TX, and the RX are integrated on the chip.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first coupler is a test receiver MRX, which calibrates the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal. The second coupler is a first power monitor PD, which monitors the transmitted signal through the second coupling terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, and the fourth port is the second coupling terminal. Alternatively, the first coupler is a power divider, which is coupled to the first PD and MRX respectively, and is used to calibrate and monitor the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal. The second coupler is a second PD, which monitors the reflected signal through the first isolation terminal. The third port is the first coupling terminal, and the fourth port is the first isolation terminal.

19. A coupled system, characterized in that, include: The coupler as described in any one of claims 3-6; A transmitter TX is connected to the first port of the coupler, and the TX is used to send a signal to the coupler through an input terminal. An antenna is connected to the second port of the coupler. The antenna is used to send the transmitted signal to an external chip and input the reflected signal into the coupler through the through-port. The antenna is also used to receive signals from the external chip and input the received signals into the coupler through the through-port. A first coupler is connected to the third port of the coupler. The first coupler is a test receiver MRX, which calibrates the transmitted signal through the first coupling terminal. A second coupler is connected to the fourth port of the coupler. The second coupler is a first power monitor (PD) used to monitor the transmitted signal through the second coupling terminal. An external connection point is connected to the fifth port of the coupler. The external connection point is used to receive the received signal through the second isolation terminal and output the received signal to the outside of the chip, so that the received signal is returned to the receiver RX. The first port is the input terminal, the second port is the through terminal, and the fifth port is the second isolation terminal. The coupler, the antenna, the TX, and the RX are integrated on the chip. A third coupler is connected to the sixth port of the coupler. The third coupler is a second PD and monitors the reflected signal through the first isolation terminal. Wherein, the third port is the first coupling terminal, the fourth port is the second coupling terminal, and the sixth port is the first isolation terminal.

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