Power-efficient and hardware-efficient transceiver devices with configurable antenna array architecture.

Abstract

This invention relates to a transceiver device and a corresponding method. The transceiver device includes: a signal processor for outputting a baseband transmit signal having M ≥ 2 channels; and an RFIC for converting the baseband transmit signal into an RF transmit signal having M channels. Furthermore, the transceiver device includes a set of N ≥ 2 antenna arrays, each antenna array including a set of M antennas, each antenna being used to receive one of the M channels of the RF transmit signal. The transceiver device also includes a switch for routing the RF transmit signal received from the RFIC to a first subset of the N antenna arrays based on the state of the switch. The signal processor controls the state of the switch. Therefore, the transceiver device has a configurable antenna array architecture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a transceiver device and a method for using the transceiver device. The transceiver device has a configurable antenna array architecture. This antenna array architecture includes a set of antenna arrays, and the transceiver device is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency (RF) signals by selecting a subset of the antenna array set. Background Technology

[0002] Massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) is a fifth-generation (5G) technology. th Key technologies for increasing capacity and improving energy efficiency in MIMO (Multi-Input Multiple-Output) mobile communication systems and beyond-5G (B5G) systems. Capacity and coverage can be increased by distributing antennas within MIMO systems.

[0003] The 5G new radio (NR) band in frequency range 2 (FR2) covers 24.25 to 52.6 GHz, with a maximum signal bandwidth of up to 400 MHz per channel. In the US, Europe, and China, the total available bandwidth for 5G NR in FR2 is 3.85 GHz, 7.85 GHz, and 8.25 GHz, respectively. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that eight-carrier aggregation (8CA) with 100 MHz of signal bandwidth per channel forms an 800 MHz signal bandwidth. To further improve data rates, an additional 400 MHz of signal bandwidth per channel for 8CA is being considered.

[0004] As described in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications for Power Tier 4, global or near-global coverage characteristics are ideal for 5G millimeter-wave user equipment (UE). Furthermore, to minimize the impact of user hand / body obstruction on UE antenna transmission, the antenna array should be optimally distributed across the entire UE.

[0005] A first exemplary solution for achieving 3-dimensional (3D) coverage is based on a multi-array beam scanning system with a dedicated RF integrated circuit (RFIC) for each antenna array. This solution can achieve near-global coverage in terms of solid angle, making it suitable for 5G millimeter-wave UEs. The RF front end can switch the main beam between the aiming direction and the end-fire direction. However, this solution is inefficient for end applications, particularly in terms of space, battery life, and heat dissipation. Because each antenna array has a dedicated RFIC, this solution is not only too space-consuming and costly, but also leads to wiring problems, especially due to coupling between trace tracks.

[0006] The second exemplary solution is based on a beam-switched hybrid array. This solution overcomes some of the problems of the first exemplary solution. For example, it reduces the number of RFICs. However, in this solution, diode switching causes impedance mismatch between the RFICs and the antenna array. Furthermore, the insertion loss of the diode switches poses a challenge to the efficiency required for this solution in end applications. Additionally, the slow switching time provided by the diodes is also an obstacle, for example, for low-latency 5G connections. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In summary, this invention aims to provide an improved solution for achieving optimal coverage, ideally 3D coverage. The objective is to provide a transceiver device having an antenna array providing this coverage, wherein the transceiver device is compact and efficient, saving power and area. Furthermore, impedance mismatch and insertion loss should be reduced or avoided. Another objective of this invention is to enable the transceiver device to be used in RFICs based on direct conversion and / or double conversion.

[0008] These and other objectives are achieved by the solutions of the invention described in the independent claims. Advantageous implementations are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention provides a transceiver device, comprising: a signal processor for outputting a baseband (BB) transmit signal, wherein the BB transmit signal includes M channels, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit (RFIC) for receiving the BB transmit signal from the signal processor and converting the BB transmit signal into an RF transmit signal, wherein the RF transmit signal includes M channels; a set of N antenna arrays, wherein each antenna array includes a set of M antennas, wherein each antenna is used to receive one of the M channels of the RF transmit signal, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and a switch for receiving the RF transmit signal from the RFIC and routing the RF transmit signal to a first subset of the antenna arrays in the N antenna arrays according to the state of the switch; wherein the signal processor is used to control the state of the switch.

[0010] The signal processor can be a modem or digital signal processor (DSP) for processing the BB signal. The RFIC can up-convert the BB transmit signal to an RF transmit signal. Therefore, the RFIC can first up-convert the BB transmit signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) transmit signal, and then up-convert this IF transmit signal to an RF transmit signal. The same conversion can be applied to the received signal. The RFIC can include separate IF RFIC units and RF RFIC units, but they can be integrated together.

[0011] Because a single RFIC is connected to an array of antenna arrays, the first-side transceiver device can be built compactly, efficiently saving power and area. Switching reduces impedance mismatch and insertion loss. The array of antenna arrays can provide optimal coverage, such as 3D coverage. The first-side transceiver device is used for beam switching and beam scanning.

[0012] In one implementation of the first aspect, the set of N antenna arrays is further configured to receive RF radiation and output an RF received signal based on the RF radiation, wherein the RF received signal comprises M channels, and wherein each antenna is configured to output one of the M channels of the RF received signal; the switch is further configured to receive the RF received signal from the N antenna arrays; the RFIC is further configured to receive the RF received signal from the switch and convert the RF received signal into a BB received signal, wherein the BB received signal comprises M channels; the signal processor is further configured to receive the BB received signal from the RFIC and process the BB received signal; the signal processor is further configured to control the switch to select a second subset of the antenna arrays from the set of N antenna arrays, and the switch receives the RF received signal from the second subset of the antenna arrays.

[0013] Therefore, transceiver devices operate similarly in transmit and receive modes.

[0014] In one implementation of the first aspect, the signal processor is further configured to control the switch to perform the following operations: selecting a first antenna subset from the set of M antennas of each antenna array in a first subset of the antenna array, wherein the switch provides one of the M channels of the RF transmitted signal to the first antenna subset.

[0015] In one implementation of the first aspect, the signal processor is further configured to control the switch to perform the following operations: selecting a second antenna subset from the set of M antennas of each antenna array in the second subset of the antenna array, wherein the switch receives one of the M channels of the RF received signal from the second antenna subset.

[0016] Therefore, transceiver devices can not only choose antenna arrays, but also individual antennas to further support beam switching and beam scanning.

[0017] In one implementation of the first aspect, the signal processor is further configured to control the phase and amplitude of each of the M channels of the RF transmitted signal on the M antennas of each antenna array; and / or the signal processor is further configured to control the phase and amplitude of each of the M channels of the RF received signal output by the M antennas of each antenna array.

[0018] Therefore, beam scanning can be performed by the transceiver device.

[0019] In one implementation of the first aspect, the switch includes a plurality of M×N impedance matching circuits, wherein each impedance matching circuit is associated with one of the M antennas of one of the N antenna arrays.

[0020] This provides the aforementioned impedance matching advantages and reduces insertion loss.

[0021] In one implementation of the first aspect, each impedance matching circuit includes: a first inductor and a second inductor connected in series to form a first circuit portion, wherein the first circuit portion is connected to the associated antenna via the second inductor; a first transistor and a second transistor connected together via their gates to form a second circuit portion, wherein the second circuit portion is connected to the drain of the first transistor and to the drain of the second transistor, and the first transistor and the second transistor are connected in parallel with the first inductor of the first circuit portion.

[0022] In one implementation of the first aspect, the gate of the first transistor and the gate of the second transistor are respectively connected to a control voltage line; the control voltage line is connected to the signal processor.

[0023] In one implementation of the first aspect, each impedance matching circuit is connected to a switching transistor, which is further connected to the RFIC and is configured to be closed or opened by the signal processor to selectively provide one of the M channels of the RF transmitted signal to the associated antenna, or not provide it.

[0024] In one implementation of the first aspect, the switch includes a first impedance matching circuit and a first switching transistor associated with a first antenna of a first antenna array, and further includes a second impedance matching circuit and a second switching transistor associated with a first antenna of a second antenna array; a first control voltage line is connected to the gate of the first transistor of the first impedance matching circuit and the gate of the second transistor, and is further connected to the gate of the second switching transistor.

[0025] In one implementation of the first aspect, a second control voltage line is connected to the gate of the first transistor and the gate of the second transistor in the second impedance matching circuit, and further connected to the gate of the first switching transistor.

[0026] In one implementation of the first aspect, the first control voltage line and the second control voltage line are connected to the signal processor; the signal processor is used to control the gate of the first transistor and the gate of the second transistor in the first impedance matching circuit, the gate of the first transistor and the gate of the second transistor in the second impedance matching circuit, and the gate of the first switching transistor and the gate of the second switching transistor.

[0027] The above implementation provides a compact and efficient switch. The switch can be controlled by a signal processor to perform beamforming (beam scanning) and beam switching on a selected antenna array (i.e., in a certain region).

[0028] In one implementation of the first aspect, each of the N antenna arrays in the set is used to cover a unique spatial region.

[0029] In this way, the transceiver device can achieve optimal coverage.

[0030] In one implementation of the first aspect, the transceiver device is configured to perform beam switching by selecting a first subset of the antenna array, the switch providing the RF transmit signal to the first subset of the antenna array; and / or the transceiver device is configured to perform beam switching by selecting a second subset of the antenna array, the switch receiving the RF receive signal from the second subset of the antenna array.

[0031] In one implementation of the first aspect, the transceiver device is configured to perform beamforming by controlling the phase and amplitude of each of the M channels of the RF transmitted signal; and / or the transceiver device is configured to perform beamforming by controlling the phase and amplitude of each of the M channels of the RF received signal.

[0032] The above implementation explains how transceiver devices can be used to perform beam switching and beamforming.

[0033] A second aspect of the present invention provides a terminal device including a transceiver device according to the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0034] The terminal device can be a UE (User Equipment).

[0035] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for a transceiver device, the method comprising: a signal processor of the transceiver device outputting a baseband (BB) transmit signal, wherein the BB transmit signal includes M channels, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit (RFIC) of the transceiver device receiving the BB transmit signal from the signal processor and converting the BB transmit signal into an RF transmit signal, wherein the RF transmit signal includes M channels; a switch of the transceiver device receiving the RF transmit signal from the RFIC and routing the RF transmit signal to a first subset of antenna arrays of N antenna arrays according to the state of the switch, wherein each antenna array includes a set of M antennas, wherein each antenna is used to receive one of the M channels of the RF transmit signal, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and the signal processor controlling the state of the switch.

[0036] The third aspect of the method can have an implementation corresponding to the transceiver device implementation of the first aspect. It should be noted that the transceiver device targeted by the third aspect can be the transceiver device of the first aspect or any implementation thereof. The third aspect of the method provides the same advantages as the transceiver device of the first aspect.

[0037] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a computer program including instructions that, when executed by a signal processor of a transceiver device of the first aspect or any implementation thereof, cause the signal processor to control the switching and / or RFIC of the transceiver device.

[0038] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a computer program including instructions that, when executed by a signal processor of a transceiver device according to a first aspect or any implementation thereof, cause the transceiver device to perform a method according to a third aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0039] The present invention is based on a common single RFIC connected to a reconfigurable antenna array architecture comprising an array of antennas. Reconfiguration can be performed via a control switch. The present invention improves performance through an impedance matching network provided by the switch. The switch can be a single-pole N-th throw (SPNT) switch between the antenna array and the RFIC. Specifically, the switch can be designed to improve impedance matching (S-parameters) near the frequency band of interest. Furthermore, it can enhance isolation (S-parameters) between adjacent lines.

[0040] For example, in hybrid antenna systems, transceiver devices with switches for beam switching and beamforming can provide large spatial coverage over a wide area while reducing the number of antennas and transmit-receive (TR) components.

[0041] The total power consumption and cost of transceiver equipment can be significantly reduced because switches can replace the entire RF chain (phase shifter (PS), variable gain amplifier (VGA), power amplifier (PA), mixer, etc.).

[0042] It should be noted that the devices, elements, units, and modules described in this application can be implemented in software or hardware elements or any combination thereof. The steps performed by the various entities described in this application, and the functions to be performed by the various entities described, are intended to indicate that each entity is suitable for or used to perform the corresponding steps and functions. Although in the following description of specific embodiments, a particular function or step performed by an external entity is not reflected in the detailed description of the specific element of the entity performing that particular step or function, those skilled in the art should understand that these methods and functions can be implemented in the corresponding software or hardware elements or any combination thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The following detailed description of specific embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will illustrate the above aspects and their implementations, wherein:

[0044] Figure 1 The transceiver device provided by the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 2 An exemplary transceiver device provided by the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 3 An exemplary switch of the transceiver device of the present invention is shown, having a matching network between the RFIC and the antenna array;

[0047] Figure 4 An exemplary switch of the transceiver device of the present invention is shown, having a matching network between the RFIC and the antenna array;

[0048] Figure 5 The S-parameters of the switching of the matching network between the RFIC and the antenna array are shown;

[0049] Figure 6 This demonstrates how adding a switch between the RFIC and the antenna array improves active load data.

[0050] Figure 7The relationship between CDF and EIRP was compared between the conventional scheme (a) and the scheme of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 8 The relationship between CDF and EVM was compared between the conventional solution (a) and the solution (b) of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 9 An exemplary transceiver device provided by the present invention is shown;

[0053] Figure 10 The present invention illustrates a method for a transceiver device. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figure 1 A transceiver device 100 provided by the present invention is illustrated. The transceiver device 100 can be used for beam switching and / or beamforming. The transceiver device 100 can be used in terminal devices, such as UEs, for example, smartphones, tablets, computers, cameras, vehicles, etc. The transceiver device 100 can provide various benefits, including optimal 3D coverage, small footprint, and low power consumption.

[0055] Transceiver device 100 includes a signal processor 101, an RFIC 103, a switch 105, and a set of N antenna arrays 106, wherein the set of antenna arrays 106 provides the antenna array architecture of transceiver device 100. Each antenna array 106 can be used to cover a unique spatial area, enabling transceiver device 100 to achieve global or near-global coverage. Each antenna array 106 in the set of antenna arrays 106 includes a set of M antennas, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. N is also an integer greater than or equal to 2. Figure 1 As an example, transceiver device 100 may include N = 2 antenna arrays 106.

[0056] Signal processor 101 is used to output BB transmit signal 102t. BB transmit signal 102t includes M channels. For example, it can include M = 8 channels. Signal processor 101 is used to provide BB transmit signal 102t to RFIC. Signal processor 101 can also be used to receive BB receive signal 102r from RFIC 103 and process BB receive signal 102r. BB receive signal 102r can include M channels. Signal processor 101 is also used to control the state of switch 105. Signal processor 101 can be used to control switch 105 to select a second subset of antenna array 106 from a set of N antenna arrays, and switch 105 receives RF receive signal 104r from the second subset of antenna array 106.

[0057] RFIC 103 is used to receive the BB transmit signal 102t from signal processor 101 and convert the BB transmit signal 102t into an RF transmit signal 104t. The RF transmit signal 104t includes M channels. RFIC 103 can also be used to receive the RF receive signal 104r from switch 105 and convert the RF receive signal 104r into the BB receive signal 102r. The RF receive signal 104r can also include M channels.

[0058] Switch 105 is used to receive RF transmit signal 104t from RFIC 103 and route RF transmit signal 104t to a first subset of antenna arrays 106 out of N antenna arrays 106, wherein the first subset of antenna arrays 106 depends on the state of switch 105, the state of which can be controlled by signal processor 101. Switch 105 can also be used to receive RF receive signal 104r from N antenna arrays 106.

[0059] The signal processor 101 and / or RFIC 103 of transceiver device 100 may include processing circuitry (not shown) for performing, implementing, or initiating various control operations described herein. The processing circuitry may include hardware and / or may be software-controlled. The hardware may include analog or digital circuitry, or both. The digital circuitry may include components such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or multi-purpose processors. The signal processor 101 and / or RFIC 103 may also include memory circuitry storing one or more instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry (specifically, under software control). For example, the memory circuitry may include a non-transitory storage medium storing executable software code that, when executed by the processing circuitry, causes the signal processor 101 and / or RFIC 103 to perform various operations. In one embodiment, the processing circuitry includes one or more processors and a non-transitory memory connected to the one or more processors. The non-transient memory may carry executable program code that, when executed by one or more processors, causes the signal processor 101 and / or RFIC 103 to perform, implement, or initiate the operations or methods described herein.

[0060] Figure 2 An exemplary transceiver device 100 of the present invention is shown, which is based on Figure 1The transceiver device 100 shown is constructed. Identical elements are labeled with the same reference numerals and can serve similar functions and be implemented similarly. Figure 2 The transceiver device 100 can be used to perform operations against... Figure 1 The transceiver device 100 has the same functions as described.

[0061] exist Figure 2 In the transceiver device 100, the signal processor 101 can be a modem, and the switch 105 can be an SPNT switch. Furthermore, each of the N antenna arrays 106 can be an antenna-in-package (AiP) antenna array. Specifically, the transceiver device 100 may include three antenna arrays 106, such as... Figure 3 As explicitly shown, but may include more than three antenna arrays 106, as indicated by dots. If N=3, the transceiver device 100 may have three antenna panels, achieving three-sector coverage. Due to the goal of broadband performance, an RF beamforming architecture can be employed to achieve multi-band operation. Especially for terminal applications, efficient and compact antenna arrays 106 can be used to increase battery life and reduce heat dissipation and size issues. Each antenna array 106 in a set of N antenna arrays 106 can be adapted and arranged to cover a unique spatial area, as shown in the figure.

[0062] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 or Figure 2 An exemplary switch 105 of the transceiver device 100. Switch 105 may be... Figure 2 The SPNT switch. Switch 105 can be used for beam switching and can be implemented to provide a matching network between antenna array 106 and RFIC 103 in the set of antenna arrays 106.

[0063] Switch 105 includes a plurality of M×N impedance matching circuits 205, wherein each impedance matching circuit 205 is associated with one of the M antennas of one of the N antenna arrays 106. For example, Figure 3The switch 105 is shown to include a first impedance matching circuit 205a and a second impedance matching circuit 205b. The first impedance matching circuit 205a is connected to a first terminal 202 of the switch 105, and can be further connected to a first antenna of a first antenna array 106. The second impedance matching circuit 205b is connected to a second terminal 203 of the switch 105, and can be connected to the first antenna of the second antenna array 106. The switch 105 may also have an additional terminal 204 for connecting an additional antenna of an additional antenna array 106. Each impedance matching network 205 is connected to a terminal 201, which is connected to an RFIC 103. It should be noted that... Figure 3 A switch 105 is shown for one channel (the first antenna of the first antenna array and the second antenna array 106 can be associated with the same first channel in a plurality of channels), while the switch 105 can have the same elements for other channels (other antennas of the antenna array 106).

[0064] Each impedance matching circuit 205 includes: a first inductor 206 and a second inductor 207, the first inductor 206 and the second inductor 207 being connected in series to form a first circuit portion, wherein the first circuit portion is connected to the associated antenna via the second inductor 207 and through terminals 202, 203, and 204; and includes a first transistor 208 and a second transistor 209, the first transistor 208 and the second transistor 209 being connected together through their gates to form a second circuit portion, wherein the second circuit portion is connected to the drain of the first transistor 208 and the drain of the second transistor 209, the first transistor 208 and the second transistor 209 being connected in parallel with the first inductor 206 of the first circuit portion. For example, the first impedance matching circuit 205a includes a first inductor 206a, a second inductor 207a, a first transistor 208a, and a second transistor 209a. The second impedance matching network 205b includes a first inductor 206b, a second inductor 207b, a first transistor 208b, and a second transistor 209b.

[0065] Each impedance matching circuit 205 is also connected to a switching transistor 211. For example, a first impedance matching circuit 205a is connected to a first switching transistor 211a, both of which are associated with a first antenna of the first antenna array 106. A second impedance matching circuit 205b is connected to a second switching transistor 211, both of which are associated with a first antenna of the second antenna array 106. The switching transistors 211 are also connected to the RFIC 103 via terminal 201. Each switching transistor 211 is used to be turned on or off by the signal processor 101. In this way, for example, the signal processor 101 can control the switches 105 such that each of the M channels of the RF transmitted signal 104t can be selectively provided to the associated antenna of the associated antenna array 106, or not provided at all.

[0066] In each impedance matching circuit 205, the gate of the first transistor 208 and the gate of the second transistor 209 are respectively connected to the control voltage line 210. For example, the first control voltage line 210a is connected to the gate of the first transistor 208a and the gate of the second transistor 209a in the first impedance matching circuit 205a. The first control voltage line 210a is also connected to the gate of the second switching transistor 211b. Furthermore, the second control voltage line 210b is connected to the gate of the first transistor 208b and the gate of the second transistor 209b in the second impedance matching circuit 205b. The second control voltage line 211a is also connected to the gate of the first switching transistor 211a. Each control voltage line 210, including the first control voltage line 210a and the second control voltage line 210b, is connected to the signal processor 101. Through the control voltage lines 210, the signal processor 101 can control the switch 105.

[0067] The signal processor 101 can be used to control the gates of the first transistor 208a and the second transistor 209a of the first impedance matching circuit 205a, the gates of the first transistor 208b and the second transistor 208b of the second impedance matching circuit 205b, and the gates of the first switching transistor 211a and the second switching transistor 211b. In this way, the signal processor 101 can control which RF transmit signals / channels are provided from the RFIC 103 to the antenna array 106, and which RF receive signals / channels are provided from the antenna array 106 to the RFIC 103.

[0068] The first transistor 208 and the second transistor 209 can be shunt transistors. The switching transistor 211 can be a series transistor, and their dimensions can be optimized, along with inductors 206 and 207, for the open state to provide a matching network, thereby reducing insertion loss and increasing isolation in the closed state, respectively. To improve the bandwidth of the impedance matching network 205, such as... Figure 3As shown, there can be N levels (compared to 2 levels), where this depends on the space available on the RFIC 103. Trade-offs can be made between space, insertion loss, and isolation.

[0069] Figure 4 An exemplary simplified switch 105 for the case of N=2 is shown. The simplified switch 105 can be used to achieve beam switching between two antenna arrays 106, which can be connected to terminals 202 and 203 of the switch 105 respectively, while the RFIC 103 is connected to terminal 201, and the signal processor 101 is connected to control lines 210a and 210b.

[0070] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The performance of switch 105 is shown, which can be used in transceiver device 100 of the present invention. For the open state, the dimensions of the first and second transistors 208a, 209a, 208b and 209b, as well as the switching transistors 211a and 211b, are modified and optimized using inductors 206a, 207a, 206b and 207b as a matching network, thereby improving the insertion loss and isolation in the closed state, respectively.

[0071] Figure 6 The performance improvement resulting from using the special case of N=2 is shown. For all operating frequencies and polarizations, the over-the-air (OTA) active load exhibits a lower distributed impedance value when switch 105 is added to the RF path between RFIC 103 and antenna array 106. This behavior is primarily due to the active load region after the insertion of switch 105 being located within the –6 dB circle. Figure 6 As can be seen, the active load point shifts from the low-power region to the highest-power region. This behavior is primarily due to switch 105 acting as the input matching network for the active load impedance. Furthermore, the distribution of the active load point remains the same as without switch 105. This indicates that the proposed structure does not introduce additional coupling between RF paths.

[0072] Usually, such as Figure 6As shown, the scheme of this invention can reduce the mutual coupling between transmission lines (PA-to-Air Simulator: Smith Chart) and increase the equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) over the air (OTA) for polarization and all operating frequencies of interest (PA-to-Air Simulator: Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) vs. EIRP). Furthermore, it can also reduce the error vector magnitude (EVM) of the OTA for polarization and all operating frequencies of interest (PA-to-Air Simulator: CDF vs. EVM). The relationship between CDF and EIRP is as follows... Figure 7 As shown, specifically, for end-fire and side-fire applications, the conventional solution (a) and the solution (b) of this invention are compared. The relationship between CDF and EVM is as follows. Figure 8 As shown, specifically, the conventional solution (a) and the solution (b) of the present invention are compared again for end-firing and side-firing.

[0073] Figure 9 An exemplary transceiver device 100 of the present invention is shown, which is based on Figure 1 The transceiver device 100 shown is constructed. Identical elements are labeled with the same reference numerals and can serve similar functions and be implemented similarly. Figure 9 The transceiver device 100 is Figure 2 Alternatives to the proposed solution. Figure 9 The transceiver device 100 can be used to perform operations against... Figure 1 The transceiver device 100 has the same functions as described.

[0074] and Figure 2 The difference between the transceiver devices 100 and 100 is that... Figure 9 The transceiver device 100 also has at least one antenna array 106 directly connected to the RFIC, i.e., not connected to the RFIC via switch 105. In this case, the RFIC 103 can be used to provide an RF transmit signal 104t to this at least one antenna array 106 and receive an RF receive signal 104r from the at least one antenna array.

[0075] Figure 10 The present invention provides a method 1000. Method 1000 is used in transceiver device 100 and can be derived from... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 The transceiver device 100 of the present invention shown is implemented.

[0076] Method 1000 includes step 1001: the signal processor 101 of the transceiver device 100 outputs a BB transmit signal 102t. The BB transmit signal 102t includes M channels, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Method 1000 also includes the step of the RFIC 103 of the transceiver device 100 receiving the BB transmit signal 102t from the signal processor 101, and step 1002: converting the BB transmit signal 102t into an RF transmit signal 104t, where the RF transmit signal 104t includes M channels. Method 1000 also includes the step of the switch 105 of the transceiver device 100 receiving the RF transmit signal 104t from the RFIC 103, and step 1003: routing the RF transmit signal 104t to a first subset of the N antenna arrays 106 according to the state of the switch 105. Each antenna array 106 includes a set of M antennas, wherein each antenna is used to receive one of the M channels of the RF transmitted signal 104t, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Method 1000 also includes step 1004: the signal processor 101 controls the state of the switch 105.

[0077] By using switch 105, beam switching and scanning can be achieved, for example, in hybrid antenna systems, providing large spatial coverage over a wide area. Furthermore, the number of antennas and TR components can be reduced, thereby lowering power consumption and reducing heat dissipation issues.

[0078] The invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments and implementations as examples. However, based on a study of the drawings, this disclosure, and the independent claims, those skilled in the art will be able to understand and implement other variations in carrying out the claimed subject matter. In the claims and the specification, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the function of several entities or items described in the claims. The enumeration of certain measures in dissimilar dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used in advantageous implementations.

Claims

1. A transceiver device (100), characterized in that, include: Signal processor (101) is used to output baseband (BB) transmit signal (102t), wherein the BB transmit signal (102t) includes M There are 10 channels, of which 10 are available. M It is an integer greater than or equal to 2; A radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit (RFIC) (103) is configured to receive the BB transmit signal (102t) from the signal processor (101) and convert the BB transmit signal (102t) into an RF transmit signal (104t), wherein the RF transmit signal (104t) includes... M One channel; N A collection of antenna arrays (106), wherein each antenna array (106) includes M A collection of antennas, wherein each antenna is used to receive the RF transmitted signal (104t). M One of the channels, where N It is an integer greater than or equal to 2; Switch (105) is used to receive the RF transmit signal (104t) from the RFIC (103) and route the RF transmit signal (104t) to the RF IC (104t) according to the state of the switch (105). N The first subset of antenna arrays (106) in the antenna array (106); The signal processor (101) is used to control the state of the switch (105); The signal processor (101) is also used to control the switch (105) to perform the following operations: From a first subset of the antenna array (106), a first subset of antennas is selected; the switch (105) provides the RF transmission signal (104t) to the first subset of antennas respectively. M One channel.

2. The transceiver device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The N The collection of antenna arrays (106) is also used to receive RF radiation and output an RF received signal (104r) based on the RF radiation, wherein the RF received signal (104r) includes M There are 104 channels, and each antenna is used to output the RF received signal (104r). M One of the channels; The switch (105) is also used to switch from the N An antenna array (106) receives the RF received signal (104r); The RFIC (103) is also configured to receive the RF received signal (104r) from the switch (105) and convert the RF received signal (104r) into a BB received signal (102r), wherein the BB received signal (102r) includes M One channel; The signal processor (101) is also used to receive the BB received signal (102r) from the RFIC (103) and process the BB received signal (102r); The signal processor (101) is also used to control the switch (105) from the N The switch (105) selects a second subset of antenna arrays (106) from the set of antenna arrays (106) and receives the RF received signal (104r) from the second subset of antenna arrays (106).

3. The transceiver device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processor (101) is also used to control the switch (105) to perform the following operations: From the second subset of the antenna array (106), a second antenna subset is selected, and the switch (105) receives the RF received signal (104r) from the second antenna subset respectively. M One channel.

4. The transceiver device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The signal processor (101) is also used in each antenna array (106) for the M The RF transmission signal (104t) controlled on each antenna M The phase and amplitude of each of the channels; and / or The signal processor (101) is also used to control the antenna array (106). M The RF received signal (104r) output by each antenna M The phase and amplitude of each of the channels.

5. The transceiver device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The switch (105) includes multiple M × N Impedance matching circuit (205), wherein each impedance matching circuit (205) is connected to the N The antenna array of one of the antenna arrays (106) M One of the antennas is associated with another antenna.

6. The transceiver device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each impedance matching circuit (205) includes: A first inductor (206) and a second inductor (207) are connected in series to form a first circuit portion, wherein the first circuit portion is connected to an associated antenna via the second inductor (207). A first transistor (208) and a second transistor (209) are connected together through their gates to form a second circuit portion, wherein the second circuit portion is connected to the drain of the first transistor (208) and to the drain of the second transistor (209), and the first transistor (208) and the second transistor (209) are connected in parallel with the first inductor (206) of the first circuit portion.

7. The transceiver device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The gate of the first transistor (208) and the gate of the second transistor (209) are respectively connected to the control voltage line (210). The control voltage line (210) is connected to the signal processor (101).

8. The transceiver device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each impedance matching circuit (205) is connected to a switching transistor (211), which is further connected to the RFIC (103) and is used by the signal processor (101) to selectively switch the RF transmitted signal (104t) on or off. M One of the channels may be provided to the associated antenna, or not.

9. The transceiver device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The switch (105) includes a first impedance matching circuit (205a) and a first switching transistor (211a) associated with a first antenna of the first antenna array (106), and also includes a second impedance matching circuit (205b) and a second switching transistor (211b) associated with a first antenna of the second antenna array (106). The first control voltage line (210a) is connected to the gate of the first transistor (208a) and the gate of the second transistor (209a) of the first impedance matching circuit (205a), and is further connected to the gate of the second switching transistor (211b).

10. The transceiver device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second control voltage line (210b) is connected to the gate of the first transistor (208b) and the gate of the second transistor (209b) in the second impedance matching circuit (205b), and is further connected to the gate of the first switching transistor (211a).

11. The transceiver device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first control voltage line (210a) and the second control voltage line (210b) are connected to the signal processor (101). The signal processor (101) is used to control the gate of the first transistor (208a) and the gate of the second transistor (209a) of the first impedance matching circuit (205a), the gate of the first transistor (208b) and the gate of the second transistor (209b) of the second impedance matching circuit (205b), and the gate of the first switching transistor (211a) and the gate of the second switching transistor (211b).

12. The transceiver device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The N Each of the set of antenna arrays (106) is used to cover a unique spatial region.

13. The transceiver device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The transceiver device (100) is used for beam switching by selecting a first subset of the antenna array (106), and the switch (105) provides the RF transmit signal (104t) to the first subset of the antenna array (106); and / or The transceiver device (100) is used to perform beam switching by selecting a second subset of the antenna array (106), and the switch (105) receives RF received signals (104r) from the second subset of the antenna array (106).

14. The device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transceiver device (100) is used to control the RF transmission signal (104t). M Beamforming is performed on the phase and amplitude of each of the channels; and / or The transceiver device (100) is used to control the RF received signal (104r). M Beamforming is performed on the phase and amplitude of each of the channels.

15. A terminal device, characterized in that, Includes the transceiver device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A method (1000) for a transceiver device (100), characterized in that, The method (1000) includes: The transceiver device (100)'s signal processor (101) outputs (1001) a baseband (BB) transmit signal (102t), wherein the BB transmit signal (102t) includes M There are 10 channels, of which 10 are available. M It is an integer greater than or equal to 2; The radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit (103) of the transceiver device (100) receives the BB transmit signal (102t) from the signal processor (101) and converts (1002) the BB transmit signal (102t) into an RF transmit signal (104t), wherein the RF transmit signal (104t) includes M One channel; The switch (105) of the transceiver device (100) receives the RF transmit signal (104t) from the RFIC (103) and routes the RF transmit signal (104t) to (1003) according to the state of the switch (105). N The first subset of antenna arrays (106) in a plurality of antenna arrays (106), wherein each antenna array (106) includes M A collection of antennas, wherein each antenna is used to receive the RF transmitted signal (104t). M One of the channels, where N It is an integer greater than or equal to 2; The signal processor (101) controls (1004) the state of the switch (105); The signal processor (101) is also used to control the switch (105) to perform the following operations: From a first subset of the antenna array (106), a first subset of antennas is selected; the switch (105) provides the RF transmission signal (104t) to the first subset of antennas respectively. M One channel.

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