A coupler and radio frequency module

Abstract

This invention provides a coupler and an RF module, relating to the field of RF technology. The coupler incorporates a target signal trace between the main signal path trace and the coupling path trace. The target signal trace comprises K signal traces spaced at intervals, where K ≥ 3 and K is a positive integer. A switching component is positioned between adjacent signal traces, and the first and Kth signal traces are grounded. The target signal trace, the main signal path trace, and the coupling path trace generate a certain amount of electrical and magnetic coupling. By controlling the operating state of the switching component, the grounding state of the second to (K-1)th signal traces is controlled, achieving adjustable coupling coefficient characteristics for the coupler. This solves the coupling coefficient imbalance problem in broadband applications, ensuring a more consistent coupling coefficient across different sub-bands throughout the entire application frequency band, thus improving power calibration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of radio frequency technology, and in particular to a coupler and a radio frequency module. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional RF modules, RF switches and filters transmit signals via couplers. The function of the coupler is to realize the transmission, coupling, matching, and adaptation of signals or energy, while also providing electrical isolation to meet the signal transmission requirements in different scenarios and optimize the efficiency and quality of signal transmission.

[0003] However, in existing technologies, once the coupler design is completed, its coupling coefficient is usually fixed, which limits its application scenarios and functions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides a coupler and an RF module. The coupling coefficient of the coupler can be flexibly adjusted, increasing the application scenarios and functions of the coupler. The specific solution is as follows:

[0005] A first aspect of this application provides a coupler, the coupler comprising: a main signal path trace, a coupling path trace, and a target signal trace located between the main signal path trace and the coupling path trace;

[0006] The target signal trace includes K signal traces arranged at intervals, where K ≥ 3 and K is a positive integer;

[0007] A switching assembly is provided between two adjacent signal traces, and the first and Kth signal traces are grounded.

[0008] Preferably, in the above coupler, there is a gap between the target signal trace and the main signal path trace, and a gap between the target signal trace and the coupling path trace.

[0009] Preferably, in the above coupler, there is an overlapping area between the target signal trace and the main signal path trace, and there is a gap between the target signal trace and the coupling path trace.

[0010] Preferably, in the above coupler, there is an overlapping area between the target signal trace and the coupling path trace, and there is a gap between the target signal trace and the main signal path trace.

[0011] Preferably, in the above coupler, there is an overlapping area between the target signal trace and the main signal path trace, and there is an overlapping area between the target signal trace and the coupling path trace.

[0012] Preferably, in the above coupler, among the K segments of the target signal trace, the routing method of a portion of the signal trace is different from that of the other portion of the signal trace.

[0013] Preferably, in the above coupler, the thickness of a portion of the K-segment signal traces of the target signal traces is different from the thickness of another portion of the signal traces.

[0014] Preferably, in the above coupler, among the K segments of the target signal trace, the length of a portion of the signal trace is different from the length of another portion of the signal trace.

[0015] Preferably, in the above-mentioned coupler, among the K segments of the target signal trace, the cross-sectional pattern of a portion of the signal trace is different from that of the other portion of the signal trace.

[0016] Preferably, in the above-mentioned coupler, the switching component between the first signal trace and the second signal trace, and / or the switching component between the (K-1)th signal trace and the Kth signal trace, includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch;

[0017] The first terminal of the first switch is electrically connected to one end of one of the two adjacent signal traces, and the second terminal of the first switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second switch.

[0018] The second terminal of the second switch is electrically connected to one end of another of the two adjacent signal traces;

[0019] The first terminal of the third switch is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first switch, and the second terminal of the third switch is grounded.

[0020] A second aspect of this application provides a radio frequency module, the radio frequency module including the coupler described in any of the preceding claims.

[0021] By employing the above technical solution, this application provides a coupler and an RF module. In this coupler, a target signal trace is added between the main signal path trace and the coupling path trace. The target signal trace includes K signal traces spaced at intervals, where K ≥ 3 and K is a positive integer. A switching component is provided between adjacent signal traces, and the first and Kth signal traces are grounded. The target signal trace, the main signal path trace, and the coupling path trace will generate a certain amount of electrical and magnetic coupling. By controlling the operating state of the switching component, the grounding state of the second to (K-1)th signal traces is controlled, realizing the adjustable coupling coefficient characteristic of the coupler. This solves the coupling coefficient imbalance problem in broadband applications, ensuring a more consistent coupling coefficient across different sub-bands throughout the entire application frequency band, thus better achieving power calibration. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the originals and elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of a radio frequency module in the prior art;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the variation of the coupling coefficient of a coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 5GL-FEM radio frequency module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 5GL-PAMiF radio frequency module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is only for explaining specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with technological advancements and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. It should be noted that the directional terms appearing in this invention are based on the relative positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be considered as absolute limitations on this application.

[0041] Before describing the technical solution of this application, the following explanations are provided for certain technical terms used in this field:

[0042] Radio Frequency (RF) Chips: Radio frequency (RF), also known as radio frequency, wireless radio frequency, high frequency, etc., refers to frequencies in the range of 300kHz-300GHz. RF technology is closely related to modern wireless communication technology. Typical RF devices include filters, duplexers, multiplexers, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), RF switches, monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MICCs), and RF modules with integrated functions, etc. Furthermore, 5G refers to the fifth-generation mobile communication network, which has high transmission speed and stable signal transmission and is used in high-frequency transmission fields. Currently, two main frequency ranges are defined: FR1 (450MHz-6GHz, commonly referred to as Sub-6GHz) and FR2 (24.25GHz-52.6GHz, commonly referred to as the millimeter-wave band); some typical sub-bands include n77 (3300-4200MHz), n78 (3300-3800MHz), and n79 (4400-5000MHz). Related technological applications place higher demands on cost (requiring multiple chips or discrete devices), size (requiring extremely high integration and smaller footprint), process technology (mass production performance and design performance, yield, etc.), modularity (reducing debugging costs, etc.), bandwidth, performance, etc., distinguishing it from previous RF designs. RF chips are an important branch of RF technology applied in the semiconductor field, involving the fabrication of RF integrated circuits using semiconductor processes, a technology distinct from discrete device solutions.

[0043] RF modules: These are RF front-end modules (the back-end is often composed of discrete components). Previously, discrete components could meet manufacturers' needs, leading to a clear distinction between high-end devices using modules and low-end devices using discrete components. Modules offer higher integration and performance. However, in the 5G era, the demand for the number of RF components in a single product has increased dramatically. Discrete solutions now occupy more space than acceptable, and debugging time is longer. Therefore, modularization has become a development trend in the mobile communications market. Modules are categorized as FEMiD (integrated switches, filters, and duplexers), PAMiD (integrated multi-mode multi-band PA and FEMiD), LPAMiD (PAMiD plus LNA), DiFEM (RF switches and filters), LFEM (RF switches, low-noise amplifiers, and filters), etc. The design and manufacturing level of filters and other components is fundamental to module product development.

[0044] The function of a radio frequency (RF) switch is to connect one or more of the multiple RF signals through control logic to switch between different signal paths, including switching between receiving and transmitting, and switching between different frequency bands. Filters are the core components of an RF module. Currently, the most mainstream implementations of RF filters are SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) filters and BAW (Bulk Acoustic Wave) filters. A SAW filter is a specialized filtering device made using the piezoelectric effect and the physical characteristics of surface acoustic wave propagation. It features excellent frequency selectivity (selectable frequency range 10MHz-3GHz), small input / output impedance errors, low transmission loss, and good electromagnetic interference resistance. BAW filters differ from SAW filters. In a BAW filter, the acoustic wave propagates vertically. Metals embedded on the top and bottom sides of a quartz substrate excite the acoustic wave, causing it to bounce from the top surface to the bottom, forming a standing sound wave.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of a conventional radio frequency (RF) module. In traditional RF modules, RF switches and filters transmit signals through couplers. The function of the coupler is to realize the transmission, coupling, matching, and adaptation of signals or energy, while also providing electrical isolation to meet the signal transmission requirements in different scenarios and optimize the efficiency and quality of signal transmission.

[0046] The main performance indicators of a coupler include: coupling degree, isolation degree, directivity, input VSWR, and operating bandwidth. Coupling degree (C) is defined as the ratio of input power at the input terminal to output power at the coupled terminal; isolation degree (I) is defined as the ratio of input power at the input terminal to output power at the isolated terminal; directivity degree (D) is defined as the ratio of output power at the coupled terminal to output power at the isolated terminal; input VSWR (ρ) is defined as the input VSWR when all three terminals (output, coupled, and isolated) are connected to matched loads; and operating bandwidth refers to the operating frequency range of the coupler when all of the above parameters (C, I, D, ρ) meet the requirements.

[0047] The four ports of a coupler consist of an input port, an output port, a coupling port, and an isolation port. A traditional four-port coupler typically comprises two metal traces. The coupling coefficient of a four-port coupler is determined by both the electrical and magnetic coupling of these two metal traces, i.e., the distance, length, and shape of the traces. Therefore, once a traditional four-port coupler is designed, its coupling coefficient is usually fixed, severely limiting its application scenarios and functions.

[0048] In some scenarios, as the bandwidth of the 5G NR band increases, due to the characteristics of the coupler itself, the coupling coefficient is unbalanced in the broadband. As the frequency increases, the coupling coefficient gradually decreases, and the coupling coefficients of the high sideband and the low sideband differ significantly.

[0049] Based on this, this application provides a coupler and an RF module. The coupling coefficient of this coupler can be flexibly adjusted, greatly increasing the application scenarios and functions of the coupler. It also solves the problem of unbalanced coupling coefficients in broadband applications, achieving a more consistent coupling coefficient across different sub-bands throughout the entire application frequency band, thus better enabling power calibration. To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent and understandable, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The coupler provided in this embodiment includes: a main signal path trace 11, a coupling path trace 12, and a target signal trace 13 located between the main signal path trace 11 and the coupling path trace 12.

[0051] The target signal trace 13 includes K signal traces arranged at intervals, where K ≥ 3 and K is a positive integer.

[0052] A switch assembly 14 is provided between two adjacent signal traces. The first signal trace and the Kth signal trace are grounded. The second signal trace to the (K-1)th signal trace do not need to be directly grounded. It is only necessary to ensure that when it is in operation, it can be connected to the grounded first signal trace and the Kth signal trace by controlling the state of the switch assembly 14.

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the coupler is a six-port coupler. The two ends of the main signal path 11, the two ends of the coupling path 12, and the two ends of the target signal path 13 constitute the six ports of the coupler. The six ports of the coupler include an input terminal 1, an output terminal 2, a coupling terminal 3, an isolation terminal 4, a fifth terminal 5, and a sixth terminal 6. One end of the main signal path 11 is the input terminal 1, and the other end is the output terminal 2; one end of the coupling path 12 is the coupling terminal 3, and the other end is the isolation terminal 4. The input terminal 1 and the isolation terminal 4 are located on the same side, and the output terminal 2 and the coupling terminal 3 are located on the same side.

[0054] The ends of the first signal trace furthest from the second signal trace and the ends of the Kth signal trace furthest from the (K-1)th signal trace constitute the two ends of the target signal trace 13. The end of the first signal trace furthest from the second signal trace is designated as the fifth terminal 5, located on the same side as the input terminal 1 and the isolation terminal 4; the end of the Kth signal trace furthest from the (K-1)th signal trace is designated as the sixth terminal 6, located on the same side as the output terminal 2 and the coupling terminal 3.

[0055] The main signal path trace 11 can be a relatively wide straight metal line to ensure that the RF main signal passes through in a low-impedance state. The coupling path trace 12 can be implemented using metal traces on the same layer as the main signal path trace 11 or metal traces on the next lower layer. Depending on the design requirements, different inductances can be formed by winding the traces, and the strength of electrical and magnetic coupling can be controlled by different spacing.

[0056] The target signal trace 13, the main signal path trace 11, and the coupling path trace 12 will generate a certain amount of electrical and magnetic coupling. By controlling the operating state of the switching component 14, the grounding state of the second signal trace to the (K-1)th signal trace can be controlled, thereby achieving the adjustable coupling coefficient characteristic of the coupler. For example, Figure 2 Taking K=3 as an example, when one of the switch components 14 is in the closed state, or both switch components 14 are in the closed state simultaneously, the second signal trace 132 will be grounded. At this time, part of the coupler's coupling power will be coupled to ground, reducing the signal quantity generated by electrical coupling at the coupling terminal 3, i.e., the coupler's coupling power will decrease. Conversely, when both switch components 14 are in the open state simultaneously, the second signal trace 132 cannot be grounded. Since the newly added target signal trace 13, main signal path trace 11, and coupling path trace 12 will generate a certain amount of electrical and magnetic coupling, the signal quantity generated by electrical coupling at the coupling terminal 3 will increase in this case, i.e., the coupler's coupling power will increase.

[0057] Furthermore, based on couplers with adjustable coupling coefficients, the problem of unbalanced coupling coefficients in broadband can be solved, enabling the coupler to have a more consistent coupling coefficient for different sub-bands throughout the entire application frequency band, so as to better achieve power calibration.

[0058] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, there is a gap between the target signal trace 13 and the main signal path trace 11, and there is a gap between the target signal trace 13 and the coupling path trace 12.

[0059] Or, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. There is an overlapping area between the target signal trace 13 and the main signal path trace 11, and there is a gap between the target signal trace 13 and the coupling path trace 12.

[0060] Or, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. There is an overlapping area between the target signal trace 13 and the coupling path trace 12, and there is a gap between the target signal trace 13 and the main signal path trace 11.

[0061] Or, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. There is an overlapping region between the target signal trace 13 and the main signal path trace 11, and an overlapping region between the target signal trace 13 and the coupling path trace 12.

[0062] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the newly added target signal trace 13 can overlap with or have a certain gap from the existing main signal path trace 11 and coupling path trace 12, and in some scenarios, they can even coincide. In other words, the setting of the target signal trace 13 is not limited by the main signal path trace 11 and coupling path trace 12; it only needs to be ensured that the target signal trace 13 is located between the main signal path trace 11 and coupling path trace 12, thus enabling six-port couplers with various structures. Based on the diversified design of the target signal trace 13, main signal path trace 11, and coupling path trace 12, the purpose of simplifying the manufacturing process can be achieved.

[0063] In summary, the location selection of the newly added target signal trace 13 in the embodiments of the present invention is diverse and not limited to a certain form. It can be flexibly set according to the actual situation, which can greatly simplify the process difficulty.

[0064] It should be noted that the relative positions of the target signal trace 13, the main signal path trace 11, and the coupling path trace 12 are only some possible structures listed above, and do not represent all situations. There can be other forms of variation, which will not be described one by one in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0065] It should be further noted that, in this embodiment of the invention, the main signal path trace 11, the coupling path trace 12, and the target signal trace 13 must be mutually insulated. For example, Figure 3As shown, even if there is an overlapping area between the target signal trace 13 and the main signal path trace 11, the target signal trace 13 and the main signal path trace 11 are not conductive. This non-conductive design can be achieved by adding insulating film layers.

[0066] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In the K-segment signal traces of the target signal trace 13 provided in this embodiment of the present invention, the routing method of a portion of the signal traces is different from that of the other portion of the signal traces.

[0067] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, taking K=3 as an example, the first signal trace 131 and the third signal trace 133 are both straight signal traces, while the second signal trace 132 is a bent signal trace. Obviously, the second signal trace 132 can also be a curved signal trace, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0068] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In the K-segment signal trace of the target signal trace 13 provided in the embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of a portion of the signal trace is different from the thickness of another portion of the signal trace.

[0069] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, taking K=3 as an example, the thickness of the first signal trace 131 and the third signal trace 133 is the same, H1; the thickness of the second signal trace 132 is H2, and H2>H1.

[0070] Further reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. With varying thicknesses, the first signal trace 131 and the third signal trace 133 are located between the main signal path trace 11 and the coupling path trace 12. The second signal trace 132 overlaps with both the main signal path trace 11 and the coupling path trace 12.

[0071] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. In the K-segment signal traces of the target signal trace 13 provided in this embodiment of the present invention, the length of a portion of the signal traces is different from the length of another portion of the signal traces.

[0072] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 9 As shown, taking K=4 as an example, the length of the first signal trace 131 and the fourth signal trace 134 is the same, which is L1. The length of the second signal trace 132 is L2, and the length of the third signal trace 133 is L3, and L1 < L2 < L3.

[0073] Obviously, in the K-segment signal trace of the target signal trace 13, the cross-sectional shape of some of the signal traces may be different from that of other parts of the signal traces. For example, the cross-sectional shape of one part of the signal traces may be rectangular, while the cross-sectional shape of another part of the signal traces may be trapezoidal.

[0074] In summary, the routing method and other structural parameters of the newly added target signal trace 13 in this embodiment of the invention are diverse and not limited to a certain form. They can be flexibly set according to the actual situation, which can greatly simplify the process difficulty and increase the application scenarios and functions of the coupler.

[0075] It should be noted that the above design schemes for the target signal trace 13 are only some possible structures listed above, and do not represent all situations. There can be other forms of variation, which will not be described one by one in the embodiments of this invention.

[0076] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The switching assembly 14 between the first signal trace 131 and the second signal trace 132, and / or the switching assembly 14 between the (K-1)th signal trace and the Kth signal trace, includes a first switch S1, a second switch S2 and a third switch S3.

[0077] The first terminal of the first switch S1 is electrically connected to one end of one of the two adjacent signal traces, and the second terminal of the first switch S1 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second switch S2.

[0078] The second terminal of the second switch S2 is electrically connected to one end of the other signal line among the two adjacent signal lines.

[0079] The first terminal of the third switch S3 is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first switch S1, and the second terminal of the third switch S3 is grounded.

[0080] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, taking K=3 as an example, by controlling the switching states of the first switch S1, the second switch S2 and the third switch S3, it is obvious that the first signal trace 131 and the third signal trace 133 can be grounded, while the second signal trace 132 is not grounded; it is also obvious that the first signal trace 131, the second signal trace 132 and the third signal trace 133 can be grounded simultaneously.

[0081] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 14 , Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 As shown, taking K=4 as an example, the switch assembly 14 between the first signal trace 131 and the second signal trace 132 is implemented by combining the three switches (S1, S2 and S3) mentioned above. The switch assembly 14 between the third signal trace 133 and the fourth signal trace 134 is also implemented by combining the three switches (S1, S2 and S3) mentioned above. The switch assembly 14 between the second signal trace 132 and the third signal trace 133 is electrically connected by a single switch S.

[0082] like Figure 14 As shown, taking K=4 as an example, the switch assembly 14 between the first signal trace 131 and the second signal trace 132 is implemented by combining the above three switches (i.e., S1, S2 and S3). The switch assembly 14 between the second signal trace 132 and the third signal trace 133 is electrically connected by a switch S. The switch assembly 14 between the third signal trace 133 and the fourth signal trace 134 is also electrically connected by a switch S.

[0083] In summary, the implementation of the switch component 14 in this embodiment of the invention is not limited to one implementation method. The specific circuit structure of the switch component 14 can be reasonably designed according to the position of the signal traces. When there are a large number of signal traces, not all switch components 14 need to be designed in the same way; they can be flexibly designed according to actual needs.

[0084] Furthermore, based on the diverse design of the switch component 14, combined with the K-segment signal traces, more diverse electrical connections can be achieved, which in turn allows for a more precise adjustment gradient of the coupler coupling coefficient. This provides advantages such as more flexible adjustment and diverse adjustment, achieving the goal of finely adjustable coupling coefficients and increasing the application scenarios and functions of the coupler.

[0085] It should be noted that, based on this technical solution, theoretically, the larger the value of K, the more precise the adjustment gradient of the coupler coupling coefficient will be. In this embodiment of the invention, only K=3 or K=4 are used as examples. Technical solutions with other numbers of signal traces can be flexibly designed in conjunction with the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, and will not be listed here.

[0086] Based on the design of the switch component 14 and the design of the number of signal traces in the target signal trace 13, the coupler provided in this embodiment of the invention can achieve multi-level gradient adjustment, and even linear adjustment.

[0087] It should be further noted that, based on the above-described embodiments, they can be flexibly combined and applied as long as the design concepts do not conflict. For example... Figure 14 The plan and Figure 9 The schemes are combined.

[0088] refer to Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the variation of the coupling coefficient of a coupler provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Based on Figure 2 The structure shown, Figure 15 Curve 1 represents the coupling coefficient curve when the switch assembly 14 is in the open state, and curve 2 represents the coupling coefficient curve when the switch assembly 14 is in the closed state.

[0089] Based on curves 1 and 2, when the switching component 14 is in the closed state, the coupling coefficient decreases because the amount of coupling through the capacitor is reduced, which is especially noticeable at high frequencies (greater than GHz).

[0090] Based on the above embodiments of the present invention, another embodiment of the present invention also provides a radio frequency module, which includes the coupler described in the above embodiments.

[0091] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the six-port coupler can be applied to any scenario that includes couplers. (See reference...) Figure 16 , Figure 16This is a schematic diagram of a 5GL-FEM RF module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving path formed by antenna port Rx1, antenna port Rx2, antenna interface M1, and antenna interface M2 in this RF module consists of an RF switch, a filter, a coupler, and a low-noise amplifier (LNA). In other words, this RF module uses the six-port coupler provided in this technical solution to sequentially connect the RF switch, filter, six-port coupler, and low-noise amplifier (LNA), thereby utilizing the variable coupling coefficient of the coupler to adapt to different receiving frequency bands and optimize the performance of the receiving path.

[0092] The antenna port Rx1 and the RF switch (Switch) are connected in sequence by a low-noise amplifier (LNA1), a coupler (Coupler1), and a filter (Filter1). The antenna port Rx2 and the RF switch (Switch) are connected in sequence by a low-noise amplifier (LNA2), a coupler (Coupler2), and a filter (Filter2).

[0093] refer to Figure 17 , Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a 5GL-PAMiF radio frequency module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving path formed by antenna ports Rx1, Rx2, M1, and M2 in this radio frequency module consists of a radio frequency switch, a filter, a coupler, and a low-noise amplifier (LNA). In other words, this radio frequency module uses the six-port coupler provided in this technical solution to sequentially connect the radio frequency switch, filter, six-port coupler, and LNA, thereby utilizing the variable coupling coefficient of the coupler to adapt to different receiving frequency bands and optimize the performance of the receiving path.

[0094] The antenna port Rx1 and the RF switch (Switch) are connected in sequence by a low-noise amplifier (LNA1), a coupler (Coupler1), and a filter (Filter1). The antenna port Rx2 and the RF switch (Switch) are connected in sequence by a low-noise amplifier (LNA2), a coupler (Coupler2), and a filter (Filter2).

[0095] Optionally, the transmission path formed by antenna port Tx1, antenna interface M3, and antenna interface M4 in this RF module consists of an RF switch, a filter, a coupler, and a low-noise amplifier (LNA). In other words, this RF module utilizes the six-port coupler provided by this technical solution to sequentially connect the RF switch, filter, six-port coupler, and low-noise amplifier (LNA), thereby leveraging the variable coupling coefficient of the coupler to adapt to different receiving frequency bands and optimize the performance of the transmission path.

[0096] Among them, the antenna port Tx1 and the radio frequency switch (Switch) include an integrated multi-mode multi-band (PA1), a coupler (Coupler3) and a filter (Filter3) connected in sequence.

[0097] The coupler and RF module provided by the present invention have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0098] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since it corresponds to the method disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0099] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that elements inherent to a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements, or elements inherent to such processes, methods, articles, or apparatus, are also included. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0100] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A coupler, characterized in that, The coupler includes: a main signal path trace, a coupling path trace, and a target signal trace located between the main signal path trace and the coupling path trace; The target signal trace includes K signal traces arranged at intervals, where K ≥ 3 and K is a positive integer; A switching assembly is provided between two adjacent signal traces; the switching assembly between the first and second signal traces, and / or between the (K-1)th and Kth signal traces, includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch; the first terminal of the first switch is electrically connected to one end of one of the two adjacent signal traces, and the second terminal of the first switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second switch; the second terminal of the second switch is electrically connected to one end of the other of the two adjacent signal traces; the first terminal of the third switch is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first switch, and the second terminal of the third switch is grounded; There is an overlapping area between the target signal trace and the main signal path trace; there is an overlapping area between the target signal trace and the coupling path trace; or, in the K-segment signal traces of the target signal trace, the routing method of some of the signal traces is different from that of other signal traces; or, in the K-segment signal traces of the target signal trace, the thickness of some of the signal traces is different from that of other signal traces; or, in the K-segment signal traces of the target signal trace, the length of some of the signal traces is different from that of other signal traces; or, in the K-segment signal traces of the target signal trace, the cross-sectional shape of some of the signal traces is different from that of other signal traces.

2. A radio frequency module, characterized in that, The radio frequency module includes the coupler as described in claim 1.

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