Beam switching system, beam switching method and antenna device

Abstract

The invention provides a beam switching system, a beam switching method and an antenna device. The beam switching system comprises a selection circuit and a branch line coupler. The selection circuit comprises an input end for receiving an input radio frequency signal and two output ends. The selection circuit selects at least one of the two output ends to output the output radio frequency signal. The branch line coupler comprises two input ends and two output ends, wherein the two input ends are respectively coupled with the two output ends of the selection circuit and are used for receiving the output radio frequency signal, and the two output ends are respectively used for coupling with the two antennas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna technology, and in particular to a beam switching system, a beam switching method and an antenna device. Background Art

[0002] The antenna device can generate two radiation patterns through dual antennas. However, if more radiation patterns are to be generated, more antennas are required and the system design is more complicated. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a beam switching system, a beam switching method and an antenna device.

[0004] The beam switching system of the embodiment of the present invention includes a selection circuit and a branch line coupler. The selection circuit includes an input end for receiving an input radio frequency signal and two output ends. The selection circuit selects at least one of its two output ends to output an output radio frequency signal. The branch line coupler includes two input ends respectively coupled to the two output ends of the selection circuit and used to receive the output radio frequency signal and two output ends respectively coupled to two antennas.

[0005] The beam switching method of the embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: providing a beam switching system; generating a control signal according to a beam direction; and selecting at least one of two output terminals of a selection circuit to output an output radio frequency signal according to the control signal.

[0006] The antenna device of the embodiment of the present invention includes two antennas, a selection circuit and a branch line coupler. The selection circuit includes an input terminal for receiving an input radio frequency signal and two output terminals. The selection circuit selects at least one of its two output terminals to output an output radio frequency signal. The branch line coupler includes two input terminals respectively coupled to the two output terminals of the selection circuit and used to receive the output radio frequency signal and two output terminals respectively used to connect the two antennas.

[0007] In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram of components of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a beam switching system and an antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a switching circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of another switching circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2Dis a schematic diagram of a power divider according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a signal path of a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Schematic diagram of the corresponding radiation pattern. Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a signal path of a first mode according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Schematic diagram of the corresponding radiation pattern. Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a signal path of a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Schematic diagram of the corresponding radiation pattern. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an antenna device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a flow chart of a beam switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Explanation of symbols 1. 1': Antenna device 10, 30: Beam switching system 11, 31: Branch coupler 12, 32: Select circuit 13: Controller 20, 25: Antenna SIP1, DIP11, DIP12, CIP1, SI11, SI21, SI22, CIP2, SI31, SI41, SI42, WIP1, SIP2, DIP21, DIP22: Input SOP11, SOP12, DOP11, DOP12, SO11, SO12, SO21, COP1, SO31, SO32, SO41, COP2, WOP1, WOP2, SOP21, SOP22, DOP21, DOP2: Output ROP1, RIP1, ROP2, RIP2: Reference end IRF1, IRF2: Input RF signal ORF1, ORF2: output radio frequency signal CS: Control signal 121, 122, 321, 322: Switching circuit 121-1, 121-2, 122-1, 122-2: switch RP: Reference potential terminal R11, R12, R21, R22, R3: Impedance components 123, 323: Power distributor 123-1: Wilkinson power divider SP1, SP2: Signal path RP1~RP4: Impedance path S710~S730: Steps DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of components of an antenna device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The antenna device 1 includes (but is not limited to) a beam switching system 10 , a controller 13 and two antennas 20 , 25 .

[0010] The beam switching system 10 includes a branch line coupler 11 and a selection circuit 12 .

[0011] The branch line coupler 11 includes two input terminals DIP11 and DIP12 and two output terminals DOP11 and DOP12 .

[0012] The two input terminals DIP11 and DIP12 are coupled to the selection circuit 12 . The two input terminals DIP11 and DIP12 are used to receive the output RF signal ORF1 from the selection circuit 12 .

[0013] The two output terminals DOP11 and DOP12 are respectively coupled to the two antennas 20 and 25 .

[0014] In one embodiment, the branch line coupler 11 inputs and outputs the radio frequency signal ORF1 at one of the two input terminals DIP11 and DIP12 in the first mode, and the signals output at the two output terminals DOP11 and DOP12 have a phase difference. The phase difference is, for example, 45°, 90°, or 135°, but is not limited thereto. Taking the phase difference of 90° as an example, in the first mode, the two output terminals DOP11 and DOP12 output signals with a phase difference of 90°.

[0015] In one embodiment, the branch line coupler 11 simultaneously inputs and outputs the RF signal ORF1 at the two input terminals DIP11 and DIP12 in the second mode, and the signals output at the two output terminals DOP11 and DOP12 have the same phase. In the second mode, the two output terminals DOP11 and DOP12 output signals with a phase difference of 0° (i.e., with the same phase).

[0016] The selection circuit 12 includes an input terminal SIP1 and two output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 .

[0017] The input terminal SIP1 is used for receiving an input radio frequency signal IRF1.

[0018] The two output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 are respectively coupled to the two input terminals DIP11 and DIP12 of the branch coupler 11 .

[0019] The selection circuit 12 selects at least one of the two output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 (for example, the selected output terminal SOP11 , the selected output terminal SOP12 , or both the selected output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 ) to output the output RF signal ORF1 .

[0020] The following combination FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The detailed hardware architecture of the antenna device 1 will be described in more detail.

[0021] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a beam switching system 10 and antennas 20 and 25 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A , the selection circuit 12 includes switching circuits 121 and 122.

[0022] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a switching circuit 121 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The switching circuit 121 includes an input terminal CIP1, an output terminal COP1, and reference terminals ROP1 and RIP1. The input terminal CIP1 of the switching circuit 121 is coupled to the input terminal SIP1 of the selection circuit 12, the output terminal COP1 is coupled to the output terminal SOP11 of the selection circuit 12, and the reference terminals ROP1 and RIP1 are respectively coupled to the reference potential terminal (e.g., ground or other reference potential) RP.

[0023] In one embodiment, the switching circuit 121 includes switches 121 - 1 and 121 - 2 .

[0024] The switch 121-1 includes an input terminal SI11 and two output terminals SO11 and SO12. The input terminal SI11 of the switch 121-1 is coupled to the input terminal CIP1, the output terminal SO11 thereof is coupled to the reference terminal ROP1, and the output terminal SO12 thereof is coupled to the switch 121-2. The switch 121-1 selectively conducts the input terminal SI11 and the output terminal SO11 and disconnects the input terminal SI11 and the output terminal SO12, or conducts the input terminal SI11 and the output terminal SO12 and disconnects the input terminal SI11 and the output terminal SO11. In the embodiment of the present invention, conducting two terminals refers to conducting the electrical path between the two terminals, and disconnecting two terminals refers to disconnecting the electrical path between the two terminals.

[0025] The switch 121-2 includes two input terminals SI21 and SI22 and an output terminal SO21. The input terminals SI21 and SI22 of the switch 121-2 are respectively coupled to the reference terminal RIP1 and the output terminal SO12 coupled to the switch 121-1, and the output terminal SO21 thereof is coupled to the output terminal COP1. The switch 121-2 selectively turns on the input terminal SI21 and the output terminal SO21 and turns off the input terminal SI22 and the output terminal SO21, or turns on the input terminal SI22 and the output terminal SO21 and turns off the input terminal SI21 and the output terminal SO21.

[0026] In one embodiment, the switching circuit 121 includes impedance elements R11 and R12.

[0027] The output terminal SO11 of the switch 121 - 1 is coupled to the reference potential terminal RP through the reference terminal ROP1 and the impedance element R11 .

[0028] The input terminal SI21 of the switch 121 - 2 is coupled to the reference potential terminal RP through the reference terminal RIP1 and the impedance element R12 .

[0029] In one embodiment, the impedance components R11 and R12 have the same impedance value.

[0030] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of another switching circuit 122 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A and Figure 2C The switching circuit 122 includes an input terminal CIP2, an output terminal COP2, and reference terminals ROP2 and RIP2. The input terminal CIP2 of the switching circuit 122 is coupled to the input terminal SIP1 of the selection circuit 12, and the output terminal COP2 thereof is coupled to the output terminal SOP12 of the selection circuit 12, and the reference terminals ROP2 and RIP2 thereof are respectively coupled to the reference potential terminal (e.g., ground or other reference potential) RP.

[0031] In one embodiment, the switching circuit 122 includes switches 122 - 1 and 122 - 2 .

[0032] The switch 122-1 includes an input terminal SI31 and two output terminals SO31 and SO32. The input terminal SI31 of the switch 122-1 is coupled to the input terminal CIP2, the output terminal SO31 thereof is coupled to the switch 122-2, and the output terminal SO32 thereof is coupled to the reference terminal ROP2. The switch 122-1 selectively turns on the input terminal SI31 and the output terminal SO31 and turns off the input terminal SI31 and the output terminal SO32, or turns on the input terminal SI31 and the output terminal SO32 and turns off the input terminal SI31 and the output terminal SO31.

[0033] The switch 122-2 includes two input terminals SI41 and SI42 and an output terminal SO41. The input terminals SI41 and SI42 of the switch 122-2 are respectively coupled to the output terminal SO31 of the switch 122-1 and the reference terminal RIP2, and the output terminal SO41 is coupled to the output terminal COP2. The switch 122-2 selectively turns on the input terminal SI41 and the output terminal SO41 and turns off the input terminal SI42 and the output terminal SO41, or turns on the input terminal SI42 and the output terminal SO41 and turns off the input terminal SI41 and the output terminal SO41.

[0034] In one embodiment, the switching circuit 122 includes impedance components R21 and R22 .

[0035] The output terminal SO32 of the switch 122 - 1 is coupled to the reference potential terminal RP through the reference terminal ROP2 and the impedance element R21 .

[0036] The input terminal SI42 of the switch 122 - 2 is coupled to the reference potential terminal RP through the reference terminal RIP2 and the impedance element R22 .

[0037] In one embodiment, the impedance components R21 and R22 have the same impedance value. In one embodiment, the impedance components R12 and R22 match the impedance of the two input terminals DIP11 and DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11. In one embodiment, the impedance components R11, R12, R21 and R22 have the same impedance value.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 2A In one embodiment, the selection circuit 12 includes a power divider 123 .

[0039] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of a power divider according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D The power divider 123 includes an input terminal WIP1 and two output terminals WOP1 and WOP2. The input terminal WIP1 of the power divider 123 is coupled to the input terminal SIP1, and the two output terminals WOP1 and WOP2 are respectively coupled to the input terminal CIP1 of the switching circuit 121 and the input terminal CIP2 of the switching circuit 122. The switching circuits 121 and 122 are both coupled to the input terminal SIP1 of the selection circuit 12 through the power divider 123.

[0040] In one embodiment, the power divider 123 is a Wilkinson power divider 123-1. The impedance of the two output ends WOP1 and WOP2 of the Wilkinson power divider 123-1 is the same. For example, the impedance value is 50 ohms (Ω), but not limited to this. In one embodiment, the impedance components R11 and R21 match the two output ends WOP1 and WOP2 of the power divider 123.

[0041] In one embodiment, the impedance components R11, R12, R21, R22 and the two output terminals WOP1, WOP2 have the same impedance value and are used to match the impedance of the two input terminals DIP11, DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11. For example, the impedance value is 50 ohms, but it is not limited thereto.

[0042] In one embodiment, the power divider 123 includes an impedance component R3 coupled between its two output terminals WOP1 and WOP2. Taking the Wilkinson power divider 123-1 as an example, the impedance component R3 has another impedance value, and this other impedance value is twice the impedance value of the impedance components R11, R12, R21, and R22. For example, the impedance value of the impedance components R11, R12, R21, and R22 is 50 ohms, and the impedance value of the impedance component R3 is 100 ohms.

[0043] However, in other embodiments, the impedance values ​​of the impedance components R11 , R12 , R21 , R22 , and R3 can still be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 1 The controller 13 is coupled to the selection circuit 12 of the beam switching system 10. The controller 13 may be a chip, a processor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any type of control circuit. In one embodiment, the controller 13 is used to generate a control signal CS and transmit the control signal CS to the selection circuit 12.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2A The two antennas 20 and 25 are respectively coupled to the output ends DOP11 and DOP12 of the branch line coupler 11. In one embodiment, the two antennas 20 and 25 are used to transmit the radio frequency signal output by the branch line coupler 11.

[0046] Hereinafter, the operation of the antenna device 1 will be described in conjunction with various components in the antenna device 1. Each process may be adjusted according to the implementation situation, and is not limited thereto.

[0047] In one embodiment, in the first mode, the selection circuit 12 turns on a signal path between its input terminal SIP1 and one of its output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 , and turns off another signal path between its input terminal SIP1 and the other of its output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 .

[0048] For example, Figure 3Ais a schematic diagram of a signal path of a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A , the selection circuit 12 conducts the signal path SP1 between its input terminal SIP1 and the output terminal SOP11. Figure 2B For example, the switch 121-1 turns on its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO12 and turns off its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO11, and the switch 121-2 turns on its input terminal SI22 and output terminal SO21 and turns off its input terminal SI21 and output terminal SO21. In addition, the selection circuit 12 turns off the signal path SP2 between its input terminal SIP1 and output terminal SOP12. Figure 2C For example, the switch 122-1 turns on its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO32 and turns off its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO31, and the switch 122-2 turns on its input terminal SI42 and output terminal SO41 and turns off its input terminal SI41 and output terminal SO41. Figure 1 The input RF signal IRF1 is input to the input terminal SIP1 and passes through the signal path SP1. Figure 1 The output RF signal ORF1 is shown to be output from the output terminal SOP11 to the input terminal DIP11 of the branch line coupler 11. However, no output RF signal ORF1 is output from the output terminal SOP12 to the input terminal DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11.

[0049] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Please refer to the corresponding radiation pattern diagram. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the first mode, the branch line coupler 11 can be configured as a shifter providing a fixed phase difference. Figure 3A The signal path SP1 but cuts off Figure 3A The phase difference of the RF signals outputted from the two output terminals DOP11 and DOP12 of the branch line coupler 11 is, for example, 35°, 45° or 90°, but not limited thereto. At this time, the radiation patterns of the two antennas 20 and 25 correspond to a reference direction of θ degrees (for example, the main beam is toward θ degrees). θ is, for example, 15, 20 or 45, but not limited thereto.

[0050] For example, Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a signal path of a third mode according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A The on / off relationship of the signal paths SP1 and SP2 in the third mode is opposite to that in the first mode, but the principle is similar. The selection circuit 12 cuts off the signal path SP1 between its input terminal SIP1 and output terminal SOP11. Figure 4A For circuit details, please refer to Figure 2B and Figure 2C, but the on / off relationship is opposite. Switch 121-1 turns on its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO11 and turns off its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO12, and switch 121-2 turns on its input terminal SI21 and output terminal SO21 and turns off its input terminal SI22 and output terminal SO21. In addition, the selection circuit 12 turns on the signal path SP2 between its input terminal SIP1 and the output terminal SOP12. Switch 122-1 turns on its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO31 and turns off its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO32, and switch 122-2 turns on its input terminal SI41 and output terminal SO41 and turns off its input terminal SI42 and output terminal SO41. Therefore, Figure 1 The input RF signal IRF1 is input to the input terminal SIP1 and passes through the signal path SP2. Figure 1 The output RF signal ORF1 is shown to be output from the output terminal SOP12 to the input terminal DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11. However, the output RF signal ORF1 is not output from the output terminal SOP11 to the input terminal DIP11 of the branch line coupler 11.

[0051] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Please refer to the corresponding radiation pattern diagram. Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the third mode, the branch line coupler 11 can be configured as a shifter that provides a fixed phase difference. Figure 4A The signal path SP2 but cuts off Figure 4A The phase difference of the RF signals outputted from the two output terminals DOP11 and DOP12 of the branch line coupler 11 along the signal path SP1 is, for example, 35°, 45° or 90°, but is not limited thereto. At this time, the radiation patterns of the two antennas 20 and 25 correspond to a reference direction toward -θ degrees (for example, the main beam toward -θ degrees). -θ is, for example, -15, -20 or -45, but is not limited thereto. Since the signal paths SP1 and SP2 may have similar electrical characteristics, such as having the same length of conduction distance and / or the same impedance, the radiation patterns of the two antennas 20 and 25 in the first mode and the third mode may be anti-phase, for example, toward the reference directions of θ degrees and -θ degrees, respectively.

[0052] In one embodiment, in the first mode and the third mode, the selection circuit 12 cuts off the impedance path between the reference potential terminal RP and one of the output terminals SOP11, SOP12, and conducts the other impedance path between the reference potential terminal RP and the other of the output terminals SOP11, SOP12. In one embodiment, in the first mode and the third mode, the selection circuit 12 conducts the impedance path between the reference potential terminal RP and one of the two output terminals WOP1, WOP2 of the power divider 123, and cuts off the other impedance path between the reference potential terminal RP and the other of the two output terminals WOP1, WOP2 of the power divider 123.

[0053] by Figure 3A For example, in the first mode, the selection circuit 12 cuts off the impedance path RP1 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal SOP11, and conducts the impedance path RP2 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal SOP12 (to cut off the signal path SP2). In addition, the selection circuit 12 conducts the impedance path RP4 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal WOP2 of the power divider 123 (to cut off the signal path SP2), and cuts off another impedance path RP3 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal WOP1 of the power divider 123 (to conduct the signal path SP1).

[0054] Please also refer to Figure 3A , Figure 2B and Figure 2D For the impedance path RP1, the switch 121-2 turns on its input terminal SI22 and output terminal SO21 and turns off its input terminal SI21 and output terminal SO21 to cut off the impedance path RP1. For the impedance path RP3, the switch 121-1 turns on its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO12 and turns off its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO11 to cut off the impedance path RP1. Figure 2D The impedance path RP3 between the output terminal WOP1 and the reference potential terminal RP is blocked.

[0055] Please also refer to Figure 3A , Figure 2C and Figure 2D For the impedance path RP2, the switch 122-2 turns on its input terminal SI42 and output terminal SO41 and turns off its input terminal SI41 and output terminal SO41 to turn on the impedance path RP2. For the impedance path PR4, the switch 122-1 turns on its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO32 and turns off its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO31 to turn on the impedance path RP2. Figure 2DThe output terminal WOP2 is shown to be connected to the impedance path RP4 of the reference potential terminal RP. In one embodiment, since the impedance components R11, R12, R21, R22 and the two output terminals WOP1, WOP2 have the same impedance value, the impedance of the output terminals SOP11, SOP12 can match the impedance of the two output terminals DOP11, DOP12 of the branch line coupler 11, thereby the two antennas 20, 25 can generate a predetermined radiation pattern (for example, the main beam is oriented toward θ degrees).

[0056] In addition, Figure 4A For example, in the third mode, the selection circuit 12 cuts off the impedance path RP2 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal SOP12 (to turn on the signal path SP2), and turns on the impedance path RP1 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal SOP11. The selection circuit 12 turns on the impedance path RP3 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal WOP1 of the power divider 123 (to turn off the signal path SP1), and cuts off another impedance path RP4 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal WOP2 of the power divider 123 (to turn on the signal path SP2).

[0057] Please also refer to Figure 4A , Figure 2B and Figure 2D (Please note Figure 2B The on / off relationship of Figure 4A As shown in the figure, for the impedance path RP1, the switch 121-2 cuts off its input terminal SI22 and output terminal SO21 and conducts its input terminal SI21 and output terminal SO21 to conduct the impedance path RP1. For the impedance path RP3, the switch 121-1 cuts off its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO12 and conducts its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO11 to conduct the impedance path RP1. Figure 2D The output terminal WOP1 is shown to be conductively connected to a resistance path RP3 of the reference potential terminal RP.

[0058] Please also refer to Figure 4A , Figure 2C and Figure 2D (Please note Figure 2C The on / off relationship of Figure 4A As shown in the figure, for the impedance path RP2, the switch 122-2 turns off its input terminal SI42 and output terminal SO41 and turns on its input terminal SI41 and output terminal SO41 to cut off the impedance path RP2. For the impedance path RP4, the switch 122-1 turns off its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO32 and turns on its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO31, so that Figure 2DThe impedance path RP4 between the output terminal WOP2 and the reference potential terminal RP is terminated. In one embodiment, since the impedance components R11, R12, R21, R22 and the two output terminals WOP1, WOP2 have the same impedance value, the impedance of the output terminals SOP11, SOP12 can match the impedance of the two output terminals DOP11, DOP12 of the branch line coupler 11, thereby the two antennas 20, 25 can generate a predetermined radiation field pattern (for example, the main beam is toward -θ degrees) in the third mode that is opposite to that in the first mode.

[0059] In one embodiment, in the second mode, the selection circuit 12 turns on two signal paths of its input terminal SIP1 and output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 .

[0060] For example, Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a signal path of a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A , the selection circuit 12 conducts the signal path SP1 of its input terminal SIP1 and output terminal SOP11. Please also refer to Figure 2B , the switch 121-1 conducts its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO12 and cuts off its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO11, and the switch 121-2 conducts its input terminal SI22 and output terminal SO21 and cuts off its input terminal SI21 and output terminal SO21. In addition, the signal path SP2 between its input terminal SIP1 and output terminal SOP12 is conducted. Please also refer to Figure 2C (Please note Figure 2C The on / off relationship of Figure 5A As shown in the figure, the switch 122-1 turns on its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO31 and turns off its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO32, and the switch 122-2 turns on its input terminal SI41 and output terminal SO41 and turns off its input terminal SI42 and output terminal SO41. Therefore, Figure 1 The input RF signal IRF1 is input to the input terminal SIP1 and passes through the signal paths SP1 and SP2 at the same time. Figure 1 The output RF signal ORF1 is outputted from the output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 to the input terminals DIP11 and DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11 simultaneously and respectively.

[0061] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Please refer to the corresponding radiation pattern diagram. Figure 5A and Figure 5B , in the second mode, such as simultaneous conduction Figure 5ASince the signal paths SP1 and SP2 may have similar electrical characteristics, such as the same conduction distance and / or the same impedance, the phase difference of the RF signals outputted by the two output ends DOP11 and DOP12 of the branch line coupler 11 is, for example, 0 (i.e., the same phase). At this time, the radiation patterns of the two antennas 20 and 25 correspond to a reference direction of 0 degrees (e.g., the main beam is toward 0 degrees).

[0062] In one embodiment, in the second mode, the selection circuit 12 cuts off the impedance path between the reference potential terminal RP and the two output terminals SOP11, SOP12. In one embodiment, in the second mode, the selection circuit 12 cuts off the impedance path between the reference potential terminal RP and the two output terminals WOP1, WOP2 of the power divider 123.

[0063] by Figure 5A For example, the selection circuit 12 cuts off the impedance path RP1 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal SOP11 (making the signal path SP1 conductive), and cuts off the impedance path RP2 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal SOP12 (making the signal path SP2 conductive). Figure 2D and Figure 5A The selection circuit 12 cuts off the impedance paths RP3 and RP4 between the reference potential terminal RP and the two output terminals WOP1 and WOP2 of the power divider 123. Therefore, the signal paths SP1 and SP2 are turned on.

[0064] Please also refer to Figure 5A , Figure 2B and Figure 2D For the impedance path RP1, the switch 121-2 turns on its input terminal SI22 and output terminal SO21 and turns off its input terminal SI21 and output terminal SO21 to cut off the impedance path RP1. For the impedance path RP3, the switch 121-1 turns on its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO12 and turns off its input terminal SI11 and output terminal SO11 to cut off the impedance path RP3 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal WOP1 of the power divider 123.

[0065] Please also refer to Figure 5A , Figure 2C and Figure 2D (Please note Figure 2C The on / off relationship of Figure 5AAs shown in the figure, for the impedance path RP2, the switch 122-2 cuts off its input terminal SI42 and output terminal SO41 and conducts its input terminal SI41 and output terminal SO41 to cut off the impedance path RP2. For the impedance path RP4, the switch 122-1 cuts off its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO32 and conducts its input terminal SI31 and output terminal SO31 to cut off the impedance path RP4 between the reference potential terminal RP and the output terminal WOP2 of the power divider 123. In one embodiment, since the two output terminals WOP1 and WOP2 have the same impedance value, the impedance of the output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 can match the impedance of the two output terminals DOP11 and DOP12 of the branch line coupler 11.

[0066] Depend on Figure 3B , Figure 4B and Figure 5B It can be seen that, corresponding to the first mode, the third mode and the second mode, the two antennas 20 and 25 can form beam patterns corresponding to three reference directions of θ degrees, -θ degrees and 0 degrees. The controller 13 generates a control signal CS according to the beam direction. The beam direction is also the (main direction) of the beam pattern formed by the two antennas 20 and 25. For example, the beam direction corresponds to θ degrees, corresponds to a reference direction of -θ degrees, or corresponds to a reference direction of 0 degrees. The controller 13 can generate control signals CS corresponding to three reference directions of θ degrees, -θ degrees and / or 0 degrees in three modes respectively. Taking a digital signal as an example, "00" corresponds to a reference direction of 0 degrees, "01" corresponds to a reference direction of θ degrees, and "10" corresponds to a reference direction of -θ degrees. However, the content of the control signal CS can still be changed according to actual needs. For example, three potentials in analog form correspond to three reference directions respectively.

[0067] In one embodiment, the controller 13 may select one of three reference directions corresponding to θ, −θ and / or 0 as the beam direction. For example, θ, −θ, or 0 may be selected as the beam direction.

[0068] In addition, by Figure 3A , Figure 4A , Figure 5A , Figure 3B , Figure 4B and Figure 5B It can be seen that by turning on or off Figure 3A , Figure 4A or Figure 5A The signal paths SP1 and SP2 shown can enable the two antennas 20 and 25 to form beam patterns corresponding to three reference directions of θ, -θ and 0. The selection circuit 12 selects at least one of the output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 to output the output RF signal ORF1 according to the control signal CS.

[0069] by Figure 3A and Figure 3B For example, the selection circuit 12 selects the output terminal SOP11 to output the output RF signal ORF1 according to the control signal CS corresponding to the reference direction of θ degrees. That is, corresponding to the reference direction of θ degrees, the selection circuit 12 selects the output terminal SOP11 to output the output RF signal ORF1.

[0070] by Figure 4A and Figure 4B For example, the selection circuit 12 selects the output terminal SOP12 to output the output RF signal ORF1 according to the control signal CS corresponding to the reference direction of -θ degrees. That is, corresponding to the reference direction of -θ degrees, the selection circuit 12 selects the output terminal SOP11 to output the output RF signal ORF1.

[0071] by Figure 5A and Figure 5B For example, the selection circuit 12 selects the output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 to output the output RF signal ORF1 according to the control signal CS corresponding to the reference direction of 0 degrees. That is, corresponding to the reference direction of 0 degrees, the selection circuit 12 selects the output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 to output the output RF signal ORF1.

[0072] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an antenna device 1' according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 ,and Figure 1 The difference between the antenna device 1 and the antenna device 1 is that the antenna device 1 ′ further comprises a beam switching system 30 and two amplifiers PA.

[0073] The beam switching system 30 includes a branch line coupler 31 and a selection circuit 32 .

[0074] The branch line coupler 31 includes two input terminals DIP21 and DIP22 and two output terminals DOP21 and DOP22 . The two input terminals DIP21 and DIP22 are coupled to the selection circuit 32 .

[0075] The two input terminals DIP21 and DIP22 are used to receive the output RF signal ORF2 from the selection circuit 32 .

[0076] The two output terminals DOP21 and DOP22 are respectively coupled to the two antennas 20 and 25 . In this embodiment, the two output terminals DOP21 and DOP22 are coupled to the two antennas 20 and 25 via two amplifiers PA.

[0077] In one embodiment, the branch line coupler 31 forms a phase difference between the two output terminals DOP21 and DOP22 in the first mode and the third mode. The phase difference is, for example, the difference between 270° and 180° (i.e., 90°) as shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto. Taking the phase difference of 90° as an example, one of the two input terminals DIP21 and DIP22 inputs the output radio frequency signal ORF2, and the two output terminals DOP21 and DOP22 output signals with a phase difference of 90°.

[0078] In one embodiment, the branch line coupler 31 has the same phase at the two output terminals DOP21 and DOP22 in the second mode. The two input terminals DIP21 and DIP22 both input and output the RF signal ORF2, and the two output terminals DOP21 and DOP22 output signals with a phase difference of 0° (ie, having the same phase).

[0079] In one embodiment, there is a phase difference between the output end DOP11 of the branch coupler 11 and the output end DOP21 of the branch coupler 31. The phase difference is, for example, the difference between 90° and 270° (i.e., 180°) as shown in the figure. However, the phase difference between the output end DOP11 and the output end DOP21 can still be changed according to actual needs.

[0080] In one embodiment, there is a phase difference between the output end DOP12 of the branch coupler 11 and the output end DOP22 of the branch coupler 31. The phase difference is, for example, the difference between 0° and 180° (i.e., 180°) as shown in the figure. However, the phase difference between the output end DOP12 and the output end DOP22 can still be changed according to actual needs.

[0081] The selection circuit 32 includes an input terminal SIP2 and two output terminals SOP21 and SOP22 .

[0082] The input terminal SIP2 is used to receive the input RF signal IRF2. In one embodiment, there is a phase difference between the input RF signal IRF2 and the input RF signal IRF1. The phase difference is, for example, 180°. That is, the input RF signal IRF2 is an inverted signal of the input RF signal IRF1. However, the phase difference between the input RF signal IRF2 and the input RF signal IRF1 can still be changed according to actual needs.

[0083] In one embodiment, the phase difference between the input RF signal IRF2 and the input RF signal IRF1 is the same as the phase difference between the output terminals DOP11 and DOP21 and / or the phase difference between the output terminals DOP12 and DOP22. The phase difference is, for example, 180°, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] The two output terminals SOP21 and SOP22 are respectively coupled to the two input terminals DIP21 and DIP22 of the branch coupler 31 .

[0085] The selection circuit 32 selects at least one of the two output terminals SOP21 and SOP22 (eg, the selected output terminal SOP21 , the selected output terminal SOP22 , or both the selected output terminals SOP21 and SOP22 ) to output the output RF signal ORF2 .

[0086] In one embodiment, the selection circuit 32 includes switching circuits 321 and 322. The detailed circuit architecture and functional operation of the switching circuits 321 and 322 can be referred to the aforementioned description of the switching circuits 121 and 122, and will not be described in detail here.

[0087] In one embodiment, in the first mode, the selection circuit 12 conducts the signal path between its input terminal SIP1 and the output terminal SOP11 (eg Figure 3A The signal path SP1 of the input terminal SIP1 and the signal path of the output terminal SOP12 are cut off (such as Figure 3A The selection circuit 32 conducts the signal path between its input terminal SIP2 and the output terminal SOP21 (such as Figure 3A The signal path SP1 of the input terminal SIP2 and the signal path of the output terminal SOP22 are cut off (such as Figure 3A At this time, the beam directions of antennas 20 and 25 correspond to Figure 3B The reference direction of θ degrees is shown.

[0088] In one embodiment, in the third mode, the selection circuit 12 conducts the signal path between its input terminal SIP1 and the output terminal SOP12 (eg Figure 4A The signal path SP2 of the input terminal SIP1 and the signal path of the output terminal SOP11 are cut off (such as Figure 4A The selection circuit 32 conducts the signal path between its input terminal SIP2 and the output terminal SOP22 (such as Figure 4A The signal path SP2 of the input terminal SIP2 and the signal path of the output terminal SOP21 are cut off (such as Figure 4A At this time, the beam directions of antennas 20 and 25 correspond to Figure 4B The reference direction of -θ degrees is shown.

[0089] In one embodiment, in the second mode, the selection circuit 12 conducts the signal path between its input terminal SIP1 and the output terminal SOP11 (eg Figure 5A The signal path SP1 of the input terminal SIP1 and the signal path of the output terminal SOP12 are turned on (such as Figure 5AThe selection circuit 32 conducts the signal path between its input terminal SIP2 and the output terminal SOP21 (such as Figure 5A The signal path SP1 of the input terminal SIP2 and the signal path of the output terminal SOP22 are turned on (such as Figure 5A At this time, the beam directions of antennas 20 and 25 correspond to Figure 5B The reference direction of 0 degrees is shown.

[0090] In one embodiment, the selection circuit 32 includes a power distributor 323. The detailed circuit structure and functional operation of the power distributor 323 can be found in the above description of the power distributor 123, which will not be described in detail here.

[0091] Each amplifier PA is coupled to the two branch couplers 11 and 31 and to one of the two antennas 20 and 25. The amplifier PA is used to adjust the voltage / current gain of the branch couplers 11 and 31. For example, the voltage amplitude of the RF signal output by the branch couplers 11 and 31 is amplified.

[0092] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a beam switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 , providing a beam switching system (step S710). For example, Figure 1 , Figure 2A or Figure 6 The beam switching system 10 and / or Figure 6 The beam switching system 30 is configured to generate a control signal according to the beam direction (step S720). The beam direction is, for example, a reference direction corresponding to θ degrees, -θ degrees, or 0 degrees. At least one of the two output terminals of the selection circuit is selected to output the output RF signal according to the control signal (step S730). For example, the control signal CS is used to select Figure 1 or Figure 6 One or both of the two output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 of the selection circuit 12 output the output RF signal ORF1, and / or select Figure 6 One or both of the two output terminals SOP21 and SOP22 of the selection circuit 32 are shown.

[0093] In one embodiment, in a first mode, corresponding to a reference direction, one of the two output terminals of the selection circuit is selected to output the output RF signal; or in a third mode, corresponding to another reference direction, the other of the two output terminals of the selection circuit is selected to output the output RF signal; or in a second mode, corresponding to another reference direction, both of the two output terminals of the selection circuit are selected to output the output RF signal. Figure 3A and Figure 3B For example, the output terminal SOP11 of the selection circuit 12 outputs the output RF signal ORF1, and corresponds to the reference direction of θ degrees; or Figure 4A and Figure 4B For example, the output terminal SOP12 of the selection circuit 12 outputs the output RF signal ORF1, and corresponds to the reference direction of -θ degrees; Figure 5A and Figure 5B For example, the output terminals SOP11 and SOP12 of the selection circuit 12 both output the output RF signal ORF1 and correspond to a reference direction of 0 degrees.

[0094] In one embodiment, one of three reference directions is selected as the beam direction, wherein the three reference directions are θ degrees, −θ degrees, and 0 degrees.

[0095] about Figure 7 The implementation details of each step in the above-mentioned embodiments and implementation methods are fully described, and will not be repeated here. In addition to being implemented in the form of circuits, each step and implementation details of the embodiment of the present invention can also be implemented by a processor in the form of software, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0096] In summary, in the beam switching system, beam switching method and antenna device of the embodiment of the present invention, a selection circuit and a branch line coupler are provided for the dual antenna device. In addition, by outputting a radio frequency signal through at least one of the two output ends of the selection circuit, the two output ends of the branch line coupler form three different phase differences, and the dual antennas form three corresponding different radiation field patterns (corresponding to a reference direction respectively). In this way, the use of phase shifters can be reduced, and a simpler circuit architecture can be provided.

[0097] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field may make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the attached patent application.

Claims

1. A beam switching system, characterized in that: include: A selection circuit comprising: a first input terminal for receiving an input radio frequency signal; and 2. The first output terminal, where The selection circuit selects at least one of the two first output terminals to output an output RF signal; and A branch line coupler comprising: two second input terminals, respectively coupled to the two first output terminals of the selection circuit, and used for receiving the output RF signal; and The two second output ends are respectively used to couple to the two antennas.

2. The beam switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The selection circuit is used to: In a first mode, a first signal path between the first input terminal and one of the two first output terminals is turned on, and a second signal path between the first input terminal and the other of the two first output terminals is turned off; and In a second mode, the first signal path and the second signal path are turned on.

3. The beam switching system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The selection circuit is further configured to: in the first mode, cut off a first impedance path between a reference potential terminal and one of the two first output terminals, and conduct a second impedance path between the reference potential terminal and the other of the two first output terminals; and In the second mode, the first impedance path and the second impedance path are cut off.

4. The beam switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The selection circuit includes: a first switching circuit, whose input terminal is coupled to the first input terminal, whose output terminal is coupled to the first output terminal, and whose two reference terminals are respectively coupled to a reference potential terminal; and A second switching circuit has an input terminal coupled to the first input terminal, an output terminal coupled to the other first output terminal, and two reference terminals respectively coupled to the reference potential terminal.

5. The beam switching system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first switching circuit includes: a first switch, an input terminal of which is coupled to the first input terminal, and one of two output terminals of which is coupled to one of two reference terminals of the first switching circuit; and A second switch has two input terminals respectively coupled to the other output terminal of the first switch and the other of the two reference terminals of the first switching circuit, and an output terminal coupled to the first output terminal.

6. The beam switching system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The second switching circuit includes: a third switch, whose input terminal is coupled to the first input terminal, and one of its two output terminals is coupled to one of the two reference terminals of the second switching circuit; and a fourth switch, whose two input terminals are respectively coupled to the other output terminal of the third switch and the other of the two reference terminals of the second switching circuit, and whose output terminal is coupled to the other first output terminal.

7. The beam switching system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first switching circuit further comprises: a first impedance element, an output end of the first switch is coupled to the reference potential end through the first impedance element; and A second impedance component, an output end of the second switch is coupled to the reference potential end through the second impedance component.

8. The beam switching system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second switching circuit further comprises: a third impedance element, through which an output terminal of the third switch is coupled to the reference potential terminal; and A fourth impedance component, an output end of the fourth switch is coupled to the reference potential end through the fourth impedance component.

9. The beam switching system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first impedance component to the fourth impedance component have the same first impedance value.

10. The beam switching system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The selection circuit further includes: a power divider, whose input end is coupled to the first input end, and whose two output ends are respectively coupled to the input ends of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit, and whose fifth impedance component is coupled to the two output ends and has a second impedance value, and the second impedance value is twice the first impedance value.

11. The beam switching system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The selection circuit further includes: a power distributor, an input end of which is coupled to the first input end, and two output ends of which are respectively coupled to the input ends of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit.

12. The beam switching system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The selection circuit is further configured to: in a first mode, conduct a third impedance path between a reference potential terminal and one of the two output terminals of the power divider, and cut off a fourth impedance path between the reference potential terminal and the other of the two output terminals of the power divider; and In a second mode, the third impedance path and the fourth impedance path are cut off.

13. The beam switching system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The power divider is a Wilkinson power divider, wherein the impedances of the two output ends of the Wilkinson power divider are the same.

14. The beam switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The branch line coupler has a phase difference in signals at the two second output ends in a first mode, and has the same phase in signals at the two second output ends in a second mode.

15. The beam switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A second selection circuit comprising: a third input terminal for receiving a second input RF signal, wherein the input RF signal has a second phase difference with the second input RF signal; and Second third output terminal, where The second selection circuit selects at least one of the two third output terminals to output a second output RF signal; and A second branch coupler, comprising: A fourth input terminal coupled to the third input terminal of the second selection circuit; and The two fourth output ends are respectively used for coupling to the two antennas.

16. The beam switching system according to claim 15, characterized in that: in There is a second phase difference between the second output terminal and the fourth output terminal, and Another of the second output terminals and another of the fourth output terminals have the second phase difference.

17. A beam switching method, characterized in that: include: Providing a beam switching system according to any one of claims 1 to 16; generating a control signal according to a beam direction; as well as At least one of the two first output terminals is selected according to the control signal to output the output radio frequency signal.

18. The beam switching method according to claim 17, characterized in that: The step of selecting at least one of the two first output terminals to output the output RF signal according to the control signal comprises: Corresponding to a first reference direction, selecting one of the two first output terminals to output the output radio frequency signal; or Corresponding to a second reference direction, selecting another one of the two first output ends to output the output radio frequency signal; or Corresponding to a third reference direction, both of the two first output terminals are selected to output the output radio frequency signal.

19. The beam switching method according to claim 17, characterized in that: Also includes: One is selected from a first reference direction, a second reference direction and a third reference direction as the beam direction, wherein the first reference direction, the second reference direction and the third reference direction are θ degree, −θ degree and 0 degree respectively.

20. An antenna device, characterized in that: include: Two antennas; A selection circuit comprising: a first input terminal for receiving an input radio frequency signal; and 2. The first output terminal, where The selection circuit selects at least one of the two first output terminals to output an output RF signal; and A branch line coupler comprising: two second input terminals, respectively coupled to the two first output terminals of the selection circuit, and used for receiving the output RF signal; and The two second output ends are respectively coupled to the two antennas.

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