Power adjustment network, feed network, base station antenna and base station system

By designing a power adjustment network in the wireless communication system and controlling the working power of the base station using the first handover unit, the problem of high energy consumption when the number of users is small, realizing dynamic adjustment of energy consumption and ensuring communication quality.

CN120018251APending Publication Date: 2025-05-16HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311532973.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-15
Publication Date
2025-05-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In wireless communication systems, the radio frequency part of the base station consumes high energy, especially when the number of users is small, maintaining the maximum transmission power will waste a lot of power.

Method used

A power adjustment network is designed to control the working power of the base station through the first switching unit, and adjust the working status of the base station according to the number of users, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Benefits of technology

When the number of users is small, the base station can be at a lower working power, reducing energy consumption; when the number of users is large, the base station can be at a higher working power, ensuring communication quality, and realizing dynamic adjustment of energy consumption.

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Abstract

The power regulation network comprises a first input end, a second input end, a first output end, a second output end, a first phase shifting unit and a first switching unit, the first branch comprises a first input end and a first output end which are communicated; the second branch comprises a first input end, a first phase shifting unit, a first switching unit and a second output end which are communicated; and the third branch comprises a second input end, a first switching unit and a second output end which are communicated. When the first switching unit controls the second branch to be connected, the first power amplifier works; when the first switching unit controls the third branch to be connected, the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier both work. Therefore, when the number of the users is small, the first switching unit can control the second path to be connected, the first power amplifier to work and the base station to be in a low working power, the purpose of reducing the energy consumption of the base station is achieved, meanwhile, the formed beam range is not changed, and the communication quality of the users is guaranteed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a power adjustment network, a feeding network, a base station antenna and a base station system. Background Art

[0002] In wireless communication systems, the energy consumption of the radio frequency part is the main source of energy consumption of base stations, which is related to the energy consumption of base stations, the maximum capacity of base stations and the maximum transmission power. In order to ensure the communication quality of users, the base station needs to maintain the maximum transmission power. Obviously, when the number of users is small, it will waste a lot of electricity if it still works at the maximum transmission power. Therefore, a technical solution to reduce the energy consumption of base stations is needed. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a power adjustment network, a feeding network, a base station antenna and a base station system are provided in the embodiments of the present application, which can adjust the working power of the base station according to the number of users. When the number of users is small, the base station can be at a lower working power, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the energy consumption of the base station.

[0004] To this end, the following technical solutions are adopted in the embodiments of the present application:

[0005] In the first aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a power adjustment network, including: a first input end, a second input end, a first output end and a second output end. The first input end is used to electrically connect to a first power amplifier; the second input end is used to electrically connect to a second power amplifier; the first output end is used to electrically connect to a first antenna array; the second output end is used to electrically connect to a second antenna array. The power adjustment network also includes a first phase shifting unit and a first switching unit. The input end of the first phase shifting unit is electrically connected to the first input end, and is used to control the phase of the radio frequency signal output when the first input end and the second output end are connected. The first switching unit has one input end connected to the output end of the first phase shifting unit, another input end electrically connected to the second input end, and an output end electrically connected to the second output end. Therefore, the power adjustment network forms three branches, the first branch is the connected first input end and the first output end; the second branch is the connected first input end, the first phase shifting unit, the first switching unit and the second output end; the third branch is the connected second input end, the first switching unit and the second output end. When the first switching unit controls the second branch to be connected, the first power amplifier provides a radio frequency signal of a first power to the first antenna array and the second antenna array; when the first switching unit controls the third branch to be connected, the first power amplifier provides a radio frequency signal of a first power to the first antenna array, and the second power amplifier provides a radio frequency signal of a second power to the second antenna array.

[0006] That is, the embodiment of the present application provides a power adjustment network, the input side is connected to the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier, and the output side is connected to the first antenna array and the second antenna array. The first power amplifier and the first antenna array are connected through the first branch; the first power amplifier and the second antenna array are connected through the second path; the second power amplifier and the second antenna array are connected through the third branch. When the number of users is small, the first switching unit can control the second path to be connected, so that the first power amplifier provides the first antenna array and the second antenna array with a first power radio frequency signal, so the first power amplifier in the base station works, and the base station can be at a lower working power, achieving the purpose of reducing the energy consumption of the base station. When the number of users is large, the first switching unit controls the third branch to be connected. At this time, the first power amplifier provides the first antenna array with a first power radio frequency signal, and the second power amplifier provides the second antenna array with a second power radio frequency signal, so the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier in the base station are both working, and the base station can be at a higher working power, ensuring the communication quality of the user. In the embodiment of the present application, a first phase shift unit is provided in the second branch, which is used to control the phase of the RF signal output when the second branch is connected, so as to ensure that the phase of the signal output from the second output end does not change before and after the first switching unit switches the second branch connection and the third branch connection, so that when the base station working power is reduced, the phase of the second antenna array does not change before and after the power is reduced, and the beam range formed does not change, thereby ensuring the communication quality of the user. That is to say, before and after the base station working power is reduced, the beam range formed does not change but the power is reduced, and the communication quality of the user is guaranteed under the premise of achieving energy saving. Furthermore, in the whole process of reducing the working power of the base station, the state of the first switching unit is switched, and no other work is required, and the operation is simple; the power adjustment network structure is simple, the cost is low, it is easy to implement, and the energy saving effect is obvious. In the embodiment of the present application, a power adjustment network is added between the power amplifier and the base station antenna feeding network, so as to achieve the purpose of reducing the base station power at a low cost when there are fewer users. Exemplarily, the first power is equal to the second power, and the first switching unit can control the base station to be in a half-power state when the second path is connected; the first switching unit can control the base station to be in a full-power state when the third path is connected.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the fourth branch is connected to the second input end, the first switching unit, the first phase shifting unit and the first output end, and the first switching unit is also used to control the connection of the fourth branch so that the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier provide a radio frequency signal of a third power to the first antenna array, and the third power is the sum of the first power and the second power.

[0008] In this implementation, the embodiment of the present application provides another working state of the power adjustment network. In this working state, the first switching unit is connected to the fourth branch, that is, the second input end and the first output end are connected, so that the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier simultaneously provide a radio frequency signal to the first antenna array. The power of the radio frequency signal is the sum of the first power and the second power, which increases the operating frequency of the first antenna array and increases the operating frequency range of the first antenna array.

[0009] In another possible implementation, a second switching unit is provided in the second branch, and the second switching unit is used to connect or disconnect the second branch.

[0010] In this implementation, a second switching unit is provided in the second branch, and the second branch can be switched on and off by the second switching unit. Therefore, when the first branch and the third branch are connected, the second switching unit can disconnect the second branch to ensure the working state of the second branch.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the power adjustment network further includes: a matching circuit. The matching circuit is connected to the first input end and is used to perform circuit matching on the first branch when the first switching unit controls the third branch to be connected.

[0012] In this implementation, the power adjustment network also includes a matching circuit to achieve circuit matching of the first switching unit in different states, thereby ensuring that the output signal of the power adjustment network remains consistent before and after the first switching unit switches the second branch and the third branch.

[0013] In another possible implementation manner, a third switching unit is further provided between the matching circuit and the first input end, and the third switching unit is used to connect or disconnect the matching circuit and the first input end.

[0014] In this implementation, the power adjustment network further includes a third switching unit. The third switching unit is connected between the first input terminal and the matching circuit, and is used to switch the matching circuit on and off.

[0015] In another possible implementation, the matching circuit includes a microstrip circuit or a lumped element circuit, and the lumped element circuit includes an inductor or a capacitor.

[0016] In this implementation, the embodiment of the present application provides an implementation of a matching circuit. The matching circuit may be, but is not limited to, a microstrip circuit or a lumped element circuit.

[0017] In another possible implementation manner, the first phase shifting unit includes a phase shifter, and / or the first switching unit includes a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0018] In this implementation, the embodiment of the present application provides an implementation of a first phase shift unit and a first switching unit. The first phase shift unit may be, but is not limited to, a phase shifter, and the first switching unit may be, but is not limited to, a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0019] In another possible implementation, the phase shifter is an analog phase shifter; or the single-pole double-throw switch is a metal oxide semi-conductor field effect transistor, a diode, a micro-electromechanical system, or a reed switch.

[0020] In this implementation, the embodiment of the present application provides an implementation of a phase shifter and a single-pole double-throw switch. The phase shifter may be, but is not limited to, an analog phase shifter. The single-pole double-throw switch may be, but is not limited to, a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, a diode, a micro-electromechanical system, or a reed switch.

[0021] In another possible implementation, the power adjustment network also includes a third input terminal, a third output terminal, a second phase shifter and a fourth switching unit; the input terminal of the second phase shifter is connected to the first switching unit, and the output terminal is connected to an input terminal of the fourth switching unit, and the second phase shifter is used to control the phase of the RF signal output when the second input terminal and the third output terminal are connected; the other input terminal of the fourth switching unit is connected to the third input terminal, and the output terminal is connected to the third output terminal.

[0022] In this implementation, the input terminals of the power adjustment network are not limited to two. That is, the power adjustment network can also be provided with more input terminals, each of which is connected to a power amplifier, so that the working power of the base station can be selected from multiple powers, thereby enabling the base station to have multiple low power states.

[0023] In another possible implementation, the power adjustment network further includes a control module, configured to control the first switching unit to switch to connect to the second branch or the third branch.

[0024] In this implementation, the power adjustment network further includes a control module. The control module can control the first switching unit to switch between the second branch or the third branch.

[0025] In another possible implementation, the power adjustment network also includes a detection module for detecting the number of users within the beam range of the antenna array, and when the number of users exceeds a user threshold, sending a first signal to the control module, the first signal being used to instruct the first switching unit to connect to the third branch, and when the number of users does not exceed the user threshold, sending a second signal to the control module, the second signal being used to instruct the first switching unit to connect to the second branch.

[0026] In this implementation, the power adjustment network further includes a detection module for detecting the number of users within the beam range of the antenna array. Therefore, the power adjustment network can control the first switching unit to switch between the second branch or the third branch according to the number of users.

[0027] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a feeding network, comprising: a first power divider, a second power divider and any one of the above power adjustment networks; the input end of the first power divider is connected to the first output end, and the output end is connected to the first antenna array; the input end of the second power divider is connected to the second output end, and the output end is connected to the second antenna array.

[0028] That is to say, the embodiment of the present application provides a new feeding network, including the power adjustment network of the embodiment of the present application, so that the new feeding network has the function of adjusting the input power of the array antenna in addition to the feeding function.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the feeding network also includes a third phase shifting unit and a fourth phase shifting unit; the output end of the first power divider is connected to the third phase shifting unit, the third phase shifting unit is connected to the first antenna array, and the third phase shifting unit is used to adjust the phase difference between different radiating units of the first antenna array; the output end of the second power divider is connected to the fourth phase shifting unit, the fourth phase shifting unit is connected to the second antenna array, and the fourth phase shifting unit is used to adjust the phase difference between different radiating units of the second antenna array.

[0030] In this implementation, the feeding network further includes a third phase shifting unit and a fourth phase shifting unit, which are used to control the phases of the internal radiating units of the first array antenna and the second array antenna, respectively, so as to form beams with different directions.

[0031] In another possible implementation, the feeding network also includes a transmission component or a calibration network; the transmission component is used to perform phase adjustment by controlling the pull rod position of the first phase shifter unit, the third phase shifter unit or the fourth phase shifter unit; the calibration network is used to perform phase adjustment on the first phase shifter unit, the third phase shifter unit or the fourth phase shifter unit by comparing the calibration signal.

[0032] In this implementation, the feeding network further includes a transmission component or a calibration network for implementing phase calibration of the phase shifting unit.

[0033] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another feeding network for controlling the input power of an antenna array of n rows and m columns, where n and m are both integers greater than or equal to 1, and the feeding network includes: at least two of the above-mentioned power adjustment networks, the first power adjustment network for adjusting the input power between antenna arrays in different rows of the n rows, or the second power adjustment network for adjusting the input power between antenna arrays in different columns of the m columns.

[0034] That is to say, in an antenna array distributed in a matrix form, a power adjustment network can adjust the input power of a row or a column of the antenna array. Therefore, an embodiment of the present application provides another feeding network, including at least two of the above-mentioned power adjustment networks, so as to control the input power of an antenna array of n rows and m columns.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the first power adjustment network is connected in series to the second power adjustment network, so that the two power adjustment networks adjust the input power of the antenna array simultaneously.

[0036] In this implementation, the first power adjustment network is connected in series to the second power adjustment network, so that the two power adjustment networks can adjust the input power of the antenna array at the same time. Exemplarily, the first power is equal to the second power, and the first power adjustment network can realize the base station in a half-power state or a full-power state through the first switching unit; the first power adjustment network is connected in series to the second power adjustment network, and the base station can be realized in a quarter-power state, a half-power state or a full-power state through the respective first switching units.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a base station antenna, comprising: an antenna array and the above-mentioned feeding network. The antenna array comprises a first antenna array and a second antenna array, and the feeding network is used to feed the signals received or sent by the first antenna array and the second antenna array, and adjust the input power of the first antenna array and the second antenna array.

[0038] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a base station system, including: a radio frequency unit and the above-mentioned base station antenna; the radio frequency unit includes at least a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier, the first power amplifier is electrically connected to the first input end, and is used to provide a radio frequency signal of a first power, and the second power amplifier is electrically connected to the second input end, and is used to provide a radio frequency signal of a second power; wherein the first switching unit controls the second branch to be connected, and the second power amplifier is turned off; the first switching unit controls the third branch to be connected, and the second power amplifier works. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or technical descriptions.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the composition of a base station system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the composition of a base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the composition of a power adjustment network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a first working state of a power adjustment network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a second working state of a power adjustment network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the composition of another power adjustment network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the composition of another power adjustment network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the composition of a power adjustment network embodiment provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a first working state of a power adjustment network embodiment provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a second working state of a power adjustment network embodiment provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the composition of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of an application scenario of a first working state of a power adjustment network embodiment provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of an application scenario of a second working state of a power adjustment network embodiment provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of an application scenario of a third working state of a power adjustment network embodiment provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Fig.15A schematic diagram of application scenarios of multiple power adjustment networks provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0056] The term "and / or" in this article is a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The symbol " / " in this article indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B means A or B.

[0057] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims herein are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order of the objects. For example, a first response message and a second response message are used to distinguish different response messages rather than to describe a specific order of the response messages.

[0058] In the embodiments of the present application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.

[0059] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. For example, multiple processing units refer to two or more processing units, etc.; multiple elements refer to two or more elements, etc.

[0060] In order to facilitate understanding of the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, some terms involved in the solution are first briefly introduced.

[0061] Doherty amplifier: Doherty power amplifier is a power amplifier design used in wireless communication systems. Doherty power amplifier improves efficiency by combining two amplifiers of different power levels, namely the main amplifier and the auxiliary amplifier. Through this collaborative approach, Doherty power amplifiers can maintain high power efficiency while maintaining low distortion levels.

[0062] In wireless communication systems, the radio frequency part is the part with the highest energy consumption in base stations. The energy consumption of base stations is closely related to the maximum capacity and maximum transmission power of base stations. In order to ensure the communication quality of users, base stations need to maintain the maximum transmission power. Obviously, when the number of users is small, it will waste a lot of electricity if it still works at the maximum transmission power.

[0063] There is a feasible technical solution to reduce energy consumption by improving the efficiency of RF power amplifiers. For example, the "golden efficiency improvement solution" is adopted: Doherty amplifier + peak clipping technology (Crest Factor Reduction, CFR) + digital pre-distortion technology (Digital Pre-Distortion, DPD), which can increase the efficiency of the whole machine from about 10% to about 40% or even higher. Or use a more efficient gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifier to replace the lateral double diffused MOSFET (Lateral Double-diffused MOSFET, LDMOS) power amplifier. However, the related technologies to improve the efficiency of power amplifiers are highly complex, costly, and technically difficult.

[0064] There is another feasible technical solution. By performing frequency switching on users, the power consumption of the base station can be saved when multiple power amplifiers carry multiple carriers. For example: by counting the current number of users of each carrier in each sector of the base station, the total usage in each sector is obtained, and the preset strategy is combined to determine whether to turn on or off the power amplifier. Before turning off the power amplifier, these users are transferred to other turned-on power amplifiers through frequency switching and other methods. In this technical solution, before turning off the power amplifier, the users need to be transferred to other turned-on power amplifiers through frequency switching and other methods, and the users who turn off the power amplifier need to be switched, which is highly complex.

[0065] In order to solve the energy waste of base stations, the embodiments of the present application provide another solution. In the embodiments of the present application, the base station transmission power can be flexibly controlled according to the number of users. When the number of users is large, the base station operates at full power, and when the number of users is small, some power amplifiers are turned off to achieve energy saving. In other words, starting from the feeding network of the base station antenna, the embodiments of the present application are equivalent to proposing a new energy-saving feeding network to reduce the energy consumption of the base station antenna. Under the premise that the coverage range of the antenna beam remains unchanged, the transmission power of the base station antenna can be dynamically adjusted according to the number of users to reduce the energy consumption of the base station. It has the obvious advantages of good energy-saving effect, simple structure, low cost and flexible configuration.

[0066] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the composition of a base station system. Figure 1 As shown, a base station system mainly includes: an antenna feed system and a radio frequency unit. Figure 1As shown in the figure, the antenna feed system mainly includes: base station antenna 1, feeder 2, antenna adjustment bracket 3, pole 4, joint seal 5, grounding device 6. The RF unit (Remote Radio Unit, RRU) is used to convert digital signals into RF signals and transmit the RF signals to space through the antenna feed system to achieve wireless communication. The combination of the RF unit and the antenna feed system is also called the Active Antenna Unit (AAU), which can independently complete the transmission, reception and processing of signals.

[0067] Exemplarily, in the actual working process, the main working process of the RF unit includes: digital signal processing, RF signal generation, and RF signal transmission. Digital signal processing includes steps such as signal demodulation, encoding, and decoding. RF signal generation refers to the RF unit converting a digital signal into an RF signal, that is, converting a digital signal into an analog signal, and modulating and amplifying the RF signal to obtain an RF signal. RF signal transmission refers to the RF unit transmitting the RF signal to the feeder 2 of the antenna feed system, and sending the RF signal into the air through the base station antenna 1.

[0068] The base station system provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applicable to various communication systems, for example: a fifth generation (5G) communication system or a new radio (NR) system, a 6G communication system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, etc., and of course, it can also be a communication system of other unlicensed frequency bands without limitation.

[0069] See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the composition of a base station antenna is shown. Figure 2 As shown, a base station antenna 1 mainly includes: an antenna array 11, a feed network 12, and an antenna cover 13. The radiation unit 11 and the feed network 12 are generally arranged inside the antenna cover 13. The radio frequency unit sends the radio frequency signal to the feed line 2. The signal of the feed line 2 is processed by the feed network 12 and input into the antenna array 11. The antenna array 11 transmits the radio frequency signal to space to form a wireless communication signal.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the antenna array 11 is at least one independent array composed of radiation units 111 and metal reflective plates 112, wherein the frequencies of the radiation units 111 can be the same or different, and the radiation units 111 are usually placed above the metal reflective plates 102. A plurality of phase shifters 122 correspond to the radiation units 111, and each phase shifter 122 is used to adjust the signal phase in a corresponding radiation unit 111 to generate a phase difference with the radio frequency signals of other radiation units 111, thereby forming different radiation beam directions.

[0071] Optionally, the phase shifter 122 of the feeding network 12 can realize different radiation beam pointing through the transmission component 14, and the transmission component 14 is a system for phase control. The transmission component 14 is a pull rod for controlling the phase shifter 122. When the transmission component 14 is displaced to different positions, the phase shifter 122 outputs different phase states. Each phase state corresponds to a beam pointing. Or the phase shifter 122 of the feeding network 12 can be connected to the calibration network 15 to obtain the calibration signal required by the system and perform phase adjustment. In addition to the phase shifting network, the feeding network 102 may also have modules such as a combiner 123 and a filter 124 for expanding performance. The power divider 123 is also called a power divider. It is a device that divides the energy of an input signal into two or more outputs of equal or unequal energy. It can also conversely synthesize the energy of multiple signals into one output. At this time, the power divider 123 can also be called a combiner.

[0072] In the present application embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the power amplifier of the RF unit sends the RF signal to the feeder 2. The feeder 2 sends the signal to the feed network 12. After the RF signal enters the feed network 12, it first passes through the power adjustment network for power distribution. The power-distributed signal is sent to the phase shifter 122 corresponding to each radiating unit 111 in the antenna array 11. Each radiating unit 111 sends the phase-shifted signal into space to form a wireless communication signal.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, the radio frequency power amplifier (RFPA) is the main part of the transmission system, and its importance is self-evident. In the front-stage circuit of the transmitter, the radio frequency signal power generated by the modulation oscillation circuit is very small, and it needs to go through a series of amplifications (buffer stage, intermediate amplifier stage, final power amplifier stage) to obtain sufficient radio frequency power before it can be fed to the antenna for radiation. In order to obtain a sufficiently large radio frequency output power, a radio frequency power amplifier must be used. After the modulator generates a radio frequency signal, the RFPA amplifies the radio frequency signal to sufficient power, passes through the feeding network 12, and is then transmitted by the antenna array 11.

[0074] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the composition of a power adjustment network. Figure 3 As shown, a power adjustment network includes a first input end, a first output end, a second input end, a second output end, a first phase shift unit, and a first switching unit. The first input end of the power adjustment network is respectively connected to the first output end of the power adjustment network and the input end of the first phase shift unit, and the first input end is used to connect the first power output unit; one input end of the first switching unit is connected to the output end of the first phase shift unit, and the other input end of the first switching unit is used as the second input end of the power adjustment network, and the output end of the first switching unit is used as the second output end of the power adjustment network, and the second input end is used to connect the second power output unit. The first output end and the second output end are respectively used to provide input signals of the antenna array.

[0075] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first working state of a power regulation network. Figure 4 As shown, when the power adjustment network is in the first working state, the first switching unit is connected to the first phase shifting unit and the second output end of the power adjustment network. In the first working state, the RF signal of the first power output unit is transmitted to the first input end of the power adjustment network, and is output through the first output end, and is phase-shifted by the first phase shifting unit, and then output from the second output end after passing through the first switching unit. In other words, the RF signal of the first power output unit is input to the first input end of the power adjustment network, and is output through the first output end and the second output end.

[0076] Optionally, after the RF signal is output from the first output end and the second output end, it passes through a power divider or a filter respectively, is input into a phase shifter 122 corresponding to each radiation unit 111, and is output to space through each radiation unit 111.

[0077] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a second working state of a power regulation network. Figure 5 As shown, when the power adjustment network is in the second working state, the first switching unit connects the second input end of the power adjustment network and the second output end of the power adjustment network. In the second working state, the RF signal of the first power output unit is transmitted to the first input end of the power adjustment network and output through the first output end, and the RF signal of the second power output unit is transmitted to the second input end of the power adjustment network and output through the second output end. In other words, the RF signals output by the first power output unit and the first power output unit are respectively input to the first input end and the second input end of the power adjustment network, and are respectively output through the first output end and the second output end.

[0078] Optionally, after the RF signal is output from the first output end and the second output end, it passes through a power divider or a filter respectively, is input into a phase shifter 122 corresponding to each radiation unit 111, and is output to space through each radiation unit 111.

[0079] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first working state and the second working state of the power adjustment network are further analyzed. Assume that the output power of the first power output unit is P1 and the output power of the second power output unit is P2. When the power adjustment network is in the first working state, the antenna array 11 transmits the radio frequency signal with the power P1; when the power adjustment network is in the second working state, the antenna array 11 transmits the radio frequency signal with the power (P1+P2).

[0080] In the embodiment of the present application, multiple thresholds can be set for the number of users, the relationship between the number of users and the threshold can be determined, and the switching state of the first switching unit can be determined. Exemplarily, when the number of users is less than the first threshold, the first switching unit is controlled to perform connection switching, so that the first switching unit is connected to the first phase shift unit and the second output terminal, so that the power adjustment network is in the first working state, and the antenna array 11 transmits the radio frequency signal with power P1, thereby reducing the transmission power of the antenna array 11. When the number of users is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the first switching unit is controlled to perform connection switching, so that the first switching unit is connected to the second input terminal and the second output terminal, so that the power adjustment network is in the second working state, and the antenna array 11 transmits the radio frequency signal with power (P1+P2), thereby increasing the transmission power of the antenna array 11. The first switching unit can perform connection switching based on the number of users. Regarding the specific implementation method of the first switching unit, the embodiment of the present application will not be repeated.

[0081] Optionally, the output power of the first power output unit is equal to the output power of the second power output unit, that is, P1 = P2. The first working state of the power adjustment network is also called the half-power state; the second working state of the power adjustment network is also called the full-power state.

[0082] See also Figure 6 , Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of another power adjustment network. Figure 6 As shown, optionally, the power adjustment network also includes a second switching unit. One end of the second switching unit is connected to the first input end, and the other end is connected to the first phase shift unit. The second switching unit is used to control the on-off between the first input end and the second output end. When the second switching unit is connected, the first switching unit can connect the first input end and the second output end, so that the power adjustment network is in the first working state; or the first switching unit can connect the second input end and the second output end, so that the power adjustment network is in the second working state. When the second switching unit is disconnected, the first switching unit can connect the second input end and the second output end, so that the power adjustment network is in the second working state. When the second switching unit is connected, the power adjustment network can switch between the first working state and the second working state through the first switching unit; when the second switching unit is disconnected, the power adjustment network can achieve the second working state through the first switching unit, and cannot be cut off to the first working state.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, optionally, the power adjustment network also includes a matching circuit to achieve circuit matching of the first switching unit in different states. The matching circuit can be an L-type matching network consisting of an inductor and a capacitor connected in series or in parallel; or a π-type matching network consisting of an inductor and two capacitors; or a T-type matching network consisting of a capacitor and two inductors; or a Stub matching network that introduces an open or short-circuit line segment of a fixed length on the transmission line to achieve matching. Optionally, the matching circuit is connected to the first input terminal.

[0084] Optionally, the power adjustment network further includes a third switching unit. Exemplarily, the third switching unit is connected between the first input terminal and the matching circuit to realize switching on and off of the matching circuit.

[0085] See also Figure 7 , Figure 7 FIG. 4 shows another schematic diagram of the composition of a power adjustment network. Figure 7As shown, the radio frequency unit may also include a third power output unit. Assuming that the output power of the third power output unit is P3, by setting the second phase shift unit and the fourth switching unit in the same manner as the first phase shift unit and the first switching unit, the power adjustment network can be put into more working states, so that the antenna array 11 can transmit radio frequency signals with powers P1, (P1+P2), (P1+P3), (P1+P2+P3), thereby improving the transmission power selection range of the antenna array 11. By analogy, it can be seen that the power output unit can be set to multiple, so as to achieve a wider range of output power selection of the antenna array.

[0086] That is to say, the embodiment of the present application provides a dynamically adjustable power adjustment network. The network can distribute one or more input RF powers to the feed network of the antenna subarray. When there is only one power input, the input power is evenly distributed to the input port of the antenna subarray feed network; when there are multiple inputs, the multiple powers can also be evenly distributed to the input port of the antenna subarray feed network.

[0087] See also Figures 8 to 10 , Figures 8 to 10 An embodiment of a power adjustment network is shown. Figures 8 to 12 The composition and working state of the power adjustment network are described exemplarily. In the embodiment of the present application, the power adjustment network is not limited in the form of implementation, and can be implemented by microstrip, coaxial line or modular components.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first switching unit can be implemented by a single-pole double-throw switch. Exemplarily, the first input end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the output end of the first phase-shifting unit, the first input end is connected to the second input end, and the output end is connected to the second output end. When the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the first input end, the second output end is connected to the first phase-shifting unit, and the power adjustment network is in the first working state; when the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the first input end, the second output end is connected to the second input end, and the power adjustment network is in the second working state. Therefore, the single-pole double-throw switch realizes the switching of the power adjustment network between the first working state and the second working state.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first phase shifting unit is implemented as a phase shifter so that the RF signal meets the phase requirement when it is output from the second output terminal. The third cutting unit and the fourth cutting unit are single-pole single-throw switches. The first power output unit and the second power output unit are power amplifiers, respectively. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific models and types of the power amplifiers.

[0090] like Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, the radio frequency unit includes a first power amplifier 101 and a second power amplifier 102, and the power adjustment network includes a single-pole double-throw switch 103, a phase shifter 104, a single-pole single-throw switch 105, a single-pole single-throw switch 106, a matching circuit 107, an input terminal 1, an input terminal 2, an output terminal 1, and an output terminal 2. The input terminal 1 is connected to the output terminal 1 to form a first branch. The input terminal 1 is connected to the single-pole single-throw switch 105, the single-pole single-throw switch 105 is connected to the phase shifter 104, the phase shifter 104 is connected to an input terminal of the single-pole double-throw switch 103, and the output terminal of the single-pole double-throw switch 103 is connected to the output terminal 2 to form a second branch. The input terminal 2 is connected to an input terminal of the single-pole double-throw switch 103, and the output terminal of the single-pole double-throw switch 103 is connected to the output terminal 2 to form a third branch. The first power amplifier 101 is connected to the input terminal 1, and the second power amplifier 102 is connected to the input terminal 2.

[0091] Optionally, in this embodiment, the power adjustment network includes a single-pole double-throw switch 106 and a matching circuit 107. The single-pole double-throw switch 106 is arranged between the matching circuit 107 and the input terminal 1, and the matching circuit 107 is used for circuit matching.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present application, the first power amplifier 101 and the second power amplifier 102, as RF signal amplifiers, are the main sources of power consumption of the base station antenna. The single-pole double-throw switch 103 is used to switch to the output end of the second power amplifier 102 or the output end of the phase shifter 104. The phase shifter 104 is used to provide the phase difference required for the array antenna beam scanning. The single-pole single-throw switch 105 and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 are used to connect or disconnect the RF circuit. The matching circuit 107 is used to achieve circuit matching in different switch states.

[0093] like Fig. 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the single-pole double-throw switch 103 is switched to Fig. 9 In the state shown, the first power amplifier 101 is turned on, the second power amplifier 102 is turned off, and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is disconnected. At this time, the power adjustment network can be understood as a one-to-two power divider, and the output power of the first power amplifier 101 is divided into two outputs. This state can be understood as an energy-saving state, which is suitable for a small number of users.

[0094] like Fig.10 As shown, in this embodiment, the single-pole double-throw switch 103 is switched to Fig.10 In the state shown, the first power amplifier 101 and the second power amplifier 102 are both in working state, and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is closed to ensure circuit matching. The output power of the first power amplifier 101 is output from the output terminal 1 through the first branch, and the output power of the second power amplifier 102 is output from the output terminal 2 through the third branch. This state is a full power state, which is suitable for a large number of users.

[0095] See also Figures 11 to 14 , Figures 11 to 14 An embodiment of a base station antenna is shown. In this embodiment, a power adjustment network is applied to an antenna system, and the working principle of the power adjustment network is exemplarily described.

[0096] In the embodiments of the present application, the directions are defined as follows: the forward direction refers to the normal direction of the antenna aperture, which is the main radiation direction of the antenna; the longitudinal direction refers to the length direction of each column array of the antenna, which is basically perpendicular to the ground; the transverse direction refers to the horizontal direction along the antenna aperture.

[0097] like Fig.11 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a two-dimensional antenna array. Generally, the antenna array appears in a two-dimensional form, and beamforming in different directions is achieved through the phase difference between the radiation units in the two dimensions. For example, Fig.11 As shown, it is assumed that the antenna array appears in the form of a matrix with the first dimension being rows, such as Fig.11 The antenna array b1 of the first row, the antenna array b2 of the second row, ..., the antenna array bn of the nth row are shown, and the second dimension is the column, such as Fig.11 Shown are the antenna array a1 of the first row, the antenna array a2 of the second row, ..., and the antenna array an of the nth row.

[0098] like Fig.11 As shown, assuming that the antenna array of each row is arranged parallel to the horizontal plane, in the row dimension, the phase difference of the radiating units between different rows is controlled by the phase shifter, so that the beamforming in the vertical dimension of this dimension can be achieved. In the column dimension, the antenna array of each column is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Assuming that the phase difference of the radiating units between different columns is controlled by the phase shifter, the beamforming in the horizontal dimension of this dimension can be achieved.

[0099] like Fig.12 As shown, an antenna matrix of a certain row or a certain column is used as an example for explanation. The output end 1 and the output end 2 of the power adjustment network are respectively connected to a power divider, a phase shifter, and an antenna array. The power divider is used to distribute the power and input it into multiple radiating units of the antenna array. The phase shifter is used to achieve the phase difference of different radiating units. For example, a certain column of the antenna matrix includes 8 radiating units, and the 8 radiating units can be divided into two groups. The radiating units of the first group are connected to the output end 1 and the corresponding power divider and phase shifter; the radiating units of the second group are connected to the output end 2 and the corresponding power divider and phase shifter. It should be noted that the first phase shifter is used to control the phase difference between the two groups of radiating units, so that the phase of the second output end of the power adjustment network does not change before and after the switching between the first working state and the second working state; the phase shifter is used to control the phase difference of the radiating units within each group.

[0100] like Fig.12As shown, the first power amplifier 101 inputs the power of the first power amplifier 101 into two groups of radiation elements of the antenna matrix through the first branch and the second branch.

[0101] like Fig.13 As shown, the first power amplifier 101 inputs the power of the first power amplifier 101 to the first group of radiating elements of the antenna matrix through the first branch. The first power amplifier 102 inputs the power of the second power amplifier 102 to the second group of radiating elements of the antenna matrix through the third branch.

[0102] like Fig.14 As shown, the power adjustment network can also exist in a third working state. In the third working state, the single-pole double-throw switch 103 is switched to Fig.14 In the state shown, the first power amplifier 101 and the second power amplifier 102 are both in working state, and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is closed to ensure circuit matching. Input terminal 2, single-pole double-throw switch 103, phase shifter 104, and output terminal 1 form a fourth branch. The first power amplifier 101 outputs from output terminal 1 through the first branch, and the second power amplifier 102 outputs from output terminal 1 through the fourth branch. This state is the full power state of the first antenna array, which is suitable for the situation where there are a large number of users within the beam range of the first antenna array. Fig.15 As shown, two-dimensional power adjustment can be achieved through multiple power adjustment networks to achieve better energy saving effect. The power divider and phase shifter between the power adjustment network and the antenna array are referred to as power divider and phase shifter units for simplicity of illustration.

[0103] like Fig.15 As shown, based on Fig.11 The antenna array shown is, for example, an antenna array with n columns and m rows, where each column uses a Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 In the power adjustment network shown, each column can adjust the phase difference between multiple internal radiating units through the power division phase shifting unit, so that there is a phase difference in each row of the antenna array, thereby realizing different beams in the vertical direction.

[0104] For example, Fig.15 The power adjustment network 21 and the power division phase shift unit 21 are connected to the antenna array a1. The power division phase shift unit 21 can adjust the phase difference between multiple radiation units in the antenna array a1, so as to realize different beams in the vertical direction; the power adjustment network 21 can adjust the input power of the antenna array a1. Fig.15The power adjustment network 22 and the power division phase shift unit 22 are connected to the antenna array a2. The power division phase shift unit 22 can adjust the phase difference between multiple radiation units in the antenna array a2, so as to realize different beams in the vertical direction; the power adjustment network 22 can adjust the input power of the antenna array a2. By analogy, Fig.15 The power adjustment network 2n and the power division phase shift unit 2n are connected to the antenna array an. The power division phase shift unit 2n can adjust the phase difference between the multiple radiation units in the antenna array an, so as to realize different beams in the vertical direction. The power adjustment network 2n can adjust the input power of the antenna array an. For example, for an antenna array with n columns and m rows, two Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 The power adjustment network shown. After the first power adjustment network is connected to the power division phase shift unit, it outputs n signals with different phases, which are input to the first input end of the power adjustment network inside the adjustment column, so that different columns have phase differences and different beamforming in the horizontal direction is achieved. After the second power adjustment network is connected to the power division phase shift unit, it outputs n signals with different phases, which are input to the second input end of the power adjustment network inside the adjustment column, so that different columns have phase differences and different beamforming in the horizontal direction is achieved.

[0105] For example, Fig.15 As shown, after the power amplifier 1-1, the power amplifier 1-2, the power adjustment network 11 and the power division phase shift unit 11 are connected, they are respectively connected to the first input terminals of the power adjustment networks in the n adjustment columns. In other words, the power division phase shift unit 11 outputs n signals with different phase differences, which are respectively input to the first input terminals of the power adjustment network 21, the power adjustment network 22, ..., the power adjustment network 2n, etc., so that the phase difference between different columns of the antenna array can be adjusted, thereby realizing different beamforming in the horizontal direction. For example, Fig.15 As shown, after the power amplifier 2-1, the power amplifier 2-2, the power adjustment network 12 and the power division phase shift unit 12 are connected, they are respectively connected to the second input ends of the power adjustment networks in the n adjustment columns. In other words, the power division phase shift unit outputs n signals with different phase differences, which are input to the second input ends of the power adjustment network 21, the power adjustment network 22, ..., the power adjustment network 2n, etc., so that the phase difference between different columns of the antenna array can be adjusted, thereby realizing different beamforming in the horizontal direction.

[0106] Furthermore, the working states of the power amplifier 1-1, the power amplifier 1-2, the power amplifier 2-1 and the power amplifier 2-2 are analyzed to illustrate the implementation methods of different input powers of the antenna array.

[0107] When all four amplifiers are turned on, the base station is at full power.

[0108] When the three power amplifiers are turned on, the base station is in a 3 / 4 power state. For example, power amplifiers 1-2 may be turned off, and power adjustment network 11 may be in an energy-saving state (a first working state); power amplifiers 2-2 may be turned off, and power adjustment network 12 may be in an energy-saving state. Among them, power adjustment network 21, power adjustment network 22, ..., power adjustment network 2n, etc. are in a non-energy-saving state (a second working state).

[0109] When the two power amplifiers are turned on, the base station is in a half-power state. For example, the power amplifiers 1-2 and 2-2 may be turned off, the power amplifiers 1-1 and 2-1 may be turned on, the power adjustment network 11 and the power adjustment network 12 may be in an energy-saving state, and the power adjustment network 21, the power adjustment network 22, ..., the power adjustment network 2n, etc. may be in a non-energy-saving state. Alternatively, the power amplifiers 2-1 and 2-2 may be turned off, the power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 may be turned on, the power adjustment network 11 may be in a non-energy-saving state, and the power adjustment network 21, the power adjustment network 22, ..., the power adjustment network 2n, etc. may be in an energy-saving state.

[0110] When one power amplifier is turned on, the base station is in a 1 / 4 power state. For example, power amplifiers 1-2, 2-1, and 2-2 are turned off, power amplifier 1-1 is turned on, power adjustment network 11 is in a power-saving state, and power adjustment network 21, power adjustment network 22, ..., power adjustment network 2n, etc. are in a power-saving state.

[0111] In other words, after joining the power adjustment network, the working status of the power amplifier and the power adjustment network can be flexibly configured according to the current number of users, the power consumption of the base station can be adjusted, and the user communication quality can be guaranteed while achieving energy saving.

[0112] Exemplarily, each column of antennas can be divided into q parts to obtain q different areas, where q is an integer greater than or equal to 1, so that the input powers of the antenna arrays in the q different areas can be different from each other, which facilitates the flexible management of the antenna arrays. In other words, the input power of the corresponding antenna array can be adjusted according to the number of users within the q different beam ranges, which can achieve energy saving and ensure the quality of user communication.

[0113] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the division method. The number of parts into which each column of antennas is divided can be the same or different; the number of radiating units within each part can be the same or different. Exemplarily, when the number of parts into which each column of antennas is divided is the same and the number of radiating units within each part is the same, the antenna array of m rows and n columns is equally divided into multiple identical areas.

[0114] In one possible implementation, Fig.15 The feeding network of the antenna array a1 shown is connected to the first antenna array of the antenna array a1; Fig.15 The feeding network of the antenna array a2 shown is connected to the first antenna array of the antenna array a2; by analogy, Fig.15 The feed network of the antenna array an shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the first antenna array of the antenna array an. In other words, using Fig.15 The network shown can be an antenna array in the first area of ​​q areas. Fig.15 The same working principle is shown, using and Fig.15 The same or similar network as shown is used to connect the antenna arrays of other areas of the q areas.

[0115] In the embodiment of the present application, a power adjustment network is added between the power amplifier and the base station antenna feed network, so as to achieve the purpose of reducing the base station power at a low cost when there are fewer users. That is to say, by controlling the connection state of the single-pole double-throw switch 103 of the power adjustment network, the output power of one or two power amplifiers can be allocated to the antenna array to achieve the switching of energy-saving and non-energy-saving states. It is worth noting that in the energy-saving state and the non-energy-saving state, the antenna array always works at full array, and all the radiation units are in working state, so the coverage range of the antenna beam remains consistent.

[0116] That is to say, the power adjustment network can be placed in the network of horizontal beam scanning of the base station antenna, or in the network of vertical beam scanning. When the power amplifiers are all turned on, the base station is in full power state. When three of the four power amplifiers are turned on, the base station is in 3 / 4 power state; when two of the four power amplifiers are turned on, the base station is in half power state; when one of the four power amplifiers is turned on, the base station is in 1 / 4 power state. Therefore, after adding the power adjustment network, the working state of the power amplifier and the power adjustment network can be flexibly configured according to the current number of users, the power consumption of the base station can be adjusted, and the user communication quality can be guaranteed under the premise of energy saving.

[0117] In the embodiment of the present application, when the number of users in the area covered by the base station antenna is large, the communication capacity is guaranteed by configuring the base station power amplifier to be fully turned on. When the number of users is small, the base station power amplifier is partially turned off, and the power is evenly distributed to the antenna array through the power adjustment network, so that the coverage range remains unchanged but the transmission power is reduced, effectively saving energy consumption.

[0118] In the embodiments of the present application, the switching unit or switch involved may be a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor MOSFET, a diode, a micro-electromechanical system MEMS or a reed switch. The matching circuit involved may be a microstrip circuit or an integrated lumped element circuit of an inductor, a capacitor, etc. The phase shifter involved may be an analog phase shifter.

[0119] In the embodiment of the present application, the working state of the power amplifier and the power adjustment network can be flexibly configured according to the number of users. In other words, the transmission power of the base station antenna can be flexibly configured according to the number of users, and some power amplifiers can be turned off to save energy when the number of users is small. After the power adjustment network is set up in the horizontal plane power adjustment network and the vertical plane power adjustment network respectively, full power, half power, and quarter power output can be achieved, and the output power configuration is flexible. In the energy-saving and non-energy-saving states before and after the power adjustment network is adjusted, the coverage range of the base station antenna remains unchanged, and the user's communication quality is guaranteed under the premise of achieving energy saving. The power adjustment network has a simple structure, low cost, easy implementation, and obvious energy-saving effect.

[0120] The embodiment of the present application provides a feeding network, including the above-mentioned power adjustment network, which can dynamically adjust the base station antenna transmission power according to the number of users without changing the original beam scanning range of the base station antenna, thereby achieving energy saving. That is to say, the feeding network of the embodiment of the present application adopts basic components such as single-pole single-throw switches, single-pole double-throw switches, power dividers, phase shifters, etc. to form a dynamically adjustable power distribution network, dynamically adjust the working state of the power amplifier according to the number of users, and distribute the output power of one or more power amplifiers to the antenna array. In this way, the output power changes dynamically with the number of users, that is, the transmission power is small when there are few users and the transmission power is large when there are many users, thereby saving base station energy consumption.

[0121] Those of ordinary skill in the art should further appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. In order to clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the composition and steps of each example have been generally described in terms of function in the above description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those of ordinary skill in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0122] The steps of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented by hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. The software module may be placed in a random access memory (RAM), a memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically programmable ROM, an electrically erasable programmable ROM, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0123] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present application in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only the specific implementation method of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A power regulation network, characterized in that: include: A first input terminal, used for being electrically connected to a first power amplifier; A second input terminal, used for being electrically connected to a second power amplifier; A first output terminal, used for being electrically connected to a first antenna array; A second output terminal, used for electrically connecting to a second antenna array; a first phase shifting unit, whose input end is electrically connected to the first input end, and is used to control the phase of the RF signal output when the first input end is connected to the second output end; a first switching unit, having one input end connected to the output end of the first phase shift unit, another input end electrically connected to the second input end, and an output end electrically connected to the second output end; Wherein, the first branch is the first input end and the first output end connected; The second branch is the first input end, the first phase shift unit, the first switching unit and the second output end connected; the third branch is the second input end, the first switching unit and the second output end connected; The first switching unit is used to control the second branch to be connected so that the first power amplifier provides a radio frequency signal of a first power to the first antenna array and the second antenna array; or to control the third branch to be connected so that the first power amplifier provides a radio frequency signal of a first power to the first antenna array, and the second power amplifier provides a radio frequency signal of a second power to the second antenna array.

2. The power regulation network according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fourth branch is connected to the second input end, the first switching unit, the first phase shifting unit and the first output end, and the first switching unit is also used to control the connection of the fourth branch so that the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier provide the first antenna array with a radio frequency signal of a third power, and the third power is the sum of the first power and the second power.

3. The power regulation network according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second branch is provided with a second switching unit, and the second switching unit is used to connect or disconnect the second branch.

4. The power regulation network according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: A matching circuit is connected to the first input end, and is used to perform circuit matching on the first branch when the first switching unit controls the third branch to be connected.

5. The power regulation network according to claim 4, characterized in that: A third switching unit is further provided between the matching circuit and the first input end, and the third switching unit is used to connect or disconnect the matching circuit and the first input end.

6. The power regulation network according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The matching circuit includes a microstrip circuit or a lumped element circuit, and the lumped element circuit includes an inductor or a capacitor.

7. The power regulation network according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first phase shifting unit includes a phase shifter, and / or the first switching unit includes a single-pole double-throw switch.

8. The power regulation network according to claim 7, characterized in that: The phase shifter is an analog phase shifter; or the single-pole double-throw switch is a metal oxide semi-conductor field effect transistor or a diode or a micro-electromechanical system or a reed switch.

9. The power regulation network according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: It also includes a third input terminal, a third output terminal, a second phase shifting unit and a fourth switching unit; The input end of the second phase shift unit is connected to the first switching unit, and the output end is connected to an input end of the fourth switching unit, and the second phase shift unit is used to control the phase of the RF signal output when the second input end and the third output end are connected; Another input terminal of the fourth switching unit is connected to the third input terminal, and an output terminal of the fourth switching unit is connected to the third output terminal.

10. The power regulation network according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: It also includes a control module for controlling the first switching unit to switch to connect the second branch or the third branch.

11. The power regulation network according to claim 10, characterized in that: It also includes a detection module, which is used to detect the number of users within the beam range of the antenna array, and when the number of users exceeds the user threshold, send a first signal to the control module, the first signal is used to instruct the first switching unit to connect to the third branch, and when the number of users does not exceed the user threshold, send a second signal to the control module, the second signal is used to instruct the first switching unit to connect to the second branch.

12. A feeding network, characterized in that: include: A first power divider, a second power divider, and a power adjustment network as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11; The input end of the first power divider is connected to the first output end, and the output end is connected to the first antenna array; the input end of the second power divider is connected to the second output end, and the output end is connected to the second antenna array.

13. The feeding network according to claim 12, characterized in that It also includes a third phase shifting unit and a fourth phase shifting unit; the output end of the first power divider is connected to the third phase shifting unit, the third phase shifting unit is connected to the first antenna array, and the third phase shifting unit is used to adjust the phase difference between different radiating units of the first antenna array; the output end of the second power divider is connected to the fourth phase shifting unit, the fourth phase shifting unit is connected to the second antenna array, and the fourth phase shifting unit is used to adjust the phase difference between different radiating units of the second antenna array.

14. The feeding network according to claim 13, characterized in that It also includes a transmission component or a calibration network; the transmission component is used to perform phase adjustment by controlling the pull rod position of the first phase shift unit, the third phase shift unit or the fourth phase shift unit; the calibration network is used to perform phase adjustment on the first phase shift unit, the third phase shift unit or the fourth phase shift unit by comparing the calibration signal.

15. A feeding network, characterized in that: Used to control the input power of an antenna array with n rows and m columns, where n and m are both integers greater than or equal to 1, and the feeding network comprises: at least two power adjustment networks as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, the first power adjustment network being used to adjust the input power between the antenna arrays in different rows in the n rows, or the second power adjustment network being used to adjust the input power between the antenna arrays in different columns in the m columns.

16. The feeding network according to claim 15, characterized in that The first power adjustment network is connected in series to the second power adjustment network, so that the two power adjustment networks adjust the input power of the antenna array simultaneously.

17. A base station antenna, characterized in that: include: An antenna array, a feeding network as described in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the antenna array comprises a first antenna array and a second antenna array, and the feeding network is used to perform feeding processing on signals received or sent by the first antenna array and the second antenna array, and to adjust the input power of the first antenna array and the second antenna array.

18. A base station system, characterized in that: include: A radio frequency unit, a base station antenna as described in claim 17; the radio frequency unit comprises at least a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier, the first power amplifier is electrically connected to the first input end, and is used to provide a radio frequency signal of a first power, and the second power amplifier is electrically connected to the second input end, and is used to provide a radio frequency signal of a second power; wherein the first switching unit controls the second branch to be connected, and the second power amplifier is turned off; the first switching unit controls the third branch to be connected, and the second power amplifier is working.

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