A beamforming apparatus and method

Abstract

A beamforming device and method are provided to realize full-connection beamforming through wavelength division multiplexing technology. In one mode, the application modulates radio frequency signals on laser signals of different wavelengths, combines and divides the beams, and then selectively adjusts the phase of the radio frequency signals of different wavelengths on each path through a wavelength selection unit to change the emission angle of the beam emitted by the antenna. In another mode, the application modulates radio frequency signals on laser signals of different wavelengths, divides the optical signals of each modulated radio frequency signal into multiple paths for phase adjustment, and then combines the phase-adjusted signals to emit, so as to change the emission angle of the beam emitted by the antenna. In addition, the scheme provided by the application is suitable for direct modulation and direct detection, and is also suitable for heterodyne or homodyne coherent detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a beamforming device and method. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless communication networks, beamforming technology has become a crucial technique for improving the signal-to-noise ratio and transmission distance of link signals. The current mainstream approach uses electrical devices for phase modulation to achieve beamforming functionality, such as digital phase shifting in baseband chips, analog phase shifting, or hybrid phase shifting schemes.

[0003] With the development of wireless communication technology, wireless frequency bands are gradually moving towards higher frequency bands, leading to an increase in the demand for signal capacity and thus an increase in the number of antennas. Currently, molecular array designs are used to meet the increased demand for antenna data, but these designs have relatively high power consumption; furthermore, the number of antennas allocated to each subarray is limited, making it difficult to obtain high-quality beams. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a beamforming apparatus and method to achieve fully connected beamforming through wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a beamforming device, including a first laser signal source, multiple modulators, a first beam splitter, multiple wavelength selection units, and multiple phase shifters. The laser signal source is used to emit multiple laser signals of different wavelengths. The multiple modulators modulate a radio frequency signal to be transmitted onto the laser signal of the corresponding wavelength to obtain a first modulated optical signal. The first beam splitter combines the multiple first modulated optical signals and then distributes them onto multiple optical paths, each optical path corresponding to a second modulated optical signal. Each optical path corresponds to a wavelength selection unit. The wavelength selection unit receives the second modulated optical signal from the first beam splitter on the corresponding optical path and selectively transmits an optical signal of the corresponding wavelength from the received second modulated optical signal to the phase shifter. Each of the multiple phase shifters performs a phase shift (i.e., adjusts the phase) on the received optical signal of the corresponding wavelength and then transmits it to the corresponding connected wavelength selection unit. The wavelength selection unit receives the optical signals of multiple wavelengths from the multiple phase shifters and fuses them to obtain a third modulated optical signal for transmission.

[0006] In this embodiment, a fully connected optical method is employed to effectively route the wavelength and mode multiplexing of light, thereby expanding the traffic channels. Furthermore, the number of modulators used is only related to the number of fully connected components, resulting in low complexity and reducing the size of the beamforming device to some extent. Additionally, by using lasers of different wavelengths to transmit beam signals to different antenna ends, there is no need to adjust the frequency of the radio frequency signal. By using a phase shifter to perform phase shifting on the signals of corresponding wavelengths in each path, the transmission angle of the modulated radio frequency signal transmitted by the radio frequency antenna end can be changed, thus achieving beamforming for each radio frequency signal.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the beamforming device further includes multiple detectors and multiple radio frequency antenna units. Each detector corresponds to a wavelength selection unit, which receives a third modulated optical signal from the corresponding wavelength selection unit, performs photoelectric conversion on the received third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal through the radio frequency antenna unit corresponding to the first detector.

[0008] Taking a beamforming device comprising M modulators, N wavelength selection units, and N*M phase shifters as an example.

[0009] A first laser signal source emits M laser signals, each with a different wavelength. M modulators, each corresponding to one of the M laser signals, modulate radio frequency (RF) signals onto their respective laser signals to obtain M first modulated optical signals. The RF signals modulated on any two of the M laser signals may be the same or different. A first beam splitter is coupled to the M modulators and combines the M first modulated optical signals, distributing them onto N optical paths to obtain N second modulated optical signals corresponding to the N optical paths. N wavelength selection units are coupled to the first beam splitter. Each of the N wavelength selection units corresponds to one of the N second modulated optical signals. A first wavelength selection unit receives the second modulated optical signals from the first beam splitter and sends the M wavelengths of the second modulated optical signals to one of the M phase shifters. The first wavelength selection unit can be any one of the N wavelength selection units. The M phase shifters adjust the phase of the received optical signals and send the phase-adjusted optical signals to the first wavelength selection units. Each of the N wavelength selection units is coupled to one of the N detectors. The first wavelength selection unit is also used to fuse the received optical signals from the corresponding M phase shifters to obtain a third modulated optical signal, and then transmit it.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the beamforming device further includes N detectors and N radio frequency antenna units. The N detectors are coupled one-to-one with the N wavelength selection units, and the N detectors are coupled one-to-one with the N radio frequency antenna units. The N detectors are used to receive a third modulated optical signal transmitted by the corresponding wavelength selection unit, perform photoelectric conversion on the received third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, and transmit the electrical signal through the radio frequency antenna unit corresponding to the first detector.

[0011] In one possible design, the wavelength selection unit is a reconfigurable optical differential multiplexer (ROADM).

[0012] In one possible design, the beamforming device further includes a control unit for controlling the phase shift intervals of the N*M phase shifters.

[0013] The control unit controls each phase shifter to adjust the phase shift of the optical signal at the corresponding wavelength, thereby changing the transmission angle of the antenna after beamforming for the radio frequency signal of that wavelength. In this embodiment, the number M of radio frequency signals that can be transmitted simultaneously is not specifically limited. The transmission of M radio frequency signals can be time-division multiplexed, enabling simultaneous full transmission and thus achieving full connection of the M radio frequency signals.

[0014] In one possible design, the first laser signal source includes M first lasers, each of which is coupled to one of the M modulators; the M first lasers have different wavelengths.

[0015] In one possible design, the first laser signal source includes M wavelength lasers and a wavelength division multiplexer, wherein the M wavelength lasers are coupled to the wavelength division multiplexer, and the wavelength division multiplexer is coupled to the M modulators.

[0016] In one possible design, the beamforming device further includes a second laser signal source and a second beam splitter; wherein,

[0017] The second laser signal source is used to emit M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals;

[0018] The second beam splitter is used to couple the M carrier optical signals and distribute them to N detectors;

[0019] Each of the N detectors is specifically used to perform coherent detection on the received third modulated optical signal based on the received carrier optical signal, and to perform photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal.

[0020] In the above design, heterodyne coherent detection is achieved by adding a second laser signal source and a second beam splitter, which can be applied to heterodyne coherent detection application scenarios. The RF frequency of each of the M beams transmitted from the RF antenna is related to the frequency of each wavelength of the laser signal in the first laser signal source and the frequency of each wavelength of the laser signal in the second laser signal source. In some scenarios, the RF frequency of the corresponding wavelength transmitted from the RF antenna can also be changed by altering the frequency of each wavelength of the laser signal in the first or second laser signal source, thereby achieving frequency conversion operation.

[0021] In one possible design, the beamforming device further includes a third beam splitter:

[0022] One end of the third beam splitter is coupled to the first laser signal source, and the other end of the third beam splitter is coupled to the N detectors; the third beam splitter is used to couple the M laser signals and distribute them to the N detectors.

[0023] The first detector among the N detectors is specifically used to perform coherent detection on the received third modulated optical signal based on the received laser signal, and to perform photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal.

[0024] In the above design, by adding a third beam splitter, zero-difference coherent detection can be achieved, which can be applied to heterodyne coherent detection applications. The radio frequency of each of the M beams transmitted from the radio frequency antenna is related to the frequency of the laser signal of each wavelength in the first laser signal source.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide another beamforming device. This device includes: a first laser signal source, M modulators, M first beam splitters, N first wavelength division multiplexers, and N*M phase shifters. The first laser signal source is used to emit M laser signals, each with a different wavelength.

[0026] M modulators correspond one-to-one with M laser signals, and are used to modulate radio frequency signals on the corresponding laser signals to obtain M first modulated optical signals; the radio frequency signals modulated on any two of the M laser signals may be the same or different;

[0027] The M first beam splitters are coupled one-to-one with the M modulators; each of the M first beam splitters is coupled to the input end of N phase shifters, and is used to receive the first modulated optical signal sent by the corresponding modulator, and to distribute the received first modulated optical signal into N second modulated optical signals, and to distribute the N second modulated optical signals one-to-one to the N phase shifters.

[0028] The N phase shifters are used to adjust the phase of the received second modulated optical signal to obtain the third modulated optical signal;

[0029] The input end of each of the N first wavelength division multiplexers is coupled to the output end of M phase shifters, and the input ends of the M phase shifters coupled to the same first wavelength division multiplexer are respectively coupled to different first beam splitters; each first wavelength division multiplexer is used to couple the third modulated optical signal from the M phase shifters into a fourth modulated optical signal for transmission.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the beamforming device further includes N detectors and N radio frequency antenna elements. The second ends of the N first wavelength division multiplexers are coupled one-to-one with the input ends of the N detectors, and the output ends of the N detectors are coupled one-to-one with the N radio frequency antenna elements. Each of the N detectors is used to receive the fourth modulated optical signal from the corresponding first wavelength division multiplexer, perform photoelectric conversion on the fourth modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, and transmit the electrical signal through the corresponding radio frequency antenna element.

[0031] The beamforming device provided in the second aspect, compared to the beamforming device provided in the first aspect, no longer requires the participation of a wavelength selection unit, which can reduce the cost and size of the beamforming device.

[0032] In one possible design, the beamforming device further includes a control unit for controlling the phase shift intervals of the N*M phase shifters.

[0033] In one possible design, the first laser signal source includes M first lasers, each of which is coupled to one of the M modulators; the M first lasers have different wavelengths.

[0034] In one possible design, the first laser signal source includes a multi-wavelength laser and a second wavelength division multiplexer, wherein the M wavelength lasers are coupled to the second wavelength division multiplexer, and the second wavelength division multiplexer is coupled to the M modulators.

[0035] In one possible design, the beamforming device further includes a second laser signal source and a second beam splitter; wherein the second laser signal source is used to emit M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals;

[0036] The second beam splitter is used to couple the M carrier optical signals and distribute them to N detectors;

[0037] Each of the N detectors is specifically used to perform coherent detection on the received fourth modulated optical signal based on the received carrier optical signal, and to perform photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected fourth modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal.

[0038] In one possible design, the beamforming device further includes a third beam splitter:

[0039] One end of the third beam splitter is coupled to the first laser signal source, and the other end of the third beam splitter is coupled to the N detectors; the third beam splitter is used to couple the M laser signals and distribute them to the N detectors;

[0040] The first detector among the N detectors is specifically used to perform coherent detection on the received third modulated optical signal based on the received laser signal, and to perform photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal.

[0041] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a beamforming method, which includes: transmitting M laser signals of different wavelengths; modulating radio frequency signals on the M laser signals respectively to obtain M first modulated optical signals; wherein the radio frequency signals modulated on any two of the M laser signals are the same or different; combining the M first modulated optical signals and distributing them to N optical paths to obtain N second modulated optical signals corresponding to the N optical paths; and on each optical path, performing phase adjustment on the M wavelengths of the second modulated optical signals respectively, coupling the M phase-shifted optical signals and performing photoelectric conversion to obtain electrical signals, and transmitting them through an antenna.

[0042] In one possible design, the method further includes: transmitting M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals; combining the M carrier optical signals and splitting them into N optical signals, each of the N optical signals including M carrier optical signals; and performing photoelectric conversion on the M phase-shifted optical signals coupled together to obtain an electrical signal on each optical path, including: performing coherent detection on the M phase-shifted optical signals according to the received M carrier optical signals on each optical path, and performing photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected optical signals to obtain an electrical signal.

[0043] In one possible design, the method further includes: coupling the M laser signals of different wavelengths and splitting them into N optical signals, each of the N optical signals including M laser signals of different wavelengths; and performing photoelectric conversion on the M phase-shifted optical signals to obtain electrical signals, including: performing coherent detection on the M phase-shifted optical signals according to the received M laser signals, and performing photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected optical signals to obtain electrical signals.

[0044] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a beamforming method, which includes: emitting M laser signals with different wavelengths; modulating radio frequency signals on the M laser signals to obtain M first modulated optical signals; wherein the radio frequency signals modulated on any two of the M laser signals are the same or different; splitting each of the M first modulated optical signals into N second modulated optical signals to obtain N*M second modulated optical signals; and performing phase adjustment on each of the N*M second modulated optical signals to obtain a third modulated optical signal to obtain N*M third modulated optical signals; coupling the M third modulated optical signals included in the N*M third modulated optical signals into a fourth modulated optical signal to obtain N fourth modulated optical signals; wherein the wavelengths of the M third modulated optical signals included in each of the N third modulated optical signal groups are all different; performing photoelectric conversion on each of the N fourth modulated optical signals to obtain an electrical signal, and transmitting it through a corresponding antenna.

[0045] In one possible design, the method further includes: transmitting M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals; combining the M carrier optical signals and splitting them into N optical signals, each of the N optical signals including M carrier optical signals; and performing photoelectric conversion on each of the N fourth modulation optical signals to obtain an electrical signal, including: performing coherent detection on the received fourth modulation optical signals based on the received M carrier optical signals, and performing photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected fourth modulation optical signals to obtain an electrical signal.

[0046] In one possible design, the method further includes: coupling the M laser signals of different wavelengths and splitting them into N optical signals, each of the N optical signals including M laser signals of different wavelengths, and the N optical signals corresponding one-to-one with N fourth modulation optical signals; performing photoelectric conversion on each of the N fourth modulation optical signals to obtain an electrical signal, including: performing coherent detection on the fourth modulation optical signal corresponding to the first optical signal based on the M laser signals in the first optical signal, and performing photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected optical signal to obtain an electrical signal. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an integrated optical waveguide beamforming device;

[0048] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beamforming device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 2B A schematic diagram of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the beamforming process based on a beamforming device provided in this application embodiment;

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a beamforming device for a heterodyne coherent detection scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 10A A schematic diagram of another beamforming device for a heterodyne coherent detection scenario provided in this application embodiment;

[0058] Figure 10B A schematic diagram of another beamforming device for a heterodyne coherent detection scenario provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of another beamforming device for a heterodyne coherent detection scenario provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a beamforming device for a zero-difference coherent detection scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 16A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the structure of another beamforming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figure 20 This is a schematic flowchart of a beamforming method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of another beamforming method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0070] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0071] The term "at least one" in this application refers to one or more, including one, two, three, or more; "multiple" refers to two or more, including two, three, or more. Furthermore, it should be understood that the words "first," "second," etc., in the description of this application are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0072] Beamforming, also known as beamforming or spatial filtering, is a signal processing technique for directional transmission and reception of signals using an array. It can be used at both the transmitting and receiving ends of a signal array. Beamforming technology works by controlling the phase or delay of each transmitted signal in the array antenna, causing the beams to interfere and add together in a specific wavefront direction, thus changing the directional angle of the signal beam.

[0073] Currently, the mainstream beamforming technology uses electronic devices for phase modulation to achieve beamforming functionality. However, this method cannot meet the increased antenna data requirements due to signal capacity expansion. A proposed approach utilizes the polarization and mode multiplexing characteristics of light to expand the bandwidth channels. One possible optical beamforming scheme uses a tunable laser as the light source, writes multiple Bragg gratings with different center wavelengths onto the waveguide delay lines, and positions Bragg gratings with the same center wavelength at different locations on adjacent waveguide delay lines. By selecting the laser's output wavelength, the transmission delay of the optical signal is controlled, thereby achieving beamforming effects for microwave signals. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 As shown.

[0074] This application provides a beamforming apparatus and method that achieves a fully connected beamforming scheme through wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology. The method and apparatus are based on the same inventive concept. Since the principles by which the method and apparatus solve the problem are similar, their implementations can be mutually referenced, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0075] See Figure 2A The image shows a beamforming device provided in an embodiment of this application. An example is taken where M radio frequency signals are transmitted through N antennas.

[0076] See Figure 2A As shown, the beamforming device includes a first laser signal source 210, M modulators 220, a first beam splitter 230, N wavelength selection units 240, and N*M phase shifters 250. To facilitate differentiation of the N wavelength selection units 240, Figure 2AIn this diagram, the N wavelength selection units 240 are referred to as wavelength selection units 240-1 to 240-N. The first laser signal source 210 is coupled to M modulators 220. Coupling refers to the optical connection between the input and output of two or more optical devices, transmitting optical energy from one side to the other through interaction. For example, two optical devices can be connected via optical fiber. The M modulators 220 are coupled to the first beam splitter 230. This can be understood as each of the M modulators 220 having one end coupled to the first laser signal source 210 and the other end coupled to the first beam splitter 230. The first beam splitter 230 is coupled to the N wavelength selection units 240. Each of the N*M phase shifters 250 is coupled to one wavelength selection unit 240. This can be understood as the N*M phase shifters 250 being divided into N phase shifter groups. As an example, Figure 2A The N phase shifter groups are referred to as phase shifter group 1 to phase shifter group N. Each group includes M phase shifters 250. For ease of distinction, the M phase shifters 250 in phase shifter group 1 are referred to as phase shifter 250-1-1 to phase shifter 250-1-M, the M phase shifters 250 in phase shifter group 2 are referred to as phase shifter 250-2-1 to phase shifter 250-2-M, and so on, the M phase shifters 250 in phase shifter group N are referred to as phase shifter 250-N-1 to phase shifter 250-NM. The N phase shifter groups correspond one-to-one with the N wavelength selection units 240, and the M phase shifters in one phase shifter group are connected to the corresponding wavelength selection unit 240. Taking phase shifter group 1 as an example, phase shifters 250-1-1 to 250-1-M in phase shifter group 1 are coupled to wavelength selection unit 240-1 respectively.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the beamforming device further includes a detector array and a radio frequency antenna array, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2B As shown. For example, a detector array includes N detectors. For example, a radio frequency antenna array includes N radio frequency antenna elements 270. To facilitate the differentiation of M modulators 220, Figure 2B The M modulators 220 are referred to as modulators 220-1 to 220-M, respectively. For ease of distinction, Figure 2B In this context, the N detectors 260 are referred to as detector 260-1 to detector 260-N. For ease of distinction, Figure 2B In this configuration, the N radio frequency antenna elements 270 are referred to as radio frequency antenna elements 270-1 to radio frequency antenna elements 270-N. One end of each of the N detectors 260 is coupled to one of the N wavelength selection units 240, and the other end of each of the N detectors 260 is coupled to one of the N radio frequency antenna elements 270.

[0078] The signal flow path of the beamforming device is explained below. (See also...) Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic of the signal flow of the beamforming device.

[0079] The first laser signal source 210 emits M laser signals of different wavelengths. The wavelengths corresponding to the M different laser signals are λ1 to λ2. M M laser signals of different wavelengths enter different modulators 220. For example, the M different laser signals are laser signal 1 to laser signal M. Laser signal 1 enters modulator 220-1, laser signal 2 enters modulator 220-2, and so on, with laser signal M entering modulator 220-M.

[0080] M modulators 220-1 to 220-M correspond one-to-one with laser signals 1 to M, each receiving a laser signal of its corresponding wavelength. Each modulator 220 modulates an radio frequency (RF) signal onto its received corresponding laser signal, thereby obtaining M first modulated optical signals. The RF signals modulated on any two of the M laser signals can be the same or different. The specific RF signals can be determined according to user requirements. The first modulated optical signals from the M modulators 220-1 to 220-M then enter the first beam splitter 230.

[0081] After receiving M first modulated optical signals, the first beam splitter 230 couples these M signals and then splits the coupled optical signal into N paths, distributing them to the N optical paths to obtain N second modulated optical signals corresponding to the N optical paths. The first beam splitter 230 sends the N second modulated optical signals to N wavelength selection units 240 one-to-one. After receiving the second modulated optical signal, each wavelength selection unit 240 sends the M wavelengths included in the second modulated optical signal to the M phase shifters coupled to that wavelength selection unit 240 one-to-one.

[0082] See Figure 3 As shown, taking wavelength selection unit 240-1 as an example, after receiving the second modulated optical signal, wavelength selection unit 240-1 sends the optical signals of M wavelengths in the second modulated optical signal to phase shifters 250-1-1 to 250-1-M one by one. For example, phase shifter 250-1-1 corresponds to the optical signal with wavelength λ1, phase shifter 250-1-2 corresponds to the optical signal with wavelength λ2, and so on, with phase shifter 250-1-M corresponding to wavelength λ1. MThe optical signal is received. Each phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the received optical signal of the corresponding wavelength and return the phase-adjusted optical signal to the wavelength selection unit. For example, wavelength selection unit 240-1 extracts the optical signal with wavelength λ1 from the second modulated optical signal and sends it to phase shifter 250-1-1. Phase shifter 250-1-1 adjusts the phase of the optical signal with wavelength λ1 and then sends the adjusted optical signal with wavelength λ1 back to wavelength selection unit 240-1. Wavelength selection unit 240-1 extracts the optical signal with wavelength λ2 from the second modulated optical signal and sends it to phase shifter 250-1-2. Phase shifter 250-1-2 adjusts the phase of the optical signal with wavelength λ2 and then sends the adjusted optical signal with wavelength λ2 back to wavelength selection unit 240-1. And so on, wavelength selection unit 240-1 selects the optical signal with wavelength λ1 from the second modulated optical signal and sends it to phase shifter 250-1-2. Phase shifter 250-1-2 adjusts the phase of the optical signal with wavelength λ2 and then sends the adjusted optical signal with wavelength λ2 back to wavelength selection unit 240-1. M The optical signal is extracted from the second modulated optical signal and sent to the phase shifter 250-1-M. The phase shifter 250-1-M is used for wavelength λ. M The phase of the optical signal is adjusted, and then the adjusted wavelength is λ. M The optical signal is then sent to wavelength selection unit 240-1. N wavelength selection units 240 have the same function. The processing method of the other wavelength selection units 240-2 to wavelength selection units 240-N for the second modulated optical signal is similar to that of wavelength selection unit 240-1 for the second modulated optical signal, and will not be described again here.

[0083] In this embodiment, the phase shifters corresponding to the same wavelength (e.g., λ1) in the N paths only adjust the phase of the optical signal after splitting the first modulated optical signal with wavelength λ1 in the N paths. This does not mean that the phase change amount of the phase shifters corresponding to wavelength λ1 in the N paths is the same. The phase shift change amounts of the N phase shifters with the same wavelength in the N paths can be the same or different, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this. For example, phase shifters 250-1-1, 250-2-1...250-N-1 are all used to perform phase shifting on the optical signal with wavelength λ1, and the phase shift change amounts of phase shifters 250-1-1, 250-2-1...250-N-1 on the optical signal with wavelength λ1 can be the same or different. Similarly, phase shifters 250-1-2, 250-2-2, ..., 250-N-2 are all used to phase shift optical signals with wavelength λ2. The amount of phase shift change of the optical signal with wavelength λ2 by phase shifters 250-1-2, 250-2-2, ..., 250-N-2 can be the same or different. And so on.

[0084] Each wavelength selection unit 240 sends the phase-shifted optical signal received from each phase shifter 250 to the corresponding first detector 260. In some embodiments, each wavelength selection unit 240 fuses the phase-shifted optical signals received from the M phase shifters 250 to obtain a third modulated optical signal, and sends it to the corresponding first detector 260. For example, see... Figure 3 As shown, after receiving the phase-shifted optical signals from phase shifters 250-1-1 to 250-1-M, wavelength selection unit 240-1 fuses these M phase-shifted optical signals and sends them to detector 260-1. Detector 260-1 then performs photoelectric conversion on the received third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then emitted through radio frequency antenna unit 270-1 coupled to detector 260-1. Similarly, after receiving the phase-shifted optical signals from phase shifters 250-2-1 to 250-2-M, wavelength selection unit 240-2 fuses these M phase-shifted optical signals and sends them to detector 260-2. Detector 260-2 then performs photoelectric conversion on the received third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then emitted through radio frequency antenna unit 270-2 coupled to detector 260-2. This process continues.

[0085] The following is a description of each of the aforementioned devices. For ease of description, illustrations of each device will not be provided thereafter.

[0086] (1) First laser signal source 210:

[0087] In one possible example, the first laser signal source 210 may include M lasers, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 As shown. Figure 4 In this context, the lasers included in the first laser signal source are referred to as the first lasers. The M lasers are designated as first laser 1 to first laser M. The laser signals emitted by first laser 1 to first laser M have different wavelengths. The wavelengths of the laser signals emitted by first laser 1 to first laser M are respectively λ1 to λ2. M .

[0088] The power of the laser signals generated by the M first lasers can be the same or different. The wavelength interval of the laser signals emitted by any two first lasers from first laser 1 to first laser M can be determined according to actual needs, for example, the wavelength interval of the laser signals emitted by any two first lasers can be greater than a set threshold.

[0089] In another possible example, the first laser signal source 210 employs a multi-wavelength laser. See also Figure 5As shown, the first laser signal source 210 includes a multi-wavelength laser 211 and a wavelength division multiplexer 212. The multi-wavelength laser 211 can emit a single optical signal with M wavelengths. The wavelength division multiplexer 212 distributes this single optical signal with M wavelengths into M optical signals. These M optical signals have different wavelengths.

[0090] (2) Modulator 220. In this embodiment, there are no specific restrictions on the modulation format of modulator 220. For example, coherent modulation or intensity modulation can be used.

[0091] (3) First beam splitter 230:

[0092] In one possible example, see Figure 6 As shown, the first optical splitting device 230 may include a wavelength division multiplexer 231 and a beam splitter 232. The function of the wavelength division multiplexer 231 is to couple M different wavelength optical signals from M modulated radio frequency signals emitted by M modulators 220 into a single signal. For example, the wavelength division multiplexer 231 and the beam splitter 232 are connected via a waveguide. The wavelength division multiplexer 231 couples the M different wavelength optical signals from the M modulated radio frequency signals emitted by the M modulators 220 into the same waveguide. The function of the beam splitter 232 is to split the single input light transmitted through the wavelength division multiplexer 231 into N optical signals of equal power (without wavelength distinction), each containing multiple optical signals of different wavelengths, and then transmit the obtained N optical signals to N wavelength selection units 240 respectively via the waveguide. For example, each optical signal may include wavelengths λ1, λ2, ..., λ... M The value of N can be determined based on the number of wavelength selection units 240, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Since the M modulated radio frequency signals emitted by the M modulators 220 each carry radio frequency signals, in this way, the N optical signals obtained after passing through the wavelength division multiplexer 231 and the beam splitter 232 all include wavelengths λ1, λ2...λ... M Multiple optical signals carry radio frequency signals. For example, when using... Figure 6 When the wavelength division multiplexing method shown is connected to M wavelength selection units 240, the devices in the entire beamforming device can be connected to each other through waveguides.

[0093] The first beam splitter 230 can be a planar waveguide. In this case, M optical signals of different wavelengths, generated by the modulated radio frequency signals emitted by the M modulators 220, are transmitted through the planar waveguide space to the M wavelength selection units 240.

[0094] (4) Wavelength selection unit 240:

[0095] In some embodiments, the wavelength selection unit may be a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) or other reconfigurable optical devices capable of wavelength selection.

[0096] (5) Phase shifter 250. In this application, the phase shifter is not specifically limited, and any optical device capable of adjusting the phase of an optical signal is applicable to this application.

[0097] (6) Radio frequency antenna array:

[0098] A radio frequency antenna array may include N radio frequency antenna elements 270. See [link to relevant documentation] for some possible examples. Figure 7 As shown, the radio frequency antenna unit 270 may include a front-end amplifier 271 and an antenna element 272. In another possible example, the radio frequency antenna unit 270 may include an antenna element. The front-end amplifier 271 is used to amplify the electrical signal from the detector 260 and send it to the antenna element 272. The antenna element 272 transmits the received electrical signal from the front-end amplifier 271.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the beamforming device may further include a control unit 280, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 280 can be used to control the phase shift intervals of N*M phase shifters. Exemplarily, the control unit 280 can control the phase shift changes of N phase shifters of the same wavelength in N channels, which can be the same or different. For example, the control unit 280 can control the phase shift changes of phase shifters 250-1-1, 250-2-1...250-N-1 on the optical signal λ1, which can be the same or different. Similarly, the control unit 280 can control the phase shift changes of phase shifters 250-1-2, 250-2-2...250-N-2 on the optical signal λ2, which can be the same or different. And so on.

[0100] The control unit 280 provided in the above embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. It should be understood that the control unit 280 in the above embodiments of this application can be implemented by one or more processors. The number of processors can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario; this is merely an illustrative example and is not intended to limit the scope.

[0101] In this embodiment, the control unit 280 controls the phase shift of the optical signal λ1 by phase shifters 250-1-1, 250-2-1, ..., 250-N-1, thereby changing the transmission angle of the antenna end after beamforming the radio frequency signal 1. Controlling the phase shift of the optical signal λ2 by phase shifters 250-1-2, 250-2-2, ..., 250-N-2 changes the transmission angle of the antenna end after beamforming the radio frequency signal 2, and so on, thus changing the transmission angle of the antenna end after beamforming the radio frequency signals 1-M, to complete beamforming. In this embodiment, the number M of radio frequency signals that can be transmitted simultaneously is not specifically limited. The transmission of M radio frequency signals can be time-division multiplexed, enabling simultaneous full transmission and thus achieving full connection of the M radio frequency signals.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the beamforming device may also include a memory, as shown in the figure. The memory can be used to store program instructions. The control unit 280 can be used to read program instructions from the memory to control the phase shifter. In some scenarios, the memory can also be deployed inside the control unit 280. For example, the control unit 280 includes a processor and a memory. That is, the processor and memory can be integrated together, or the memory and processor can be connected through an interface. This can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario, and the embodiments of this application do not impose specific limitations.

[0103] The number of memory in this application embodiment can be one or more, and can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario. This is only an illustrative example and is not intended to limit the scope.

[0104] It should also be understood that the memory or readable storage medium mentioned in the above embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DRRAM).

[0105] The embodiments of this application can be applied to direct adjustment and direct inspection application scenarios, as well as heterodyne or zero-tolerance application scenarios. For example, the above... Figures 2A-7 The beamforming device described in the corresponding embodiment can be applied to direct modulation and direct detection application scenarios.

[0106] In one possible implementation, when the beamforming device is applied to a heterodyne coherent detection application, the beamforming device may further include a second laser signal source 310 and a second beam splitter 320, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9 As shown. The second laser signal source 310 is used to emit M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals. The wavelengths of the M carrier optical signals are the same as the wavelengths of their corresponding laser signals. The second beam splitter 320 is used to couple and distribute the M carrier optical signals to N detectors 260. Each of the N detectors 260 then performs coherent detection on the received third modulated optical signal based on the received carrier optical signal, and performs photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal.

[0107] The carrier optical signals 1 to M are coupled into one beam by the second beam splitter 320 and then split into N optical signals. Each of these N optical signals may contain optical signals of M wavelengths. In the detector 260, the signals beat with optical signals of the same wavelengths from the received third modulated optical signal, undergo coherent detection and photoelectric conversion to obtain an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through the radio frequency antenna unit 270.

[0108] The structure of the second laser signal source 310 is similar to that of the first laser signal source 210. In one possible example, the second laser signal source 310 includes M lasers, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 10A As shown. Figure 10A In this context, the lasers included in the second laser signal source are referred to as the second lasers. The M lasers are designated as second laser 1 to second laser M. The carrier light signals emitted by second laser 1 to second laser M have different wavelengths. The wavelengths of the carrier light signals emitted by second laser 1 to second laser M are λ1 to λ2, respectively. M The power of the carrier optical signals generated by the M second lasers can be the same or different. The wavelength interval of the laser signals emitted by any two second lasers from second laser 1 to second laser M can be determined according to actual needs, for example, the wavelength interval of the laser signals emitted by any two second lasers can be greater than a set threshold.

[0109] In another possible example, the second laser signal source 310 employs a multi-wavelength laser. See also Figure 10B As shown, the second laser signal source 310 includes a multi-wavelength laser 311 and a wavelength division multiplexer 312. The multi-wavelength laser 311 can emit a single optical signal with M wavelengths. The wavelength division multiplexer 312 distributes this single optical signal with M wavelengths into M optical signals. The wavelengths of these M optical signals are different, ranging from λ1 to λ2. M .

[0110] The second beam splitter 320 has a similar structure to the first beam splitter 310. See, for example... Figure 11 As shown, the second beam splitter 320 includes a wavelength division multiplexer 321 and a beam splitter 322. The function of the wavelength division multiplexer 321 is to couple the carrier optical signals emitted by the second laser signal source 310, which have passed through M different wavelengths, into a single signal. For example, the wavelength division multiplexer 321 and the beam splitter 322 are connected via a waveguide. The wavelength division multiplexer 321 couples the carrier optical signals emitted by the second laser signal source 310, which have passed through M different wavelengths, into the same waveguide. The function of the beam splitter 322 is to split the single input light transmitted through the wavelength division multiplexer 321 into N optical signals of equal power (without distinguishing wavelengths). Each optical signal contains multiple optical signals of different wavelengths, and the obtained N optical signals are transmitted to N detectors 260 respectively via the waveguide.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second laser signal source 310 and the second beam splitter 320 may also be deployed outside the beamforming device as a separate device. When this separate device is connected to the beamforming device, heterodyne coherent detection can be achieved; when it is not connected to the beamforming device, direct modulation and direct detection can be achieved.

[0112] In one possible implementation, when the beamforming device is applied to a zero-difference coherent detection application, the beamforming device may further include a third beam splitter 410, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 As shown. One end of the third beam splitter 410 is coupled to the first laser signal source, and the other end of the third beam splitter 410 is coupled to the N detectors. The third beam splitter 410 is used to couple the M laser signals and distribute them to the N detectors 260. Each of the N detectors 260 performs coherent detection on the received third modulated optical signal according to the received laser signal, and performs photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through the radio frequency antenna unit 270.

[0113] The third beam splitter 410 has a similar structure to the second beam splitter 320 and the first beam splitter 310. For example, the third beam splitter 410 also includes a wavelength division multiplexer and a beam splitter.

[0114] In some embodiments, the third beam splitter 410 may also be deployed outside the beamforming device as a stand-alone device. When this stand-alone device is connected to the beamforming device, zero-difference coherent detection can be achieved; when it is not connected to the beamforming device, direct modulation and direct detection can be achieved.

[0115] See Figure 13 The image shows another beamforming device provided in an embodiment of this application. Taking the transmission of M radio frequency signals through N antennas as an example, this beamforming device... Figures 2A-12 Unlike the beamforming device shown, it no longer requires a wavelength selection unit, which reduces the number of components in the beamforming device, lowers costs, and improves space utilization.

[0116] See Figure 13 As shown, the beamforming device includes a laser signal source 1310, M modulators 1320, M beam splitters 1330, N wavelength division multiplexers 1350, N*M phase shifters 1340, N detectors 1360, and N radio frequency antenna elements 1370. The N detectors 1320 can be arranged in an array. The N radio frequency antenna elements can be arranged in an array.

[0117] The laser signal source 1310 is coupled to M modulators 1320. Each of the M modulators 1320 is coupled to one of the M beam splitters 1330. Each beam splitter 1330 is coupled to N phase shifters 1340. The N phase shifters 1340 coupled to different beam splitters 1330 are all different. For ease of distinction, Figure 13 In this context, the M modulators 1320 are referred to as modulators 1320-1 to modulators 1320-M. The M beam splitters 1330 are referred to as beam splitters 1330-1 to beam splitters 1330-M.

[0118] In a set of N*M phase shifters 1340, each M phase shifters 1340 can be considered as a phase shifter group. All M phase shifters 1340 in a phase shifter group are connected to the same wavelength division multiplexer 1350. For example, the input end of a wavelength division multiplexer 1350 includes M ports, and the M ports of the input end of the wavelength division multiplexer 1350 are connected to the output ends of the M phase shifters 1340 in a phase shifter group. The input ends of the M phase shifters 1340 in a phase shifter group are respectively connected to different beam splitters 1330. That is, the input end of each of the N wavelength division multiplexers 1350 is coupled to the output ends of the M phase shifters 1340, and the input ends of the M phase shifters 1340 coupled to the same wavelength division multiplexer 1350 are respectively coupled to different beam splitters 1330.

[0119] As an example, the N phase shifter groups are referred to as phase shifter group 1 to phase shifter group N. Each group includes M phase shifters 1340. For ease of distinction, the M phase shifters 1340 in phase shifter group 1 are referred to as phase shifter 1340-1-1 to phase shifter 1340-1-M, the M phase shifters 1340 in phase shifter group 2 are referred to as phase shifter 1340-2-1 to phase shifter 1340-2-M, and so on, the M phase shifters 1340 in phase shifter group N are referred to as phase shifter 1340-N-1 to phase shifter 1340-NM. Figure 13 In phase shifter group 1, phase shifters 1340-1-1 to 1340-1-M are coupled to the input terminal of wavelength division multiplexer 1350-1. Phase shifters 1340-2-1 to 1340-2-M in phase shifter group 2 are coupled to the input terminal of wavelength division multiplexer 1350-2, and so on. Phase shifters 1340-N-1 to 1340-NM in phase shifter group N are coupled to the input terminal of wavelength division multiplexer 1350-N. Therefore, it can be understood that each beam splitter 1330 connects to N phase shifters. Beam splitter 1330-1 connects to phase shifters 1340-1-1 to 1340-N-1. Beam splitter 1330-2 connects to phase shifters 1340-1-2 to 1340-N-2, and so on. Beam splitter 1330-M connects to phase shifters 1340-1-M to 1340-NM.

[0120] The output terminals of N wavelength division multiplexers 1350 are coupled one-to-one with the input terminals of N detectors 1360. The output terminals of N detectors 1360 are coupled one-to-one with the input terminals of N radio frequency antenna elements 1370.

[0121] The signal flow path of the beamforming device is explained below. (See also...) Figure 14 The diagram shown is a schematic of the signal flow of the beamforming device.

[0122] Laser signal source 1310 emits M laser signals of different wavelengths. The wavelengths corresponding to the M different laser signals are λ1 to λ2. M M laser signals of different wavelengths are respectively input to different modulators 1320. For example, the M different laser signals are laser signal 1 to laser signal M. Laser signal 1 inputs to modulator 1320-1, laser signal 2 inputs to modulator 1320-2, and so on, with laser signal M input to modulator 1320-M. The M modulators 1320-1 to 1320-M correspond one-to-one with laser signals 1 to M, each receiving the corresponding wavelength laser signal. Each modulator 1320 modulates a radio frequency (RF) signal onto the received corresponding laser signal, thereby obtaining M first modulated optical signals. The RF signals modulated on any two of the M laser signals can be the same or different. The specific modulated RF signals can be determined according to user requirements. The first modulated optical signals from the M modulators 1320-1 to 1320-M are then input to different beamsplitters 1330. The first modulated optical signal modulated by modulator 1320-1 enters beamsplitter 1330-1, the first modulated optical signal modulated by modulator 1320-2 enters beamsplitter 1330-2, and so on, with the first modulated optical signal modulated by modulator 1320-M entering beamsplitter 1330-M. After receiving the first modulated optical signal, each beamsplitter 1330 splits the received first modulated optical signal into N second modulated optical signals, which are then distributed to the N phase shifters connected to the output end. For example, beam splitter 1330-1 distributes N second modulated optical signals to phase shifters 1340-1-1 to 1340-N-1 respectively, beam splitter 1330-2 distributes N second modulated optical signals to phase shifters 1340-1-2 to 1340-N-2 respectively, and so on, beam splitter 1330M- distributes N second modulated optical signals to phase shifters 1340-1-M to 1340-NM respectively.

[0123] Each phase shifter 1340 adjusts the phase of the received second modulated optical signal and sends the adjusted third modulated optical signal to the coupled wavelength division multiplexer 1350. Phase shifters 1340-1-1 to 1340-1-M are coupled to the input of wavelength division multiplexer 1350-1, and each sends the phase-adjusted third modulated optical signal to wavelength division multiplexer 1350-1. Wavelength division multiplexer 1350-1 combines the M third modulated optical signals into a fourth modulated optical signal and sends it to detector 1360-1. Detector 1360-1 performs photoelectric conversion on the fourth modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through radio frequency antenna unit 1370-1. Phase shifters 1340-2-1 to 1340-2-M are coupled to the input of wavelength division multiplexer 1350-2, and each phase shifter sends the third modulated optical signal obtained by phase adjustment to wavelength division multiplexer 1350-2. Wavelength division multiplexer 1350-2 combines these M third modulated optical signals into a fourth modulated optical signal and sends it to detector 1360-2. Detector 1360-2 performs photoelectric conversion on the fourth modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through radio frequency antenna unit 1370-2. Similarly, phase shifters 1340-N-1 to 1340-NM are coupled to the input of wavelength division multiplexer 1350-N, and each phase shifter sends the third modulated optical signal obtained by phase adjustment to wavelength division multiplexer 1350-N. The wavelength division multiplexer 1350-2 combines the M third modulated optical signals into a fourth modulated optical signal and sends it to the detector 1360-N. The detector 1360-N performs photoelectric conversion on the fourth modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through the radio frequency antenna unit 1370-N.

[0124] In this embodiment, the phase shifters corresponding to the same wavelength (e.g., λ1) in the N paths, i.e., the phase shifters connected to the same beam splitter 1330, only adjust the phase of the optical signal after splitting the second modulated optical signal with wavelength λ1 in the N paths. This does not mean that the phase change amount of the phase shifters corresponding to wavelength λ1 in the N paths is the same. The phase shift change amount of the N phase shifters with the same wavelength in the N paths can be the same or different, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this. For example, phase shifters 1340-1-1, 1340-2-1...1340-N-1 are all used to perform phase shifting on the optical signal with wavelength λ1, and the phase shift change amount of phase shifters 1340-1-1, 1340-2-1...1340-N-1 on the optical signal with wavelength λ1 can be the same or different. Similarly, phase shifters 1340-1-2, 1340-2-2, ..., 1340-N-2 are all used to phase shift optical signals with wavelength λ2. The amount of phase shift change applied to the λ2 optical signal by phase shifters 1340-1-2, 1340-2-2, ..., 1340-N-2 can be the same or different. And so on.

[0125] The structure of laser signal source 1310 is similar to that of the first laser signal source 210, and will not be described in detail here. See [link to documentation]. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown. In this embodiment, there are no specific limitations on the modulation format of the modulator 1320. For example, coherent modulation or intensity modulation can be used. In this embodiment, there are no specific limitations on the phase shifter; any optical device capable of adjusting the phase of the optical signal is applicable. The structure of the N RF antenna elements 1370 is similar to that of the RF antenna 270, and will not be described again here.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the beamforming device may further include a control unit 1380, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 17 As shown, the control unit 1380 can be used to control the phase shift intervals of N*M phase shifters. Exemplarily, the control unit 1380 can control the phase shift changes of N phase shifters of the same wavelength in N channels, which can be the same or different. For example, the control unit 1380 can control the phase shift changes of phase shifters 1340-1-1, 1340-2-1...1340-N-1 on the optical signal λ1, which can be the same or different. Similarly, the control unit 1380 can control the phase shift changes of phase shifters 1340-1-2, 1340-2-2...1340-N-2 on the optical signal λ2, which can be the same or different. And so on.

[0127] The control unit 1380 provided in the above embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. It should be understood that the control unit 1380 in the above embodiments of this application can be implemented by one or more processors. The number of processors can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario; this is merely an illustrative example and is not intended to limit the scope.

[0128] In this embodiment, the control unit 1380 controls the phase shift of the optical signal λ1 by phase shifters 1340-1-1, 1340-2-1, ..., 1340-N-1, thereby changing the transmission angle of the antenna end after beamforming the RF signal 1. Controlling the phase shift of the optical signal λ2 by phase shifters 1340-1-2, 1340-2-2, ..., 1340-N-2 changes the transmission angle of the antenna end after beamforming the RF signal 2, and so on, thus changing the transmission angle of the antenna end after beamforming the RF signals 1-M, to complete beamforming. In this embodiment, the number M of RF signals that can be transmitted simultaneously is not specifically limited. The transmission of M RF signals can be time-division multiplexed, enabling simultaneous full transmission and thus achieving full connection of the M RF signals.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the beamforming device may also include a memory, as shown in the figure. The memory can be used to store program instructions. The control unit 1380 can be used to read program instructions from the memory to control the phase shifter. In some scenarios, the memory may also be deployed inside the control unit 1380. For example, the control unit 1380 includes a processor and a memory. That is, the processor and memory can be integrated together, or the memory and processor can be connected through an interface, which can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario. This application embodiment does not make specific limitations.

[0130] The embodiments of this application can be applied to direct adjustment and direct inspection application scenarios, as well as heterodyne or zero-tolerance application scenarios. For example, the above... Figures 8-15 The beamforming device described in the corresponding embodiment can be applied to direct modulation and direct detection application scenarios.

[0131] In one possible implementation, when the beamforming device is applied to a heterodyne coherent detection application, the beamforming device may further include a laser signal source 1410 and a beam splitter 1420, see [reference]. Figure 18 As shown. The laser signal source 1410 is used to emit M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals. The wavelengths of the M carrier optical signals are the same as the wavelengths of the corresponding laser signals. The beam splitter 1420 is used to couple and distribute the M carrier optical signals to N detectors 1360. Each of the N detectors 1360 then performs coherent detection on the received fourth modulated optical signal based on the received carrier optical signal, and performs photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected fourth modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal. The structure of the laser signal source 1410 is similar to that of the second laser signal source 310, and will not be described further here. The structure of the beam splitter 1420 is similar to that of the second beam splitter 320, and will not be described further here.

[0132] In some embodiments, the laser signal source 1410 and the beam splitter 1420 may also be deployed separately from the beamforming device, as independent devices. When this independent device is connected to the beamforming device, heterodyne coherent detection can be achieved; when it is not connected to the beamforming device, direct modulation and direct detection can be achieved.

[0133] In one possible implementation, when the beamforming device is applied to a zero-difference coherent detection application, the beamforming device may further include a beam splitter 1510, see [reference]. Figure 19 As shown. One end of the beam splitter 1510 is coupled to the laser signal source 1310, and the other end of the beam splitter 1510 is coupled to the N detectors. The beam splitter 1510 is used to couple the M laser signals and distribute them to the N detectors 1360. Each of the N detectors 1360 performs coherent detection on the received fourth modulated optical signal according to the received laser signal, and performs photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected fourth modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through the radio frequency antenna unit 1370.

[0134] In some embodiments, the beam splitter 1510 may also be deployed separately from the beamforming device as a stand-alone device. When this stand-alone device is connected to the beamforming device, it can achieve zero-difference coherent detection; when it is not connected to the beamforming device, it can achieve direct modulation and direct detection.

[0135] The number of memory involved in the embodiments of this application can be one or more, and can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario. This is only an illustrative example and is not intended to limit the scope.

[0136] It should also be understood that the memory or readable storage medium mentioned in the above embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DRRAM).

[0137] Based on the above and the same concept, this application provides a beamforming method. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 20 The introduction states that this beamforming method can be applied to the above-mentioned... Figures 2A to 12 The beamforming device shown in any embodiment. It can also be understood that it can be based on the above. Figures 2A to 12 The beamforming device shown in any embodiment implements the beamforming method.

[0138] In 2001, M laser signals of different wavelengths were emitted.

[0139] For example, M laser signals of different wavelengths can be transmitted by the first laser signal source 210. The structure and specific implementation of the first laser signal source 210 have been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0140] In 2002, radio frequency signals were modulated on M laser signals to obtain M first modulated optical signals. The radio frequency signals modulated on any two of the M laser signals were either the same or different.

[0141] For example, radio frequency signals can be modulated by M modulators 220 on M laser signals respectively.

[0142] In 2003, the M first modulated optical signals are combined and distributed to N optical paths to obtain N second modulated optical signals corresponding to the N optical paths.

[0143] For example, the M first modulated optical signals can be combined and distributed to N optical paths by the first optical splitter 230 to obtain N second modulated optical signals corresponding to the N optical paths.

[0144] In 2004, on each optical path, the optical signals of the M wavelengths included in the second modulated optical signal are phase-shifted respectively, and the M phase-shifted optical signals are coupled and photoelectrically converted to obtain an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through an antenna.

[0145] For example, each optical path can have a wavelength selection unit 240 selecting M wavelengths of optical signal from the second modulated optical signal and sending them to the corresponding phase shifter for phase shifting. Then, the detector 260 couples the M phase-shifted optical signals together to perform photoelectric conversion to obtain an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through an antenna (or antenna element). In some embodiments, the electrical signal can be amplified by a front-end amplifier before being transmitted through the antenna element.

[0146] In one possible implementation, the method may further include: transmitting M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals; combining the M carrier optical signals and then splitting them into N optical signals, each of the N optical signals including M carrier optical signals. Further, on each optical path, the M phase-shifted optical signals are coupled and then photoelectrically converted to obtain an electrical signal, including:

[0147] On each optical path, coherent detection is performed on M phase-shifted optical signals based on the received M carrier optical signals, and photoelectric conversion is performed on the coherently detected optical signals to obtain electrical signals.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the method may further include: coupling the M laser signals of different wavelengths and splitting them into N optical signals, wherein each of the N optical signals includes M laser signals of different wavelengths.

[0149] The process involves coupling M phase-shifted optical signals and then performing photoelectric conversion to obtain electrical signals, including:

[0150] Based on the received M laser signals, coherent detection is performed on the M phase-shifted optical signals, and photoelectric conversion is performed on the coherently detected optical signals to obtain electrical signals.

[0151] Based on the above and the same concept, this application also provides another beamforming method, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 21 The introduction states that this beamforming method can be applied to the above-mentioned... Figures 13 to 19 The beamforming device shown in any embodiment. It can also be understood that it can be based on the above. Figures 13 to 19 The beamforming device shown in any embodiment implements the beamforming method.

[0152] 2101, emit M laser signals with different wavelengths.

[0153] For example, M laser signals of different wavelengths can be transmitted using laser signal source 1310. The structure and specific implementation of laser signal source 1310 have been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0154] 2102, M laser signals are modulated with radio frequency signals to obtain M first modulated optical signals; the radio frequency signals modulated on any two laser signals among the M laser signals are the same or different.

[0155] For example, radio frequency signals can be modulated by M laser signals using M modulators 1320 respectively.

[0156] 2103, each of the M first modulated optical signals is split into N second modulated optical signals to obtain N*M second modulated optical signals.

[0157] For example, M beam splitters 1310 can be used to split the M first modulated optical signals into N second modulated optical signals, thereby obtaining N*M second modulated optical signals.

[0158] 2104, Phase adjustment is performed on each of the N*M second modulated optical signals to obtain a third modulated optical signal, so as to obtain N*M third modulated optical signals.

[0159] For example, N*M phase shifters 1340 can be used to process N*M second modulated optical signals to obtain N*M third modulated optical signals.

[0160] 2105, M third modulated optical signals from N*M third modulated optical signal groups are coupled together to form a fourth modulated optical signal, resulting in N fourth modulated optical signals. The wavelengths of the M third modulated optical signals in each of the N third modulated optical signal groups are all different.

[0161] For example, N wavelength division multiplexers 1350 can couple M third modulated optical signals from N*M third modulated optical signals into a fourth modulated optical signal to obtain N fourth modulated optical signals.

[0162] 2106. Each of the N fourth modulation optical signals is photoelectrically converted to an electrical signal, which is then transmitted through the corresponding antenna.

[0163] For example, N detectors 1360 can perform photoelectric conversion on N fourth-modulated optical signals to obtain electrical signals, which are then transmitted through an antenna (or antenna element). In some embodiments, the electrical signals can be amplified by a front-end amplifier before being transmitted through the antenna element.

[0164] Those skilled in the art will understand that the steps executed by the control unit to implement all or part of the above embodiments can be accomplished by hardware or program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, random access memory, etc. Specifically, for example, the processing unit or processor can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0165] When implemented using software, the method steps described in the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., BD), or a semiconductor medium, etc.

[0166] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate; this is merely a way of distinguishing objects with the same attributes in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not explicitly listed or inherent to those processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0167] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. The singular forms "a" and "the" used in the embodiments of this application are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship between the related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0168] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A beamforming device, characterized in that, Includes a first laser signal source, M modulators, a first beam splitter, N wavelength selection units, and N... M phase shifters; The first laser signal source is used to emit M laser signals of different wavelengths; The M modulators correspond one-to-one with the M laser signals and are used to modulate the radio frequency signals on the corresponding laser signals to obtain M first modulated optical signals; the radio frequency signals modulated on any two of the M laser signals may be the same or different. The first beam splitter is coupled to the M modulators to combine the M first modulated optical signals and split them into N optical paths to obtain N second modulated optical signals corresponding to the N optical paths; N wavelength selection units are coupled to the first beam splitter, and each of the N wavelength selection units corresponds to one of the N second modulated optical signals. The first wavelength selection unit is used to receive the second modulated optical signal sent by the first beam splitter and send the signals of M wavelengths in the second modulated optical signal to the M phase shifters in a one-to-one correspondence. The first wavelength selection unit is any one of the N wavelength selection units. M phase shifters are used to adjust the phase of the received optical signal and send the phase-adjusted optical signal to the first wavelength selection unit; the first wavelength selection unit is also used to fuse the received optical signals from the corresponding M phase shifters to obtain a third modulated optical signal.

2. The beamforming device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wavelength selection unit is a reconfigurable optical differential multiplexer (ROADM).

3. The beamforming device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The beamforming device further includes: Control unit, used to control the N The phase shift interval of M phase shifters.

4. The beamforming device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first laser signal source includes M first lasers, and the M first lasers are coupled to the M modulators in a one-to-one correspondence. The M first lasers have different wavelengths.

5. The beamforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first laser signal source includes M wavelength lasers and a wavelength division multiplexer, wherein the M wavelength lasers are coupled to the wavelength division multiplexer, and the wavelength division multiplexer is coupled to the M modulators.

6. The beamforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The beamforming device further includes N detectors and N radio frequency antenna units; the N detectors are coupled one-to-one with the N wavelength selection units, and the N detectors are coupled one-to-one with the N radio frequency antenna units. The N detectors are used to receive the third modulated optical signal sent by the corresponding wavelength selection unit, perform photoelectric conversion on the received third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, and send the electrical signal through the corresponding radio frequency antenna unit.

7. The beamforming device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The beamforming device further includes a second laser signal source and a second beam splitter; wherein... The second laser signal source is used to emit M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals; The second beam splitter is used to couple the M carrier optical signals and distribute them to N detectors; Each of the N detectors is specifically used to perform coherent detection on the received third modulated optical signal based on the received carrier optical signal, and to perform photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal.

8. The beamforming device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The beamforming device also includes a third beam splitter: One end of the third beam splitter is coupled to the first laser signal source, and the other end of the third beam splitter is coupled to the N detectors; the third beam splitter is used to couple the M laser signals and distribute them to the N detectors. The first detector among the N detectors is specifically used to perform coherent detection on the received third modulated optical signal based on the received laser signal, and to perform photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal.

9. A beamforming device, characterized in that, Includes a first laser signal source, M modulators, M first beam splitters, N first wavelength division multiplexers, and N... M phase shifters; The first laser signal source is used to emit M laser signals, each with a different wavelength; M modulators correspond one-to-one with M laser signals, and are used to modulate radio frequency signals on the corresponding laser signals to obtain M first modulated optical signals; the radio frequency signals modulated on any two of the M laser signals may be the same or different; The M first beam splitters are coupled one-to-one with the M modulators; each of the M first beam splitters is coupled to the input end of N phase shifters, and is used to receive the first modulated optical signal sent by the corresponding modulator, and to distribute the received first modulated optical signal into N second modulated optical signals, and to distribute the N second modulated optical signals one-to-one to the N phase shifters. The N phase shifters are used to adjust the phase of the received second modulated optical signal to obtain the third modulated optical signal; The input end of each of the N first wavelength division multiplexers is coupled to the output end of M phase shifters, and the input ends of the M phase shifters coupled to the same first wavelength division multiplexer are respectively coupled to different first beam splitters; each first wavelength division multiplexer is used to couple the third modulated optical signal from the M phase shifters into a fourth modulated optical signal.

10. The beamforming device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The beamforming device further includes: Control unit, used to control the N The phase shift interval of M phase shifters.

11. The beamforming device as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first laser signal source includes M first lasers, and the M first lasers are coupled to the M modulators in a one-to-one correspondence. The M first lasers have different wavelengths.

12. The beamforming device as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first laser signal source includes a multi-wavelength laser and a second wavelength division multiplexer. The multi-wavelength laser is coupled to the second wavelength division multiplexer, and the second wavelength division multiplexer is coupled to the M modulators.

13. The beamforming device as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The beamforming device further includes N detectors and N radio frequency antenna units; the first ends of the N detectors are coupled one-to-one with the second ends of the N first wavelength division multiplexers, and the second ends of the N detectors are coupled one-to-one with the N radio frequency antenna units; each of the N detectors is used to receive the fourth modulated optical signal of the corresponding first wavelength division multiplexer, perform photoelectric conversion on the fourth modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal, and transmit the electrical signal through the corresponding radio frequency antenna unit.

14. The beamforming device as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The beamforming device further includes a second laser signal source and a second beam splitter; wherein... The second laser signal source is used to emit M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals; The second beam splitter is used to couple the M carrier optical signals and distribute them to N detectors; Each of the N detectors is specifically used to perform coherent detection on the received fourth modulated optical signal based on the received carrier optical signal, and to perform photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected fourth modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal.

15. The beamforming device as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The beamforming device also includes a third beam splitter: One end of the third beam splitter is coupled to the first laser signal source, and the other end of the third beam splitter is coupled to the N detectors; the third beam splitter is used to couple the M laser signals and distribute them to the N detectors; The first detector among the N detectors is specifically used to perform coherent detection on the received third modulated optical signal based on the received laser signal, and to perform photoelectric conversion on the coherently detected third modulated optical signal to obtain an electrical signal.

16. A beamforming method, characterized in that, The method includes: Emits M laser signals of different wavelengths; M laser signals are modulated with radio frequency signals to obtain M first modulated optical signals; the radio frequency signals modulated on any two laser signals are the same or different. The M first modulated optical signals are combined and then distributed to N optical paths to obtain N second modulated optical signals corresponding to the N optical paths; In each optical path, the phase of the M wavelengths of the optical signal included in the second modulated optical signal is adjusted respectively, and the M phase-shifted optical signals are coupled and then photoelectrically converted to obtain an electrical signal.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Transmit the M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals; The M carrier optical signals are combined and then split into N optical signals, each of the N optical signals including M carrier optical signals; In each optical path, M phase-shifted optical signals are coupled and then photoelectrically converted to obtain electrical signals, including: On each optical path, coherent detection is performed on M phase-shifted optical signals based on the received M carrier optical signals, and photoelectric conversion is performed on the coherently detected optical signals to obtain electrical signals.

18. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The M laser signals of different wavelengths are coupled and split into N optical signals, each of the N optical signals including M laser signals of different wavelengths. The process involves coupling M phase-shifted optical signals and then performing photoelectric conversion to obtain electrical signals, including: Based on the received M laser signals, coherent detection is performed on the M phase-shifted optical signals, and photoelectric conversion is performed on the coherently detected optical signals to obtain electrical signals.

19. A beamforming method, characterized in that, The method includes: Emit M laser signals with different wavelengths; M laser signals are modulated with radio frequency signals to obtain M first modulated optical signals; the radio frequency signals modulated on any two laser signals are the same or different. Each of the M first modulated optical signals is split into N second modulated optical signals to obtain N M second-modulated optical signals; And targeting N Each of the M second-modulated optical signals undergoes phase adjustment to obtain a third-modulated optical signal, thus yielding N. M third-modulation optical signals N M third modulated optical signals are coupled together to form a fourth modulated optical signal from N third modulated optical signal groups to obtain N fourth modulated optical signals. Among them, the wavelengths of the M third modulated optical signals included in each of the N third modulated optical signal groups are all different; Each of the N fourth modulated optical signals is converted into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Transmit the M carrier optical signals corresponding to the M laser signals; The M carrier optical signals are combined and then split into N optical signals, each of the N optical signals including M carrier optical signals; The process of photoelectric conversion of each of the N fourth modulated optical signals to obtain an electrical signal includes: Based on the received M carrier optical signals, coherent detection is performed on the received fourth modulated optical signal, and the coherently detected fourth modulated optical signal is photoelectrically converted to obtain an electrical signal.

21. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: The M laser signals with different wavelengths are coupled and split into N optical signals. Each of the N optical signals includes M laser signals with different wavelengths. The N optical signals correspond one-to-one with the N fourth modulation optical signals. The process of photoelectric conversion of each of the N fourth modulated optical signals to obtain an electrical signal includes: Based on the M laser signals in the first optical signal, coherent detection is performed on the fourth modulated optical signal corresponding to the first optical signal, and the optical signal after coherent detection is photoelectrically converted to obtain an electrical signal.

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