Signal processing circuit and method for equalizer, equalizer and communication equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a signal processing circuit and method for an equalizer, the equalizer and communication equipment, and is applied to the technical field of wireless communication, and the circuit comprises a power processing module which is used for separating a radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal, and outputting the first input signal and the second input signal to a time delay module; the time delay module adjusts signal time delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, and outputs the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal to the phase shift module; the phase shift module performs phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point, and outputs the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to the power processing module; and the power processing module synthesizes the first input signal after phase shift and the second input signal after phase shift to obtain a radio frequency signal after amplitude adjustment equalization. And the adjustable amplitude equalization of the radio frequency signal is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this specification relate to the field of wireless communication technologies, and in particular, to a signal processing circuit, method, equalizer, and communication device for an equalizer. Background Art

[0002] In the fields of millimeter-wave radars, electronic countermeasures, and high-precision electronic measuring instruments, it is difficult to achieve a high level of gain and power frequency response characteristics for solid-state devices such as power amplifiers and traveling-wave amplifiers. In order to achieve distortion-free, flat, and stable transmission of system signals, a millimeter-wave equalizer is often used to compensate for amplifier characteristics within a wide frequency band to improve the gain flatness of radio frequency circuits. Currently, most existing millimeter-wave equalizers adopt two structural forms: mechanically adjustable or fixed, and they both have their own inherent drawbacks. Mechanically adjustable equalizers are large in size and slow in adjustment speed; the equalization amount of fixed equalizers is not adjustable, and when in use, they need to be individually designed one by one according to amplifier characteristics, greatly increasing the workload and complexity. Therefore, how to effectively adjust the positive and negative equalization amounts of signals in the millimeter-wave frequency band and ensure the usability of the millimeter-wave frequency band is an urgent problem to be solved currently. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the embodiments of this specification provide a signal processing circuit for an equalizer. One or more embodiments of this specification simultaneously relate to a signal processing method, an equalizer, and a communication device for an equalizer to solve the technical defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to the first aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a signal processing circuit for an equalizer is provided. The circuit includes a power processing module, a time delay module, and a phase shift module; The power processing module is configured to separate a radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal, and output the first input signal and the second input signal to the time delay module; The time delay module is configured to adjust the signal time delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, and output the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal to the phase shift module. The signal time delay information is used to enable the first input signal and the second input signal to have an interaction frequency point; The phase shift module is configured to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point, and output the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to the power processing module; The power processing module is configured to synthesize the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with an adjusted amplitude equalized.

[0005] According to the second aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a signal processing method for an equalizer is provided. The method is applied to the above-mentioned signal processing circuit for an equalizer and includes: Separating a radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal; Adjusting the signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, where the signal delay information is used to make the first input signal and the second input signal have an interaction frequency point; Performing a phase shift process on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point to obtain a phase-shifted first input signal and a phase-shifted second input signal; Synthesizing the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization.

[0006] According to the third aspect of the embodiments of this specification, an equalizer is provided. The equalizer is applied to the above-mentioned signal processing circuit for an equalizer and includes: A separation module configured to separate a radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal; A delay module configured to adjust the signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, where the signal delay information is used to make the first input signal and the second input signal have an interaction frequency point; A phase shift module configured to perform a phase shift process on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point to obtain a phase-shifted first input signal and a phase-shifted second input signal; A synthesis module configured to synthesize the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization.

[0007] According to the fourth aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a communication device is provided. The device includes the above-mentioned signal processing circuit for an equalizer and an antenna unit connected to the signal processing circuit; The signal processing circuit is configured to adjust a radio frequency signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization and output the radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization to the antenna unit.

[0008] One embodiment of this specification realizes separating a radio frequency signal through a power processing module to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal. The signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal is adjusted through a delay module. Based on the characteristic that the signal delay information changes with frequency, the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interaction frequency point, and the magnitude of the equalization amount can also be controlled through the signal delay information. The adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal are phase-shifted through a phase shift module according to the interaction frequency point, so as to realize adjustable positive and negative equalization amounts for the signal within a given frequency range based on the interaction frequency point, achieving the purpose of a dynamically adjustable equalization characteristic. The phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal are synthesized through a power processing module to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization. Thus, on the premise of a simple circuit structure design, amplitude equalization for the radio frequency signal is realized, ensuring the signal gain flatness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of an amplitude adjustment function provided by this specification; Figure 2 FIG. shows a circuit structure block diagram of a signal processing circuit for an equalizer provided by one embodiment of this specification; Figure 3 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a signal cancellation and superposition function provided by one embodiment of this specification; Figure 4 FIG. shows a flowchart of a signal processing method for an equalizer provided by one embodiment of this specification; Figure 5 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an equalizer provided by one embodiment of this specification; Figure 6 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by one embodiment of this specification; Figure 7 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided by one embodiment of this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of this specification. However, this specification can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar generalizations without departing from the connotation of this specification. Therefore, this specification is not limited by the specific implementations disclosed below.

[0011] The terms used in one or more embodiments of this specification are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit one or more embodiments of this specification. The singular forms "a", "the", and "said" used in one or more embodiments of this specification and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used in one or more embodiments of this specification refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0012] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used in one or more embodiments of this specification to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of one or more embodiments of this specification, the first may also be referred to as the second, and similarly, the second may also be referred to as the first. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when" or "while" or "in response to determining".

[0013] In addition, it should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.) involved in one or more embodiments of this specification are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use, and processing of relevant data need to comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards of relevant countries and regions, and corresponding operation entrances are provided for users to choose to authorize or refuse.

[0014] First, the noun terms involved in one or more embodiments of this specification are explained.

[0015] Tunable Equalizer: A tunable equalizer is an electronic device or circuit that can adjust the signal gain within a specific frequency range. Its main function is to correct the frequency response of the signal passing through it to compensate for frequency-selective losses or gain unevenness caused by the transmission medium, component characteristics, or other factors. Simply put, a tunable equalizer can enhance certain frequency components while attenuating other frequency components, thereby achieving control over the signal spectrum shape.

[0016] Currently, for microwave and millimeter-wave applications, it generally means a signal channel with a large bandwidth. It is necessary to ensure good amplitude balance characteristics of the RF channel within a large bandwidth range, and a tunable equalizer is required to effectively adjust the amplitude balance characteristics of the channel. The amplitude adjustment function is as Figure 1 shown. Figure 1The figure shows a schematic diagram of an amplitude adjustment function provided in this specification, which mainly includes a positive slope and a negative slope. The positive slope and the negative slope generally refer to the ways in which an equalizer adjusts the signal frequency response. Specifically, they describe the trend of how the gain changes as the frequency varies. For example, a positive slope means that as the frequency increases, the gain of the signal also increases. A negative slope means that as the frequency rises, the gain of the signal decreases. By flexibly applying the positive slope and negative slope equalizers, the signal quality can be effectively improved according to specific system requirements and environmental conditions. In practical applications, sometimes both are used in combination to achieve a more refined frequency response adjustment. Therefore, the application requirements can include adjustable positive slope equalization amount, adjustable negative slope equalization amount, and adjustable positive and negative slope equalization amounts.

[0017] However, most of the current adjustable equalizers can only achieve adjustable equalization amount for a single positive slope or a single negative slope, or the circuit structure is complex, resulting in difficult equalizer debugging and inability to achieve monolithic integration.

[0018] Based on this, in this specification, a signal processing circuit for an equalizer is provided. This specification also relates to a signal processing method for an equalizer, an equalizer, a communication device, and a communication system, which will be described in detail one by one in the following embodiments.

[0019] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 The figure shows a circuit structure block diagram of a signal processing circuit for an equalizer provided in an embodiment of this specification. Among them, in this signal processing circuit, there are a power processing module, a time delay module, and a phase shift module. The power processing module is used to receive a radio frequency signal, separate the radio frequency signal, and output the obtained first input signal and second input signal to the time delay module. The time delay module applies different time delays to the first input signal and the second input signal, thereby adjusting the signal time delay information, that is, the signal time delay difference, between the first input signal and the second input signal, so that the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interaction frequency point, that is, at the interaction frequency point, the signals will be in-phase superimposed or out-of-phase cancelled. The adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal are output to the phase shift module. By performing phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal through the phase shift module, the position of the interaction frequency point can be adjusted, so as to achieve the function of adjustable positive and negative equalization amounts. After outputting the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to the power processing module, the two input signals can be synthesized to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization. The signal processing circuit for an equalizer provided in this specification adopts a signal separation and synthesis architecture, introduces time delay mismatch and combines with the phase shift function to achieve an effectively adjustable positive and negative equalization amount function in the millimeter wave band. At the same time, based on a simple circuit design structure and adapting to the standard chip integration process, it can also ensure the availability in the millimeter wave band.

[0020] Further, in order to enable the power processing module to perform signal separation and synthesis operations, the power processing module includes a power separation unit and a power synthesis unit. Specifically, the power separation unit is configured to separate a radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal, and output the first input signal and the second input signal to the time delay module; the power synthesis unit is configured to synthesize the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization.

[0021] Among them, the power separation unit can be understood as a power divider. The power separation unit is used to divide the input signal into two signals with equal amplitude. In an embodiment of the present specification, the power divider is a 90-degree hybrid coupler (also known as a quadrature hybrid). Through this hybrid coupler, the input radio frequency signal can be divided into two signals with equal amplitude but a 90-degree phase difference. Correspondingly, the power divider can also adopt other forms such as a standard Lange coupler, a branch-line coupler, a Wilkinson power divider, etc., as long as it can divide the input radio frequency signal into two signals with equal amplitude. The power synthesis unit can be understood as a power combiner. The power synthesis unit is used to combine two signals into one radio frequency output signal. In an embodiment of the present specification, the power combiner can also use a 90-degree hybrid coupler to achieve power synthesis. Correspondingly, the power combiner can also adopt other forms such as a standard Lange coupler, a branch-line coupler, a Wilkinson power combiner, etc.

[0022] In practical applications, when the signal processing circuit, i.e., the adjustable equalizer circuit, receives a radio frequency signal, it will first separate the radio frequency signal through the power separation unit, i.e., the power divider, to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal, and then output the first input signal and the second input signal to the time delay module, where the time delay module applies a fixed time delay to the two signals respectively. When the power synthesis unit receives the two signals output by the phase shift module, it will synthesize the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization, and then the radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization can be output to the next processing circuit for processing.

[0023] Specifically, when implementing, by using a 90-degree hybrid coupler for separating and synthesizing the input signal and the output signal, the reflection signals under different adjustment amounts are prevented from entering the input and output structures, effectively improving the input and output standing waves, and solving the problem of excessive change in the input and output standing waves during the equalization amount adjustment process, especially in the millimeter wave band.

[0024] Based on this, the power splitting unit ensures that the input signal can be evenly distributed to the two processing paths, providing a basis for subsequent phase and time delay adjustment. The power combining unit recombines the two processed signals and uses the phase difference to achieve in-phase enhancement or anti-phase attenuation of the signal, completing the final amplitude adjustment.

[0025] Furthermore, since the time delay module receives two input signals, in order to provide time delays for these two input signals, each of the processing branches corresponding to the two signals has its own time delay unit. Specifically, the time delay module includes a first time delay unit and a second time delay unit; the first time delay unit is used to apply a first fixed time delay to the first input signal; the second time delay unit is used to apply a second fixed time delay to the second input signal, where the signal time delay information is determined according to the first fixed time delay and the second fixed time delay.

[0026] Among them, after the radio frequency signal is separated by the power processing module, a first input signal and a second input signal are obtained. In order to apply time delays to the first input signal and the second input signal respectively, the first input signal and the second input signal are respectively input into different processing branches. Each processing branch includes a corresponding time delay unit, so the time delay module includes a first time delay unit and a second time delay unit. The first time delay unit is used to apply a time delay to the input first input signal, and the second time delay unit is used to apply a time delay to the input second input signal.

[0027] In practical applications, both the first time delay unit and the second time delay unit provide fixed time delays. The first time delay unit applies a first fixed time delay to the signal, and the second time delay unit applies a second fixed time delay to the signal. The time delay magnitudes of the first fixed time delay and the second fixed time delay are different, so after the two signals are adjusted by the time delay module, the signal time delay information between the two signals changes, and the signal time delay information is the signal time delay difference between the two signals. Since a large time delay is applied to one signal and a small time delay is applied to the other signal, there is a signal time delay difference between the two signals.

[0028] In specific implementation, taking the first fixed time delay as the large time delay and the second fixed time delay as the small time delay as an example for illustration. Since the first time delay unit needs to provide a large time delay for the first input signal, the first time delay unit is the large time delay unit. The large time delay unit can be implemented by a left-handed material transmission line, a constant resistance network, a slow wave structure or a transmission line with a large length. These implementation methods allow for a large time delay to be achieved within a limited space. Since the second time delay unit needs to provide a small time delay for the second input signal, the second time delay unit is the small time delay unit. The small time delay unit can adopt a microstrip line or a short section of a transmission line with a coplanar waveguide structure. These structures are suitable for providing a relatively small time delay while maintaining a compact design. Based on this, by reasonably designing the implementation methods of the large time delay unit and the small time delay unit, it is ensured that the integration degree of the circuit can be improved.

[0029] In a specific embodiment of this specification, the power splitter outputs the first input signal obtained by separation to the first time delay unit and outputs the second input signal to the second time delay unit. The first fixed time delay, i.e., the large time delay, is applied to the first input signal through the first time delay unit, and the second fixed time delay, i.e., the small time delay, is applied to the second input signal through the second time delay unit. As a result, there is signal time delay information, i.e., a signal time delay difference, between the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal. Therefore, the signal time delay information is determined by the first fixed time delay and the second fixed time delay. Due to the signal time delay difference between the two signals, the phase difference between the two signals changes with the frequency, so there is an interaction frequency point between the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal. The interaction frequency point can be understood as the frequency point at which the two signals have an interaction situation, and the interaction situation includes the two signals canceling each other out in the opposite direction and the two signals being superimposed in phase.

[0030] It should be noted that due to the characteristic that the phase difference between the two signals changes with the frequency, the two signals will cancel each other out in the opposite direction at one frequency point, and the two signals will be superimposed in phase at another frequency point, forming a sharply changing amplitude characteristic between the two frequency points, that is, the target amplitude equalization characteristic, and there will be multiple interaction frequency points between the two signals. The signal time delay difference between the two signals results in different phase response slopes of the two signals. If there is a phase difference of 180 degrees or an integer multiple of 180 degrees, the two signals are combined into amplitude cancellation; if the phase difference is 360 degrees or an integer multiple of 360 degrees, the two signals are combined into amplitude superposition, and the greater the signal time delay difference between the two signals, the greater the amplitude equalization amount of the narrowband. Through this characteristic, the subsequent adjustment of the phase of the two signals causes the phase difference of amplitude cancellation and superposition to slide with the frequency. Therefore, within a specific target frequency range, the selection of adjustable positive / negative slopes can be achieved, thereby achieving the purpose of adjustable amplitude equalization.

[0031] Based on this, by applying different fixed time delays to the two signals, a signal time delay difference is created between the two signals, which determines the phase difference between the two signals at different frequencies. Since the phase of a signal is directly proportional to its frequency and the time delay it has experienced, the signal time delay difference will cause the phase difference between the two signals to vary with frequency. This characteristic of the phase difference change is the core mechanism for achieving amplitude equalization. Subsequently, by cleverly combining the time delay difference and phase adjustment, precise amplitude control can be achieved within a specific frequency range, optimizing the signal quality and improving the system performance.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to selectively achieve a positive slope (enhancement) or a negative slope (attenuation) within a specific target frequency range, that is, to achieve adjustable amplitude equalization, phase shifting processing needs to be performed on the two signals. Specifically, the phase shifting module includes a first phase shifting unit and a second phase shifting unit; the first time delay unit is used to output the adjusted first input signal to the first phase shifting unit; the second time delay unit is used to output the adjusted second input signal to the second phase shifting unit; the first phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shifting processing on the adjusted first input signal according to the interaction frequency point and output the phase-shifted first input signal to the power processing module; the second phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shifting processing on the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point and output the phase-shifted second input signal to the power processing module.

[0033] Among them, the first time delay unit will output the first input signal after applying the first fixed time delay to the first phase shifting unit, and the second time delay unit will output the second input signal after applying the second fixed time delay to the second phase shifting unit. The first phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shifting processing on the adjusted first input signal, and the second phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shifting processing on the adjusted second input signal.

[0034] In practical applications, the first phase shifting unit is cascaded after the first time delay unit, and the second phase shifting unit is cascaded after the second time delay unit. The first phase shifting unit and the second phase shifting unit can be understood as electrically tunable phase shifters. The electrically tunable phase shifter can adopt a reflective phase shifter architecture or other variants. By adjusting the electrically tunable phase shifters on the two branches, the frequency position of the in-phase cancellation can be adjusted, thus realizing the function of adjustable positive and negative equalization amounts. See Figure 3 , Figure 3 shows a functional schematic diagram of signal cancellation and superposition provided by an embodiment of this specification. Among them, the f1 and f2 frequency points are the frequency points of in-phase cancellation, and the f3 and f4 frequency points are the frequency points of in-phase superposition. Through Figure 3 it can be seen that by moving the phases of the two signals, the frequency points of in-phase cancellation or in-phase superposition can be moved with frequency, thereby obtaining the expected adjustable equalization slope result. For example Figure 3Within the target frequency band f2 to f3, the signal amplitude changes.

[0035] In a specific embodiment of this specification, the phase shift unit performs phase shift processing on the signal according to the interaction frequency point, that is, it is necessary to determine the interaction frequency point for anti-phase cancellation or in-phase superposition, and perform phase shift processing on the signal based on the phase between this interaction frequency point and the target interaction frequency point, so as to selectively achieve a positive slope (enhancement) or a negative slope (attenuation) within a specific target frequency range, that is, to achieve adjustable amplitude equalization.

[0036] Based on this, by adjusting the phase relationship between the two signals through an electrically tunable phase shifter, the position of the interaction frequency point can be dynamically adjusted, the selection of positive / negative slopes can be achieved, and different equalization requirements can be met.

[0037] Furthermore, in order to be able to perform phase shift processing on the signal, it is also necessary to determine the target interaction frequency point. Specifically, the first phase shift unit is used to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal according to the target interaction frequency point in the interaction frequency points in response to the first tuning voltage, to obtain the phase-shifted first input signal; the second phase shift unit is used to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted second input signal according to the target interaction frequency point in the interaction frequency points in response to the second tuning voltage, to obtain the phase-shifted second input signal, and the target interaction frequency point is determined from the interaction frequency points according to the signal equalization information.

[0038] Among them, the first tuning voltage can be understood as the voltage used to control the first phase shift unit to perform phase shift on the signal, and the second tuning voltage can be understood as the voltage used to control the second phase shift unit to perform phase shift on the signal. The tuning voltage is an external voltage signal used to control the working state of the electrically tunable phase shifter. By changing the tuning voltage, the phase offset amount of the phase shifter for the input signal can be adjusted, so as to achieve dynamic adjustment of the signal phase. By changing the magnitude of the tuning voltage, the phase offset amount of the signal can be adjusted continuously or step by step to meet the phase requirements at specific frequency points.

[0039] In practical applications, in response to the first tuning voltage, the adjusted input signal can be phase-shifted according to the target interaction frequency point in the interaction frequency points, that is, the signal within the target frequency band is shifted to the target interaction frequency point. The target interaction frequency point can be understood as the frequency point to which the signal needs to be shifted, and the target interaction frequency point can be determined from the interaction frequency points according to the signal equalization information, and the signal equalization information can be the equalization amount that the signal needs to be adjusted within the target frequency band.

[0040] In a specific embodiment of this specification, the target interaction frequency point within the target frequency band is determined according to the signal equalization information, and the two signals are respectively shifted, so as to move the interaction frequency points corresponding to the signals to the target interaction frequency point, so that the signal amplitudes within the target frequency band are combined according to the selection of the corresponding slopes.

[0041] Based on this, by adjusting the phase relationship of the two signals through an electrically tunable phase shifter, the position of the interaction frequency point can be dynamically adjusted to achieve the selection of positive / negative slopes and meet different equalization requirements.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to eliminate the amplitude difference between the signals on the two branches, an attenuation module needs to be added to the circuit. Specifically, the circuit further includes an attenuation module; the attenuation module is used to perform signal attenuation processing on the phase-shifted first input signal to obtain an attenuated first input signal, and output the attenuated first input signal to the power processing module; or, perform signal attenuation processing on the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain an attenuated second input signal, and output the attenuated second input signal to the power processing module.

[0043] Among them, the attenuation module can be cascaded after the first phase-shifting unit to perform signal attenuation processing on the phase-shifted first input signal to obtain an attenuated first input signal, and then synthesize the attenuated first input signal with the phase-shifted second input signal. Or the attenuation module can be cascaded after the second phase-shifting unit to perform signal attenuation processing on the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain an attenuated second input signal, and then synthesize the attenuated second input signal with the phase-shifted first input signal.

[0044] In practical applications, the attenuation module can be understood as a fixed attenuator. Due to the inherent amplitude difference between the small-delay unit and the large-delay unit, a fixed attenuator is cascaded on the small-delay unit branch or the large-delay unit branch to match the amplitude balance between the two paths and ensure the best performance when signals are combined.

[0045] In specific implementation, due to the different insertion losses between the large-delay unit and the small-delay unit, usually the large-delay unit introduces more losses. To compensate for this difference, a fixed attenuator is added to the path with smaller loss (usually the small-delay unit branch) to make the total losses on the two paths close to the same. The purpose of this is to ensure that the two signals have similar amplitudes before entering the power combining unit, thereby reducing problems such as reflection and standing waves caused by amplitude mismatch, and improving the stability and performance of the system. When the amplitudes of the two signals are close to the same, their superposition effect in the power combining unit is the best. This helps to achieve more effective in-phase enhancement or out-of-phase cancellation, thereby achieving the expected amplitude equalization characteristics.

[0046] Based on this, by cascading a fixed attenuator after the phase shift unit, the inherent amplitude difference between the large and small delay units can be effectively compensated, ensuring that the two signals have a similar amplitude level before entering the power combining unit. This method not only helps to optimize the signal combining effect but also reduces unnecessary reflection and standing wave problems, thereby improving the performance and stability of the entire system.

[0047] Furthermore, for the attenuation module cascaded in different branches, subsequent power combining will be performed on different attenuated signals. Specifically, the power processing module is used to combine the first input signal after attenuation and the second input signal after phase shift to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude balance; or, to combine the first input signal after phase shift and the second input signal after attenuation to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude balance.

[0048] Among them, when the attenuation module is cascaded after the first phase shift unit, the attenuation module will perform signal attenuation processing on the first input signal after phase shift output by the first phase shift unit to obtain the first input signal after attenuation, and combine the first input signal after attenuation with the second input signal after phase shift output by the second phase shift unit to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude balance. Or, when the attenuation module is cascaded after the second phase shift unit, the attenuation module will perform signal attenuation processing on the second input signal after phase shift output by the second phase shift unit to obtain the second input signal after attenuation, and combine the second input signal after attenuation with the first input signal after phase shift output by the first phase shift unit to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude balance.

[0049] Based on this, making the amplitudes of the two signals close to each other through the attenuation module helps to achieve more effective in-phase enhancement or anti-phase cancellation, thereby achieving the expected amplitude balance characteristic.

[0050] A signal processing circuit for an equalizer provided in this specification, the circuit includes a power processing module, a time delay module, and a phase shift module; the power processing module is used to separate a radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal, and output the first input signal and the second input signal to the time delay module; the time delay module is used to adjust the signal time delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, and output the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal to the phase shift module, and the signal time delay information is used to make the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interaction frequency point; the phase shift module is used to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point, and output the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to the power processing module; the power processing module is used to synthesize the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization. It realizes separating the radio frequency signal through the power processing module to obtain the first input signal and the second input signal. Adjust the signal time delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal through the time delay module. Based on the characteristic that the signal time delay information changes with frequency, the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interaction frequency point, and the equalization amount can also be controlled through the signal time delay information. Perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point through the phase shift module, so as to realize adjustable positive and negative equalization amounts of the signal within a given frequency range based on the interaction frequency point, achieving the purpose of dynamically adjustable equalization characteristics. Synthesize the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal through the power processing module to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization. Thus, on the premise of a simple circuit structure design, amplitude equalization of the radio frequency signal is realized, ensuring signal gain flatness.

[0051] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 FIG. shows a flowchart of a signal processing method for an equalizer provided according to an embodiment of this specification. The method is applied to the signal processing circuit provided in the above embodiment and specifically includes the following steps.

[0052] Step 402: Separate the radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal.

[0053] Step 404: Adjust the signal time delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, and the signal time delay information is used to make the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interaction frequency point.

[0054] Step 406: Perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point to obtain a phase-shifted first input signal and a phase-shifted second input signal.

[0055] Step 408: Synthesize the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization.

[0056] The above is a schematic solution of a signal processing method for an equalizer in this embodiment. It should be noted that the technical solution of this signal processing method and the technical solution of the above signal processing circuit for an equalizer belong to the same concept. For the details not described in detail in the technical solution of the signal processing method, reference can be made to the description of the technical solution of the above signal processing circuit for an equalizer.

[0057] A signal processing method for an equalizer provided in this specification realizes separating a radio frequency signal through a power processing module to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal. Adjust the signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal through a delay module. Based on the characteristic that the signal delay information changes with frequency, the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interaction frequency point, and the equalization amount can also be controlled through the signal delay information. Perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point through a phase shift module, so as to realize adjustable positive and negative equalization amounts for the signal within a given frequency range based on the interaction frequency point, achieving the purpose of a dynamically adjustable equalization characteristic. Synthesize the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal through a power processing module to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization. Thus, on the premise of a simple circuit structure design, amplitude equalization for the radio frequency signal is realized, ensuring the signal gain flatness.

[0058] Corresponding to the above method embodiment, this specification also provides an equalizer embodiment. Figure 5 Fig. shows a schematic structural diagram of an equalizer provided by an embodiment of this specification. As Figure 5 shown, this device is applied to the above signal processing circuit and includes: A separation module 502, configured to separate a radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal; A delay module 504, configured to adjust the signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, and the signal delay information is used to make the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interaction frequency point; A phase shift module 506, configured to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point, to obtain a phase-shifted first input signal and a phase-shifted second input signal; A synthesis module 508, configured to synthesize the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal, to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization.

[0059] The above is a schematic solution of an equalizer according to this embodiment. It should be noted that the technical solution of this equalizer and the technical solution of the above signal processing method for an equalizer belong to the same concept. For the details not described in the technical solution of the equalizer, reference can be made to the description of the technical solution of the above signal processing method for an equalizer.

[0060] An equalizer provided in this specification realizes separating a radio frequency signal through a power processing module to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal. Adjusting the signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal through a delay module, based on the characteristic that the signal delay information changes with frequency, enables the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal to have an interaction frequency point, and the equalization amount can also be controlled through the signal delay information. Performing phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interaction frequency point through a phase shift module, so as to realize adjustable positive and negative equalization amounts for the signal within a given frequency range based on the interaction frequency point, achieving the purpose of a dynamically adjustable equalization characteristic. Synthesizing the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal through a power processing module to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization. Thus, on the premise of a simple circuit structure design, amplitude equalization for the radio frequency signal is realized, ensuring the signal gain flatness.

[0061] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification. Among them, the communication device 60 includes the above signal processing circuit 602 and an antenna unit 604 connected to the signal processing circuit 602; the signal processing circuit 602 is used to adjust a radio frequency signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization, and output the radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization to the antenna unit 604.

[0062] In practical applications, since the signal processing circuit, i.e., the adjustable equalizer, is a core component in various radio frequency and microwave communication systems, it is used to compensate for frequency-related losses caused by the transmission path or system components, ensuring that the amplitude response of the signal is as flat as possible within the entire operating frequency band. For example, in the wireless link between the base station and the mobile terminal of a wireless communication system, high-frequency components usually experience more losses. The signal processing circuit can be used to compensate for these losses to ensure that the signal strengths of different frequency components are consistent. Or in the satellite communication link of a satellite communication system, due to long-distance transmission and the influence of the atmosphere, signals of different frequency components may have different attenuation characteristics. The signal processing circuit can help compensate for this frequency-selective loss. In summary, the application scenarios of the adjustable equalizer are very extensive, covering multiple fields from consumer electronics to industrial equipment and satellite communication. A communication device is a device configured with the above-mentioned signal processing circuit and has wireless transceiver capabilities. The corresponding communication devices are different in different application scenarios. For example, in a wireless communication scenario, the communication device can be a cellular network base station, a mobile phone terminal, etc.; in a satellite communication scenario, the communication device can be a ground station device, a satellite transponder device, etc.; in a radar system scenario, the communication device can be various radar devices. The communication device also includes an antenna unit for transmitting the radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude and equalized to the corresponding device after the signal processing circuit outputs it.

[0063] During specific implementation, the communication device may also include circuits such as a power combiner, a mixer, and a filter. By performing corresponding processing on the radio frequency signal respectively, the performance and reliability of the system can be significantly improved. The specific signal processing circuit can perform amplitude equalization adjustment on the received or generated radio frequency signal, that is, compensate for frequency-related losses caused by the transmission path or system components. The signal with adjusted amplitude and equalized is output to the antenna unit. It should be noted that when the signal processing circuit outputs the signal with adjusted amplitude and equalized to the antenna unit, other processing can also be performed on the signal with adjusted amplitude and equalized, such as filtering and power amplification, so that the antenna unit can transmit a radio frequency signal with better signal quality to other communication devices.

[0064] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphases. For parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0065] A communication device provided in this specification realizes the separation of a radio frequency signal through a power processing module in the communication device to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal. By adjusting the signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal through a delay module, based on the characteristic that the signal delay information changes with frequency, the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interaction frequency point, and the magnitude of the equalization can also be controlled through the signal delay information. Through a phase shift module, the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal are phase-shifted according to the interaction frequency point, so as to realize adjustable positive and negative equalization amounts of the signal within a given frequency range based on the interaction frequency point, achieving the purpose of a dynamically adjustable equalization characteristic. Through the power processing module, the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal are synthesized to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization. Thus, on the premise of a simple circuit structure design, amplitude equalization of the radio frequency signal is realized, ensuring the signal gain flatness.

[0066] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of this specification. The communication system 70 includes the above-mentioned communication device 702 and a transceiver device 704 having a communication relationship with the communication device 702; the communication device 702 is configured to send a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization to the transceiver device 704.

[0067] In practical applications, a communication system may include a communication device and a transceiver device having a communication relationship with the communication device. The communication system may be a satellite communication system, a broadcast communication system, a wireless communication system, etc. In different communication systems, the communication device and the transceiver device are also different. For example, in a satellite communication system, the communication device may be a ground station and the transceiver device may be a satellite; correspondingly, the communication device may also be a satellite and the transceiver device is a ground station. The communication device and the transceiver device have a communication relationship, that is, the communication device can send a radio frequency signal to the transceiver device and can also receive a radio frequency signal sent by the transceiver device.

[0068] Specifically, the communication device in the communication system includes the signal processing circuit provided in the above embodiment to solve the problem of frequency-related losses caused by the transmission path or system components during the communication process.

[0069] In a specific embodiment of this specification, the communication system is a broadcast communication system, and the communication device may be a radio transmitter. The radio transmitter sends a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization, such as a TV signal, a broadcast signal, etc., to the transceiver device. The transceiver device may be a user's TV, radio, etc., so that after receiving the radio frequency signal, the transceiver device can provide corresponding services for the user.

[0070] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the descriptions of the various embodiments have their own emphases. For the parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0071] A communication system provided in this specification realizes the separation of a radio frequency signal through a signal processing circuit of a communication device in the communication system to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal through a power processing module. The signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal is adjusted through a delay module. Based on the characteristic that the signal delay information changes with frequency, the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interaction frequency point, and the magnitude of the equalization amount can also be controlled through the signal delay information. The adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal are phase-shifted through a phase-shifting module according to the interaction frequency point, so as to realize the adjustable positive and negative equalization amounts of the signal within a given frequency range based on the interaction frequency point, achieving the purpose of a dynamically adjustable equalization characteristic. The power processing module synthesizes the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain a radio frequency signal with adjusted amplitude equalization. Thus, on the premise of a simple circuit structure design, amplitude equalization of the radio frequency signal is realized, compensating for frequency-related losses caused by the transmission path or system components, and ensuring that the communication device can stably provide high-quality communication services.

[0072] It should be noted that for the foregoing various embodiments, for the sake of simplicity of description, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations. However, those skilled in the art should know that the embodiments of this specification are not limited by the described action sequence, because according to the embodiments of this specification, certain steps can be performed in other sequences or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also know that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to the embodiments of this specification.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of the various embodiments have their own emphases. For the parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0074] The preferred embodiments of this specification disclosed above are only used to help explain this specification. The alternative embodiments do not elaborate on all details and do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. Obviously, many modifications and changes can be made according to the content of the embodiments of this specification. These embodiments are selected and specifically described in this specification to better explain the principles and practical applications of the embodiments of this specification, so that those skilled in the art can well understand and utilize this specification.

Claims

1. A signal processing circuit for an equalizer, characterized in that: The circuit includes a power processing module, a time delay module and a phase shift module; The power processing module is used to separate the radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal, and output the first input signal and the second input signal to the delay module; The delay module is used to adjust the signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, and output the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal to the phase shift module, wherein the signal delay information is used to make the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interactive frequency point; The phase shift module is used to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interactive frequency point, and output the phase-shifted first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to the power processing module; The power processing module is used to synthesize the first input signal after phase shift and the second input signal after phase shift to obtain a radio frequency signal after amplitude adjustment and equalization.

2. The signal processing circuit for an equalizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power processing module includes a power separation unit and a power synthesis unit; The power separation unit is used to separate the radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal, and output the first input signal and the second input signal to the delay module; The power synthesis unit is used to synthesize the first input signal after phase shift and the second input signal after phase shift to obtain a radio frequency signal after amplitude adjustment and equalization.

3. The signal processing circuit for an equalizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The delay module includes a first delay unit and a second delay unit; The first delay unit is used to apply a first fixed delay to the first input signal; The second delay unit is used to apply a second fixed delay to the second input signal, wherein the signal delay information is determined according to the first fixed delay and the second fixed delay.

4. The signal processing circuit for an equalizer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The phase shift module includes a first phase shift unit and a second phase shift unit; The first delay unit is used to output the adjusted first input signal to the first phase shift unit; The second delay unit is used to output the adjusted second input signal to the second phase shift unit; The first phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal according to the interactive frequency point, and output the phase-shifted first input signal to the power processing module; The second phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted second input signal according to the interactive frequency point, and output the phase-shifted second input signal to the power processing module.

5. The signal processing circuit for an equalizer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first phase shift unit is used to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal according to a target interactive frequency point among the interactive frequency points in response to a first tuning voltage to obtain a phase-shifted first input signal; The second phase shifting unit is used to perform phase shifting processing on the adjusted second input signal according to a target interactive frequency point among the interactive frequency points in response to a second tuning voltage to obtain a phase-shifted second input signal, wherein the target interactive frequency point is determined among the interactive frequency points according to signal equalization information.

6. The signal processing circuit for an equalizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit also includes an attenuation module; The attenuation module is used to perform signal attenuation processing on the phase-shifted first input signal to obtain the attenuated first input signal, and output the attenuated first input signal to the power processing module; or, Perform signal attenuation processing on the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain an attenuated second input signal, and output the attenuated second input signal to the power processing module.

7. The signal processing circuit for an equalizer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The power processing module is used to synthesize the attenuated first input signal and the phase-shifted second input signal to obtain an amplitude-balanced RF signal; or, The phase-shifted first input signal and the attenuated second input signal are synthesized to obtain a radio frequency signal after amplitude adjustment and equalization.

8. A signal processing method for an equalizer, characterized in that: The method is applied to the signal processing circuit for an equalizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: Separating the radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal; Adjusting signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, wherein the signal delay information is used to make the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interactive frequency point; Performing phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interactive frequency point to obtain a phase-shifted first input signal and a phase-shifted second input signal; The first input signal after the phase shift and the second input signal after the phase shift are synthesized to obtain a radio frequency signal after amplitude adjustment and equalization.

9. An equalizer, characterized in that: The equalizer is applied to the signal processing circuit for an equalizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: A separation module is configured to separate the radio frequency signal to obtain a first input signal and a second input signal; A delay module, configured to adjust signal delay information between the first input signal and the second input signal, wherein the signal delay information is used to make the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal have an interactive frequency point; a phase shift module, configured to perform phase shift processing on the adjusted first input signal and the adjusted second input signal according to the interactive frequency point to obtain a phase-shifted first input signal and a phase-shifted second input signal; The synthesis module is configured to synthesize the first input signal after the phase shift and the second input signal after the phase shift to obtain a radio frequency signal after the amplitude adjustment and equalization.

10. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises the signal processing circuit for an equalizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and an antenna unit connected to the signal processing circuit; The signal processing circuit is used to adjust the radio frequency signal to obtain the radio frequency signal after the adjustment amplitude is balanced, and output the radio frequency signal after the adjustment amplitude is balanced to the antenna unit.

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