Feed network, antenna device, active antenna unit and communication equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a feed network, an antenna device, an active antenna unit and communication equipment, and the feed network controls the phase state of a phase shifter through light, does not need to use a control line, enables the feed network comprising the phase shifter to adopt an inverted microstrip structure, and reduces the insertion loss between a radio frequency channel and an antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a feeding network, an antenna device, an active antenna unit, and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G technology), the active antenna unit (AAU) has gradually occupied the mainstream position as a base station device. The AAU generally includes a digital intermediate frequency processing unit (DIF), a radio frequency channel, and an antenna, and the radio frequency channel and the antenna are connected through a feeding network. In order to improve the coverage range of the antenna signal and the user experience rate, the antenna aperture of the AAU is further enlarged. For example, it is expanded from 0.5 m x 1 m to 0.5 m x 1.5 m. Moreover, the number of antennas connected to each radio frequency channel in the AAU increases, so that the antenna beam emitted by each corresponding antenna becomes narrower and the coverage range becomes smaller.

[0003] On this basis, in order to ensure that the antenna beam can cover all users, the antenna beam needs to have the ability to scan, that is, the pointing of the antenna beam can be adjusted. Therefore, a phase shifter needs to be added to the feeding network of the AAU. By adjusting the phase state of the phase shifter, the adjustment of the antenna beam pointing is realized.

[0004] However, currently, the feeding network generally adopts the structure of a standard microstrip, such as Figure 1 shown, including a dielectric substrate, a metal film, and a metal bottom plate. The dielectric substrate is between the metal film and the metal bottom plate. When the radio frequency signal is transmitted between the metal film and the metal bottom plate, it will generate loss after passing through the dielectric substrate, resulting in large insertion loss between the radio frequency channel and the antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a feeding network, an antenna device, an active antenna unit, and a communication device. The feeding network controls the phase state of the phase shifter by light, so that the feeding network including the phase shifter can adopt an inverted microstrip structure to reduce the insertion loss between the radio frequency channel and the antenna.

[0006] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a feeding network, including: a dielectric substrate, a metal film, a metal bottom plate, and a phase shifter;

[0007] The dielectric substrate includes a first surface, and the metal film and the phase shifter are disposed on the first surface; the metal film is used for electrically connecting the input end of the radio frequency channel and the phase shifter and for electrically connecting the phase shifter and the antenna unit;

[0008] The phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of a radio frequency signal. Each phase shifter includes at least one photosensitive device; the at least one photosensitive device is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter based on the received light.

[0009] The metal negative film is opposite to and spaced from the first surface. The metal negative film is used for grounding. The metal negative film includes at least one through hole disposed opposite to the at least one photosensitive device, and the through hole is used to expose the corresponding photosensitive device.

[0010] In the above feed network, photosensitive devices are used in the phase shifter to realize optical control of the phase state of the phase shifter, so that the feed network including the phase shifter can adopt an inverted microstrip structure to reduce the insertion loss between the radio frequency channel and the antenna unit.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the photosensitive device is a PIN-type photodiode.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter is a switched-line phase shifter, a loaded phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter or a vector synthesis phase shifter.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the feed network further includes a first controller, a first driving circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively disposed opposite to the at least one through hole, so that the light emitted by the light source passes through the through hole and is received by the photosensitive device; the first controller is electrically connected to the first driving circuit, and the first controller is used to control the first driving circuit; the first driving circuit is used to drive the at least one light source to be turned on or off.

[0014] The above feed network realizes optical control of the phase shifter by controlling the on or off of the light source, thereby controlling the state of the photosensitive device, and further controlling the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the photosensitive device is a photosensitive varactor diode or a series connection of a varactor diode and a photodiode.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter is a loaded phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter or a high-low pass phase shifter.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the feeding network further includes a second controller, a second driving circuit, and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively disposed opposite to the at least one through hole, so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the second controller is electrically connected to the driving circuit, and the second controller is configured to control the second driving circuit; the second driving circuit is configured to control the light intensity of the at least one light source.

[0018] The above feeding network realizes the optical control of the phase shifter by controlling the light intensity of the light source, thereby controlling the capacitance of the photosensitive varactor diode or the output current of the photodiode, and further controlling the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the feeding network further includes a circuit board, the circuit board is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the surface of the metal negative film facing away from the dielectric substrate, and the at least one light source is fixed at a position of the circuit board corresponding to the corresponding through hole, and the circuit board is used for the electrical connection between the controller and the driving circuit and the electrical connection between the driving circuit and the at least one light source.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the feeding network further includes a metal post, one end of the metal post is electrically connected to the ground end of the phase shifter; the other end of the metal post is electrically connected to the metal negative film.

[0021] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a feeding network, including: a dielectric substrate, a metal film, a metal negative film, a phase shifter, and at least one phase shifter control circuit;

[0022] The dielectric substrate includes a first surface, and the metal film and the phase shifter are disposed on the first surface; the metal film is used for electrically connecting the input end of the RF channel and the phase shifter and electrically connecting the phase shifter and the antenna unit;

[0023] The phase shifter is used for adjusting the phase of the RF signal; the phase shifter includes at least one switching device;

[0024] The phase shifter control circuit includes a photodiode, and the phase shifter control circuit is configured to drive the on or off of the switching device according to the state of the photodiode, and the switching device is used for controlling the phase state of the phase shifter;

[0025] The metal negative film is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first surface, and the metal negative film is used for grounding. The metal negative film includes at least one through hole, and the at least one through hole is respectively disposed opposite to the photodiode in the at least one phase shifter control circuit, and the through hole is used for exposing the corresponding photodiode.

[0026] The above-mentioned feeding network uses a photosensitive device in the phase shifter control circuit to realize the phase state of the optically controlled phase shifter, and does not need to use a control line, so that the feeding network including the phase shifter can adopt an inverted microstrip structure to reduce the insertion loss between the RF channel and the antenna unit.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the photosensitive device is a PIN photodiode.

[0028] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter is a switch line phase shifter, a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter, or a vector synthesis phase shifter.

[0029] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the feeding network also includes a controller, a driving circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is arranged relative to the at least one through hole, so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the controller is electrically connected to the driving circuit, and the controller is used to control the driving circuit; the driving circuit is used to drive the at least one light source to be turned on or off.

[0030] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the feeding network also includes a circuit board, which is arranged opposite to and spaced apart from the surface of the metal base plate facing away from the dielectric substrate, and the at least one light source is fixed at a position of the circuit board corresponding to the through hole, and the circuit board is used for the electrical connection between the controller and the driving circuit and the electrical connection between the driving circuit and the at least one light source.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the feeding network further includes a metal column, one end of which is electrically connected to a ground terminal of the phase shifter; and the other end of which is electrically connected to the metal bottom plate.

[0032] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter control circuit further includes: a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a fourth resistor, a fifth resistor, a first switch tube, and a first inductor;

[0033] The control end of the first switch tube is grounded through the first resistor; the control end of the first switch tube is also electrically connected to the positive electrode of the photodiode, and the negative electrode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the first power supply through the second resistor; the first end of the first switch tube is electrically connected to the first power supply through the third resistor; the second end of the first switch tube is grounded through the fourth resistor; the second end of the first switch tube is electrically connected to one end of the first inductor through the fifth resistor, and the other end of the first inductor is used to electrically connect the switching device.

[0034] The above feeding network improves a phase shifter control circuit, which can realize the optical control of the phase shifter.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter control circuit further includes: a sixth resistor, a seventh resistor, an eighth resistor, a first operational amplifier, a ninth resistor, a first electronic control switch, and a second inductor; the first operational amplifier includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal; the first electronic control switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal;

[0036] The negative electrode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the second power supply through the sixth resistor; the positive electrode of the photodiode is grounded; the seventh resistor and the eighth resistor are connected in series between the second power supply and the ground; the first input terminal of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the common terminal of the negative electrode of the photodiode and the sixth resistor; the second input terminal of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the common terminal of the eighth resistor and the seventh resistor; the output terminal of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the second power supply through the ninth resistor and is also electrically connected to the first terminal of the first electronic control switch; the second terminal of the first electronic control switch is electrically connected to the third power supply; the third terminal of the first electronic control switch is electrically connected to the fourth power supply; the fourth terminal of the first electronic control switch is electrically connected to one end of the second inductor; the other end of the second inductor is electrically connected to the switching device;

[0037] When the photodiode is turned on, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier outputs a first level signal; when the first level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronic control switch, the fourth terminal of the first electronic control switch outputs the third power supply, so that the switching device is in the first working state;

[0038] When the photodiode is turned off, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier outputs a second level signal; when the second level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronic control switch, the fourth terminal of the first electronic control switch outputs the fourth power supply, so that the switching device is in the second working state;

[0039] The first working state is conduction or forward bias, and the second working state is disconnection or reverse bias; or, the first working state is disconnection or reverse bias, and the second working state is conduction or forward bias.

[0040] The above feeding network improves a phase shifter control circuit, which can realize the optical control of the phase shifter.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter control circuit further includes: a tenth resistor, a third photodiode, an eleventh resistor, a second switching transistor, a second electronic control switch, and a third inductor; wherein, the second electronic control switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal;

[0042] The negative electrode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the fifth power supply through the tenth resistor; the positive electrode of the photodiode is grounded;

[0043] The control terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the common terminal of the tenth resistor and the photodiode. The first terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the fifth power supply through the eleventh resistor; the second terminal of the second switching transistor is grounded. The first terminal of the second electronic control switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second switching transistor, and the second terminal of the second electronic control switch is electrically connected to the sixth power supply; the third terminal of the second electronic control switch is electrically connected to the seventh power supply; the fourth terminal of the second electronic control switch is electrically connected to one end of the third inductor; the other end of the third inductor is electrically connected to the switching device;

[0044] When the photodiode is turned on, the first terminal of the second switching transistor outputs a third-level signal; when the third-level signal is input to the first terminal of the second electronic control switch, the fourth terminal of the second electronic control switch outputs the sixth power supply, so that the switching device is in the first working state;

[0045] When the photodiode is turned off, the first terminal of the second switching transistor outputs a fourth-level signal; when the fourth-level signal is input to the first terminal of the second electronic control switch, the fourth terminal of the second electronic control switch outputs the seventh power supply, so that the switching device is in the second working state;

[0046] The first working state is conduction or forward bias, and the second working state is disconnection or reverse bias; or, the first working state is disconnection or reverse bias, and the second working state is conduction or forward bias.

[0047] The above feeding network improves a phase shifter control circuit, which can realize optical control of the phase shifter.

[0048] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an antenna device, including an antenna and the feeding network and antenna array described in the first aspect or any implementation of the first aspect.

[0049] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an active antenna unit, including a radio frequency channel, an antenna array, and the feeding network described in the first aspect or any implementation of the first aspect.

[0050] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, which is characterized by including the antenna device as described in the third aspect or any implementation of the third aspect, or the active antenna unit as described in the fourth aspect or any implementation of the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure of a feeding network using a standard microstrip provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure of a feeding network using an inverted microstrip provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 3 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure of a feeding network including a phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic structural view of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 5A FIG. is a schematic circuit diagram of an AAU provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 5B FIG. is a schematic circuit diagram of another AAU provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figures 6A - 6P FIG. is a schematic circuit diagram of some phase shifters provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic circuit diagram of a phase shifter module provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figures 8A - 8C FIG. is a schematic circuit diagram of a variety of phase shifter control circuits provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 9A FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure of a feeding network provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 9B FIG. is a bottom view of a structure of a dielectric substrate provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 9C FIG. is a bottom view of a structure of a metal negative provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 9D FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure of another feeding network shown;

[0064] Figure 9E FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure of another feeding network shown;

[0065] Figure 10A Cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure of the phase shifter module provided for the application embodiment;

[0066] Figure 10B Cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure of the phase shifter module provided for the application embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0067] The feeding network can use an inverted microstrip structure to reduce the insertion loss of the feeding network between the RF channel and the antenna. As Figure 2 shown is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a feeding network using an inverted microstrip. Since in the inverted microstrip, there is air between the metal film and the metal negative, when the RF signal is transmitted between the metal film and the metal negative, the loss generated when passing through the air is lower than that of the standard microstrip passing through the dielectric substrate in the above Figure 1 . Therefore, the insertion loss can be reduced in the feeding network adopting the inverted microstrip structure.

[0068] However, in the prior art, the feeding networks containing phase shifters all adopt standard microstrip lines. As Figure 3 shown in the cross-sectional view of the feeding network, the metal film in the feeding network, the capacitors, inductors, and switching tubes in the phase shifter, etc. are all arranged on the surface of the dielectric substrate facing away from the metal negative. The switching tube in the phase shifter needs to be regulated, so it needs to be electrically connected to the control module or the baseband unit through a control line, so that the baseband unit can control the phase state of the phase shifter and realize the regulation of the beam direction. Since the control line also needs to be arranged on the surface of the dielectric substrate facing away from the metal negative and on the same side of the dielectric substrate as the metal film. And some capacitors or inductors in the phase shifter need to be connected to the metal negative through metal vias to ground. The metal vias need to pass through the dielectric substrate. Therefore, the feeding network containing a phase shifter can only adopt standard microstrip lines.

[0069] It should be understood that the baseband unit sends the beam direction (also called beam pointing) to the control module, and the control module determines the phase state of each phase shifter based on the received beam direction, and then drives the phase state of each phase shifter through the control line. Or, the baseband unit determines the phase state of each phase shifter based on the required beam direction, and then controls the phase state of each phase shifter through the control line.

[0070] Among them, the above metal film is used to electrically connect the RF channel, the phase shifter, and the antenna. The switching tube can be a PIN (positive intrinsic negative) type diode (also simply referred to as a PIN tube), which is used to adjust the phase state of the phase shifter. The control line is electrically connected to the switching tube and is used to drive the on and off of the switching tube.

[0071] Among them, the phase state of the phase shifter refers to the amount of change in the phase of the radio frequency signal before and after passing through the phase shifter, and the phase of the radio frequency signal is adjusted by controlling the bias of the diode in the phase shifter or the capacitance of the varactor diode.

[0072] In order to reduce the insertion loss of the feeding network including the phase shifter, the feeding network provided by the embodiment of the present application controls the phase state of the phase shifter by light. The circuit board where the phase shifter is located does not need to be electrically connected to the circuit board including the control module and the baseband unit through a control line, so that the feeding network including the phase shifter can adopt an inverted microstrip structure to reduce the insertion loss between the radio frequency channel and the antenna. In order to implement the optical control phase shifter, the embodiment of the present application provides the following four solutions, which are respectively:

[0073] Solution 1: Replace the PIN diode in the phase shifter with a photosensitive PIN diode, and control the conduction and disconnection of the photosensitive PIN diode by light, and further control the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0074] Solution 2: Replace the varactor diode in the phase shifter with a photosensitive varactor diode, and control the capacitance of the photosensitive varactor diode by light, and further control the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0075] Solution 3: Replace the varactor diode in the phase shifter with a series connection of a varactor diode and a photodiode, and control the output current magnitude of the photodiode by light to control the capacitance of the varactor diode, and further control the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0076] Solution 4: The phase shifter including the PIN diode remains unchanged, and an optical control phase shifter control circuit is added. The phase shifter control circuit includes a photosensitive device, such as a photodiode. The phase shifter control circuit is used to drive the conduction and disconnection of the PIN diode based on whether the photodiode receives light.

[0077] It can be seen that the above-mentioned phase shifters do not require control lines and can control the phase state of the phase shifter by light.

[0078] In the feeding network with an inverted microstrip structure, by arranging the above-mentioned phase shifter, phase shifter control circuit and metal film on the surface of the dielectric substrate relative to the metal bottom plate, the metal film and the metal bottom plate are separated by air, and the radio frequency signal is transmitted in the air to reduce the insertion loss of the feeding network between the radio frequency channel and the antenna.

[0079] The following introduces the communication device, AAU, feeding network, phase shifter, phase shifter module, etc. involved in the embodiment of the present application respectively.

[0080] As Figure 4 shown, it is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device can be a base station.

[0081] Exemplarily, taking the communication device as a base station as an example, the base station can be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The term "system" can be interchangeable with "network". The CDMA system can implement wireless technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), CDMA2000, etc. UTRA can include Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) technology and other CDMA variant technologies. CDMA2000 can cover Interim Standard (IS) 2000 (IS-2000), IS-95, and IS-856 standards. The TDMA system can implement wireless technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), etc. The OFDMA system can implement wireless technologies such as Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash OFDMA, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are UMTS and its evolved versions. 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) and various versions evolved based on LTE are new versions of UMTS using E-UTRA. The 5G communication system, New Radio (NR) is the next-generation communication system under research. In addition, the communication system can also be applicable to future-oriented communication technologies and can all adapt to the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0082] Therefore, the base station provided by this application may include: devices that provide base station functions in 2G networks, 3G networks, 4G networks, 5G networks, and wireless local area networks. Among them, the devices that provide base station functions in 2G networks include base transceiver stations (BTS) and base station controllers (BSC). The devices that provide base station functions in 3G networks include Node B and radio network controllers (RNC). The devices that provide base station functions in 4G networks include Evolved Node B (eNB). The device that provides base station functions in wireless local area networks (WLAN) is an access point (AP). The devices that provide base station functions in 5G communication systems include eNB, new radio Node B (gNB), centralized unit (CU), distributed unit, and new radio controllers, etc. Typically, the base station to which the phase shifter provided by this application is applied may be a high-power macro station in a 5G communication system, for example, a millimeter-wave macro station and a Sub6G macro station, etc.

[0083] The communication device may include: an active antenna unit (AAU) 10 and a baseband unit (BBU) 20. Among them, the AAU 10 and the BBU 20 may be connected by optical fibers. The BBU 20 is used to send digital signals to the AAU 10 through optical fibers. The AAU 10 is used to convert the digital signal from the BBU 20 into an analog signal, perform processing such as amplification and filtering on the analog signal, and then transmit the processed analog signal through the antenna.

[0084] The AAU 10 is also used to receive signals through the antenna, perform processing such as filtering and amplification on them, and then convert the processed analog into a digital signal and send it to the BBU 20. The BBU 20 is also used to process the received digital signal.

[0085] Such as Figure 5AThe figure shows a schematic circuit diagram of an AAU 10. Among them, the AAU 10 includes, but is not limited to, a low-specification baseband (BBL) 11, a digital intermediate frequency processing unit (DIF) 12, N radio frequency channels 13, N power feeding networks 14, an optical control module 15, and an antenna array. Among them, the antenna array includes at least one antenna unit 16, and N is a positive integer not less than 1. The BBL 11 and the DIF 12 are communicatively connected. The DIF 12 is electrically connected to the N radio frequency channels 13. Each radio frequency channel 13 is electrically connected to a power feeding network 14. Each power feeding network 14 is electrically connected to one or more antenna units 16. The BBL 11 can also be communicatively connected to the optical control module 15.

[0086] not limited to the above Figure 5A For the AAU 10 shown, the AAU 10 can include more or fewer components.

[0087] In some embodiments, the BBU can include two parts: a high-layer baseband processing (BBH) and a low-layer baseband processing (BBL). The BBH and the BBL respectively implement different functions of baseband processing. The above Figure 4 The BBU 20 therein can be the BBH. The BBL can be disposed in the AAU 10. It should be understood that the AAU 10 may also not include the BBL 11.

[0088] In some other embodiments, the AAU 10 may not include the BBL 11, and the DIF 12 can be communicatively connected to the BBU 20 in the above Figure 4

[0089] The DIF 12 is used to perform digital intermediate frequency processing, including but not limited to upsampling and clipping processing, etc.

[0090] Each radio frequency channel 13 can include some or all of the components such as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 131, a driver amplifier (DRV) 132, at least one power amplifier (PA) 133, a circulator 134, a filter 135, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 136, at least one low-noise power amplifier (LNA) 137, and a switch unit 138, etc.

[0091] ​In one embodiment, each feeding network 14 includes, but is not limited to, at least one phase shifter 141 or includes a phase shifter 141 and a phase shifter control circuit. The output end of the radio frequency channel 13 can be electrically connected to the input ends of one or more phase shifters 141 through a microstrip line, and the output end of the phase shifter can be electrically connected to one or more antenna units 16 through a microstrip line. The phase shifter 141 is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal passing through the phase shifter 141. By adjusting the phases of multiple phase shifters 141, the beam direction of the antenna array can be adjusted. Among them, the phases of the respective phase shifters 141 can be determined based on the beam direction to be adjusted and the positions of the antenna units 16 connected to the phase shifters 141.

[0092] When the feeding network 14 includes a phase shifter control circuit, the phase shifter control circuit is used to control the bias state of the diode or the capacitance of the varactor diode in the phase shifter according to the state of the photodiode it includes, and further adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal passing through the phase shifter.

[0093] In some embodiments, the optical control module 15 can be communicatively connected to the BBL 11 or communicatively connected to the BBU 20, and is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter 141.

[0094] To clearly show the structure of the optical control module 15 and the corresponding relationship between the light source in the optical control module 15 and the phase shifter, as Figure 5B shown is a circuit schematic diagram of an AAU 10 described by taking one radio frequency channel as an example.

[0095] The optical control module 15 includes a controller 151, a driving circuit 152, and one or more light sources 153. The controller 151 is electrically connected to the BBL 11 or the BBU 20 to achieve communication between the two. The controller 151 is connected to the driving circuit 152 and is used to send a control signal to the driving circuit 152. The driving circuit 152 is used to drive the turning on or off of the light source 153 and / or the light intensity of the emitted light based on the control signal.

[0096] For the above solutions 1 and 4, the BBL 11 or the BBU 20 is used to send a first piece of information to the optical control module 15, and the optical control module 15 controls the turning on or off of at least one light source 153 electrically connected thereto through the driving circuit 152 based on the first piece of information. At this time, the first piece of information can be used to indicate the state of at least one light source 153. The state of the light source 153 includes on and off. Alternatively, the first piece of information is used to indicate the direction of the beam, and the controller 151 is further used to determine the state of each light source 153 based on the received beam direction.

[0097] For the above-mentioned Solution 2 and Solution 3, the BBL 11 or the BBU 20 is used to send a second piece of information to the optical control module 15, and based on this second piece of information, the optical control module 15 controls the light intensity of at least one light source electrically connected thereto through the driving circuit 152. At this time, the second piece of information can be used to indicate the light intensity of at least one light source 153. Alternatively, the second piece of information is used to indicate the direction of the beam, and the controller 151 is further used to determine the light intensity of each light source 153 based on the received beam direction.

[0098] Among them, the light source 153 is used to provide a light source for the photosensitive device (such as a photosensitive PIN diode, a photosensitive varactor diode, or a photodiode, etc.) in the phase shifter 141. Or provide a light source for the photosensitive device (such as a photodiode, etc.) in the phase shifter control circuit.

[0099] The light source 153 can be an LED, a laser, etc., and the operating frequency band of the light source 153 can be visible light, near-infrared, or far-infrared.

[0100] As follows in combination with Figures 6A - 6P introduce the above-mentioned phase shifter 141.

[0101] The phase shifter 141 can include one or a combination of a switch-type phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a load-line phase shifter, a vector synthesis type phase shifter, and a high-low pass type phase shifter, etc. Hereinafter, an example of including one phase shifter will be used for illustration. It should be understood that the phase shifter is not limited to the above-listed ones, and the phase shifter 141 can also be other types of phase shifters.

[0102] In combination with Figures 6A - 6E Specifically introduce the circuit schematic diagram of the phase shifter 141 provided in the embodiment of the present application that does not include a photosensitive device.

[0103] As Figure 6A shown, it is the circuit schematic diagram of the switch-type phase shifter 141.

[0104] The phase shifter 141 includes a first branch and a second branch. Both the first branch and the second branch include two PIN diodes. The input terminal IN of the phase shifter 141 is electrically connected to the RF channel 13 through a connecting wire, and the positive electrode of this PIN diode is electrically connected to the positive electrode of another PIN diode. The output terminal OUT of the phase shifter 141 is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 through a connecting wire. The two PIN diodes in the first branch are turned on or off simultaneously, and the two PIN diodes in the second branch are turned on or off simultaneously. The PIN diodes in the first branch and the second branch are not turned on simultaneously, and the RF signal passes through the first branch or the second branch. Since the length of the connecting wire between the two PIN diodes in the first branch is longer than the length of the connecting wire between the two PIN diodes in the second branch by Δl. Wherein, Δl can be 5 millimeters (mm), 10 mm or 15 mm, etc. Therefore, there is a difference in the phase of the RF signal passing through the first branch and the phase of the RF signal passing through the second branch, and thus the phase shifter 141 realizes the regulation of the phase of the RF signal.

[0105] As shown in combination with Figure 6B FIG. 5, the phase shifter 141 is a circuit schematic diagram of a hybrid phase shifter.

[0106] The hybrid phase shifter includes, but is not limited to, a 3dB bridge and two PIN diodes. The 3dB bridge includes an input terminal IN1 (i.e., the input terminal of the phase shifter 141), an output terminal OUT1 (i.e., the output terminal of the phase shifter 141), a coupling terminal a and an isolation terminal b. The input terminal IN1 of the 3dB bridge is electrically connected to the RF channel 13 through a connecting wire. The output terminal OUT1 of the 3dB bridge is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 through a connecting wire. The coupling terminal a of the 3dB bridge is electrically connected to the negative electrode of a PIN diode, and the positive electrode of this PIN diode is grounded. The isolation terminal b of the 3dB bridge is electrically connected to the negative electrode of another PIN diode, and the positive electrode of this PIN diode is grounded.

[0107] It should be understood that the above 3dB bridge can also be replaced with a 5dB, 20dB bridge, etc.

[0108] As shown in combination with Figure 6C FIG. 6, the phase shifter 141 is a circuit schematic diagram of a load line phase shifter.

[0109] The load line phase shifter includes a main path and three branches. The main path may include a resistor. One end of the main path (i.e., the input terminal IN of the phase shifter 141) is electrically connected to the RF channel 13 through a connecting wire, and the other end of the main path (i.e., the output terminal OUT of the phase shifter 141) is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 through a connecting wire. Each branch includes, but is not limited to, one or more PIN diodes, etc. Among them, the positive electrode of the PIN diode is grounded or floating, and the negative electrode is electrically connected to the main path.

[0110] The above Figure 6C Taking three branches as an example for illustration, it should be understood that the load phase shifter may include more or fewer branches.

[0111] Combined with Figure 6D As shown, the phase shifter 141 is a circuit schematic diagram of a vector synthesis type phase shifter.

[0112] The vector synthesis type phase shifter includes a 90° coupler, a grounding resistor Ra, a branch resistor Rb, and PIN diodes. The 90° coupler includes an input terminal IN, a grounding terminal, a 0° terminal, and a 90° terminal. The input terminal IN of the 90° coupler is electrically connected to the RF channel 13 through a connection line, and the RF signal is input through the input terminal IN of the coupler. The grounding terminal is grounded to GND through the grounding resistor Ra. The 0° terminal is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 through a connection line. The 90° terminal is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the PIN diode, and the positive electrode of the PIN diode is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 through a connection line. A branch resistor Rb is also electrically connected between the 0° terminal and the positive electrode of the PIN diode. When the PIN diode is turned on, the phase difference between the RF signal output through the 0° terminal and the RF signal output through the 90° terminal is π / 2. That is, the vector synthesis type phase shifter (i.e., the phase shifter 141) realizes the phase regulation of the RF signal.

[0113] It should be understood that the above 90° coupler can also be replaced with a 45° coupler, a 180° coupler, etc.

[0114] Combined with Figure 6E As shown, the phase shifter 141 is a circuit schematic diagram of a high-low pass type phase shifter.

[0115] The high-low pass type phase shifter includes two branches. Among them, one branch includes two PIN diodes connected in reverse, and two inductors are connected in series between these two PIN diodes. The common terminal of the two inductors is electrically connected to one end of a capacitor, and the other end of the capacitor is grounded. The other branch includes two PIN diodes connected in reverse, and two capacitors are connected in series between these two PIN diodes. The common terminal of the two capacitors is electrically connected to one end of an inductor, and the other end of the inductor is grounded.

[0116] It should be noted that when the PIN diode is forward-biased, the PIN diode is turned on. On the contrary, when the PIN diode is reverse-biased or the positive electrode is grounded, the PIN diode is turned off. Therefore, in some embodiments, the turning on of the PIN diode can also be replaced with the forward biasing of the PIN diode (also simply referred to as positive bias), and the turning off of the PIN diode can also be replaced with the reverse biasing of the PIN diode (also simply referred to as reverse bias).

[0117] It should also be noted that the output terminal of the phase shifter 141 is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 through a connection line, and it can be electrically connected to one antenna unit 16 or multiple antenna units 16. When electrically connected to multiple antenna units 16, it can also be connected to multiple antenna units 16 through a power distribution network.

[0118] In other embodiments, the above Figure 6B 、Figure 6C and Figure 6E The PIN diodes in the phase shifter shown in Figure 6E can also be replaced by varactor diodes. It should be understood that when the PIN diodes in the phase shifter are replaced by varactor diodes, the phase of the radio frequency signal passing through the phase shifter is controlled by controlling the capacitance of these varactor diodes.

[0119] Figures 6F - 6J Exemplarily shown is a phase shifter obtained by replacing the PIN diodes in the phase shifter shown in Figures 6F - 6J with photosensitive PIN diodes. The connection relationship of the circuit of the above-mentioned Figures 6A - 6E phase shifter is the same as that of the above-mentioned Figures 6F - 6J , and the connection relationship of the photosensitive PIN diodes is the same as that of the above-mentioned PIN diodes. For specific details, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned Figures 6A - 6E , which will not be elaborated here. At this time, the optical control module 15 controls the on and off of the photosensitive PIN diodes by controlling the switch of the light source corresponding to the photosensitive PIN diodes in the phase shifter, and further controls the phase state of the phase shifter. Figures 6A - 6E

[0120] Figures 6K - 6M Figure 6B Exemplarily shown is a phase shifter obtained by replacing the PIN diodes in the phase shifter shown in Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6E with photosensitive varactor diodes. The connection relationship of the circuit of the above-mentioned Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6E phase shifter is the same as that of the above-mentioned Figures 6K - 6M , Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6E , and the connection relationship of the photosensitive varactor diodes is the same as that of the above-mentioned PIN diodes. For specific details, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6E , which will not be elaborated here. At this time, the optical control module 15 controls the capacitance of the photosensitive varactor diodes by controlling the light intensity of the light source corresponding to the photosensitive varactor diodes in the phase shifter, and further controls the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0121] Figures 6N - 6P Exemplarily shown is a phase shifter obtained by replacing the PIN diodes in the phase shifter shown in Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6E with a series connection of a varactor diode and a photodiode. The connection relationship of the circuit of the above-mentioned Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6E phase shifter is the same as that of the above-mentioned Figures 6N - 6P , Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6E , and the connection relationship of the series-connected varactor diode and photodiode is the same as that of the above-mentioned PIN diodes. For specific details, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6EThe relevant descriptions are not elaborated here. At this time, the optical control module 15 controls the light intensity of the light source corresponding to the photodiode in the phase shifter, controls the capacitance of the photosensitive varactor diode connected in series with the photodiode, and further controls the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0122] It should be understood that when the phase shifter 141 is Figures 6A - 6E the phase shifter shown, the feeding network 14 further includes a phase shifter control circuit 142.

[0123] Next, taking Figure 6A the phase shifter shown as an example, combined with Figure 7 describe the circuit schematic diagram of the phase shifter module provided by the embodiments of the present application. The phase shifter module may include any one of the phase shifters shown as Figures 6A - 6E and the phase shifter control circuit 142.

[0124] The phase shifter module may include one phase shifter 141 and multiple phase shifter control circuits 142. In some embodiments, one phase shifter control circuit 142 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of a PIN diode and is used to drive the conduction or disconnection of one PIN diode in the phase shifter. In other embodiments, one phase shifter control circuit 142 is electrically connected to multiple PIN diodes that are turned on and off simultaneously during operation and is used to drive the conduction or disconnection of the multiple PIN diodes. It should be understood that when the PIN diode is forward-biased, the PIN diode conducts; conversely, when no bias is applied to the PIN diode, such as grounding or applying a reverse bias, the PIN diode disconnects. The PIN diode is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter 141. Different states of the PIN diode result in different phase states of the phase shifter 141.

[0125] Exemplarily, in Figure 7 the phase shifter 141 shown, the two PIN diodes included in the first branch are the first PIN diode D1 and the second PIN diode D2; the two PIN diodes included in the second branch are the third PIN diode D3 and the fourth PIN diode D4.

[0126] Among them, the phase shifter control circuit 142 includes but is not limited to one or more photodiodes. The photodiode conducts when receiving light and disconnects when not receiving light. The phase shifter control circuit 142 controls the conduction and turn-off of the PIN diode electrically connected thereto based on the conduction and disconnection of the photodiode. Exemplarily, when the photodiode in the phase shifter control circuit 142 receives light, the PIN diode electrically connected thereto conducts. Conversely, when the photodiode in the phase shifter control circuit 142 does not receive light, the PIN diode electrically connected thereto disconnects.

[0127] Next, combined with Figures 8A - 8C introduce the circuit schematic diagrams of various phase shifter control circuits 142 provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0128] Such asFigure 8A The following is a schematic circuit diagram of a phase shifter control circuit 142 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0129] Taking the phase shifter control circuit 142 electrically connected to the above Figure 7 as an example of the first PIN diode D1 for illustration. The phase shifter control circuit 142 includes, but is not limited to, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, a fifth resistor R5, a first photodiode PD1, a first switching transistor Q1, and a first inductor L1.

[0130] The control terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 is grounded through the first resistor R1; the control terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 is also electrically connected to the positive electrode of the first photodiode PD1, and the negative electrode of the first photodiode PD1 is electrically connected to the first power supply Vcc1 through the second resistor R2; the first terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 is electrically connected to the first power supply Vcc1 through the third resistor R3; the second terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 is grounded through the fourth resistor R4; the second terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 is electrically connected to one end of the first inductor L1 through the fifth resistor R5, and the other end of the first inductor L1 is used to be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the first PIN diode D1.

[0131] In the phase shifter control circuit 142 shown above Figure 8A the fifth resistor R5 is not necessary, and the second terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 can be directly electrically connected to the positive electrode of the first PIN diode D1 in the phase shifter 141 through the first inductor L1.

[0132] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the first photodiode PD1 to turn on through the drive circuit 152, the first photodiode PD1 receives light and conducts, the first switching transistor Q1 conducts, that is, the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 conduct, the second terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 outputs a high-level signal, and the first PIN diode D1 conducts. On the contrary, when the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the first photodiode PD1 to turn off through the drive circuit 152, the first photodiode PD1 does not receive light and disconnects, the first switching transistor Q1 disconnects, the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 disconnect, the second terminal of the first switching transistor Q1 outputs a low-level signal, and the first PIN diode D1 disconnects.

[0133] The above takes the first switching transistor Q1 as an NPN-type switching transistor as an example. It should be understood that in other embodiments, it can also be a PNP-type switching transistor.

[0134] Such as Figure 8B The following is a schematic circuit diagram of another phase shifter control circuit 142 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0135] Taking the phase shifter control circuit 142 electrically connected to the above Figure 7Taking the first PIN diode D1 in [the relevant context] as an example for illustration. The phase shifter control circuit 142 includes but is not limited to a sixth resistor R6, a second photodiode PD2, a seventh resistor R7, an eighth resistor R8, a first operational amplifier OP1, a ninth resistor R9, a first electronic control switch S1, and a second inductor L2. The first operational amplifier OP1 includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The first electronic control switch S1 includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal.

[0136] The negative electrode of the second photodiode PD2 is electrically connected to the second power supply Vcc2 through the sixth resistor R6; the positive electrode of the second photodiode PD2 is grounded to GND; the seventh resistor R7 and the eighth resistor R8 are connected in series between the second power supply Vcc2 and the ground GND; the first input terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 is electrically connected to the common terminal of the negative electrode of the second photodiode PD2 and the sixth resistor R6; the second input terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 is electrically connected to the common terminal of the eighth resistor R8 and the seventh resistor R7; the output terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 is electrically connected to the second power supply Vcc2 through the ninth resistor R9, and is also electrically connected to the first terminal of the first electronic control switch S1; the second terminal of the first electronic control switch S1 is electrically connected to the third power supply Vcc3; the third terminal of the first electronic control switch S1 is electrically connected to the fourth power supply Vcc4; the fourth terminal of the first electronic control switch S1 is electrically connected to one end of the second inductor L2; the other end of the second inductor L2 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the first PIN diode D1.

[0137] The first electronic control switch S1 is used to select, based on the signal input to its first terminal, the electrical signal input to the fourth terminal from the electrical signals electrically connected to the third terminal and the fourth terminal, that is, to select whether it is the third power supply Vcc3 electrically connected to the second terminal or the fourth power supply Vcc4 electrically connected to the third terminal.

[0138] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the second photodiode PD2 to turn on through the driving circuit 152, the second photodiode PD2 conducts. When the second photodiode PD2 conducts, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 outputs a first level signal; when a first level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronic control switch S1, the fourth terminal of the first electronic control switch S1 outputs the third power supply Vcc3, so that the first PIN diode D1 is in the first working state.

[0139] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the second photodiode PD2 to turn off through the driving circuit 152, the second photodiode PD2 disconnects. When the second photodiode PD2 disconnects, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 outputs a second level signal; when a second level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronic control switch S1, the fourth terminal of the first electronic control switch S1 outputs the fourth power supply Vcc4, so that the first PIN diode D1 is in the second working state.

[0140] Exemplarily, the first level signal is a high level, the third power supply Vcc3 is a positive voltage, such as 1V, the first operating state is conduction or forward bias, the second level signal is a low level, such as grounded GND, the fourth power supply Vcc4 is a negative voltage, such as -3V, and the second operating state is disconnection or reverse bias.

[0141] Another exemplarily, the first level signal is a ground level, such as grounded GND, the first operating state is disconnection or reverse bias, the second level signal is a high level, and the second operating state is conduction or forward bias.

[0142] As Figure 8C Shown is a circuit schematic diagram of another phase shifter control circuit 142 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0143] Taking the phase shifter control circuit 142 electrically connected to the first PIN diode D1 in the above Figure 7 as an example for illustration. The phase shifter control circuit 142 includes but is not limited to a fifth power supply Vcc5, a tenth resistor R10, a third photodiode PD3, an eleventh resistor R11, a second switching transistor Q2, a second electronic control switch S2, and a third inductor L3. Among them, the second electronic control switch S2 includes a first end, a second end, a third end, and a fourth end.

[0144] The negative electrode of the third photodiode PD3 is electrically connected to the fifth power supply Vcc5 through the tenth resistor R10; the positive electrode of the third photodiode PD3 is grounded to GND.

[0145] The control terminal of the second switching transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the common terminal of the tenth resistor R10 and the third photodiode PD3. The first end of the second switching transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the fifth power supply through the eleventh resistor R11; the second end of the second switching transistor Q2 is grounded. The first end of the second electronic control switch S2 is electrically connected to the first end of the second switching transistor Q2. The second end of the second electronic control switch S2 is electrically connected to the sixth power supply Vcc6; the third end of the second electronic control switch S2 is electrically connected to the seventh power supply Vcc7; the fourth end of the second electronic control switch S2 is electrically connected to one end of the third inductor L3. The other end of the third inductor L3 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the first PIN diode D1.

[0146] The second electronic control switch S2 is configured to select, based on the signal input at its first end, the electrical signal input to the fourth end from the electrical signals electrically connected to the third end and the fourth end, that is, to select whether it is the sixth power supply Vcc6 electrically connected to the second end or the seventh power supply Vcc7 electrically connected to the third end.

[0147] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the third photodiode PD3 to turn on through the driving circuit 152, when the third photodiode PD3 is turned on, the first end of the second switching transistor Q2 outputs a third-level signal; when the third-level signal is input to the first end of the second electronic control switch S2, the fourth end of the second electronic control switch S2 outputs the sixth power supply Vcc6, so that the first PIN diode D1 is in the first working state.

[0148] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the third photodiode PD3 to turn off through the driving circuit 152, when the third photodiode PD3 is turned off, the first end of the second switching transistor Q2 outputs a fourth-level signal; when the fourth-level signal is input to the first end of the second electronic control switch S2, the fourth end of the second electronic control switch S2 outputs the seventh power supply Vcc7, so that the first PIN diode D1 is in the second working state.

[0149] Exemplarily, the third-level signal is a high level, the sixth power supply Vcc6 is a positive voltage, such as 1V, the first working state is conduction or forward bias, the fourth-level signal is a low level, such as grounded GND, the seventh power supply Vcc7 is a negative voltage, such as -3V, and the second working state is disconnection or reverse bias.

[0150] Another example is that the third-level signal is a ground level, such as grounded GND, the sixth power supply Vcc6 is a negative voltage, such as -3V, the first working state is disconnection or reverse bias, the fourth-level signal is a high level, the seventh power supply Vcc7 is a positive voltage, such as 1V, and the second working state is conduction or forward bias.

[0151] The above examples all take the second switching transistor Q2 as an NPN-type switching transistor. It should be understood that in other embodiments, it can also be a PNP-type switching transistor.

[0152] The above first power supply Vcc1, second power supply Vcc2, and fifth power supply Vcc5 can be 3V or 5V.

[0153] Next, in combination with Figures 9A - 9E introduce the structure of a feeding network 14 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0154] As Figure 9A shown is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a feeding network 14. Among them, the feeding network 14 may include a dielectric substrate 143, a metal film 144, a metal negative film 145, and a phase shifter module 146. The phase shifter module 146 includes at least one photosensitive device 1461.

[0155] For the above solutions 1-3, the phase shifter module 146 includes Figures 6F - 6P the phase shifter 141 shown. The phase shifter 141 is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal, and the photosensitive device 1461 is the above Figures 6F - 6PThe phase shifter 141 shown includes a photosensitive device; the photosensitive device is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter based on the received light. The photosensitive device is the above-mentioned Figures 6F - 6J PIN photodiode in any of the phase shifters 141 shown, or is Figures 6K - 6M photosensitive varactor diode in any of the phase shifters 141, or is Figures 6N - 6P photodiode in any of the phase shifters 141. For details, please refer to the above description.

[0156] In the above solution 4, the phase shifter module includes a phase shifter 141 and a phase shifter control circuit 142. The phase shifter 141 can be the above-mentioned Figures 6A - 6E phase shifter shown, and the phase shifter control circuit 142 can be the above-mentioned Figures 8A - 8C phase shifter control circuit shown. The phase shifter 141 is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal; the phase shifter 141 includes at least one switching device. The photosensitive device 1461 is the photodiode in any of the above-mentioned Figures 8A - 8C phase shifter control circuits 142. The phase shifter control circuit 142 is used to drive the conduction or cutoff of the switching device according to the state of the photodiode, and the switching device is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter 141.

[0157] The dielectric substrate 143 includes a first surface, and a metal film 144 and a phase shifter module 146 are disposed on the first surface.

[0158] The metal film 144 is used to electrically connect the output end of the radio frequency channel 13 and the input end of the phase shifter 141 and to electrically connect the output end of the phase shifter 141 and the antenna unit 16.

[0159] As Figure 9B shown, a bottom view of the dielectric substrate 143 is schematically illustrated. Among them, the metal film 144 is part or all of the above-mentioned connecting wires. A section of the metal film 144 electrically connects the input end of the radio frequency signal of the phase shifter module 146 (i.e., the input end of the phase shifter 141). After passing through the phase shifter 141, the output end of the radio frequency signal of the phase shifter module 146 (i.e., the output end of the phase shifter 141) is electrically connected to another section of the metal film 144. The photosensitive part 91 of the photosensitive device in the phase shifter module 146 is exposed outside the phase shifter module 146 for receiving the optical signal of the light source.

[0160] The metal backsheet 145 is disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the first surface. The metal backsheet 145 is used for grounding. The metal backsheet 145 includes at least one through hole 92 provided corresponding to each photosensitive device in the phase shifter module 146. The through hole 92 is used to expose the photosensitive part 91 of the corresponding photosensitive device 1461. Among them, one photosensitive device can correspond to one through hole 92, or multiple photosensitive devices that are turned on and off simultaneously correspond to one through hole 92.

[0161] As shown Figure 9C in the figure, taking one photosensitive device corresponding to one through hole 92 as an example, the bottom view of the metal negative 145 is schematically illustrated. The part of the metal negative 145 aligned with the photosensitive device is perforated to form the through hole 92, which is used to expose the aligned photosensitive device to transmit the optical signal of the light source 153.

[0162] The photosensitive device is a PIN photodiode, a photosensitive varactor diode, or a series connection of photodiodes.

[0163] The photosensitive device is a PIN photodiode, a photosensitive varactor diode, or a series connection of a varactor diode and a photodiode.

[0164] As Figure 9D shown in the sectional schematic view of another feeding network 14.

[0165] The feeding network further includes a circuit board 147 and an optical control module 15. Among them, the circuit board 147 can be disposed opposite and spaced apart from the surface of the metal negative 145 facing away from the dielectric substrate 143. The optical control module 15 can be disposed on the circuit board 147. Specifically, the controller 151 and the driving circuit 152 in the optical control module 15 can be disposed on the surface of the circuit board 147 facing the metal negative 145 or the surface facing away from the metal negative 145, and each light source 153 is fixed at a position of the circuit board corresponding to the corresponding through hole 92.

[0166] The circuit board 147 is used for the electrical connection between the controller 151 and the driving circuit 152 and the electrical connection between the driving circuit 152 and at least one light source 153. Specifically, a printed circuit can be provided on the surface or inside of the circuit board 147 to realize the electrical connection between the controller 151, the driving circuit 152, and the light source 153.

[0167] In some embodiments, one photosensitive device corresponds to one through hole 92, and one through hole 92 corresponds to one light source 153.

[0168] In some other embodiments, multiple photosensitive devices that are turned on and off simultaneously correspond to one through hole 92, and one through hole 92 corresponds to one light source 153.

[0169] In still some other embodiments, one photosensitive device corresponds to one through hole 92, and the through holes 92 corresponding to multiple photosensitive devices that are turned on and off simultaneously correspond to one light source 153.

[0170] As Figure 9E shown in the sectional schematic view of another feeding network 14.

[0171] For the phase shifter module 146 that needs to be grounded, in addition to the above Figure 9DIn addition to the components shown, the feeding network 14 may further include a metal post 93. One end of the metal post 93 is electrically connected to the grounding end of the phase shifter 141; the other end of the metal post 93 is electrically connected to the metal negative film 145.

[0172] The embodiment of the present application further provides an AAU 10, which may include the above-mentioned Figure 9A 、 Figure 9D or Figure 9E shown feeding network 14.

[0173] Optionally, the circuit board 147 in the above-mentioned Figure 9D and Figure 9E shown feeding network 14 may further include one or more of DIF 12, radio frequency channels 13, BBL 11, etc. For DIF 12, radio frequency channels 13, and BBL 11, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned Figure 5A and Figure 5B , which will not be elaborated here. The circuit board 147 at this time may also be referred to as a radio frequency board.

[0174] The structure of the phase shifter module 146 involved in the embodiment of the present application is introduced as follows.

[0175] As Figure 10A shown, the phase shifter module 146 may include, but is not limited to, a phase shifter 141, a substrate 1462, and a package shell 1463. In some embodiments, the phase shifter module 146 may further include a phase shifter control circuit 142.

[0176] The phase shifter 141 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 1462. The package shell 1463 is used to package the phase shifter 141, and the package shell 1463 is also used to isolate different photosensitive devices in the phase shifter module 146 to prevent the photosensitive devices from receiving optical signals emitted by light sources 153 that do not correspond to them. The material of the package shell 1463 may be an opaque insulating material.

[0177] The phase shifter module 146 may be soldered on the first surface of the dielectric substrate 143. Specifically, the substrate 1462 may include metal vias, etc., to re-route the input and output ends of the phase shifter 141 to the surface of the substrate 1462 facing away from the phase shifter 141, so that the phase shifter 141 is electrically connected to the metal film 144.

[0178] As Figure 10B shown, it is another structural schematic diagram of the phase shifter module 146. When the phase shifter module 146 needs to be grounded, such as when the phase shifter 141 or the phase shifter control circuit 142 needs to be grounded, such as when capacitors, inductors, PIN diodes, varactor diodes, photosensitive PIN diodes, photosensitive varactor diodes, etc. in the phase shifter module 146 ( Figure 10B not shown in the figure) need to be grounded.

[0179] In addition to the components in the above-mentioned Figure 10A phase shifter module 146, a conductor post may also be included. One end of the conductor post 1464 is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the phase shifter 141 and / or the ground terminal of the phase shifter control circuit 142, and the other end of the conductor post 1464 is electrically connected to a part exposed outside the package shell 1463 and electrically connected to the metal negative film 145 to achieve grounding of the phase shifter module 146.

[0180] In some embodiments, the phase shifter module 146 or the phase shifter 141 may be an independent passive device and is soldered to the metal film 144.

[0181] In other embodiments, to avoid grounding of the phase shifter 141, one or a combination of two of the above-mentioned switched-line phase shifters and load phase shifters may be adopted. Among them, the load phase shifter may change the grounded part to a section of microstrip line.

[0182] In addition, an embodiment of the present application also provides an antenna device, which may include the above-mentioned Figure 9A , Figure 9D or Figure 9E shown feeding network 14, and an antenna array including one or more antenna elements 16. The connection relationship between the feeding network 14 and the antenna element 16 may refer to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned Figure 5A , Figure 5B etc., and will not be elaborated here.

[0183] It should be understood that in the present application, "electrically connected" should be understood in a broad sense, which may include direct electrical connection or indirect electrical connection. Among them, direct electrical connection can be understood as physical contact and electrical conduction between components, or can also be understood as a form of connection between different components in a circuit structure through a printed circuit board (PCB) copper foil or a wire and other physical lines that can transmit electrical signals; indirect connection can be understood as electrical connection between two components through other components / circuits, etc. "Communication connection" may refer to electrical signal transmission, including wireless communication connection and wired communication connection. Wireless communication connection does not require a physical medium and does not belong to the connection relationship that limits the product structure.

[0184] The meaning of the term "at least one" in the present application is one or more, and the meaning of the term "a plurality" in the present application is two or more.

[0185] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification, claims and the above-mentioned drawings of the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects and do not have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0186] As described above, the above are only alternative embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application can easily think of various equivalent modifications or substitutions, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A feeding network, characterized in that, include: Dielectric substrates, metal films, metal backsheets and phase shifters; The dielectric substrate comprises a first surface, and the metal film and the phase shifter are arranged on the first surface; The metal film is used to electrically connect the input end of the radio frequency channel and the phase shifter, and to electrically connect the phase shifter and the antenna unit; The phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal, and each of the phase shifters includes at least one photosensitive device; The at least one light-sensitive device is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter based on the received light; The metal bottom plate is opposite to the first surface and spaced apart from each other. The metal bottom plate is used for grounding. The metal bottom plate includes at least one through hole arranged relative to the at least one photosensitive device. The through hole is used to expose the corresponding photosensitive device.

2. The feeding network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photosensitive device is a PIN type photodiode.

3. The feeding network according to claim 2, characterized in that, The phase shifter is a switch line phase shifter, a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter or a vector synthesis phase shifter.

4. The feeding network according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The feed network further includes a first controller, a first drive circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively arranged relative to the at least one through hole so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the first controller is electrically connected to the first drive circuit, and the first controller is used to control the first drive circuit; The first driving circuit is used to drive the at least one light source to be turned on or off.

5. The feeding network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photosensitive device is a photosensitive varactor diode or a varactor diode and a photodiode connected in series.

6. The feeding network according to claim 5, characterized in that, The phase shifter is a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter or a high-low pass phase shifter.

7. The feeding network according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The feed network further includes a second controller, a second drive circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively arranged relative to the at least one through hole so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the second controller is electrically connected to the drive circuit, and the second controller is used to control the second drive circuit; The second driving circuit is used to control the light intensity of the at least one light source.

8. The feeding network according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that, The feeding network also includes a circuit board, which is arranged opposite to and spaced from the surface of the metal base plate facing away from the dielectric substrate. The at least one light source is fixed on the circuit board at a position corresponding to the through hole. The circuit board is used for the electrical connection between the controller and the driving circuit and the electrical connection between the driving circuit and the at least one light source.

9. The feeding network according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The feeding network further comprises a metal column, one end of which is electrically connected to the ground end of the phase shifter; and the other end of which is electrically connected to the metal bottom plate.

10. A feeding network, characterized in that, include: A dielectric substrate, a metal film, a metal bottom plate, a phase shifter and at least one phase shifter control circuit; The dielectric substrate comprises a first surface, and the metal film and the phase shifter are arranged on the first surface; The metal film is used to electrically connect the input end of the radio frequency channel and the phase shifter, and to electrically connect the phase shifter and the antenna unit; The phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal; The phase shifter includes at least one switching device; The phase shifter control circuit includes a photodiode, and the phase shifter control circuit is used to drive the switch device to be turned on or off according to the state of the photodiode, and the switch device is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter; The metal bottom plate is opposite to the first surface and is spaced apart from each other. The metal bottom plate is used for grounding. The metal bottom plate includes at least one through hole. The at least one through hole is respectively arranged relative to the photodiode in the at least one phase shifter control circuit. The through hole is used to expose the corresponding photodiode.

11. The feeding network according to claim 10, characterized in that, The photosensitive device is a PIN type photodiode.

12. The feeding network according to claim 11, characterized in that, The phase shifter is a switch line phase shifter, a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter or a vector synthesis phase shifter.

13. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The feed network further comprises a controller, a driving circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively arranged relative to the at least one through hole so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the controller is electrically connected to the driving circuit, and the controller is used to control the driving circuit; The driving circuit is used to drive the at least one light source to be turned on or off.

14. The feeding network according to claim 13, characterized in that, The feeding network also includes a circuit board, which is arranged opposite to and spaced from the surface of the metal base plate facing away from the dielectric substrate. The at least one light source is fixed on the circuit board at a position corresponding to the through hole. The circuit board is used for the electrical connection between the controller and the driving circuit and the electrical connection between the driving circuit and the at least one light source.

15. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10-14, characterized in that, The feeding network further comprises a metal column, one end of which is electrically connected to the ground end of the phase shifter; and the other end of which is electrically connected to the metal bottom plate.

16. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10-15, characterized in that, The phase shifter control circuit further includes: a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a fourth resistor, a fifth resistor, a first switch tube and a first inductor; The control end of the first switch tube is grounded through the first resistor; the control end of the first switch tube is also electrically connected to the positive electrode of the photodiode, and the negative electrode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the first power supply through the second resistor; the first end of the first switch tube is electrically connected to the first power supply through the third resistor; the second end of the first switch tube is grounded through the fourth resistor; the second end of the first switch tube is electrically connected to one end of the first inductor through the fifth resistor, and the other end of the first inductor is used to electrically connect the switching device.

17. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10-15, characterized in that, The phase shifter control circuit further includes: a sixth resistor, a seventh resistor, an eighth resistor, a first operational amplifier, a ninth resistor, a first electrically controlled switch and a second inductor; the first operational amplifier includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal; the first electrically controlled switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal; The negative electrode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the second power supply through the sixth resistor; the positive electrode of the photodiode is grounded; the seventh resistor and the eighth resistor are connected in series between the second power supply and the ground; the first input terminal of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the common terminal of the negative electrode of the photodiode and the sixth resistor; the second input terminal of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the common terminal of the eighth resistor and the seventh resistor; the output terminal of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the second power supply through the ninth resistor, and is also electrically connected to the first terminal of the first electronic control switch; the second terminal of the first electronic control switch is electrically connected to the third power supply; the third terminal of the first electronic control switch is electrically connected to the fourth power supply; the fourth terminal of the first electronic control switch is electrically connected to one end of the second inductor; the other end of the second inductor is electrically connected to the switching device; When the photodiode is conducting, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier outputs a first level signal; when the first level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronic control switch, the fourth terminal of the first electronic control switch outputs the third power supply, so that the switching device is in the first working state; When the photodiode is off, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier outputs a second level signal; when the second level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronic control switch, the fourth terminal of the first electronic control switch outputs the fourth power supply, so that the switching device is in the second working state; The first working state is conducting, and the second working state is off; or, the first working state is off, and the second working state is conducting.

18. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10-15, characterized in that, The phase shifter control circuit further includes: a tenth resistor, a third photodiode, an eleventh resistor, a second switching tube, a second electronic control switch, and a third inductor; wherein, the second electronic control switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal; The negative electrode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the fifth power supply through the tenth resistor; the positive electrode of the photodiode is grounded; The control terminal of the second switching tube is electrically connected to the common terminal of the tenth resistor and the photodiode, the first terminal of the second switching tube is electrically connected to the fifth power supply through the eleventh resistor; the second terminal of the second switching tube is grounded, the first terminal of the second electronic control switch is electrically connected to the first terminal of the second switching tube, the second terminal of the second electronic control switch is electrically connected to the sixth power supply; the third terminal of the second electronic control switch is electrically connected to the seventh power supply; the fourth terminal of the second electronic control switch is electrically connected to one end of the third inductor; the other end of the third inductor is electrically connected to the switching device; When the photodiode is conducting, the first terminal of the second switching tube outputs a third level signal; when the third level signal is input to the first terminal of the second electronic control switch, the fourth terminal of the second electronic control switch outputs the sixth power supply, so that the switching device is in the first working state; When the photodiode is turned off, a fourth-level signal is output at the first end of the second switching transistor; when the fourth-level signal is input at the first end of the second electronic control switch, the seventh power supply is output at the fourth end of the second electronic control switch, so that the switching device is in the second operating state; The first operating state is conduction, and the second operating state is cutoff; or, the first operating state is cutoff, and the second operating state is conduction.

19. An antenna device, characterized in that, It includes the power feeding network and the antenna array according to any one of claims 1-18.

20. An active antenna unit, characterized in that, It includes a radio frequency channel, the power feeding network and the antenna array according to any one of claims 1-18.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes the antenna device according to claim 19 or the active antenna unit according to claim 20.

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