Amplifier circuit, signal processing method and device, communication equipment and system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an amplifier circuit, a signal processing method, a signal processing device, communication equipment and a system, the circuit comprises a signal amplification module and a gain control module, and the signal amplification module comprises a first amplification unit and a second amplification unit which are connected in series; and the gain control module is connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit and is used for adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit. The gain control module is additionally arranged in the amplifier circuit, the gain control module is connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit, and the amplification gain of the second amplification unit is adjusted through the gain control module, so that the gain of the amplifier circuit is dynamically adjusted; the receivable dynamic range of the amplifier circuit for the received signal strength is improved, and the system is simple in design and low in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this specification relate to the field of wireless communication technologies, and particularly to an amplifier circuit, a signal processing method, an apparatus, a communication device, and a system. Background Art

[0002] As a key module of a radio frequency receiver, an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) needs to have a variable gain function due to the different intensities of received signals. Its high gain determines the sensitivity to the weakest received signals, and its low gain affects the reception of the strongest signals and linearity. Its gain is crucial for the sensitivity and dynamic range of the receiving system. Therefore, a variable gain low noise amplifier has become an important module in the radio frequency front-end circuit. However, the performance of current variable gain low noise amplifiers still cannot meet the requirements of radio frequency front-end circuits. Summary of the Invention

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

[0004] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this specification, an amplifier circuit is provided. The amplifier circuit includes a signal amplification module and a gain control module. The signal amplification module includes a first amplification unit and a second amplification unit connected in series.

[0005] The gain control module is connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit and is configured to adjust the amplification gain of the second amplification unit.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a signal processing method is provided, which is applied to the above amplifier circuit and includes:

[0007] Adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through a gain control module connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a signal processing apparatus is provided, which is applied to the above amplifier circuit. The apparatus includes:

[0009] An adjustment module configured to adjust the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through a gain control module connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a communication device is provided. The device includes the above amplifier circuit and a signal transceiver unit connected to the amplifier circuit.

[0011] The amplifier circuit is configured to receive the initial radio frequency signal output by the signal transceiver unit, amplify the initial radio frequency signal, and obtain a target radio frequency signal.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present specification, a communication system is provided, the system includes the above-mentioned amplifier circuit, and a transceiver device having a communication relationship with the communication device;

[0013] The communication device is configured to receive the initial radio frequency signal sent by the transceiver device.

[0014] An embodiment of the present specification realizes adding a gain control module in the amplifier circuit, connecting the gain control module between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit, and adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through the gain control module, so as to realize dynamically adjusting the gain of the amplifier circuit, improving the receivable dynamic range of the amplifier circuit for the received signal strength, and the system design is simple and the cost is low. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 Shows a circuit schematic diagram of an amplifier circuit provided according to an embodiment of the present specification;

[0016] Figure 2 Shows a flowchart of a signal processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present specification;

[0017] Figure 3 Shows a structural schematic diagram of a signal processing device provided according to an embodiment of the present specification;

[0018] Figure 4 Shows a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present specification;

[0019] Figure 5 Shows a structural schematic diagram of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present specification. However, the present specification can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the connotation of the present specification. Therefore, the present specification is not limited by the specific implementations disclosed below.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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".

[0023] 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 that have been authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use, and processing of the relevant data need to comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards of the relevant countries and regions, and corresponding operation entrances are provided for the user to choose to authorize or refuse.

[0024] First, the noun terms involved in one or more embodiments of this specification are explained.

[0025] Low Noise Amplifier: LNA A low noise amplifier is an electronic amplifier specifically designed to amplify a signal while maintaining the lowest possible noise figure. The LNA is typically located at the front end of the receiving system, immediately following the antenna, and its main purpose is to enhance the weak signal from the antenna so that subsequent electronic devices can process these signals more effectively. In one embodiment of this specification, the LNA is used to amplify the radio frequency signal received from the corresponding antenna.

[0026] With the development of satellite navigation technology, more and more fields need to locate moving objects and use the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). GNSS has been widely used in transportation, agriculture, forestry, fishery, hydrological monitoring, meteorological forecasting, communication timekeeping, power dispatching, disaster relief and mitigation, public safety and other fields. In a satellite communication system, satellite communication receiving radio frequency front-end devices are particularly important, which affect the signal processing ability of the communication system. The receiving radio frequency front-end devices are divided into a radio frequency front-end module, a signal processing module, and an application processing module. Among them, the performance of the radio frequency front-end module limits the signal processing ability of the receiving radio frequency front-end device. In a wireless communication system receiver, the main function of the low-noise amplifier LNA is to amplify the weak signal from the antenna. Therefore, the noise performance of the LNA greatly affects the noise performance of the entire system. However, the variable gain range of the existing LNA is limited, resulting in the influence on the received signal strength of the receiver.

[0027] Based on this, in this specification, an amplifier circuit is provided, aiming to improve the variable gain range of the low-noise amplifier and increase the received signal strength. This specification also relates to a signal processing method, a signal processing device, a communication device, and a communication system, which will be described in detail one by one in the following embodiments.

[0028] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 shows a circuit schematic diagram of an amplifier circuit provided according to an embodiment of this specification. Among them, the amplifier circuit includes a signal amplification module and a gain control module. The signal amplification module includes a first amplification unit and a second amplification unit connected in series. The first amplification unit is the amplification unit composed of transistor M1, and the second amplification unit is the amplification unit composed of transistor M2. The signal amplification function of the amplifier circuit is realized by the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit respectively performing primary amplification and secondary amplification. The amplifier circuit includes a gain control module, which is the control module composed of transistor M3. The gain control module is connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit and is used to adjust the amplification gain of the second amplification unit. Specifically, after the first amplification unit amplifies the input signal, when the amplified input signal is input to the second amplification unit, due to the existence of the gain control module, the amplified input signal will be divided. One part is input to the second amplification unit, and the other part is input to the gain control module, thereby reducing the signal that the second amplification unit needs to amplify and realizing the adjustment of the amplification gain of the second amplification unit. Generally speaking, the amplification gain of the entire amplifier circuit can be reduced, and then its dynamic range can be increased.

[0029] Further, the first amplification unit includes a first transistor, the second amplification unit includes a second transistor, and the gain control module includes a third transistor; the base of the first transistor is connected to the signal input terminal of the signal amplification module, the emitter of the first transistor is connected to the ground, and the collector of the first transistor is connected to the emitter of the second transistor; the base of the second transistor is connected to the first bias voltage terminal, the collector of the second transistor is connected to the signal output terminal of the signal amplification module, and the first bias voltage terminal is used to output a first bias voltage; the base of the third transistor is connected to the second bias voltage terminal, the emitter of the third transistor is connected to the emitter of the second transistor, the collector of the third transistor is connected to the DC voltage terminal, the second bias voltage terminal is used to output a second bias voltage, and the DC voltage terminal is used to output a DC voltage.

[0030] Among them, the first amplification unit includes a first transistor M1, the second amplification unit includes a second transistor M2, and the gain control module includes a third transistor M3. The base of the first transistor is connected to the signal input terminal of the signal amplification module. The first transistor receives the radio frequency signal RFIN through the signal input terminal. The emitter of the first transistor is connected to the ground, and the collector of the first transistor is connected to the emitter of the second transistor.

[0031] In practical applications, a matching network, an ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) circuit, and a bias circuit can also be added between the base of the first transistor and the signal input terminal. The main purpose of the matching network is to ensure impedance matching between the antenna and the radio frequency front end (such as an LNA) to maximize signal transmission efficiency and minimize reflection loss. It is usually composed of passive components such as inductors and capacitors and is used to adjust the input impedance within a specific frequency range to make it close to the system characteristic impedance (such as 50 ohms), thereby optimizing the performance of the entire system. In the embodiments of this specification, through the matching network, when the amplifier circuit amplifies the radio frequency signal, it can provide a suitable impedance to ensure the amplification performance of the amplifier circuit.

[0032] The ESD circuit is an electrostatic discharge protection circuit, mainly used to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging circuit components. Electrostatic discharge is an instantaneous current flow caused by contact, short circuit, or dielectric breakdown between two charged materials or objects. In the embodiments of this specification, the ESD circuit protects the LNA from high voltage and current impacts, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the circuit and extending its service life.

[0033] The main purpose of the bias circuit is to provide a stable and suitable working environment for the transistor, enabling the amplifier to operate reliably under various conditions.

[0034] An inductor Ls can also be added between the emitter of the first transistor and the ground. This inductor Ls can be regarded as an emitter degeneration inductor. To a certain extent, the emitter degeneration inductor can stabilize the operating point of the transistor and reduce the nonlinear distortion caused by an excessive input signal. By appropriately selecting the inductance value, it can help suppress potential oscillation problems, thereby improving the stability of the entire circuit. The emitter degeneration inductor can be used to fine-tune the gain of the amplifier. Generally, increasing the inductance will reduce the gain, but it can also improve the noise figure. This is because an appropriate degeneration inductor helps optimize the performance of the internal noise source of the transistor, resulting in an improvement in the overall noise performance. The inductor can also help achieve good impedance matching within a wider frequency band. The collector of the first transistor is connected to the emitter of the second transistor, thereby transmitting the amplified signal to the second transistor.

[0035] The base of the second transistor is connected to the first bias voltage terminal V1. The first bias voltage terminal V1 is used to provide a bias voltage to the second transistor, thereby controlling the turn-on or turn-off of the second transistor. The emitter of the second transistor is connected to the collector of the first transistor and is used to receive the radio frequency signal amplified once by the first transistor. The collector of the second transistor is connected to the signal output terminal of the signal amplification module. That is, after the radio frequency signal amplified once is amplified a second time, the radio frequency signal amplified a second time is output through the signal output terminal.

[0036] The base of the third transistor is connected to the second bias voltage terminal V2. The second bias voltage terminal V2 is used to provide a bias voltage to the third transistor, thereby controlling the turn-on or turn-off of the third transistor. The emitter of the third transistor is connected to the collector of the first transistor and is used to shunt the radio frequency signal transmitted from the first transistor to the second transistor when the third transistor is in the on state, thereby achieving variable gain control of the second transistor. The collector of the third transistor is connected to the DC voltage terminal V DD so that the partial signal obtained by shunting is directly transmitted to the DC voltage terminal.

[0037] In summary, through the first transistor in the first amplification unit, the radio frequency signal received by the amplifier circuit can be amplified once. Through the second transistor in the second amplification unit, the signal amplified once can be amplified a second time. By connecting the gain control module between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit, when the third transistor in the gain control module is in the on state, it can shunt the electrical signal transmitted to the second transistor, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit.

[0038] Further, the amplifier circuit further includes a load connected to the second amplification unit; the first amplification unit receives the initial radio frequency signal transmitted by the signal input end through the first transistor, amplifies the initial radio frequency signal once to obtain a first amplified signal, and outputs the first amplified signal to the second amplification unit; the second amplification unit receives the first amplified signal through the second transistor, amplifies the first amplified signal twice to obtain a second amplified signal, and outputs the second amplified signal to the load through the signal output end.

[0039] Among them, when the radio frequency signal is captured by the antenna, it first appears as a voltage change. That is to say, the antenna converts the received electromagnetic wave into a small voltage signal that changes with time. This voltage signal is still an analog signal because it continuously reflects the intensity and frequency changes of the original electromagnetic wave. When the initial radio frequency signal transmitted by the antenna load is received in the amplifier circuit, the initial radio frequency signal transmitted by the signal input end is received through the first transistor, and at this time the initial radio frequency signal will be converted into a current signal for processing, so as to facilitate subsequent processing by each transistor.

[0040] In practical applications, the first transistor will amplify the received initial radio frequency signal once to obtain a first amplified signal, and output the first amplified signal to the second amplification unit. When the third transistor in the gain control module is turned off, the first amplified signal will be completely output to the second transistor in the second amplification unit. After receiving the first amplified signal, the second transistor will amplify the first amplified signal twice to obtain a second amplified signal, and output the second amplified signal to the load through the signal output end.

[0041] When the gain control module is turned on, the first amplified signal will shunt and input part of the signal to the second transistor and the third transistor respectively, so that the second transistor can only amplify part of the received first amplified signal twice, thereby reducing the amplification gain of the second amplification unit as a whole and realizing the variable gain adjustment of the amplifier circuit.

[0042] Based on this, through the first transistor in the first amplification unit and the second transistor in the second amplification unit in the amplifier circuit, the cascade amplification structure in the low-noise amplifier is realized, which can effectively balance multiple important indexes such as noise, gain, linearity and stability, so that the whole system can operate efficiently in various complex environments.

[0043] Further, the gain control module is in an on state; the first amplification unit outputs the signal to be amplified in the first amplified signal to the second amplification unit through the first transistor, and outputs the shunt signal in the first amplified signal to the gain control module; the gain control module receives the shunt signal through the third transistor and outputs the shunt signal to the DC voltage terminal; the second amplification unit receives the signal to be amplified through the second transistor, performs secondary amplification on the signal to be amplified, obtains the second amplified signal, and outputs the second amplified signal to the load through the signal output terminal.

[0044] Among them, when the gain control module is in an on state, it means that the third transistor in the gain control module is turned on. Since the emitters of the second transistor and the third transistor are both connected to the collector of the first transistor, when the first transistor transmits the first amplified signal that has been amplified once to the second transistor, part of the signal will be shunted to the third transistor, so that the second transistor can only perform secondary amplification on part of the signal, thereby realizing the gain control of the second amplification unit.

[0045] In practical applications, since the first amplified signal is processed in each transistor in the form of current, after the first amplification unit completes the first amplification through the first transistor, the signal to be amplified in the first amplified signal will be output to the second transistor in the second amplification unit, and the shunt signal in the first amplified signal will be output to the third transistor in the gain control module. The signal to be amplified can be understood as part of the signal received by the second transistor after the first amplified signal is shunted; the shunt signal can be understood as part of the signal received by the third transistor after the first amplified signal is shunted. The specific shunt ratio of the signal to be amplified and the shunt signal needs to be determined according to the resistance value on the loop where the second transistor is located and the resistance value on the loop where the third transistor is located.

[0046] In specific implementation, after the third transistor in the gain control module receives the shunt signal, the shunt signal will be output to the DC voltage terminal, that is, the current flowing through the first transistor is directly shunted to the DC voltage terminal, so as to improve the dynamic range of the variable gain. After the second transistor in the second amplification unit receives the signal to be amplified, the received signal to be amplified will be amplified twice to obtain a second amplified signal. It should be noted that the second amplified signal in this embodiment can be understood as the signal obtained after the second amplification unit amplifies the received signal twice, and the value of the second amplified signal is mainly affected by the value of the signal received by the second amplification unit. Therefore, whether the second amplification unit amplifies the complete first amplified signal twice or amplifies the signal to be amplified in the first amplified signal twice, the amplified signal obtained is called the second amplified signal. After the second amplification unit amplifies twice through the second transistor, a second amplified signal can be obtained and output to the load through the signal output terminal.

[0047] Further, the load includes a first transformer, a first capacitor, a first resistor and a second capacitor; the primary winding of the first transformer is connected in parallel with the first capacitor, the first capacitor is connected in parallel with the first resistor, the same-name end of the primary winding of the first transformer is connected to the DC voltage terminal, and the different-name end of the primary winding of the first transformer is connected to the collector of the second transistor; the secondary winding of the first transformer is connected in parallel with the second capacitor, the same-name end of the secondary winding of the first transformer is connected to the positive output terminal of the load, and the different-name end of the secondary winding of the first transformer is connected to the negative output terminal of the load.

[0048] Among them, the load is composed of a transformer, a variable capacitor and a variable resistor, and both ends of the load are used as the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the amplifier circuit respectively. Refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 The load in [reference] includes a first capacitor C1, a first resistor R1, a first transformer XFMR (Transformer), and a second capacitor C3. The primary winding of the first transformer is connected in parallel with the first capacitor and the first resistor, the same-name end of the primary winding is connected to the DC voltage terminal, and the different-name end of the primary winding is connected to the collector of the second transistor. The secondary winding of the first transformer is connected in parallel with the second capacitor, the same-name end of the secondary winding is connected to the positive output terminal of the load, and the different-name end of the secondary winding is connected to the negative output terminal of the load. The positive output terminal of the load is used as the positive output terminal of the amplifier circuit, and the negative output terminal of the load is used as the negative output terminal of the amplifier circuit.

[0049] In practical applications, the second amplified signal transmitted by the second transistor to the load is a single-ended radio frequency signal. The single-ended radio frequency signal is converted into a differential signal through the first transformer in the load, and the differential signals RFOUTP and RFOUTN are output through the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the load. The first capacitor, the first resistor, and the second capacitor are all variable capacitors or resistors, so as to adjust the operating point of the LNA and dynamically adjust the gain operating point of the LNA to adapt to different received signal strengths or cope with different working environments.

[0050] Based on this, the initial radio frequency signal received is amplified by the first transistor and the second transistor, so as to amplify the received weak signal while introducing as little additional noise as possible. The single-ended signal is converted into a differential signal through the transformer, effectively improving the common-mode rejection ratio of the overall radio frequency system, reducing noise interference in the subsequent signal processing process, and ensuring signal integrity and reliability.

[0051] Furthermore, the amplifier circuit further includes an impedance matching module; the impedance matching module is connected to the signal input terminal and is used to provide a load impedance for the signal input terminal when the first amplification unit is in the off state.

[0052] Among them, the impedance matching module is used to provide a load impedance for the signal input terminal when the low-noise amplifier is in the non-operating state. The off state of the first amplification unit can be understood as the non-operating state of the low-noise amplifier. At this time, in order to reduce the reflection loss, the impedance matching module can provide a load impedance for the signal input terminal of the signal transmission between the antenna and the amplifier circuit.

[0053] In practical applications, when the LNA is in the non-operating state, that is, the first transistor in the first amplification unit is in the off state, through the connection between the impedance matching module and the signal input terminal, the impedance matching module provides a real part impedance for the signal input terminal, ensuring that even when the LNA is turned off, the signal input terminal can maintain a good matching state.

[0054] Based on this, by adding an impedance matching module, the impedance matching of the input port of the LNA can be ensured even when it is not working, which helps to reduce the reflection from the antenna. Reducing reflection means that more signal energy can be effectively utilized by the system instead of being reflected back to the antenna and finally lost. It is realized that regardless of the state of the low-noise amplifier (normal operation or off), the matching S11 (reflection coefficient of the input port) at its input end is less than -10 dB.

[0055] Further, the impedance matching module includes a matching resistor and a fourth transistor; the base of the fourth transistor is connected to the enable terminal, the emitter of the fourth transistor is connected to the ground, and the collector of the fourth transistor is connected to the matching resistor; one end of the matching resistor is connected to the collector of the transistor, and the other end is connected to the signal input terminal. The impedance matching module is configured to turn on the fourth transistor through the enable terminal when the first amplification unit is in the off state, and provide a load impedance for the signal input terminal based on the matching resistor.

[0056] Among them, the impedance matching module can be composed of a matching resistor and a fourth transistor, see Figure 1 , Figure 1 The impedance matching module in includes a matching resistor R3 and a fourth transistor R4. The base of the fourth transistor is connected to the enable terminal ENN, and the enable terminal ENN is used to output an enable signal to the fourth transistor, so that the fourth transistor can be turned off when the LNA is working properly, or turned on when the LNA is turned off. The emitter of the fourth transistor is connected to the ground, the collector of the fourth transistor is connected to one end of the matching resistor, and the other end of the matching resistor is connected to the signal input terminal.

[0057] In practical applications, when the first amplification unit is in the off state, that is, when the LNA is not working, an enable signal is provided to the fourth transistor through the enable terminal, so that the signal input terminal can be directly conducted to the ground through the fourth transistor. In this path, a load impedance can be provided for the signal input terminal based on the matching resistor, so that the signal input terminal still presents a well-matched load to the previous stage (such as an antenna), thereby reducing reflection.

[0058] Based on this, through the impedance matching module, the signal input terminal can maintain a nearly ideal impedance match whether the LNA is in the working state or the off state. This means that even when the LNA is turned off, since the fourth transistor is turned on to connect the signal input terminal to the matching resistor, S11 can still be kept below -10 dB, thus ensuring the efficient operation of the system and reducing any interference or signal loss that may be caused by mismatch.

[0059] It should be noted that in the actual circuit design of the amplifier circuit, a capacitor and a resistor can also be connected in parallel at the signal amplification module, see Figure 1 , Figure 1 The emitter of the second transistor in is connected to one end of the capacitor C2, the other end of the capacitor C2 is connected to one end of the variable resistor R2, and the other end of the variable resistor R2 is connected to the base of the first transistor. In practical applications, by adjusting the resistance values of the first transistor, the second transistor and the third transistor, the resistors R1 and R2, and the inductance value of the inductor Ls, the gain-configurable characteristic of the low-noise amplifier can also be achieved.

[0060] An amplifier circuit provided in this specification, the amplifier circuit includes a signal amplification module and a gain control module, the signal amplification module includes a first amplification unit and a second amplification unit connected in series; the gain control module is connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit, and is used to adjust the amplification gain of the second amplification unit. By adding a gain control module in the amplifier circuit, connecting the gain control module between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit, and adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through the gain control module, the gain of the amplifier circuit can be dynamically adjusted, and the receivable dynamic range of the amplifier circuit for the received signal strength is improved.

[0061] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a signal processing method provided in an embodiment of this specification. This method is applied to the amplifier circuit described in any one of the above embodiments, and the method specifically includes the following steps.

[0062] Step 202: Adjust the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through the gain control module connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit.

[0063] For the specific processing process of the signal processing method provided in this specification, reference can be made to the respective specific embodiments of the above amplifier circuit, and this specification will not elaborate here.

[0064] The signal processing method provided in this specification is applied to the amplifier circuit described in any one of the above. The method includes: adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through the gain control module connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit. By adding a gain control module in the amplifier circuit, connecting the gain control module between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit, and adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through the gain control module, the gain of the amplifier circuit can be dynamically adjusted, and the receivable dynamic range of the amplifier circuit for the received signal strength is improved.

[0065] Corresponding to the above method embodiment, this specification also provides a signal processing device embodiment. Figure 3 shows a schematic structural diagram of a signal processing device provided in an embodiment of this specification. As Figure 3 shown, the device includes:

[0066] An adjustment module 302, configured to adjust the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through the gain control module connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit.

[0067] The signal processing device provided in this specification is applied to the amplifier circuit described in any one of the above. The device includes: an adjustment module configured to adjust the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through a gain control module connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit. By adding a gain control module in the amplifier circuit, connecting the gain control module between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit, and adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through the gain control module, the gain of the amplifier circuit can be dynamically adjusted, improving the receivable dynamic range of the amplifier circuit for the received signal strength.

[0068] The above is a schematic solution of a signal processing device according to this embodiment. It should be noted that the technical solution of this signal processing device and the technical solution of the above signal processing method belong to the same concept. For the details not described in the technical solution of the signal processing device, reference can be made to the description of the technical solution of the above signal processing method.

[0069] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 Fig. shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this specification. Among them, the communication device 40 includes the above amplifier circuit 402 and a signal transceiver unit 404 connected to the amplifier circuit 402;

[0070] The amplifier circuit 402 is configured to receive the initial radio frequency signal output by the signal transceiver unit 404 and amplify the initial radio frequency signal to obtain a target radio frequency signal.

[0071] In practical applications, since the amplifier circuit is a core component in a wireless communication system, it is mainly used to enhance the weak signals from the antenna so that subsequent electronic devices can process these signals more effectively. The amplifier circuit is mainly located at the front end of the receiver. By amplifying weak radio frequency signals and minimizing noise introduction as much as possible, the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the receiver are improved to ensure that information is not lost due to insufficient signal strength during signal transmission. The application scenarios of the amplifier circuit are very extensive, covering multiple fields from consumer electronics to industrial equipment, satellite communication, etc. The communication device is a device equipped with the above amplifier 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 a signal transceiver unit for inputting the received radio frequency signal into the amplifier circuit so that the amplifier circuit amplifies the received radio frequency signal.

[0072] In specific implementation, for example, in a satellite communication scenario, the signal transceiver unit can be an antenna unit deployed on a ground station. The initial radio frequency signal sent by the satellite is received through the antenna unit. The initial radio frequency signal is the downlink signal. The amplifier circuit can amplify the initial radio frequency signal received by the antenna unit to obtain a target radio frequency signal, so that the subsequent processing unit of the receiver can process based on the target radio frequency signal.

[0073] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the descriptions of the respective embodiments have their own emphases. For parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0074] A communication device provided in this specification can dynamically adjust the amplification gain based on a gain control module through the amplifier circuit in the communication device, improving the receivable dynamic range of the amplifier circuit corresponding to the received signal strength. On the premise of a simple system design and low cost, the sensitivity and range of the overall receiver are improved.

[0075] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of this specification. The communication system 50 includes the above-mentioned communication device 502 and a transceiver device 504 having a communication relationship with the communication device 502. The communication device 502 is configured to receive an initial radio frequency signal sent by the transceiver device 504.

[0076] 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 can 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 can be a ground station and the transceiver device can be a satellite; correspondingly, the communication device can 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.

[0077] In specific implementation, the communication device in the communication system includes the amplifier circuit provided in the above embodiment, thereby effectively improving the signal reception sensitivity and dynamic range of the communication device.

[0078] In a specific embodiment of this specification, the communication system is a broadcast communication system, and the communication device can be a radio receiver such as a television, a radio, etc., which receives an initial radio frequency signal such as a television signal, a radio signal, etc. sent by a transceiver device such as a broadcasting station. After receiving the initial radio frequency signal, the communication device can amplify the initial radio frequency signal based on an amplifier circuit, so as to facilitate subsequent signal processing based on the amplified target radio frequency signal and provide a more reliable and stable communication service for users.

[0079] For the specific processing process of the amplifier circuit in the communication system provided in this specification, reference can be made to the respective specific embodiments of the above amplifier circuit, and this specification will not elaborate too much here.

[0080] A communication system provided in this specification, the system includes the above-mentioned communication device and a transceiver device having a communication relationship with the communication device; the communication device is used to receive an initial radio frequency signal sent by the transceiver device. By adding a gain control module in the amplifier circuit of the communication device, connecting the gain control module between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit, and adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through the gain control module, the gain of the amplifier circuit is dynamically adjusted, thereby improving the receivable dynamic range of the amplifier circuit of the communication device for the received signal strength.

[0081] The above describes specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims can be performed in a different order than in the embodiments and still achieve the desired result. Additionally, the processes depicted in the figures do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0082] It should be noted that for the foregoing 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.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphases. For the parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0084] The preferred embodiments of the present specification disclosed above are only used to help explain the present specification. The alternative embodiments do not describe all the details in detail, nor do they limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. Obviously, according to the content of the embodiments of the present specification, many modifications and variations can be made. These embodiments are selected and specifically described in this specification in order to better explain the principles and practical applications of the embodiments of the present specification, so that those skilled in the art can well understand and utilize this specification.

Claims

1. An amplifier circuit, characterized in that, The amplifier circuit includes a signal amplification module and a gain control module. The signal amplification module includes a first amplification unit and a second amplification unit connected in series; The gain control module is connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit for adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, wherein The first amplification unit includes a first transistor, the second amplification unit includes a second transistor, and the gain control module includes a third transistor; The base of the first transistor is connected to the signal input terminal of the signal amplification module, the emitter of the first transistor is connected to the ground, and the collector of the first transistor is connected to the emitter of the second transistor; The base of the second transistor is connected to the first bias voltage terminal, the collector of the second transistor is connected to the signal output terminal of the signal amplification module, and the first bias voltage terminal is used to output a first bias voltage; The base of the third transistor is connected to the second bias voltage terminal, the emitter of the third transistor is connected to the emitter of the second transistor, the collector of the third transistor is connected to the DC voltage terminal, the second bias voltage terminal is used to output a second bias voltage, and the DC voltage terminal is used to output a DC voltage.

3. The circuit according to claim 2, wherein The amplifier circuit further includes a load connected to the second amplification unit; The first amplification unit receives the initial radio frequency signal transmitted from the signal input terminal through the first transistor, performs a first amplification on the initial radio frequency signal to obtain a first amplified signal, and outputs the first amplified signal to the second amplification unit; The second amplification unit receives the first amplified signal through the second transistor, performs a second amplification on the first amplified signal to obtain a second amplified signal, and outputs the second amplified signal to the load through the signal output terminal.

4. The circuit according to claim 3, wherein The gain control module is in an on state; The first amplification unit outputs the signal to be amplified in the first amplified signal to the second amplification unit through the first transistor, and outputs the shunt signal in the first amplified signal to the gain control module; The gain control module receives the shunt signal through the third transistor and outputs the shunt signal to the DC voltage terminal; The second amplification unit receives the signal to be amplified through the second transistor, performs a second amplification on the signal to be amplified to obtain the second amplified signal, and outputs the second amplified signal to the load through the signal output terminal.

5. The circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The load includes a first transformer, a first capacitor, a first resistor, and a second capacitor; The primary winding of the first transformer is connected in parallel with the first capacitor, the first capacitor is connected in parallel with the first resistor, the same-name end of the primary winding of the first transformer is connected to the DC voltage terminal, and the opposite-name end of the primary winding of the first transformer is connected to the collector of the second transistor; The secondary winding of the first transformer is connected in parallel with the second capacitor, the same-name end of the secondary winding of the first transformer is connected to the positive output terminal of the load, and the opposite-name end of the secondary winding of the first transformer is connected to the negative output terminal of the load.

6. The circuit according to claim 2, wherein The amplifier circuit further includes an impedance matching module; The impedance matching module is connected to the signal input terminal and is configured to provide a load impedance for the signal input terminal when the first amplification unit is in the off state.

7. The circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The impedance matching module includes a matching resistor and a fourth transistor; The base of the fourth transistor is connected to the enable terminal, the emitter of the fourth transistor is connected to the ground, and the collector of the fourth transistor is connected to the matching resistor; One end of the matching resistor is connected to the collector of the transistor, and the other end is connected to the signal input terminal; The impedance matching module is configured to turn on the fourth transistor through the enable terminal and provide a load impedance for the signal input terminal based on the matching resistor when the first amplification unit is in the off state.

8. A signal processing method, characterized in that, Applied to the amplifier circuit according to any one of claims 1-7, the method includes: Adjusting the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through a gain control module connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit.

9. A signal processing device, characterized in that, Applied to the amplifier circuit according to any one of claims 1-7, the device includes: An adjustment module configured to adjust the amplification gain of the second amplification unit through a gain control module connected between the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes the amplifier circuit according to any one of claims 1-7, and a signal transceiver unit connected to the amplifier circuit; The amplifier circuit is configured to receive an initial radio frequency signal output by the signal transceiver unit and amplify the initial radio frequency signal to obtain a target radio frequency signal.

11. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes the communication device according to claim 10, and a transceiver device having a communication relationship with the communication device; The communication device is configured to receive an initial radio frequency signal sent by the transceiver device.

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