An orthogonal coupler and RF module

Abstract

This application proposes an orthogonal coupler and a radio frequency module. The orthogonal coupler includes: a transmission structure comprising a first transmission layer, a second transmission layer, a third transmission layer, a first region, a second region, and a connection region; the first transmission layer includes: a first transmission line and a second transmission line located in the first region, and a third transmission line and a fourth transmission line located in the second region; the second transmission layer includes: a fifth transmission line and a sixth transmission line located in the first region, and a seventh transmission line and an eighth transmission line located in the second region; a first connection portion located in the connection region, the first connection portion including a connection layer and a first via interconnect structure, the first transmission line being coupled to the seventh transmission line through the first via interconnect structure, the second transmission line being coupled to the eighth transmission line through the first via interconnect structure, the third transmission line being coupled to the fifth transmission line through the first via interconnect structure, the fourth transmission line being coupled to the sixth transmission line through the first via interconnect structure, and the third transmission layer and the second transmission layer being coupled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of coupler technology, and more particularly to an orthogonal coupler and a radio frequency module. Background Technology

[0002] Quadrature couplers are key components in modern RF front-end systems, combining power distribution and phase control functions. They are widely used in mixing, polarization control, simultaneous signal transmission and reception, and beamforming. A quadrature coupler is a four-port passive microwave device whose core function is to distribute the input signal with equal power to two output ports, with a 90° phase difference between the output signals. Furthermore, the quadrature coupler has an isolation terminal, which ideally has no power output.

[0003] In related technologies, the upper limit of the operating bandwidth of orthogonal couplers is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application proposes an orthogonal coupler and an RF module to solve the technical problem that the upper limit of the operating bandwidth of the orthogonal coupler is limited.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of this application, an orthogonal coupler is provided, comprising:

[0006] The transmission structure includes a first transmission layer, a second transmission layer and a third transmission layer stacked along a first direction, wherein the second transmission layer is located between the third transmission layer and the first transmission layer, and the transmission structure further includes a first region and a second region distributed along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a connection region located between the first region and the second region.

[0007] The first transmission layer includes: a first transmission line and a second transmission line located in the first region, and a third transmission line and a fourth transmission line located in the second region;

[0008] The second transmission layer includes: a fifth transmission line and a sixth transmission line located in the first region, and a seventh transmission line and an eighth transmission line located in the second region, wherein the fifth transmission line is parallel to the first transmission line, the sixth transmission line is parallel to the second transmission line, the seventh transmission line is parallel to the third transmission line, and the eighth transmission line is parallel to the fourth transmission line.

[0009] A first connection portion located in the connection area includes a connection layer and a plurality of first via interconnect structures. The first end of the first transmission line is coupled to the first end of the seventh transmission line through the first via interconnect structure. The first end of the second transmission line is coupled to the first end of the eighth transmission line through the first via interconnect structure. The first end of the third transmission line is coupled to the first end of the fifth transmission line through the first via interconnect structure. The first end of the fourth transmission line is coupled to the first end of the sixth transmission line through the first via interconnect structure. The first end of the second transmission line is also coupled to the first end of the third transmission line through the connection layer.

[0010] The third transport layer is coupled to the second transport layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a second connection portion located in the first region, the second connection portion including a plurality of second via interconnect structures;

[0012] The second end of the first transmission line is coupled to the second end of the sixth transmission line through the second via interconnection structure;

[0013] The second end of the second transmission line is coupled to the second end of the fifth transmission line through the second via interconnect structure.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second connection portion is located at the center of the first area.

[0015] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a third connection portion located in the second region, the third connection portion including a plurality of third via interconnect structures;

[0016] The second end of the third transmission line is coupled to the second end of the eighth transmission line through the third via interconnection structure;

[0017] The second end of the fourth transmission line is coupled to the second end of the seventh transmission line through the third via interconnect structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the third connection portion is located at the center of the second region.

[0019] In some embodiments, the third transport layer includes: a grid structure and a through slot;

[0020] The grid structure includes a first grid, a second grid, a third grid, a fourth grid, and a fifth grid;

[0021] The first grid, the second grid, the third grid, the fourth grid, and the fifth grid are suspended in the through groove, with the first grid located in the connection area, the second grid and the third grid located in the first area, and the fourth grid and the fifth grid located in the second area.

[0022] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a fourth connection portion located in the connection region, and the fourth connection portion is also located between the third transmission layer and the second transmission layer, the fourth connection portion including a plurality of fourth via interconnect structures;

[0023] The first end of the seventh transmission line is coupled to the first grid through the fourth via interconnection structure;

[0024] The first end of the sixth transmission line is coupled to the first grid through the fourth via interconnect structure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a fifth connection portion located in the first region, and the fifth connection portion is also located between the third transmission layer and the second transmission layer, the fifth connection portion including a plurality of fifth via interconnect structures;

[0026] The second end of the fifth transmission line is coupled to the second grid through the fifth via interconnection structure;

[0027] The second end of the sixth transmission line is coupled to the second grid through the fifth via interconnect structure.

[0028] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a sixth connection portion located in the second region, and the sixth connection portion is also located between the third transmission layer and the second transmission layer, the sixth connection portion including a plurality of sixth via interconnect structures;

[0029] The second end of the seventh transmission line is coupled to the fourth grid through the sixth via interconnection structure;

[0030] The second end of the eighth transmission line is coupled to the fourth grid through the sixth via interconnect structure.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first region and the second region are arranged along a second direction; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0032] In some embodiments, the quadrature coupler further includes a port component, the port component including an input terminal, a non-inverting output terminal, a quadrature output terminal, and an isolation terminal; the port component is disposed on the same layer as the first transport layer;

[0033] The port components are distributed on both sides of the first transmission layer along a third direction; the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first transmission line, the fourth transmission line, the sixth transmission line, and the seventh transmission line constitute a first line group;

[0035] The first line group is connected between the input terminal and the non-inverting output terminal.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second transmission line, the third transmission line, the fifth transmission line, and the eighth transmission line constitute a second line group;

[0037] The second wire group is connected between the quadrature output terminal and the isolation terminal.

[0038] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes a seventh connection portion located between the first transmission layer and the second transmission layer, the seventh connection portion including a plurality of seventh via interconnect structures;

[0039] The second transmission layer further includes: a first metal plate, a second metal plate, a third metal plate, and a fourth metal plate;

[0040] The first metal plate is coupled to the input terminal through the seventh via interconnect structure;

[0041] The second metal plate is coupled to the orthogonal output terminal through the seventh via interconnection structure;

[0042] The third metal plate is coupled to the in-phase output terminal through the seventh via interconnection structure;

[0043] The fourth metal plate is coupled to the isolation end through the seventh via interconnection structure.

[0044] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes: an eighth connection portion located between the second transmission layer and the third transmission layer, the eighth connection portion including a plurality of eighth via interconnect structures;

[0045] The first metal plate is coupled to the second grid through the eighth via interconnect structure;

[0046] The second metal plate is coupled to the fifth grid through the eighth via interconnect structure;

[0047] The third metal plate is coupled to the third grid through the eighth via interconnection structure;

[0048] The fourth metal plate is coupled to the fourth grid through the eighth via interconnect structure.

[0049] In some embodiments, the center of the first connecting portion is located on the axis of symmetry of the connecting area;

[0050] The first transmission line located in the first region and the third transmission line located in the second region are axially symmetrical;

[0051] The second transmission line located in the first region and the fourth transmission line located in the second region are axially symmetrical;

[0052] The fifth transmission line located in the first region and the seventh transmission line located in the second region are axially symmetrical;

[0053] The sixth transmission line located in the first region and the eighth transmission line located in the second region are axially symmetrical.

[0054] According to a second aspect of this application, a radio frequency module is provided, including the orthogonal coupler described in any of the above embodiments.

[0055] The technical solution of this application can achieve the following beneficial effects: This application provides an orthogonal coupler in which a parallel double-rail bridge structure is formed in its connection area through the coupling and cooperation of the first end of each transmission line, the connection layer, the first via interconnection structure and the third transmission layer. The parallel double-rail bridge structure forms a strictly geometrically symmetrical structure. The transmission path length and parasitic parameters (such as inductance and capacitance) of the two output signals generated by the orthogonal coupler are completely consistent, avoiding phase deviation caused by path differences. This keeps the phase difference of the two output signals stable in a wider frequency band, thus expanding the working bandwidth of the orthogonal coupler for stable operation and making the orthogonal coupler have a wider range of applications. The wider working bandwidth can suppress the center frequency shift and avoid the performance degradation of the orthogonal coupler.

[0056] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0057] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0058] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in the following description denote the same parts.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 2 An exploded view of a connection region provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The corresponding top view;

[0062] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Top view of the first transport layer in the middle;

[0063] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Top view of the second transport layer and the first via interconnect structure;

[0064] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Top view of the fourth connection section and the third transport layer;

[0065] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The corresponding front view;

[0066] Figure 8 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second wire groups in an embodiment.

[0067] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first transport layer and port component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure between a first transport layer and a second transport layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second transport layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the structure between the second transport layer and the third transport layer provided in this application embodiment;

[0075] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third transport layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of a connection region lacking a third transport layer is provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of phase change at an in-phase output terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of phase change at an orthogonal output terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 21 A schematic diagram illustrating amplitude difference and phase difference provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of return loss at each port provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 23 A schematic diagram illustrating an isolation level provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 24 A loss diagram of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of phase difference provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0084] Figure label:

[0085] 1-Transmission structure; 11-First transmission layer; 111-First transmission line; 112-Second transmission line; 113-Third transmission line; 114-Fourth transmission line; 12-Second transmission layer; 121-Fifth transmission line; 122-Sixth transmission line; 123-Seventh transmission line; 124-Eighth transmission line; 125-First metal plate; 126-Second metal plate; 127-Third metal plate; 128-Fourth metal plate; 13-Third transmission layer; 131-Grid structure; 132-Through slot; 133-First grid; 134-Second grid; 135-Third grid; 136-Fourth grid; 137- Fifth grid; 14-First zone; 15-Second zone; 16-Connection area; 17-First end; 18-Second end; 19-Main body; 2-First connection part; 21-Connection layer; 22-First via interconnection structure; 31-Second connection part; 32-Third connection part; 33-Fourth connection part; 34-Fifth connection part; 35-Sixth connection part; 36-Seventh connection part; 37-Eighth connection part; 4-Port assembly; 41-Input end; 42-Non-inverting output end; 43-Quadrature output end; 44-Isolation end; 51-First line group; 52-Second line group; Z-First direction; X-Second direction; Y-Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0087] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0088] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0089] In related technologies, common quadrature phase-shifting schemes for quadrature couplers each have their limitations: L (inductor) C (capacitor) networks are compact but have narrow operating bandwidths; multiphase filters have wide bandwidths and small sizes, but require amplifiers due to high insertion losses, increasing power consumption and chip costs; cascaded broadband couplers extend bandwidth through cascading, resulting in complex structures and sizes; small three-dimensional quadrature couplers have compact layouts, but their operating bandwidth is difficult to exceed 70%, and they suffer from complex layouts and difficulties in modular expansion. In summary, quadrature couplers in related technologies have three major problems: difficulty in breaking through the upper limit of operating bandwidth, difficulty in miniaturization, and low ease of use.

[0090] To address the technical problems of low upper limit of operating bandwidth and large size of orthogonal couplers, this application proposes an orthogonal coupler and RF module to overcome the above problems.

[0091] On the one hand, embodiments of this application provide an orthogonal coupler, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the orthogonal coupler includes:

[0092] The transmission structure 1 includes a first transmission layer 11, a second transmission layer 12 and a third transmission layer 13 stacked along the first direction Z. The second transmission layer 12 is located between the third transmission layer 13 and the first transmission layer 11. The transmission structure 1 also includes a first region 14 and a second region 15 distributed along a plane perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a connection region 16 located between the first region 14 and the second region 15.

[0093] The first transmission layer 11 includes: a first transmission line 111 and a second transmission line 112 located in the first region 14, and a third transmission line 113 and a fourth transmission line 114 located in the second region 15.

[0094] The second transmission layer 12 includes: a fifth transmission line 121 and a sixth transmission line 122 located in the first region 14, and a seventh transmission line 123 and an eighth transmission line 124 located in the second region 15. The fifth transmission line 121 is parallel to the first transmission line 111, the sixth transmission line 122 is parallel to the second transmission line 112, the seventh transmission line 123 is parallel to the third transmission line 113, and the eighth transmission line 124 is parallel to the fourth transmission line 114.

[0095] The first connection portion 2 located in the connection area 16 includes a connection layer 21 and a plurality of first via interconnect structures 22. The first end 17 of the first transmission line 111 is coupled to the first end 17 of the seventh transmission line 123 through the first via interconnect structure 22. The first end 17 of the second transmission line 112 is coupled to the first end 17 of the eighth transmission line 124 through the first via interconnect structure 22. The first end 17 of the third transmission line 113 is coupled to the first end 17 of the fifth transmission line 121 through the first via interconnect structure 22. The first end 17 of the fourth transmission line 114 is coupled to the first end 17 of the sixth transmission line 122 through the first via interconnect structure 22. The first end 17 of the second transmission line 112 is also coupled to the first end 17 of the third transmission line 113 through the connection layer 21.

[0096] The third transport layer 13 is coupled to the second transport layer 12.

[0097] It should be noted that, Figures 1 to 7 Only a portion of the third transport layer 13 is shown; the entire third transport layer 13 is not shown.

[0098] The following is a detailed description of an orthogonal coupler provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0099] See Figure 2 As shown, a parallel double-rail bridge structure is formed by the coupling and cooperation of the first end 17 of each transmission line, the connection layer 21, the first via interconnection structure 22 and the third transmission layer 13. The parallel double-rail bridge structure is located at the symmetry center (connection area 16) of the orthogonal coupler and serves to connect the transmission lines of the first area 14 and the transmission lines of the second area 15.

[0100] See Figure 2 , Figure 13 , Figure 15 As shown, the first direction Z is perpendicular to both the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12. Both the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12 are made of metal.

[0101] The first transmission line 111 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the first transmission line 111 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the first transmission line 111 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the first transmission line 111 are located in the first area 14. The projection of the first transmission line 111 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0102] The second transmission line 112 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the second transmission line 112 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the second transmission line 112 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the second transmission line 112 are located in the first area 14. The projection of the second transmission line 112 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0103] The third transmission line 113 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the third transmission line 113 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the third transmission line 113 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the third transmission line 113 are located in the second area 15. The projection of the third transmission line 113 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0104] The fourth transmission line 114 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the fourth transmission line 114 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the fourth transmission line 114 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the fourth transmission line 114 are located in the second area 15. The projection of the fourth transmission line 114 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0105] The fifth transmission line 121 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the fifth transmission line 121 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the fifth transmission line 121 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the fifth transmission line 121 are located in the first area 14. The projection of the fifth transmission line 121 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0106] The sixth transmission line 122 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the sixth transmission line 122 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the sixth transmission line 122 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the sixth transmission line 122 are located in the first area 14. The projection of the sixth transmission line 122 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0107] The seventh transmission line 123 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the seventh transmission line 123 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the seventh transmission line 123 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the seventh transmission line 123 are located in the second area 15. The projection of the seventh transmission line 123 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0108] The eighth transmission line 124 has a main body 19, a first end 17, and a second end 18. The first end 17 of the eighth transmission line 124 is connected to the main body 19, and the main body 19 is connected to the second end 18. The first end 17 of the eighth transmission line 124 is located in the connection area 16, and the main body 19 and the second end 18 of the eighth transmission line 124 are located in the second area 15. The projection of the eighth transmission line 124 along the first direction Z is coil-shaped.

[0109] In some embodiments, see Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a second connection portion 31 located in the first region 14, the second connection portion 31 including a plurality of second via interconnect structures; the second end 18 of the first transmission line 111 is coupled to the second end 18 of the sixth transmission line 122 through the second via interconnect structures; the second end 18 of the second transmission line 112 is coupled to the second end 18 of the fifth transmission line 121 through the second via interconnect structures. The second connection portion 31 is also located between the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 31 is located at the center of the first region 14. The second connecting portion 31 is made of metal.

[0111] In some embodiments, see Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a third connection portion 32 located in the second region 15, the third connection portion 32 including a plurality of third via interconnect structures; the second end 18 of the third transmission line 113 is coupled to the second end 18 of the eighth transmission line 124 through the third via interconnect structures; the second end 18 of the fourth transmission line 114 is coupled to the second end 18 of the seventh transmission line 123 through the third via interconnect structures. The third connection portion 32 is also located between the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12.

[0112] In some embodiments, the third connecting portion 32 is located at the center of the second region 15. The third connecting portion 32 is made of metal.

[0113] In some embodiments, the third transmission layer 13 is made of metal. The third transmission layer 13 is parallel to the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12, respectively.

[0114] In some embodiments, see Figure 10 and Figure 17As shown, the third transmission layer 13 includes a grid structure 131 and a through slot 132. The grid structure 131 and the through slot 132 are arranged at intervals along a second direction X. The second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z. The through slot 132 penetrates the third transmission layer 13 along the first direction Z. The grid structure 131 includes a first grid 133, a second grid 134, a third grid 135, a fourth grid 136, and a fifth grid 137; the first grid 133, the second grid 134, the third grid 135, the fourth grid 136, and the fifth grid 137 are suspended in the through slot 132, and the first grid 133 is located in the connection area 16, the second grid 134 and the third grid 135 are located in the first area 14, and the fourth grid 136 and the fifth grid 137 are located in the second area 15. The first grid 133, the second grid 134, the third grid 135, the fourth grid 136, and the fifth grid 137 are all block structures.

[0115] In some embodiments, see Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes a fourth connection portion 33 located in the connection region 16, and the fourth connection portion 33 is also located between the third transmission layer 13 and the second transmission layer 12. The fourth connection portion 33 includes a plurality of fourth via interconnect structures; the first end 17 of the seventh transmission line 123 is coupled to the first grid 133 through the fourth via interconnect structures; the first end 17 of the sixth transmission line 122 is coupled to the first grid 133 through the fourth via interconnect structures. The fourth connection portion 33 is made of metal.

[0116] In some embodiments, see Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes a fifth connection portion 34 located in the first region 14, and the fifth connection portion 34 is also located between the third transmission layer 13 and the second transmission layer 12. The fifth connection portion 34 includes a plurality of fifth via interconnect structures; the second end 18 of the fifth transmission line 121 is coupled to the second grid 134 through the fifth via interconnect structures; the second end 18 of the sixth transmission line 122 is coupled to the second grid 134 through the fifth via interconnect structures. The fifth connection portion 34 is made of metal.

[0117] In some embodiments, see Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes: a sixth connection portion 35 located in the second region 15, and the sixth connection portion 35 is also located between the third transmission layer 13 and the second transmission layer 12. The sixth connection portion 35 includes a plurality of sixth via interconnect structures; the second end 18 of the seventh transmission line 123 is coupled to the fourth grid 136 through the sixth via interconnect structures; the second end 18 of the eighth transmission line 124 is coupled to the fourth grid 136 through the sixth via interconnect structures. The sixth connection portion 35 is made of metal.

[0118] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 As shown, the first zone 14 and the second zone 15 are arranged along the second direction X; the second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0119] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 and Figure 13 As shown, the quadrature coupler further includes: port component 4, which includes: input terminal 41, non-inverting output terminal 42, quadrature output terminal 43 and isolation terminal 44; port component 4 and the first transmission layer 11 are disposed on the same layer; port component 4 is distributed on both sides of the first transmission layer 11 along the third direction Y; the third direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction Z and the second direction X respectively.

[0120] Input terminal 41 and quadrature output terminal 43 are located in the first zone 14, and non-inverting output terminal 42 and isolation terminal 44 are located in the second zone 15.

[0121] Input port 41 is the input interface for input signals (RF signals). Input signals enter the quadrature coupler from input port 41.

[0122] The non-inverting output terminal 42 (through port) outputs a portion of the power that is in phase with the input signal (typically the power distribution is -3dB, i.e., half of the input power), with a phase reference of 0°.

[0123] The quadrature output port 43 outputs a portion of the power (also -3dB) that is quadrature (90° phase difference) with the input signal. For example, if the input is 0° phase, the quadrature output port 43 outputs -90° (or +90°).

[0124] The isolated port 44 theoretically has no power output. In practice, it is used to absorb reflected signals or as a matching load to prevent signal leakage to other ports. Connecting a matching load ensures high isolation between ports.

[0125] Input terminal 41 and isolation terminal 44 are arranged along the second direction X, and quadrature output terminal 43 and non-inverting output terminal 42 are arranged along the second direction X. Input terminal 41 and isolation terminal 44 are located on the side closer to connection area 16, and quadrature output terminal 43 and non-inverting output terminal 42 are located on the side farther from connection area 16. Input terminal 41 and quadrature output terminal 43 are positioned opposite each other along the third direction Y. Quadrature output terminal 43 and isolation terminal 44 are positioned opposite each other along the third direction Y.

[0126] Based on the above embodiments, a side-separated port layout is adopted, with the input terminal 41 and the isolation terminal 44 located on the same side, and the non-inverting output terminal 42 and the quadrature output terminal 43 located on the other symmetrical side, thereby reducing wiring complexity and supporting modular expansion.

[0127] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first transmission line 111, the fourth transmission line 114, the sixth transmission line 122 and the seventh transmission line 123 constitute the first line group 51; the first line group 51 is connected between the input terminal 41 and the non-inverting output terminal 42.

[0128] The second transmission line 112, the third transmission line 113, the fifth transmission line 121 and the eighth transmission line 124 constitute the second line group 52; the second line group 52 is connected between the quadrature output terminal 43 and the isolation terminal 44.

[0129] The first connecting part 2, the fourth connecting part 33, the third transmission layer 13, and the first end 17 of each transmission line together constitute a parallel double-rail bridging structure (located in the connecting area 16). Through the parallel double-rail bridging structure, the two transmission lines of the first line group 51 are coupled at the center of symmetry of the orthogonal coupler, and the two transmission lines of the second line group 52 are coupled at the center of symmetry of the orthogonal coupler. That is, the first transmission line 111 and the seventh transmission line 123 of the first line group 51 are coupled, the sixth transmission line 122 and the fourth transmission line 114 of the first line group 51 are coupled, the second transmission line 112 and the eighth transmission line 124 of the second line group 52 are coupled, and the fifth transmission line 121 and the third transmission line 113 of the second line group 52 are coupled. Through this coupling method, a strict geometric symmetry structure is formed, so that the transmission path length and parasitic parameters (such as inductance and capacitance) of the signal in the first line group 51 and the second line group 52 are completely consistent, avoiding phase deviation caused by path differences. In existing non-physically symmetrical structures, differences in transmission paths can cause phase difference to drift with frequency. However, the symmetrical design of the parallel dual-rail bridge structure keeps the phase difference of the two output signals (which are output from the in-phase output terminal 42 and the quadrature output terminal 43, respectively) stable over a wide bandwidth.

[0130] Furthermore, by using the connection layer 21 as a bridging structure, the second transmission line 112 and the third transmission line 113 are short-circuited at the center (connection area 16) of the quadrature coupler through the connection layer 21. That is, the portion of the second line group 52 located in the first area 14 and the portion of the second line group 52 located in the second area 15 are short-circuited at the center (connection area 16) of the quadrature coupler through the connection layer 21. The third transmission layer 13, the first via interconnect structure 22, and the fourth connection part 33 are used as bridging structures to short-circuit the first transmission line 111, the seventh transmission line 123, the fourth transmission line 114, and the sixth transmission line 122 through the third transmission layer 13, the first via interconnect structure 22, and the fourth connection part 33. That is, the portion of the first line group 51 located in the first area 14 and the portion of the first line group 51 located in the second area 15 are short-circuited at the center (connection area 16) of the quadrature coupler, thereby increasing the phase resonant frequency and widening the operating bandwidth. In this embodiment of the application, the working bandwidth constraints are as follows: within the working bandwidth, the amplitude error should be within ±1 dB, the phase error should be within ±10°, and the amplitude fluctuation should be within 3 dB.

[0131] like Figure 19 As shown, the phase change of the in-phase output terminal 42 is compared with and without the bridging structure. The red line indicates the phase change when using the bridging structure. Figure 3 The phase change of the non-inverting output terminal 42 obtained by the bridging structure shown is indicated by the black line. Figure 18 The phase change of the non-inverting output terminal 42 obtained by the bridging structure shown is in Figure 18 The third transport layer 13 and the connection layer 21 are missing; only one end of the first transport layer 11 and the second transport layer 12 are coupled together. Figure 3 The phase change at the in-phase output terminal 42 obtained by the bridging structure shown maintains a stable slope over a wider frequency band. For example... Figure 20 As shown, the phase changes of the quadrature output terminal 43 with and without the bridging structure are compared. The red line indicates the phase change when using... Figure 3 The phase change of the quadrature output terminal 43 obtained by the bridging structure shown is indicated by the black line. Figure 18 The phase change of the quadrature output terminal 43 obtained by the bridging structure shown is achieved using... Figure 3 The phase change of the quadrature output terminal 43 obtained by the bridging structure shown maintains a stable slope over a wider frequency band. Figure 25 This diagram illustrates the phase difference, which is equal to the phase difference between the quadrature output terminal 43 and the non-inverting output terminal 42. The red lines indicate the use of... Figure 3 The phase difference obtained by the bridging structure shown is indicated by the black lines. Figure 18 The phase difference obtained by the bridging structure shown is used Figure 3The bridging structure shown has a wider phase bandwidth (phase difference within 90°±10°, i.e., error less than ±10°). Therefore, the symmetrical design of the parallel double-rail bridging structure keeps the phase error of the two output signals within 10° within a wider operating bandwidth, thus expanding the operating bandwidth (relative bandwidth). In this embodiment, the operating bandwidth is extended to 73.8%. This expanded operating bandwidth allows the quadrature coupler to have a wider range of applications; the wider operating bandwidth can suppress center frequency shifts and prevent performance degradation of the quadrature coupler.

[0132] In some embodiments, see Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the quadrature coupler further includes a seventh connection portion 36 located between the first transmission layer 11 and the second transmission layer 12, the seventh connection portion 36 including a plurality of seventh via interconnect structures; the second transmission layer 12 further includes a first metal plate 125, a second metal plate 126, a third metal plate 127 and a fourth metal plate 128; the first metal plate 125 is coupled to the input terminal 41 through the seventh via interconnect structure; the second metal plate 126 is coupled to the quadrature output terminal 43 through the seventh via interconnect structure; the third metal plate 127 is coupled to the non-inverting output terminal 42 through the seventh via interconnect structure; the fourth metal plate 128 is coupled to the isolation terminal 44 through the seventh via interconnect structure.

[0133] In some embodiments, see Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the orthogonal coupler further includes an eighth connection portion 37 located between the second transmission layer 12 and the third transmission layer 13. The eighth connection portion 37 includes a plurality of eighth via interconnect structures. The first metal plate 125 is coupled to the second grid 134 through the eighth via interconnect structures. The second metal plate 126 is coupled to the fifth grid 137 through the eighth via interconnect structures. The third metal plate 127 is coupled to the third grid 135 through the eighth via interconnect structures. The fourth metal plate 128 is coupled to the fourth grid 136 through the eighth via interconnect structures.

[0134] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 17 As shown, the connection area 16 has an axis of symmetry, and the first area 14 and the second area 15 are symmetrical. The center of the first connection part 2 is located at the axis of symmetry of the connection area 16; the first transmission line 111 located in the first area 14 and the third transmission line 113 located in the second area 15 are symmetrical; the second transmission line 112 located in the first area 14 and the fourth transmission line 114 located in the second area 15 are symmetrical; the fifth transmission line 121 located in the first area 14 and the seventh transmission line 123 located in the second area 15 are symmetrical; the sixth transmission line 122 located in the first area 14 and the eighth transmission line 124 located in the second area 15 are symmetrical.

[0135] In some embodiments, the projections of the body 19 of the first transmission line 111 located in the first region 14 and the body 19 of the fifth transmission line 121 located in the first region 14 along the first direction Z coincide. The projections of the body 19 of the second transmission line 112 located in the first region 14 and the body 19 of the sixth transmission line 122 located in the first region 14 along the first direction Z coincide. The projections of the body 19 of the third transmission line 113 located in the second region 15 and the body 19 of the seventh transmission line 123 located in the second region 15 along the first direction Z coincide. The projections of the body 19 of the fourth transmission line 114 located in the second region 15 and the body 19 of the eighth transmission line 124 located in the second region 15 along the first direction Z coincide.

[0136] In some embodiments, the isolation terminal 44 is grounded through a 50Ω resistor. One end of the second wire group 52 is connected to a 50Ω resistor through the isolation terminal 44.

[0137] In some embodiments, see Figure 10 As shown, the first transmission line 111, the second transmission line 112, the third transmission line 113, the fourth transmission line 114, the fifth transmission line 121, the sixth transmission line 122, the seventh transmission line 123, and the eighth transmission line 124 have equal transmission line widths W. The transmission line width W is equal to 3µm.

[0138] The first transmission line 111, the second transmission line 112, the third transmission line 113, the fourth transmission line 114, the fifth transmission line 121, the sixth transmission line 122, the seventh transmission line 123 and the eighth transmission line 124 have equal transmission line spacing S, which is equal to 9µm.

[0139] The distance from the third transmission layer 13 to the second transmission layer 12 is H1, and H1 equals 4.1µm. The distance from the second transmission layer 12 to the first transmission layer 11 is H2, and H2 equals 4.1µm.

[0140] The dimension (grid width) of the grid structure 131 along the second direction X is Wg, and Wg equals 10µm. The dimension of the through slot 132 along the second direction X is Sg, and Sg equals 15µm.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first transmission layer 11 has a dimension of 4µm along the first direction Z. The second transmission line 112 has a dimension of 1.42µm along the first direction Z, and the third transmission layer 13 has a dimension of 0.6µm along the first direction Z.

[0142] The operating frequency band of a quadrature coupler depends on its dimensions, namely its length (the dimension along the second direction X) and width (the dimension along the third direction Y). See also... Figure 9As shown, the grid structure 131 and the through slot 132 form a central region. The dimension of the central region along the second direction X is denoted as L1, where L1 equals 580 µm, and the dimension of the central region along the third direction Y is denoted as L2, where L2 equals 150 µm. The larger the size of the orthogonal coupler (central region), the lower the operating frequency band of the coupler, and vice versa.

[0143] The coupling degree of an orthogonal coupler is related to W, Sg, S, and Wg. The larger W and Sg are, and the smaller S and Wg are, the greater the coupling degree; conversely, the smaller W and Sg are, and the larger S and Wg are, the smaller the coupling degree. By adjusting these parameters, the desired operating frequency band and coupling degree can be obtained.

[0144] Based on the above embodiments, a broadband, easy-to-use, and compact orthogonal coupler is proposed. By introducing a parallel dual-rail bridging structure (comprising a first connection part 2, a fourth connection part 33, a third transmission layer 13, a first transmission layer 11, and a second transmission layer 12), the relative operating bandwidth of the orthogonal coupler is extended to 73.8%. A lateral separation layout structure is adopted, with the input terminal 41 and the output terminals (non-inverting output terminal 42 and quadrature output terminal 43) respectively located on both sides of the orthogonal coupler, effectively improving the ease of use, reducing wiring complexity, and supporting modular expansion, such as multi-level cascading. Through a multi-layered three-dimensional coupling structure, a compact layout is achieved, with a size-to-wavelength ratio (at a center frequency of 8.9 GHz) of 7.6 × 10⁻⁶. -5 .

[0145] In some embodiments, Figure 11 This is a top view of an orthogonal coupler. Figure 12 The diagram shows a bottom view of an orthogonal coupler. The projection of the first transmission layer 11 along the first direction Z is located within the third transmission layer 13, and the projection of the second transmission layer 12 along the first direction Z is located within the third transmission layer 13.

[0146] In some embodiments, the balance within the operating frequency band includes amplitude balance and phase balance. See also Figure 21 As shown, the black arrow indicates the black curve corresponding to the left coordinate axis, and the red arrow indicates the red curve corresponding to the right coordinate axis. The amplitude difference = amplitude at quadrature output terminal 43 - amplitude at non-inverting output terminal 42; the phase difference = phase at non-inverting output terminal 42 - phase at quadrature output terminal 43 - 90°. Within the 5.60-12.15GHz frequency band (73.8% relative bandwidth), the amplitude difference is less than ±1dB, and the phase difference is less than ±10°.

[0147] In some embodiments, Figure 22This diagram illustrates the scattering parameters (return loss) of the quadrature coupler. S11 represents the return loss at input terminal 41, S22 represents the return loss at the non-inverting output terminal 42, S33 represents the return loss at the quadrature output terminal 43, S44 represents the return loss at the isolation terminal 44, S21 represents the return loss from input terminal 41 to the non-inverting output terminal 42, and S31 represents the return loss from input terminal 41 to the quadrature output terminal 43. Within the 5.60-12.15 GHz operating frequency band, the return loss at all four ports is better than 19 dB (S11, S22, S33, S44).

[0148] In some embodiments, Figure 23 This indicates the isolation of the quadrature coupler, which is 23-31 dB within the operating frequency band.

[0149] In some embodiments, Figure 24 This indicates the loss of the quadrature coupler. Quadrature couplers have low losses, with losses less than 1.6 dB throughout their operating range.

[0150] The orthogonal coupler provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the following scenarios:

[0151] (1) IQ mixer: can be applied to the intermediate frequency quadrature port of IQ mixer. IQ mixer (Inphase / Quadrature Mixer) is the core module for spectrum shifting and quadrature modulation / demodulation in wireless communication system. It realizes complex modulation or direct frequency conversion architecture by decomposing the signal into in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) paths.

[0152] (2) Amplifier: In a balanced amplifier, it is used for input signal generation and output signal synthesis; in a Doherty power amplifier, it is used to generate input quadrature signals.

[0153] (3) Phase shifter: can be applied to phase shifters to generate a 90° phase.

[0154] The quadrature coupler provided in this application has applications in mixer, amplifier, and phase shifter circuits. In IQ mixers, it can be used to generate or synthesize intermediate frequency and local oscillator quadrature signals; in amplifier circuits, it can be used to generate input quadrature signals or synthesize output quadrature signals; and in phase shifters, it is used to generate 90° phase.

[0155] On the other hand, embodiments of this application provide a radio frequency module including an orthogonal coupler as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0156] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0157] The embodiments, implementation methods, and related technical features of this application can be combined and substituted for each other without conflict.

[0158] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A quadrature coupler characterized by, Comprising: a transmission structure (1) comprising a first transmission layer (11), a second transmission layer (12) and a third transmission layer (13) stacked along a first direction (Z), the second transmission layer (12) being located between the third transmission layer (13) and the first transmission layer (11), the transmission structure (1) further comprising a first region (14) and a second region (15) distributed along a plane perpendicular to the first direction (Z), and a connection region (16) located between the first region (14) and the second region (15); the first transmission layer (11) comprising a first transmission line (111) and a second transmission line (112) located in the first region (14), and a third transmission line (113) and a fourth transmission line (114) located in the second region (15); the second transmission layer (12) comprising a fifth transmission line (121) and a sixth transmission line (122) located in the first region (14), and a seventh transmission line (123) and an eighth transmission line (124) located in the second region (15), the fifth transmission line (121) being parallel to the first transmission line (111), the sixth transmission line (122) being parallel to the second transmission line (112), the seventh transmission line (123) being parallel to the third transmission line (113), and the eighth transmission line (124) being parallel to the fourth transmission line (114); a first connection part (2) located in the connection region (16), the first connection part (2) comprising a connection layer (21) and a plurality of first via interconnection structures (22), a first end (17) of the first transmission line (111) being coupled with a first end (17) of the seventh transmission line (123) through the first via interconnection structure (22), a first end (17) of the second transmission line (112) being coupled with a first end (17) of the eighth transmission line (124) through the first via interconnection structure (22), a first end (17) of the third transmission line (113) being coupled with a first end (17) of the fifth transmission line (121) through the first via interconnection structure (22), a first end (17) of the fourth transmission line (114) being coupled with a first end (17) of the sixth transmission line (122) through the first via interconnection structure (22), and the first end (17) of the second transmission line (112) being further coupled with the first end (17) of the third transmission line (113) through the connection layer (21); the third transmission layer (13) and the second transmission layer (12) being coupled; further comprising a port assembly (4) comprising an input end (41), a same-phase output end (42), a quadrature output end (43) and an isolation end (44), the port assembly (4) and the first transmission layer (11) being arranged in the same layer; The first transmission line (111), the fourth transmission line (114), the sixth transmission line (122) and the seventh transmission line (123) constitute a first line group (51); the first line group (51) is connected between the input end (41) and the in-phase output end (42); The second transmission line (112), the third transmission line (113), the fifth transmission line (121) and the eighth transmission line (124) constitute a second line group (52); the second line group (52) is connected between the quadrature output end (43) and the isolation end (44); The third transmission layer (13) comprises a grid structure (131) and a through groove (132); The grid structure (131) comprises a first grid (133), a second grid (134), a third grid (135), a fourth grid (136) and a fifth grid (137); The first grid (133), the second grid (134), the third grid (135), the fourth grid (136) and the fifth grid (137) are suspended in the through groove (132), and the first grid (133) is located in the connection area (16), the second grid (134) and the third grid (135) are located in the first area (14), and the fourth grid (136) and the fifth grid (137) are located in the second area (15); Further comprising: a fourth connecting portion (33) located in the connection area (16), and the fourth connecting portion (33) is also located between the third transmission layer (13) and the second transmission layer (12), and the fourth connecting portion (33) comprises a plurality of fourth via hole interconnection structures; The first end (17) of the seventh transmission line (123) is coupled through the fourth via hole interconnection structure and the first grid (133); The first end (17) of the sixth transmission line (122) is coupled through the fourth via hole interconnection structure and the first grid (133); Further comprising: a fifth connecting portion (34) located in the first area (14), and the fifth connecting portion (34) is also located between the third transmission layer (13) and the second transmission layer (12), and the fifth connecting portion (34) comprises a plurality of fifth via hole interconnection structures; The second end (18) of the fifth transmission line (121) is coupled through the fifth via hole interconnection structure and the third grid (135); The second end (18) of the sixth transmission line (122) is coupled through the fifth via hole interconnection structure and the second grid (134); Further comprising: a sixth connecting portion (35) located in the second area (15), and the sixth connecting portion (35) is also located between the third transmission layer (13) and the second transmission layer (12), and the sixth connecting portion (35) comprises a plurality of sixth via hole interconnection structures; The second end (18) of the seventh transmission line (123) is coupled through the sixth via hole interconnection structure and the fifth grid (137); The second end (18) of the eighth transmission line (124) is coupled with the fourth grid (136) through the sixth via interconnection structure.

2. The quadrature coupler of claim 1, wherein Further comprising: A second connecting part (31) located in the first area (14), the second connecting part (31) comprising a plurality of second via interconnection structures; The second end (18) of the first transmission line (111) is coupled with the second end (18) of the sixth transmission line (122) through the second via interconnection structure; The second end (18) of the second transmission line (112) is coupled with the second end (18) of the fifth transmission line (121) through the second via interconnection structure.

3. The quadrature coupler of claim 2, wherein The second connecting part (31) is located in the center of the first area (14).

4. The quadrature coupler of claim 1, wherein Further comprising: A third connecting part (32) located in the second area (15), the third connecting part (32) comprising a plurality of third via interconnection structures; The second end (18) of the third transmission line (113) is coupled with the second end (18) of the eighth transmission line (124) through the third via interconnection structure; The second end (18) of the fourth transmission line (114) is coupled with the second end (18) of the seventh transmission line (123) through the third via interconnection structure.

5. The quadrature coupler of claim 4, wherein, The third connecting part (32) is located in the center of the second area (15).

6. The quadrature coupler of claim 1, wherein, The first area (14) and the second area (15) are arranged along a second direction (X); the second direction (X) is perpendicular to the first direction (Z).

7. The quadrature coupler of claim 6, wherein, The port assembly (4) is distributed on both sides of the first transmission layer (11) along a third direction (Y); the third direction (Y) is perpendicular to the first direction (Z) and the second direction (X) respectively.

8. The quadrature coupler of claim 6, wherein, Further comprising: A seventh connecting part (36) located between the first transmission layer (11) and the second transmission layer (12), the seventh connecting part (36) comprising a plurality of seventh via interconnection structures; The second transmission layer (12) further comprises: a first metal plate (125), a second metal plate (126), a third metal plate (127) and a fourth metal plate (128); The first metal plate (125) is coupled with the input end (41) through the seventh via interconnection structure; The second metal plate (126) is coupled with the in-phase output end (42) through the seventh via interconnection structure; The third metal plate (127) is coupled with the quadrature output end (43) through the seventh via interconnection structure; The fourth metal plate (128) is coupled with the isolation end (44) through the seventh via interconnection structure.

9. The quadrature coupler of claim 8, wherein, Further comprising: An eighth connecting part (37) located between the second transmission layer (12) and the third transmission layer (13), the eighth connecting part (37) comprising a plurality of eighth via interconnection structures; The first metal plate (125) is coupled with the second grid (134) through the eighth via interconnection structure; The second metal plate (126) is coupled with the fifth grid (137) through the eighth via interconnection structure; The third metal plate (127) is coupled with the third grid (135) through the eighth via interconnection structure; The fourth metal plate (128) is coupled with the fourth grid (136) through the eighth via interconnection structure.

10. The quadrature coupler of claim 1, wherein, The center of the first connecting part (2) is located on the symmetry axis of the connecting area (16); The first transmission line (111) located in the first area (14) and the third transmission line (113) located in the second area (15) are axisymmetric; The second transmission line (112) located in the first area (14) and the fourth transmission line (114) located in the second area (15) are axisymmetric; The fifth transmission line (121) located in the first area (14) and the seventh transmission line (123) located in the second area (15) are axisymmetric; The sixth transmission line (122) located in the first area (14) and the eighth transmission line (124) located in the second area (15) are axisymmetric.

11. A radio frequency module, characterized by An orthogonal coupler comprising any one of claims 1-10.

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