Phase regulation and control device, phase shift circuit, antenna and communication equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a phase regulation and control device, a phase shift circuit, an antenna and communication equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication, the phase regulation and control device comprises an input end, at least two output ends and at least one phase regulation and control unit, and the phase regulation and control unit comprises a plurality of switch units, a first node, a second node and a phase shift structure located between the two nodes. Two adjacent switch units correspond to one phase shift structure, the phase shift structure only corresponds to the two switch units, the two switch units multiplex one phase shift structure, one end of each switch unit is connected with the input end, the other ends of the two adjacent switch units are respectively connected with two ports of the corresponding phase shift structure, and two nodes are respectively connected with the two output ends. Namely, two output ends multiplex one phase regulation and control unit, multiplexing of the switch unit and the phase shift structure is achieved, the number of switches is reduced, and the circuit area, loss and cost are reduced. The device is integrally designed by power division and phase shift, so that the hardware structure is simplified, and low cost and miniaturization are realized.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410545082.1, filed on April 30, 2024, entitled "Phase modulation device, phase shifting circuit, antenna and communication equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a phase modulation device, a phase shifting circuit, an antenna, and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of science and technology, communication technology has made rapid progress. In communication technology, phased arrays are commonly used to achieve beamforming and beam control in order to obtain better transmission performance. For example, in wireless communication, beamforming can be used to increase signal power and improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0004] Phase shifters, as key components in beamforming technology, primarily function to alter the phase of radio frequency (RF) signals, creating the desired phase difference between signals at different output ports (output terminals). In phased array beamforming, phase-shifting topologies are typically used to achieve this function. Such topologies can include multiple transmission channels, each containing multiple independent phase shifters and corresponding control drive units. To increase the beam scanning angle and achieve a wider field of view (FOV) and a narrower beam, the number of transmission channels is often increased. As the number of channels increases, the required number of phase shifters also increases. In the aforementioned phase-shifting topologies, each phase shifter typically includes at least two RF switches, resulting in a large number of RF switches and high power loss in the entire system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a phase modulation device, a phase shifting circuit, an antenna, and a communication device. The phase modulation device has fewer switching units and occupies less area, effectively reducing the insertion loss of radio frequency signals and realizing the miniaturization, low cost, and low loss design of the phase modulation device.

[0006] A first aspect of this application provides a phase modulation device, including an input terminal, at least two output terminals, and at least one phase modulation unit. A radio frequency (RF) signal can be input into the phase modulation device through the input terminal. The phase modulation unit is used to adjust the phase of the RF signal and output the phase-adjusted RF signal from the at least two output terminals, allowing a phase difference between the RF signals output from the at least two output terminals.

[0007] Each phase control unit includes a phase shifting unit and multiple switching units. The phase shifting unit includes a first node, a second node, and one or more phase shifting structures connected in series between the first node and the second node. That is, the first node and the second node share one or more phase shifting structures. Each phase shifting structure may have two ports, such as the first port and the second port.

[0008] In a set of multiple switching units, each pair of adjacent switching units corresponds one-to-one with each phase-shifting structure in the phase-shifting unit. One-to-one correspondence means that each one corresponds to one another. For example, if multiple switching units are considered as a set, any two adjacent switching units are considered as one element in that set. If phase-shifting units are considered as another set, each phase-shifting structure is considered as one element in that set. One-to-one correspondence means that the number of elements in the two sets is the same, and one element in one set corresponds to one element in the other set. In other words, two adjacent switching units correspond to one phase-shifting structure, and the phase-shifting structure corresponds only to these two adjacent switching units. The number of phase-shifting structures is one less than the number of switching units.

[0009] One end of each switching unit is connected to the input terminal, and the other ends of two adjacent switching units are connected to the first and second ports of the corresponding phase-shifting structure, respectively. That is, the other ends of two adjacent switching units are connected to the two ports of a corresponding phase-shifting structure, and the two switching units share a phase-shifting structure. The number of phase-shifting structures is one less than the number of switching units.

[0010] The two output terminals are connected to the first node and the second node respectively. This means that the two output terminals share a single phase control unit, which can include n (n > 1) switching units and n-1 phase-shifting structures. In other words, the two output terminals share n-1 phase-shifting structures, controlled by n switches, thus achieving multiplexing of the switching units and phase-shifting structures.

[0011] By controlling the on and off states of the switching units, the phase shifting state of the phase shifting unit can be adjusted, thereby creating a phase difference between the RF signals output from the two output terminals, achieving beamforming. Each switching unit has two states: on and off. By controlling the on and off states of n switching units, 2n n The switching of two states, including 2 n- One beam state (or phase-shifting state) and one high-impedance state. Compared with phase modulation devices in related technologies, the same or more beam states can be achieved using fewer switching units, saving RF switch and device circuit area, effectively reducing RF signal loss, and also helping to reduce the overall hardware structure of the phase modulation device, reducing its cost and footprint. Furthermore, power splitting can be implemented at the connection between the switching unit and the phase-shifting structure, allowing the RF signal to be power-split before entering the corresponding transmission path's phase-shifting structure (or output terminal), achieving a combined design of power splitting and phase shifting, further simplifying the hardware structure design of the phase modulation device.

[0012] Furthermore, since both output terminals share a single phase control unit, and each pair of adjacent switching units within the phase control unit shares a phase-shifting structure, the switching units and phase-shifting structures are multiplexed. When the state of the switching unit is controlled to change the phase of the RF signal output from one output terminal, the phase of the RF signal output from the other output terminal will also change. The phase changes of the RF signals from the two output terminals are controlled in a linked manner. The phase change can be controlled through a single control circuit, reducing the losses and costs associated with implementation.

[0013] In one possible implementation, there are two or more output terminals and one or more phase control units.

[0014] Each pair of output terminals corresponds one-to-one with each phase control unit in the multiple phase control units. If we consider the multiple output terminals as a set, with each pair of output terminals as an element in that set, and the phase control units as another set, with each phase control unit as an element in that set, the number of elements in both sets is the same, and each element in one set corresponds to an element in the other. In other words, each pair of output terminals corresponds to one phase control unit, and that phase control unit corresponds only to those two output terminals.

[0015] The two output terminals are connected to the first and second nodes of the corresponding phase modulation unit, respectively, so that the two output terminals share a single phase modulation unit. Increasing the number of phase modulation units and output terminals increases the number of transmission channels and phase shifting structures, which in turn increases the number of scanning beams. This allows the phase modulation device to have a larger scanning field of view and a narrower beam pointing, achieving wider beam coverage and finer beam pointing.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the number of output terminals is m, where m is an even number greater than or equal to 4, and the number of phase control units is m / 2. Each phase control unit may include n switching units and n-1 phase shifting structures, so that n-1 phase shifting structures are reused between every two output terminals. Through the control of n switching units, the reuse of switching units and phase shifting structures is realized, thereby achieving low insertion loss, miniaturization, and low cost design of the phase control device.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the output terminals include a first output terminal, a second output terminal, ..., the m / 2th output terminal, the m / 2+1th output terminal, ..., the m-1th output terminal, and the mth output terminal. The phases of the signals output from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, ..., the m / 2th output terminal, the m / 2+1th output terminal, ..., the m-1th output terminal, and the mth output terminal are arranged in an arithmetic sequence, which is beneficial for the realization of large field-of-view scanning and narrow beam pointing of the phase modulation device.

[0018] Specifically, the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal are connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit, respectively; the second output terminal and the (m-1)-th output terminal are connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit, respectively; and so on, with the m / 2-th and (m / 2+1)-th output terminals connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit, respectively. That is, the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal share a phase control unit; the second output terminal and the (m-1)-th output terminal share a phase control unit; the third output terminal and the (m-2)-th output terminal can share a phase control unit; and so on, with the m / 2-th and (m / 2+1)-th output terminals correspondingly sharing a phase control unit. This facilitates control implementation, ensuring that the phases of the output signals from the first output terminal to the m-th output terminal are arranged in an arithmetic progression array.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the number of output terminals is m, where m is an odd number greater than or equal to 3. This enriches the structural design flexibility of the phase control device and also facilitates the realization of a large field of view range for the phase control device.

[0020] The phase modulation device also includes a branch phase-shifting structure. Of the m output terminals, one is connected to the input terminal via the branch phase-shifting structure, and the remaining m-1 output terminals are connected to their respective phase modulation units. That is, among the remaining m-1 output terminals, every two output terminals can share one phase modulation unit, and the number of phase modulation units is (m-1) / 2. Each phase modulation unit can include n switches and n-1 phase-shifting structures. Alternatively, n-1 phase-shifting structures can be multiplexed between every two output terminals. Controlled by n switch units, the multiplexing of switch units and phase-shifting structures is achieved, enabling low insertion loss, miniaturization, and low-cost design.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the output terminals include a first output terminal, a second output terminal, ..., the (m-1) / 2th output terminal, the (m+1) / 2th output terminal, the (m+3) / 2th output terminal, ..., the (m-1)th output terminal, and the mth output terminal. The phases of the signals output from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, ..., the (m-1) / 2th output terminal, the (m+1) / 2th output terminal, the (m+3) / 2th output terminal, ..., the (m-1)th output terminal, and the mth output terminal are arranged in an arithmetic sequence, which is beneficial for the realization of large field-of-view scanning and narrow beam pointing of the phase modulation device.

[0022] The first output terminal and the m-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit; the second output terminal and the (m-1)-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit; ..., the (m-1) / 2-th output terminal and the (m+3) / 2-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit. That is, the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal share a phase control unit; the second output terminal and the (m-1)-th output terminal share a phase control unit; and so on. The (m-1) / 2-th output terminal and the (m+3) / 2-th output terminal correspondingly share a phase control unit. The (m+1) / 2-th output terminal is connected to the input terminal through a branch phase-shifting structure. This shared phase control unit configuration facilitates control implementation, ensuring that the phases of the output signals from the first output terminal to the m-th output terminal are arranged in an arithmetic progression array.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the phase control unit includes a first control unit and a second control unit. Of the m output terminals, the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal are connected to the first node and the second node of the first control unit, respectively, and the remaining output terminals are connected to the first node and the second node of their respective second control units. That is, the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal share the first control unit. Excluding the first output terminal, the m-th output terminal, and the (m+1) / 2-th output terminal, each pair of remaining output terminals shares one second control unit. There can be one or more second control units.

[0024] The phase modulation device also includes a first auxiliary phase-shifting structure, which is connected between each second modulation unit and its input terminal. The first auxiliary phase-shifting structure introduces an additional phase to change the phase of the radio frequency signal, thereby achieving phase adjustment. By adding the first auxiliary phase-shifting structure, auxiliary phase adjustment of the signal can be achieved before the radio frequency signal is transmitted to the second modulation unit, which is more conducive to achieving an arithmetic progression array arrangement of the output signals between each output terminal.

[0025] In one possible implementation, a second auxiliary phase-shifting structure is also included, connected between the first control unit and the input terminal. This second auxiliary phase-shifting structure can also change the phase of the radio frequency signal, achieving phase adjustment. The added second auxiliary phase-shifting structure can assist in adjusting the signal phase before the radio frequency signal is transmitted to the first control unit, facilitating the equal-aberration arrangement of the output signal phase and improving the flexibility of output signal phase adjustment at the output terminal.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the phase-shifting structure includes one or both of a fixed phase shifter and an adjustable phase shifter. When the phase-shifting structure includes an adjustable phase shifter, the phase introduced by the phase-shifting structure is adjustable. For example, the adjustable phase shifter may include an RF switch, controlling the state of the RF switch. Different phase-shifting states of the adjustable phase shifter result in different phase differences in the RF signal generated after passing through the adjustable phase shifter, which can increase the beam state that the phase modulation device can achieve, enabling a phase difference greater than 2 between the two outputs of the phase modulation device. n -1 beam state (or phase shift state) switching to achieve a larger scanning field of view design.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the switching unit includes one or more switching elements located between the two ends of the switching unit.

[0028] When a switching unit comprises multiple switching elements connected in series, the isolation of the switching unit in the off state can be improved, preventing stub loading. It can also reduce the resistance in the on state, preventing signal loss.

[0029] Alternatively, connecting multiple switching elements in parallel can also improve the isolation in the off state and reduce the resistance in the on state.

[0030] Alternatively, among multiple switching elements, some switching elements form a first unit, and some switching elements form a second unit. At least the switching elements in the first unit are connected in parallel, and the first unit and the second unit are connected in series. By combining the series and parallel connection of switching elements, the isolation in the off state can be improved and the resistance in the on state can be reduced.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the switching unit includes a switching element and two impedance transformation networks. One end of each impedance transformation network is connected in series, and the other ends are connected to the first and second ends of the switching unit, respectively. An intermediate node connects the two impedance transformation networks. One end of the switching element is connected to the intermediate node, and the other end is grounded. The impedance transformation network can be a device with impedance transformation capabilities, enabling a transition from low impedance to high impedance. Adding an impedance transformation network also helps improve isolation in the off state and reduce resistance in the on state.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the switching unit also includes an inductor connected in parallel with the switching element. The inductor can improve the isolation of the switching element when it is in the off state, thereby improving the reliability of the switching unit.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the switching unit also includes a capacitor element connected in series with an inductor element and connected in parallel with the switching element. The capacitor element can isolate the DC bias power supply across the switching element, which can effectively improve the reliability of the switching element and the switching unit, especially for RF switches that require bias driving, such as those with PIN diodes.

[0034] A second aspect of this application provides a phase modulation device, including a first interface terminal, at least two second interface terminals, and at least one phase modulation unit. Each phase modulation unit includes a phase shifting unit, multiple switching units, and multiple amplifiers. The phase shifting unit includes a first node, a second node, and one or more phase shifting structures connected in series between the first node and the second node. That is, the first node and the second node share one or more phase shifting structures. Each phase shifting structure may have two ports, such as a first port and a second port.

[0035] In a plurality of switching units, each pair of adjacent switching units corresponds one-to-one with each phase-shifting structure in the phase-shifting unit. One end of each switching unit is connected to the first interface terminal, and the other ends of two adjacent switching units are connected to the first and second ports of the corresponding phase-shifting structure, respectively. That is, the other ends of two adjacent switching units are connected to the two ports of a corresponding phase-shifting structure, and the two switching units share a single phase-shifting structure.

[0036] Each amplifier corresponds one-to-one with each switching unit. The input terminal of each amplifier is connected to the end of the corresponding switching unit that is connected to the phase shifting structure, and the output terminal of each amplifier is connected to the end of the corresponding switching unit that is connected to the first interface terminal. That is, the two ends of each amplifier are connected to the two ends of each switching unit, and each amplifier can be connected in parallel with a corresponding switching unit.

[0037] The two second interface terminals are connected to the first node and the second node respectively. In this way, the two second interface terminals share a phase control unit, which includes n switching units, n amplifiers, and n-1 phase shifting structures, realizing the multiplexing of switching units, amplifiers, and phase shifting structures.

[0038] In signal transmission scenarios, since the amplifier is a unidirectional device, the RF signal input to the phase modulation device through the first interface does not pass through the amplifier but instead passes through multiple parallel switching units. By controlling the on and off states of these switching units, the phase shift state of the phase modulation unit can be controlled, thereby creating a phase difference between the RF signals output from the two second interfaces, achieving beamforming. This allows the beam to be directed in different directions, increasing the rooftop radiation angle and expanding the signal transmission coverage. Controlling the on and off states of n switching units can achieve 2 n This method enables state switching. Compared to phase modulation devices in related technologies, it achieves the same or more beam states using fewer switching units, saving RF switch and device circuit area, reducing losses, simplifying phase modulation devices, and reducing their cost and footprint. Furthermore, the phase shifting unit can be an integrated design combining power splitting and phase shifting, further simplifying the structural design of phase modulation devices.

[0039] In signal reception scenarios, multiple switching units can be in the off state. Radio frequency (RF) signals input to the phase modulation device through at least two second interface terminals are transmitted to the first interface terminal via a phase-shifting structure and an amplifier (or only through an amplifier). When the amplifier states differ, the transmission paths of the RF signals input from the at least two second interface terminals are different, and the phase-shifting structures on these paths are also different (e.g., different numbers, different phase-shifting states), resulting in different phase differences in the RF signals. Controlling the on and off states of the amplifiers allows for the regulation of the phase-shifting state of the phase modulation unit, achieving phase adjustment, increasing signal reception coverage, and enabling the reception of signals from different directions. This achieves a non-reciprocal design for phase-shifting function adjustment in signal transmission and reception scenarios. Controlling the operating and off states of n amplifiers can also achieve 2 n State switching.

[0040] Furthermore, the signal input at the second interface is amplified by an amplifier (or directly by an amplifier) ​​after passing through the phase-shifting structure. Compared to having the signal pass through the entire phase-modulation device first and then amplified by the amplifier, this significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio and more effectively enhances the receiving sensitivity. Connecting the amplifier in parallel with the existing switching unit in the signal transmission path achieves signal phase adjustment and signal amplification without affecting signal transmission. It avoids introducing additional switches, increasing the number of switches, cost, and footprint, and also avoids increasing signal transmission path losses. While ensuring the phase-shifting device is low-loss, low-cost, and miniaturized, it also improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal, significantly optimizing the noise figure (NF) and achieving high signal reception sensitivity.

[0041] In one possible implementation, there are two or more second interface terminals and one or more phase modulation units. Each pair of second interface terminals corresponds one-to-one with each phase modulation unit, with the two second interface terminals connected to the first and second nodes of the corresponding phase modulation unit, respectively. Increasing the number of phase modulation units and second interface terminals increases the number of transmission channels and phase-shifting structures, thus increasing the number of scanning beams. This allows the phase modulation device to have a larger scanning field of view and a narrower beam pointing, achieving wider beam coverage and finer beam pointing.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the number of second interface terminals is m, where m is an even number greater than or equal to 4, and the number of phase control units is m / 2. Each phase control unit may include n switching units, n amplifiers, and n-1 phase shift structures, allowing n-1 phase shift structures to be multiplexed between every two second interface terminals. In a signal transmission scenario, by controlling the state of the n switching units, the signal output between the two second interface terminals can achieve 2... n Beam state switching. In a signal reception scenario, by controlling the states of n amplifiers, the signal transmitted from the two second interface terminals to the first interface terminal can achieve 2... n This type of beam state switching facilitates the design of phase modulation devices with low insertion loss, miniaturization, and low cost, and also provides a high signal-to-noise ratio in signal reception scenarios.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the second interface includes the first second interface, the second second interface, ..., the m / 2th second interface, the m / 2+1th second interface, ..., the m-1th second interface, and the mth second interface. The phases of the signals transmitted by the first second interface, the second second interface, ..., the m / 2th second interface, the m / 2+1th second interface, ..., the m-1th second interface, and the mth second interface are arranged in an arithmetic sequence, which is beneficial for the realization of large field-of-view scanning and narrow beam pointing of the phase modulation device.

[0044] Specifically, the first and m-th second interface terminals are connected to the first and second nodes of a corresponding phase control unit, respectively; the second and (m-1)-th second interface terminals are connected to the first and second nodes of a corresponding phase control unit, respectively; ..., the m / 2-th and (m / 2+1)-th second interface terminals are connected to the first and second nodes of a corresponding phase control unit, respectively. This facilitates control implementation, ensuring that the phases of the signals transmitted from the first to the m-th second interface terminals are arranged in an arithmetic progression array.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the number of second interface terminals is m, where m is an odd number greater than or equal to 3, which enriches the structural design flexibility of the phase control device and also helps to achieve a large field of view range of the phase control device.

[0046] The phase modulation device also includes a branch phase-shifting structure. Of the m second interface terminals, one is connected to the first interface terminal via the branch phase-shifting structure, and the remaining m-1 second interface terminals are connected to their corresponding phase modulation units. That is, among the remaining m-1 second interface terminals, every two second interface terminals can share one phase modulation unit. The number of phase modulation units is (m-1) / 2. Each phase modulation unit can include n switches, n amplifiers, and n-1 phase-shifting structures. This also allows n-1 phase-shifting structures to be multiplexed between every two output terminals.

[0047] The phase modulation device also includes a branch amplifier and a branch switch. The branch switch is connected between one of the second interface terminals and the branch phase-shifting structure. The input terminal of the branch amplifier is connected to the end of the branch switch connected to the second interface terminal, and the output terminal of the branch amplifier is connected to the end of the branch switch connected to the branch phase-shifting structure. In the signal transmission scenario, the branch switch is turned on to allow the signal to be transmitted from the first interface terminal through the branch phase-shifting structure and the branch switch to one of the second interface terminals, thereby adjusting the signal phase. In the signal reception scenario, the branch switch is turned off, and the signal entering from one of the second interface terminals is transmitted to the first interface terminal through the branch amplifier and the branch phase-shifting structure, thereby adjusting the signal phase and amplifying the signal.

[0048] In a signal transmission scenario, by controlling the states of the n switching units in the aforementioned phase modulation unit, the signal output between the two second interface terminals can achieve 2 n Beam state switching. In a signal receiving scenario, by controlling the states of the n amplifiers in the aforementioned phase modulation unit, the signal transmitted from the two second interface terminals to the first interface terminal can achieve 2 n This type of beam state switching facilitates the design of phase modulation devices with low insertion loss, miniaturization, and low cost, and also provides a high signal-to-noise ratio in signal reception scenarios.

[0049] In one possible implementation, one or more third nodes are provided between one of the second interface terminals and the first interface terminal, and one end of each switching unit is connected to the first interface terminal at the third node. A branch switch is connected between the branch phase-shifting structure and the third node of the adjacent branch phase-shifting structure. The input of the branch amplifier is connected to the end of the branch switch connected to the branch phase-shifting structure, and the output of the branch amplifier is connected to the end of the branch switch connected to the third node.

[0050] In the signal transmission scenario, the branch switch is turned on, allowing the signal to be transmitted from the first interface end through the branch switch and the branch phase-shifting structure to one of the second interface ends, thereby adjusting the signal phase. In the signal reception scenario, the branch switch is turned off, and the signal entering from one of the second interface ends is transmitted to the first interface end through the branch phase-shifting structure and the branch amplifier, thereby adjusting the signal phase and amplifying the signal.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the second interface includes the first second interface, the second second interface, ..., the (m-1) / 2nd second interface, the (m+1) / 2nd second interface, the (m+3) / 2nd second interface, ..., the (m-1)th second interface, and the mth second interface. The phases of the signals transmitted by the first second interface, the second second interface, ..., the (m-1) / 2nd second interface, the (m+1) / 2nd second interface, the (m+3) / 2nd second interface, ..., the (m-1)th second interface, and the mth second interface are arranged in an arithmetic sequence, which is beneficial for the realization of large field-of-view scanning and narrow beam pointing of the phase modulation device.

[0052] The first and m-th second interface terminals are connected to the first and second nodes of a corresponding phase control unit, respectively; the second and (m-1)-th second interface terminals are connected to the first and second nodes of a corresponding phase control unit, respectively; ..., the (m-1) / 2-th and (m+3) / 2-th second interface terminals are connected to the first and second nodes of a corresponding phase control unit, respectively. The (m+1) / 2-th second interface terminal is connected to the first interface terminal through a branch phase-shifting structure, which facilitates control and ensures that the phases of the signals transmitted from the first to the m-th second interface terminals are arranged in an arithmetic progression array.

[0053] A third aspect of this application provides a phase-shifting circuit, including a control unit and any of the phase modulation devices described above, wherein the switching unit of the phase modulation device is connected to the control unit.

[0054] A fourth aspect of this application provides an antenna including a radiating element and the phase shifting circuit described above, wherein the phase shifter output terminal of the phase shifting circuit is connected to the radiating element.

[0055] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device, including a radio frequency unit and the antenna described above, wherein the radio frequency unit is connected to the input terminal of a phase shifting circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a phase-shifting topology system in a phased array antenna of a related technology;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a phase shifter in related technologies;

[0059] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of another phase-shifting topology system related to the technology;

[0060] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another circuit structure for a phase-shifting topology system in related technologies;

[0062] Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of the phase modulation device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 21a A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an amplifier provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 21b A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another amplifier provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 21c A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another amplifier provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 21d A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another amplifier provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 23a This application provides a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a fixed phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0084] Figure 23b A schematic diagram of another fixed phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 23c A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another fixed phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0086] Figure 23d A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another fixed phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0087] Figure 23e A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another fixed phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0088] Figure 24aA schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an adjustable phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 24b A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another adjustable phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 24c A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another adjustable phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0091] Figure 24d This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another adjustable phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0093] 100 - Communication equipment;

[0094] 1001-Antenna;

[0095] 110 - Phase shifting circuit; 120 - Radiation unit;

[0096] 101 - Phase control device; 1011 - Phase control unit; 111 - First control unit; 112, 112a, 112b - Second control unit;

[0097] 10 - Phase shifting unit; 10a - First node; 10b - Second node;

[0098] 11-Phase shifting structure;

[0099] 20-Switch Unit Group;

[0100] 21-Switch unit;

[0101] 211-Switching element; 212-Impedance transformation network; 213-Inductor element; 214-Capacitor element;

[0102] 30 - First auxiliary phase shifting structure;

[0103] 40 - Second auxiliary phase shifting structure;

[0104] 50-branch phase-shifting structure;

[0105] 60 - Amplifier; 70 - Branch amplifier; 80 - Branch switch;

[0106] 102 - Control Unit;

[0107] 1002 - Radio Frequency Unit. Detailed Implementation

[0108] The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is for the purpose of explaining specific embodiments of this application only, and is not intended to limit this application.

[0109] The communication equipment provided in this application embodiment can be applied to communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) communication systems, 6th Generation (6G) communication systems, Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) systems, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) systems, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems.

[0110] The communication equipment can be a base station, which can be used to communicate with terminal electronic devices. For example, a base station can include a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a Node B (NB) in a Wideband CDMA system, an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a radio controller in a cloud radioaccess network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the base station can include a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, and base stations in future 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs).

[0111] The communication device can also be an electronic device, such as, but not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, tablet personal computers, laptops, handheld computers, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), walkie-talkies, netbooks, POS machines, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices (such as VR glasses, VR headsets, etc.), augmented reality (AR) devices (such as AR glasses, AR headsets, etc.), in-vehicle devices, wireless routers, surveillance camera equipment, and other electronic devices with configurable antennas.

[0112] This communication device can also be a detection device, such as a radar. It can also be a wireless power transmission device, such as a wireless charging device.

[0113] In this embodiment of the application, a communication device is used as a base station, and the base station can communicate with electronic devices as an example for illustration.

[0114] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0115] See Figure 1 As shown, the communication device 100 may include an antenna 1001 and a radio frequency unit 1002. The radio frequency unit 1002 can serve as a radio frequency signal source for outputting radio frequency signals or receiving feedback radio frequency signals.

[0116] Antenna 1001 may include a radiating element 120, which can effectively radiate or receive electromagnetic wave signals. For example, the radiating element 120 may have a radiating surface from which electromagnetic wave signals can be radiated or received. Radio frequency unit 1002 may be connected to the radiating element 120 of antenna 1001 to realize signal transmission.

[0117] For example, antenna 1001 can be used as a transmitting antenna, and radio frequency unit 1002 can provide a signal source for antenna 1001. For example, radio frequency unit 1002 outputs radio frequency signal, which can be fed into the radiating unit 120 of antenna 1001 in the form of current. The radiating unit 120 transmits the radio frequency signal in the form of electromagnetic waves, which are received by the antenna in the electronic device.

[0118] Antenna 1001 can also be used as a receiving antenna. The radiating element 120 of antenna 1001 converts the received electromagnetic wave signal into a current signal and feeds it back to the radio frequency unit 1002. The radio frequency unit 1002 can then transmit the signal to other signal processing units for further processing.

[0119] The antenna 1001 can contain multiple radiating elements 120, which can be arranged in an array to form an array antenna. With the development of beamforming technology, the antenna 1001 can be a phased array antenna, which is an antenna that changes its radiation pattern shape by controlling the feed phase of the radiating elements 120 in the array antenna 1001. Controlling the phase can change the direction of the maximum value of the antenna radiation pattern, thereby achieving the purpose of beam scanning.

[0120] like Figure 1 As shown, the antenna 1001 may include a phase shifting circuit 110, which is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal.

[0121] The phase-shifting circuit 110 may include a control unit 102 and a phase adjustment device 101. The phase adjustment device 101 may include multiple phase shifters, which are used to introduce additional phase to change the phase of the radio frequency (RF) signal. The control unit 102 is used to control the phase shifting of the multiple phase shifters. The control unit 102 is connected to the RF unit 1002 and can receive the RF signal output by the RF unit 1002 and output a corresponding control signal according to the received RF signal. The phase shifters receive the control signal from the control unit 102 and adjust the phase of the RF signal accordingly.

[0122] It is understandable that, such as Figure 1 As shown, when antenna 1001 is the aforementioned transmitting antenna, radio frequency unit 1002 outputs radio frequency signal to phase shift circuit 110. Phase shift circuit 110 adjusts the phase of radio frequency signal, and the adjusted radio frequency signal is transmitted through radiation unit 120 and received by electronic device.

[0123] When antenna 1001 is the aforementioned receiving antenna, the radio frequency signal converted by radiating unit 120 is transmitted to phase shifting circuit 110. Phase shifting circuit 110 adjusts the phase of radio frequency signal, and the adjusted radio frequency signal is transmitted to radio frequency unit 1002.

[0124] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a phase-shifting topology system in a phased array antenna of a related technology.

[0125] In phased array antenna technology, increasing the beam scanning angle to obtain a wider scanning field of view and increasing the number of transmission channels to obtain a narrower beam are commonly used. This results in phase modulation devices typically being phase-shifting topologies that include multiple transmission channels and multiple phase shifters. For example, see... Figure 2 As shown, the phase modulation device 200 may include multiple parallel transmission channels, each transmission channel having an output terminal, that is, the entire phase modulation device 200 has multiple output terminals, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, taking m as an example (where m is greater than 1), the multiple output terminals can be designated as the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, ..., the m-th output terminal. These multiple output terminals can be connected to multiple radiating elements of the antenna, and the radio frequency signals from the output terminals can be fed into the radiating elements as current.

[0126] The phase modulation device 200 also includes an input terminal, with multiple transmission channels connected to the input terminal respectively. For example, the phase modulator may also include a power divider (not shown in the figure), which is used to divide the energy of one transmitted signal into multiple outputs. The input terminal is connected to the power divider, and the power divider is connected to multiple transmission channels respectively. The radio frequency signal at the input terminal is transmitted to the power divider, which can divide the power of the radio frequency signal into multiple signals of equal or unequal power (e.g., m parts) for transmission to multiple transmission channels respectively.

[0127] See Figure 2 As shown, among the multiple transmission channels, there may be a non-phase-shifted transmission channel, such as the transmission channel between the first output terminal and the input terminal. This transmission channel may not have a phase shifter. When the radio frequency signal passes through this transmission channel, no additional phase will be introduced, and the phase of the radio frequency signal remains unchanged.

[0128] Apart from the first transmission channel, all other transmission channels can be phase-shifted transmission channels. That is, the other transmission channels can have one or more phase shifters connected in series. When the radio frequency signal passes through the transmission channel, an additional phase is introduced, causing the phase of the radio frequency signal to change. In other words, the phase of the radio frequency signal output from different output terminals is adjusted by the phase shifter, so that there can be a phase difference between the radio frequency signals output from multiple output terminals. This achieves the adjustment of the feed phase of the radiating unit, so that there is a phase difference between the feed phases of the radiating units, thereby achieving the purpose of beamforming.

[0129] To achieve large-angle phase shifts and low insertion loss, the aforementioned phase shifters are typically phase-adjustable, meaning the phase introduced by the phase shifter is not fixed but adjustable. In other words, the RF signal undergoes a phase change after passing through the phase shifter, creating a phase difference before and after the signal passes through the shifter. This phase difference is adjustable, not fixed. In other words, different phase shift states of the phase shifter can produce different phase differences in the RF signal. A phase-adjustable phase shifter typically consists of a transmission line and an RF switch. Inductors or capacitors, or other reactive components, can be connected in parallel or series on the transmission line to control the switching of the RF switch between on and off states. Different phase shift states result in different transmission line path lengths, reactive components, etc., for the RF signal, leading to different phase changes in the RF signal.

[0130] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a phase shifter in related technologies.

[0131] For example, see Figure 3 As shown, taking a T-type phase shifter as an example, the phase shifter may include multiple radio frequency switches, such as switch 2012 and switch 2015, and may also include multiple reactive elements, such as reactive element 2011, reactive element 2013, and reactive element 2014. The phase shifter has a first port and a second port, through which it can be connected to other electronic components. Electrical connections between reactant components and between reactant components and switches are achieved via transmission lines. For example, reactant components 2011 and 2013 can be connected in series between the first and second ports. One end of switch 2015 is connected between reactant component 2011 and the first port, and the other end is connected between reactant component 2013 and the second port. Switch 2015 is connected in parallel with reactant components 2011 and 2013. One end of reactant component 2014 is connected between the series-connected reactant components 2011 and 2013, and the other end of reactant component 2014 is connected to one end of switch 2012. The other end of switch 2012 is grounded, forming a T-shaped phase shifter circuit. Both switches 2012 and 2015 have two states: on and off. Radio frequency (RF) signals can be input into the phase shifter from the first port. When the two switches are in different states, the RF signals travel through different transmission paths, and the sizes of the reactant components on different transmission paths can be different, resulting in different phase differences. In other words, when the two switches are in different states, the phase shifter is in different phase shift states, and the phases of the RF signals output from the second port are different. By controlling the on and off states of the switches, the phase shift state of the phase shifter can be adjusted, thereby creating a phase difference between the RF signals output from multiple output terminals.

[0132] Phase-adjustable phase shifters can also be loaded phase shifters, reflective phase shifters, etc. Typically, a 1-bit phase shifter requires at least two RF switches to achieve good matching. To achieve a large scanning field of view, multiple phase shifters are usually needed on a phase-shifted transmission channel. For example, if a phase-shifted transmission channel contains n cascaded phase shifters (n > 1), each phase shifter has at least two RF switches, and each RF switch has two states: on and off. A phase-shifted transmission channel can achieve a maximum of 2... n Switching between beam states (or phase shift states), i.e., the signal phase difference between the two output terminals can achieve 2 n For each state change, 2n radio frequency switches are required.

[0133] Reference Figure 2 As shown, n 1-bit phase shifters are connected in series on each phase-shifting transmission channel, enabling 2x2 phase shifting between the two outputs. n Taking beam state switching as an example, the m-1 phase-shifted transmission channels have a total of n(m-1) phase shifters. Each phase shifter has at least two RF switches, meaning the entire phase-shifted topology system has at least 2n(m-1) RF switches. The large number of RF switches leads to high losses and costs, and also increases the area occupied by the entire circuit system. Furthermore, in the aforementioned phase-shifted topology system, power division devices are first used to implement the power division design of signals on multiple transmission channels, and then phase shifters on each transmission channel are used to implement the phase shift design. The power division and phase shift designs are set independently, which also results in a large area occupied by the hardware structure (such as RF switches, phase shifters, reactive components, power division devices, etc.) in the entire topology circuit. In addition, since the transmission channels are parallel, when it is necessary to adjust the phase of the output signal at each output terminal, it is necessary to control the phase shifter of each phase-shifted transmission channel separately. That is, each transmission channel requires a corresponding control circuit to drive it, which also increases losses and costs.

[0134] Furthermore, using the aforementioned antenna as the transmitting antenna, the process of signal transmission from the base station to the electronic device is called signal transmission; using the aforementioned antenna as the receiving antenna, the process of signal transmission from the electronic device to the base station is called signal reception. Due to the influence of the electronic device's transmission power, communication networks generally suffer from reception limitations, such as the limited ability of the electronic device to transmit signals to the base station. The maximum allowable air propagation loss for reception is less than the maximum allowable control propagation loss for transmission, resulting in a difference between the transmission coverage area and the reception coverage area, with a smaller transmission coverage area. Reception limitations will exist within the interval between the critical positions of the reception coverage area and the transmission coverage area, such as causing the base station to be unable to identify and acquire the signal transmitted by the electronic device, resulting in poor reception sensitivity.

[0135] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of another phase-shifting topology system related to the technology.

[0136] To enhance signal strength and improve receiver sensitivity, an amplifier can be incorporated into the system. The amplifier is a unidirectional device, typically including both input and output terminals. Signals can travel from the amplifier's input to its output, amplifying the signal, improving the signal-to-noise ratio, and thus enhancing signal strength. Signals cannot travel from the amplifier's output to its input. See also... Figure 3a As shown, amplifier 301 can be positioned between phase modulation device 200 and RF unit 1002. To ensure a bidirectional transmission path, switch 302 must be introduced simultaneously with amplifier 301. Figure 3a As shown, switch 302 can be connected between RF unit 1002 and phase modulation device 200. Amplifier 301 and switch 302 can be connected in parallel. The input terminal of amplifier 301 can be connected to the end of switch 302 connected to phase modulation device 200, and the output terminal of amplifier 301 can be connected to the end of switch 302 connected to RF unit 1002.

[0137] In the signal receiving scenario, switch 302 is open, and the radio frequency signal received and converted by the radiation unit is transmitted to the phase modulation device 200. After phase adjustment by the phase modulation device 200, it is then amplified by amplifier 301 and transmitted to the radio frequency unit 1002.

[0138] In the signal transmission scenario, when switch 302 is closed, the radio frequency signal output by radio frequency unit 1002 is transmitted to phase modulation device 200 through switch 302. After phase modulation by phase modulation device 200, it is then transmitted through radiation unit.

[0139] The introduction of switches increases the number of switches in the system, increasing cost and footprint, and also increases transmission loss. The amplifier is placed between the phase modulation device and the RF unit. As mentioned above, the phase modulation device has a large number of RF switches, resulting in high losses. This means that the signal is amplified after passing through the lossy phase modulation device, leading to poor amplification. The received signal still has a poor noise figure after amplification, and sensitivity needs further improvement.

[0140] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a phase modulation device comprising an input terminal, at least two output terminals, and at least one phase modulation unit. Each phase modulation unit includes a phase shifting unit and multiple switching units. The phase shifting unit includes a first node, a second node, and one or more phase shifting structures connected in series between the two nodes. Each pair of adjacent switching units corresponds one-to-one with each phase shifting structure in the phase shifting unit; that is, two adjacent switching units correspond to one phase shifting structure, and this phase shifting structure corresponds only to these two adjacent switching units. The number of phase shifting structures is one less than the number of switching units. One end of each switching unit is connected to the input terminal, and the other ends of two adjacent switching units are respectively connected to the two ports of a corresponding phase shifting structure, allowing two switching units to share a single phase shifting structure. The first node and the second node are respectively connected to two output terminals, meaning the two output terminals share a single phase modulation unit. One phase modulation unit may include n (n greater than 1) switching units and n-1 phase shifting structures. In other words, the two output terminals share n-1 phase shifting structures, controlled by n switches, achieving multiplexing of the switching units and phase shifting structures.

[0141] By controlling the on and off states of the switching units, the phase shift state of the phase shifting unit can be adjusted, thereby creating a phase difference between the RF signals output from the two output terminals, achieving beamforming. By controlling the on and off states of n switching units, 2 n Two states (including 2) n Switching between one beam state and one high-impedance state. This saves on the circuit area of ​​RF switches and devices, solving the problems of large number of switches and high losses required by phase modulation devices in related technologies. Furthermore, power division design can be implemented at the connection between the switching unit and the phase shifting structure, so that the RF signal is power-divided before entering the corresponding phase shifting structure (or output terminal), realizing a combined design of power division and phase shifting, further simplifying the hardware structure design of phase modulation devices, and reducing equipment costs and operating power consumption.

[0142] Furthermore, since the two output terminals share a single phase modulation unit, when the state of the control switch unit causes a change in the phase of the RF signal output from one output terminal, the phase of the RF signal output from the other output terminal will also change. The phase changes of the RF signals from the two output terminals are controlled in a coordinated manner. Phase modulation can be achieved through a single control circuit, reducing losses and costs associated with modulation. This makes the phase modulation device of this application applicable to scenarios requiring low insertion loss, high power, miniaturization, and high switching speeds.

[0143] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0144] See Figure 4As shown, the phase modulation device 101 includes an input terminal, through which radio frequency signals can be input into the phase modulation device 101. For example, the input terminal is used to connect to a control unit, and the control unit can transmit control signals and radio frequency signals output by the radio frequency unit to the phase modulation device 101.

[0145] The phase modulation device 101 also includes at least one phase modulation unit 1011 and at least two output terminals. Taking the first and second output terminals in the figure as examples, the phase modulation unit 1011 is connected to the input terminal and the two output terminals respectively. The radio frequency signal enters the phase modulation unit 1011 through the input terminal. The phase modulation unit 1011 is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal and output the phase-adjusted radio frequency signal from the at least two output terminals, so that there can be a phase difference between the radio frequency signals output from the at least two output terminals.

[0146] It is understandable that, in the example above where the antenna is a receiving antenna, the radio frequency signal received and converted by the transmitting unit can enter the phase adjustment unit 1011 through at least two output terminals. After the phase adjustment unit 1011 adjusts the phase of the radio frequency signal, the radio frequency signal can be transmitted to the radio frequency unit through the input terminal.

[0147] The following example, using the aforementioned antenna as the transmitting antenna and the signal transmission from the base station to the electronic device (i.e., signal transmission), illustrates the structure and function of the phase modulation unit.

[0148] Specifically, each phase control unit 1011 includes a phase shifting unit 10 and a switching unit group 20. The switching unit group 20 may include multiple switching units 21, wherein each switching unit 21 may include a radio frequency switch.

[0149] The phase shifting unit 10 may include a first node 10a, a second node 10b, and several phase shifting structures 11. That is, the first node 10a and the second node 10b may share one or more phase shifting structures 11. The first node 10a and the second node 10b are respectively connected to two transmission ends, that is, the two output ends share one or more phase shifting structures 11.

[0150] Each phase-shifting structure 11 may include one phase shifter, or each phase-shifting structure 11 may include multiple phase shifters. Multiple phase shifters may be connected in series, or multiple phase shifters may be connected in parallel, or some of the multiple phase shifters may be connected in parallel, and the parallel phase shifters may be connected in series with the remaining phase shifters. Each phase shifter may be a single-bit phase shifter, or each phase shifter may be a multi-bit phase shifter.

[0151] The number of phase-shifting structures 11 between the first node 10a and the second node 10b can be one, or the number of phase-shifting structures 11 can be multiple. When there are multiple phase-shifting structures 11, the additional phase introduced by the multiple phase-shifting structures 11 can be the same or different, that is, the phase difference generated by the radio frequency signal after passing through multiple phase-shifting structures 11 can be the same or different.

[0152] Each phase-shifting structure 11 may have two ports, such as a first port and a second port, for example, see [link to documentation]. Figure 4 As shown, Φ represents the phase-shifting structure 11, and... Figure 4 Taking the phase-shifting structure Φ1 as an example, the phase-shifting structure Φ1 can have a first port 11a and a second port 11b.

[0153] When there are multiple phase-shifting structures 11, they can be connected in series. The two phase-shifting structures 11 located at the beginning and end can be connected to the first node 10a and the second node 10b, respectively. For example, see [link to example]. Figure 4 As shown, there are multiple phase-shifting structures 11, such as phase-shifting structure Φ1, phase-shifting structure Φ2, ..., phase-shifting structure Φ n-1 For example, phase shifting structure Φ1, phase shifting structure Φ2, ..., phase shifting structure Φ n-1 They are connected in sequence and linked together.

[0154] For example, the second port 11b of phase-shifting structure Φ1 is connected to the first port (not shown in the figure) of phase-shifting structure Φ2, and the second port of phase-shifting structure Φ2 can be connected to the first port (not shown in the figure) of phase-shifting structure Φ3, and so on. In multiple series-connected phase-shifting structures 11, phase-shifting structure Φ1 can serve as the first end of the entire series circuit, and phase-shifting structure Φ n-1 The first port 11a of the phase-shifting structure Φ1 can be connected to the first node 10a, serving as the tail end of the entire series circuit. n-1 The second port 11d can be connected to the second node 10b to form the phase shifting unit 10.

[0155] In the plurality of switching units 21, each pair of adjacent switching units 21 corresponds one-to-one with each phase-shifting structure 11 in the phase-shifting unit 10. One-to-one correspondence means that each element corresponds to one another. For example, if the plurality of switching units 21 (or switching unit group 20) are considered as a set, any two adjacent switching units 21 are considered as one element in this set, and the phase-shifting unit 10 is considered as another set, each phase-shifting structure 11 is considered as one element in this set. One-to-one correspondence means that the number of elements in the two sets is the same, and one element in one set corresponds to one element in the other set. In other words, two adjacent switching units 21 correspond to one phase-shifting structure 11, and this phase-shifting structure 11 corresponds only to these two adjacent switching units 21. The number of phase-shifting structures 11 is one less than the number of switching units 21.

[0156] It should be noted that the term "adjacent two switch units 21" refers to two switch units 21 that are sequentially adjacent within a switch unit group 20, where the multiple switch units 21 are connected to the input terminal respectively. This term is used only to define the parallel order of the two switch units 21 within the switch unit group 20, and does not limit the actual placement or assembly position of the two switch units 21. In the actual structural layout of the phase control device 101, the actual distribution of the switch units 21 can be as described above, where multiple switch units 21 are arranged in a row to form a switch unit group 20. Alternatively, they can be arranged in other regular or irregular ways, such as distributed in several columns or dispersed, so that the actual installation or assembly positions of adjacent switch units 21 can be close to each other or relatively far apart. Other switch units or devices can also exist between adjacent switch units 21.

[0157] For example, see Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, S represents a switching unit. Multiple switching units 21 can be designated as switching unit S1, switching unit S2, switching unit S3, ..., switching unit S... n In the circuit structure with multiple switching units 21, switching unit S1, switching unit S2, switching unit S3, ..., switching unit S... n Switching units 21 can be arranged side-by-side to form a switch unit group 20. In this switch unit group 20, adjacent switch units S1 and S2 can be two adjacent switch units, switch unit S2 and S3 can be two adjacent switch units, and so on. However, in the actual structural layout of the phase modulation device 101, the assembly positions of the multiple switch units 21 can be distributed as follows: Figure 4 The side-by-side arrangement shown can be arranged in a single column, or other arrangements can also be used.

[0158] In the multiple switching units 21, one end of each switching unit 21 is connected to the input terminal, and the other end of two adjacent switching units 21 is connected to the first port and the second port of the corresponding phase shifting structure 11, respectively. That is, the other end of two adjacent switching units 21 is connected to the two ports of a corresponding phase shifting structure 11, and two switching units 21 share a phase shifting structure 11, satisfying that the number of phase shifting structures 11 is one less than the number of switching units 21.

[0159] For example, see continue. Figure 4 As shown, taking an example where the number of switch units 21 is n, where n is greater than 1, such as n switch units 21 being switch unit S1, switch unit S2, switch unit S3, ..., switch unit S... n-1 Switching unit S n Switching unit S1, switching unit S2, switching unit S3, ..., switching unit S n-1 Switching unit S n The switches are arranged in a row, with one end of each switch unit 21 connected to the input terminal. Each pair of adjacent switch units 21 corresponds one-to-one with a phase-shifting structure 11. For example, adjacent switch units S1 and S2 correspond to phase-shifting structure Φ1, with the other ends of switch units S1 and S2 connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b of phase-shifting structure Φ1, respectively. Adjacent switch units S2 and S3 correspond to phase-shifting structure Φ2, with the other ends of switch units S2 and S3 connected to the first and second ports (not shown in the figure) of phase-shifting structure Φ2, respectively. This process continues for adjacent switch units S1 and S2. n-1 and switching unit S n With phase-shifting structure Φ n-1 Correspondingly, the switching unit S n-1 The other end and the switching unit S n The other end is connected to the phase-shifting structure Φ n-1 The first port 11c and the second port 11d are connected.

[0160] Each pair of adjacent switching units 21 corresponds to one phase-shifting structure 11, and the number of phase-shifting structures 11 is n-1. That is, the two output terminals share a single phase control unit 1011, which may include n switching units 21 and n-1 phase-shifting structures 11. In other words, the two output terminals share n-1 phase-shifting structures 11, which are controlled by n switches, thus realizing the multiplexing of the switching units 21 and the phase-shifting structures 11.

[0161] Each switching unit 21 has two states: on and off. When the switching unit 21 is in the on state, its two ends are connected, and signals can be transmitted through it. When the switching unit 21 is in the off state, its two ends are disconnected, and signals cannot be transmitted through it. The control signal of the control circuit can be input to each switching unit 21 to control its on and off states.

[0162] The radio frequency signal input through the input terminal first passes through multiple parallel switching units 21 to select the transmission path. When the state of the switching unit 21 is different, the transmission path of the radio frequency signal is different, and the phase shifting structure 11 on the different transmission paths is also different (such as different number, phase shifting state, etc.), which makes the phase difference generated by the radio frequency signal different. That is, when the switching unit 21 is in different states, the phase shifting unit 10 is in different phase shifting states, and the phase change generated by the radio frequency signal after passing through the phase shifting unit 10 is different.

[0163] By controlling the on and off states of the control switch unit 21, the phase shift state of the phase shift unit 10 can be adjusted, thereby creating a phase difference between the radio frequency signals output from the two output terminals, achieving the purpose of beamforming.

[0164] Accordingly, in the example where the antenna is a receiving antenna and the signal is transmitted from the electronic device to the base station (i.e., signal reception), the signal entering the phase modulation unit 1011 through at least two output terminals has different transmission paths due to the different states of the switching unit 21, resulting in different phase differences in the generated radio frequency signals. By controlling the on and off states of the switching unit 21, the phase shift state of the phase modulation unit 1011 can be controlled, thereby creating a phase difference between the radio frequency signals input from the two output terminals.

[0165] Each switching unit 21 has two states: on and off. By controlling the on and off states of n switching units 21, 2 n State switching.

[0166] It is understandable that when all switching units 21 in the phase modulation device 101 are simultaneously in the off state, radio frequency signals cannot be transmitted. The phase modulation device 101 can be in a high-impedance state, therefore the beam state (or phase-shifting state) available for signal transmission is 2. n -1 state, that is, it can form 2 n -1 type of scanning beam.

[0167] In addition, when using the phase modulation device 101, all switching units 21 can be in the on state, or some switching units 21 can be in the on state and some switching units 21 can be in the off state. The specific settings can be selected according to the phase requirements of the signal transmitted at the output end.

[0168] The phase-shifting structure 11 can be a phase-fixed structure, meaning the phase introduced by the phase-shifting structure 11 is fixed. For example, the phase-shifting structure 11 includes a fixed phase shifter, which can be a transmission line of fixed length, a capacitor element of fixed size, an inductor element, etc. The phase-shifting structure 11 can achieve the above-mentioned 2 without having a switching unit. n Two states, 2 n The states include 2 n - One beam state (or phase shift state) and one high-impedance state. That is, only n switching units 21 are needed, and the phase modulation device 101 can achieve 2... n -1 type of beam state switching, one switching unit is added to the phase control unit 1011, and 2 can be realized between the two output ports. n+1 -1 type of beam state switching, (2 n+1 -1) greater than 2 n In other words, 2 can also be achieved using n+1 switching units. n The switching of beam states. Compared with phase modulation devices in related technologies, the same or more beam states can be achieved using fewer switching units, saving RF switch and device circuit area, effectively reducing RF signal loss, and also helping to reduce the number of hardware structures of the entire phase modulation device 101, further reducing the cost and area occupied by the phase modulation device 101.

[0169] Furthermore, in the phase modulation device 101 with the aforementioned circuit connection structure, power division design can be implemented at the connection between the switching unit 21 and the phase shifting structure 11, so that the radio frequency signal is power divided before entering the phase shifting structure 11 (or output terminal) in the corresponding transmission path, realizing a combined design of power division and phase shifting. For example, taking the first node 10a as an example, the switching unit S1 and the phase shifting structure Φ1 can be connected at the first node 10a. The radio frequency signal is divided into two parts at the first node 10a and transmitted to the phase shifting structure Φ1 and the first output terminal, respectively. The radio frequency signal transmitted to the phase shifting structure Φ1 is phase-shifted through the phase shifting structure 11, so that the phase shifting unit 10 can be used to realize both power division design and phase shifting adjustment, making the phase shifting unit 10 an integrated structure that combines power division and phase shifting, further simplifying the hardware structure design of the phase modulation device 101 and reducing the hardware structure cost and area occupied by the phase modulation device 101.

[0170] The following example illustrates the specific structure of the phase modulation device in the embodiments of this application and related technologies, taking two output terminals, such as the first output terminal and the second output terminal.

[0171] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another circuit structure for a phase-shifting topology system in related technologies.

[0172] See Figure 5 As shown, in the phase modulation device 200, the transmission channel between the second output terminal and the input terminal can be a phase-shifted transmission channel. Two phase-adjustable phase shifters 201 can be connected in series on this transmission channel. Each phase shifter 201 can include two radio frequency (RF) switches, controlling the on and off states of the RF switches, enabling the phase modulation device 200 to switch between four beam states. That is, four RF switches are required to achieve the four beam state switching.

[0173] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the phase modulation device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0174] See Figure 6 As shown, in the phase modulation device 101 provided in this embodiment, the phase modulation device 101 may include two switching units 21, such as switching unit S1 and switching unit S2. The phase shifting unit in the phase modulation device may include a phase shifting structure 11, such as phase shifting structure Φ1. One end of phase shifting structure Φ1, one end of switching unit S1, and the first output terminal can be connected at the first node 10a, respectively. The other end of phase shifting structure Φ1, one end of switching unit S2, and the second output terminal can be connected at the second node 10b, respectively. Phase shifting structure Φ1 can be a fixed phase shifter. By controlling the on and off states of switching units S1 and S2, the phase modulation device 101 can achieve switching between four states, including three beam states and one high-impedance state. By adding one switching unit 21 and one phase shifting structure 11, i.e., only three switching units 21 are needed, the phase modulation device 101 can achieve switching between five beam states. Compared with the phase modulation devices in the aforementioned related technologies, if the same number of beam state switching is achieved, i.e., the switching of 4 beam states is achieved, the phase modulation device 101 provided in this application embodiment only needs to include 3 switching units 21, which significantly reduces the number of switches.

[0175] It should be noted that in the phase modulation device provided in this application embodiment, the phase modulation of the radio frequency signals output from the two output terminals sharing a single phase modulation unit is linked. Taking the first and second output terminals as an example, since the first and second output terminals share a single phase modulation unit, and each pair of adjacent switching units 21 within the phase modulation unit shares a phase shifting structure 11, the switching units 21 and the phase shifting structure 11 are multiplexed. When the state of the switching unit 21 is controlled to change the phase of the radio frequency signal output from the first output terminal, the phase of the radio frequency signal output from the second output terminal also changes. The phase changes of the radio frequency signals from the two output terminals are linked and controlled. Phase change regulation can be achieved through a single control circuit, reducing losses and costs associated with the regulation process.

[0176] For example, with Figure 6 Taking a scenario where the first and second output terminals share two switching units 21 and a phase-shifting structure 11, when switching unit S1 is in the ON state and switching unit S2 is in the OFF state, part of the RF signal entering from the input terminal passes through switching unit S1 and is output from the first output terminal, while part passes through switching unit S1 and phase-shifting structure Φ1 and is output from the second output terminal. When the state of switching unit 21 is changed, such as making switching unit S2 in the ON state and switching unit S1 in the OFF state, part of the RF signal entering from the input terminal passes through switching unit S2 and is output from the second output terminal, while part passes through switching unit S2 and phase-shifting structure Φ1 and is output from the first output terminal, causing a linked change in the phase of the RF signal output from the first output terminal and the phase of the RF signal output from the second output terminal.

[0177] The number of output terminals can be two as described above, and the number of phase control units can be one. The two output terminals share one phase control unit, and the two output terminals are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the phase shifting unit in the phase control unit.

[0178] Alternatively, there can be two or more output terminals, and the number of phase control units can be one or more.

[0179] In this multi-output configuration, every two output terminals correspond one-to-one with each phase control unit within the phase control unit. For example, consider the multiple output terminals as one set, with each pair of output terminals as an element in that set. Similarly, consider one or more phase control units as another set, with each phase control unit as an element in that set. The number of elements in both sets is the same, and each element in one set corresponds to an element in the other. In other words, each pair of output terminals corresponds to one phase control unit, and this phase control unit corresponds only to those two output terminals.

[0180] The switching units in each phase control unit are connected to the input terminal, and the two output terminals are connected to the first and second nodes of the phase shifting unit in the corresponding phase control unit, respectively, so that the two output terminals share a single phase control unit. Increasing the number of phase control units and output terminals increases the number of transmission channels and phase shifting structures, which in turn increases the number of scanning beams. This allows the phase control device to have a larger scanning field of view and a narrower beam, achieving wider beam coverage and finer beam pointing.

[0181] Taking the number of output terminals as m (m is greater than 2) as an example. In some examples, the number of output terminals m can be an even number, such as m can be greater than or equal to 4. Each pair of output terminals shares a phase control unit, and the number of phase control units can be m / 2. Each phase control unit can include n switching units and n-1 phase shifting structures.

[0182] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0183] For example, see Figure 7 As shown, taking m output terminals as the first output terminal, the second output terminal, ..., the m / 2th output terminal (not shown in the figure), the m / 2+1th output terminal (not shown in the figure), ..., the m-1th output terminal, and the mth output terminal as examples, the phase differences of the signals output by the first output terminal, the second output terminal, ..., the m / 2th output terminal, the m / 2+1th output terminal, ..., the m-1th output terminal, and the mth output terminal can be arranged in an arithmetic sequence, which is beneficial for the realization of large field-of-view scanning and narrow beam pointing of the phase modulation device 101.

[0184] Of course, in some other examples, the phase of the output signals of the m output terminals can also be distributed in other ways that are beneficial to beamforming.

[0185] m / 2 phase control units 1011 can be respectively a first control unit 111, a second control unit 112a, a second control unit 112b, ... The first output terminal and the m-th output terminal can share a single phase control unit, such as the first control unit 111 shared by the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal. The first control unit 111 can include n switching units 21, such as... Switching unit Switching unit ..., Switching unit Switching unit

[0186] The phase-shifting unit of the first control unit 111 may include n-1 phase-shifting structures 11, such as phase-shifting structures 11, etc. Phase-shifting structure Phase-shifting structure ...phase-shifting structure The first output terminal and the m-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node 10a and the second node 10b of the first control unit 111, so that the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal share a multiplexed phase-shifting structure. ~Phase-shifting structure By switching unit ~Switch unit To achieve control.

[0187] The second output terminal and the (m-1)th output terminal can share a phase control unit. For example, the second output terminal and the (m-1)th output terminal can share a second control unit 112a. The second control unit 112a can include n switching units 21, such as switching units 21. Switching unit Switching unit ..., Switching unit Switching unit

[0188] The phase-shifting unit of the second control unit 112a may include n-1 phase-shifting structures 11, such as phase-shifting structures 11, etc. Phase-shifting structure Phase-shifting structure ...phase-shifting structure The second output terminal and the (m-1)th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node 10c and the second node 10d of the second control unit 112a, so that the second output terminal and the (m-1)th output terminal share a multiplexed phase-shifting structure. ~Phase-shifting structure By switching unit ~Switch unit To achieve control.

[0189] The third output terminal and the (m-2)th output terminal can share a phase control unit. For example, the third output terminal and the (m-2)th output terminal can share a second control unit 112b. The second control unit 112b can include n switching units 21, such as switching units 21. Switching unit Switching unit ..., Switching unit Switching unit

[0190] The phase-shifting unit of the second control unit 112b may include n-1 phase-shifting structures 11, such as phase-shifting structures 11, etc. Phase-shifting structure Phase-shifting structure ...phase-shifting structure The third output terminal and the (m-2)th output terminal are connected to the first node 10e and the second node 10f of the second control unit 112b, respectively, so that the third output terminal and the (m-2)th output terminal share a multiplexed phase-shifting structure. ~Phase-shifting structure By switching unit ~Switch unit To achieve control.

[0191] Similarly, the m / 2th and m / 2+1th output terminals can share a single phase control unit, with the m / 2th and m / 2+1th output terminals connected to the first and second nodes of the corresponding phase control unit, respectively. This facilitates control implementation, ensuring that the phases of the output signals from the first output terminal to the mth output terminal are arranged in an arithmetic progression array.

[0192] For example, when m is 4, the m output terminals can be designated as the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, and the fourth output terminal. The first and fourth output terminals can share a phase control unit, and the second and third output terminals can share a phase control unit. Alternatively, when m is 6, the m output terminals can be designated as the first output terminal, the second output terminal, the third output terminal, the fourth output terminal, the fifth output terminal, and the sixth output terminal. The first and sixth output terminals can share a phase control unit, the second and fifth output terminals can share a phase control unit, the third and fourth output terminals can share a phase control unit, and so on.

[0193] Taking a phase modulation device 101 with m output ports, each phase modulation unit 1011 with n switching units 21 and n-1 phase shifting structures 11 as an example, 2 n Types of state transitions (including 2) n With one beam state and one high-impedance state, the entire phase modulation device 101 only requires n×m / 2 switching units 21, which significantly reduces the number of switching units 21 while achieving a larger scanning field of view and a narrower beam pointing.

[0194] For example, taking a phase modulation device with 4 output terminals, each phase modulation unit 1011 having 2 switching units 21 and 1 phase shifting structure 11 as an example, i.e., m=4, n=2, in the phase modulation device 200 of the aforementioned related technology, 12 RF switches are required to form 4 scanning beams. However, in the phase modulation device 101 provided in this application embodiment, only 4 switching units 21 are needed to achieve 4 state switching (including 3 beam states and 1 high-impedance state), that is, to form 3 scanning beams. By adding 1 switching unit 21 and 1 phase shifting structure 11 to each phase modulation unit 1011, only 6 switching units 21 are needed to achieve 8 state switching (including 7 beam states and 1 high-impedance state), that is, to form 7 scanning beams.

[0195] To better control the phase of the output signal between the output terminals, for example, multiple phase control units may include a first control unit and several second control units, wherein the number of first control units may be one, the number of second control units may be one, or there may be multiple.

[0196] Among the m output terminals, the first output terminal and the mth output terminal correspond to a first control unit, that is, the first output terminal and the mth output terminal share the first control unit. The first output terminal and the mth output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the first control unit.

[0197] Excluding the first and m-th output terminals, each pair of remaining output terminals corresponds to a second control unit; that is, each pair of output terminals shares a second control unit. Each pair of output terminals is connected to the first and second nodes of the corresponding second control unit. For example, see [link to example]. Figure 7 As shown, the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal share the first control unit 111, the second output terminal and the (m-1)-th output terminal share a second control unit 112, such as the second control unit 112a, the third output terminal and the (m-1)-th output terminal share a second control unit 112, such as the second control unit 112b, and so on. The m / 2-th output terminal and the m / 2+1-th output terminal share a second control unit 112 (not shown in the figure).

[0198] The number of second control units 112 can be one, such as when m = 4. Alternatively, the number of second control units 112 can be multiple, such as when m is an even number greater than 4.

[0199] The phase control device 101 may also include a first auxiliary phase shift structure 30. Each second control unit 112 is connected to the input terminal via the first auxiliary phase shift structure 30. For example, the second control unit 112a is connected to the input terminal via the first auxiliary phase shift structure 30a, the second control unit 112b is connected to the input terminal via the first auxiliary phase shift structure 30b, and so on.

[0200] The first auxiliary phase-shifting structure 30 is used to introduce an additional phase to change the phase of the radio frequency signal, thereby achieving phase adjustment. By adding the first auxiliary phase-shifting structure 30, auxiliary adjustment of the signal phase can be achieved before the radio frequency signal is transmitted to the second control unit 112, which is more conducive to achieving an equal arithmetic array arrangement of the output signals between each output terminal.

[0201] The first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 can be a phase-adjustable phase shifting structure, and the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 can include an adjustable phase shifter. A first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 can include one phase shifter, or it can include multiple phase shifters, each of which can be a single-bit phase shifter or a multi-bit phase shifter.

[0202] When a first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 includes multiple phase shifters, all of the multiple phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters, or some of the phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters and some of the phase shifters can be fixed phase shifters.

[0203] Of course, in some examples, the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 can also be a phase-fixed phase shifting structure, such as the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 may include one or more fixed phase shifters.

[0204] When the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 includes multiple phase shifters, the multiple phase shifters can be connected in parallel, or they can be connected in series, or some of the multiple phase shifters can be connected in parallel, and the parallel phase shifters can be connected in series with the remaining phase shifters. The specific structure of the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 can be selected and set according to the actual requirements of the phase of the output signal between the output terminals.

[0205] For example, the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 may include one or more of the following: a loaded phase shifter, a switch-line phase shifter, and a reflective phase shifter.

[0206] In this case, an auxiliary phase-shifting structure may not be provided between the first control unit 111 and the input terminal.

[0207] Alternatively, an auxiliary phase-shifting structure can be provided between the first control unit 111 and the input terminal. For example, the phase control device 101 may also include a second auxiliary phase-shifting structure 40. The second auxiliary phase-shifting structure 40 is connected between the first control unit 111 and the input terminal. The second auxiliary phase-shifting structure 40 can also change the phase of the radio frequency signal to achieve phase adjustment. The added second auxiliary phase-shifting structure 40 can achieve auxiliary phase adjustment before the radio frequency signal is transmitted to the first control unit 111, which is beneficial to achieve the arithmetic progression of the output signal phase and also to improve the adjustment flexibility of the output signal phase at the output terminal.

[0208] The second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 can be a phase shifting structure with a fixed phase, such as the second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 may include one or more fixed phase shifters.

[0209] Alternatively, the second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 can also be a phase-adjustable phase shifting structure, such as the second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 may include an adjustable phase shifter, one second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 may include one phase shifter, or it may include multiple phase shifters, each phase shifter may be a single-bit phase shifter or a multi-bit phase shifter.

[0210] When a second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 includes multiple phase shifters, all of the multiple phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters, or some of the phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters and some of the phase shifters can be fixed phase shifters.

[0211] When the second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 includes multiple phase shifters, the multiple phase shifters can be connected in parallel, or they can be connected in series, or some of the multiple phase shifters can be connected in parallel, and the parallel phase shifters can also be connected in series with the remaining phase shifters. The specific structure of the second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 can also be selected and set according to the actual requirements of the phase of the output signal between the output terminals.

[0212] For example, the second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 may include one or more of the following: a zero-phase-shifting circuit structure, a fixed phase shifter, a loaded phase shifter, a switch-line phase shifter, and a reflective phase shifter.

[0213] In some examples, the number of output terminals m can also be an odd number, such as an odd number greater than or equal to 3, which enriches the structural design flexibility of the phase control device and is also conducive to realizing a large field of view range of the phase control device.

[0214] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0215] In the m output terminals, each pair of output terminals shares a phase adjustment unit. To meet the multiplexing requirements of the phase adjustment unit and ensure the phase difference of the output signals, see... Figure 8 As shown, the phase control device may further include a branch phase shifting structure 50. Among the m output terminals, one output terminal can be connected to the input terminal through the branch phase shifting structure 50. Among the remaining m-1 output terminals, every two output terminals can share one phase control unit 1011. The number of phase control units 1011 can be (m-1) / 2, and each phase control unit 1011 can include n switches and n-1 phase shifting structures.

[0216] For example, see Figure 8 As shown, taking m output terminals as the first output terminal, the second output terminal, ..., the (m-1) / 2th output terminal, the (m+1) / 2th output terminal (not shown in the figure), the (m+3) / 2th output terminal (not shown in the figure), ..., the (m-1)th output terminal, and the mth output terminal as examples, the phase differences of the signals output from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, ..., the (m-1) / 2th output terminal, the (m+1) / 2th output terminal, the (m+3) / 2th output terminal, ..., the (m-1)th output terminal, and the mth output terminal can be arranged in an arithmetic sequence, which is beneficial for the realization of large field-of-view scanning and narrow beam pointing of the phase modulation device 101.

[0217] (m-1) / 2 phase control units 1011 can be respectively a first control unit 111, a second control unit 112, ... The first output terminal and the m-th output terminal can share a single phase control unit, such as the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal sharing the first control unit 111. The first control unit 111 can include n switching units 21, such as... Switching unit Switching unit 21 ..., Switching unit Switching unit

[0218] The phase-shifting unit of the first control unit 111 may include n-1 phase-shifting structures 11, such as phase-shifting structures 11, etc. Phase-shifting structure Phase-shifting structure ...phase-shifting structure The first output terminal and the m-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node 10a and the second node 10b of the first control unit 111, so that the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal share a multiplexed phase-shifting structure. ~Phase-shifting structure By switching unit ~Switch unit To achieve control.

[0219] The second output terminal and the (m-1)th output terminal can share a phase control unit. For example, the second output terminal and the (m-1)th output terminal can share a second control unit 112. The second control unit 112 can include n switching units 21, such as switching units 21. Switching unit Switching unit ..., Switching unit Switching unit

[0220] The phase-shifting unit of the second control unit 112 may include n-1 phase-shifting structures 11, such as phase-shifting structures 11, etc. Phase-shifting structure Phase-shifting structure ...phase-shifting structure The second output terminal and the (m-1)th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node 10c and the second node 10d of the second control unit 112, so that the second output terminal and the (m-1)th output terminal share a multiplexed phase-shifting structure. ~Phase-shifting structure By switching unit ~Switch unit To achieve control.

[0221] Similarly, the (m-1) / 2th output and the (m+3) / 2nd output can share a single phase control unit (not shown in the figure). The (m-1) / 2nd output and the (m+3) / 2nd output are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the corresponding phase control unit. The (m+1) / 2nd output can be connected to the input through a branch phase shifting structure 50, such as the branch structure being... Figure 8 The phase-shifting structure Φ in (m+1) / 2 The shared phase control unit configuration at the output terminals facilitates control and ensures that the phases of the output signals from the first output terminal to the m-th output terminal are arranged in an arithmetic progression array.

[0222] For example, when m is 3, the m output terminals can be designated as a first output terminal, a second output terminal, and a third output terminal. The first and third output terminals can share a single phase control unit, and the second output terminal can be connected to the input terminal through a branch phase shift structure. Alternatively, when m is 5, the m output terminals can be designated as a first output terminal, a second output terminal, a third output terminal, a fourth output terminal, and a fifth output terminal. The first and fifth output terminals can share a single phase control unit, the second and fourth output terminals can share a single phase control unit, and the third output terminal can be connected to the input terminal through a branch phase shift structure, and so on.

[0223] Taking a phase modulation device 101 with m output ports, each phase modulation unit 1011 with n switching units 21 and n-1 phase shifting structures 11 as an example, 2 n Two states (including 2) n Switching between one beam state and one high-impedance state, the entire phase modulation device 101 only requires (m-1)n / 2 switching units 21, which significantly reduces the number of switching units 21 while achieving a larger scanning field of view and a narrower beam pointing.

[0224] The (m+1) / 2th output terminal is connected to the input terminal through a branch phase shift structure 50. The branch phase shift structure 50 can be a phase-adjustable phase shift structure, such as including an adjustable phase shifter. One branch phase shift structure 50 can include one phase shifter, or it can include multiple phase shifters. Each phase shifter can be a single-bit phase shifter or a multi-bit phase shifter.

[0225] When a branch phase shifting structure 50 includes multiple phase shifters, all of the phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters, or some of the phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters and some of the phase shifters can be fixed phase shifters.

[0226] It should be noted that the phase shift state of the branch phase shift structure 50 can be adjusted according to the phase difference distribution requirements of the signals between each output terminal. For example, when the control switch unit 21 is in the on or off state, the phase difference of the signals between the output terminals of the shared phase control unit changes. To ensure that the phase difference of the output signals between the m output terminals meets the design requirements, such as if the phase differences are arranged in an arithmetic progression, the phase shift state of the branch phase shift structure 50 can be adjusted to regulate the phase of the output signals at the output terminals connected to the input terminals through the branch phase shift structure 50, thereby meeting the signal phase difference design requirements of each output terminal.

[0227] For example, the phase shifting state of the branch phase shifting structure 50 can be made to meet the requirements by increasing the number of phase shifters in the branch phase shifting structure 50. For example, by controlling the on and off states of the switching unit 21, the phase difference between the two output terminals can be changed to increase the scanning beam.

[0228] Of course, in some examples, the phase shift state of the branch phase shift structure 50 can also be controlled by adjusting the state of the radio frequency switch in the branch phase shift structure 50.

[0229] For example, taking a 3-port output with 3 phase-shifting structures 11 (m=3, n=2), the phase modulation device 200 in the aforementioned related technologies requires 8 RF switches to form 4 scanning beams. However, the phase modulation device 101 provided in this application embodiment only requires 4 switching units 21 to achieve 4 beam state switching, i.e., forming 4 scanning beams. By controlling the on and off states of the switching units 21 to increase the scanning beams, adding one 1-bit phase shifter to the branch phase-shifting structure 50 can form 7 scanning beams.

[0230] Similarly, the phase control unit 1011 may include a first control unit 111 and several second control units 112, with the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal sharing the first control unit 111. Excluding the first output terminal, the m-th output terminal, and the (m+1) / 2-th output terminal, each pair of the remaining output terminals shares one second control unit 112. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal share the first control unit 111, the second output terminal and the (m-1)-th output terminal share a second control unit 112, and so on, the (m-1) / 2-th output terminal and the (m+3) / 2-th output terminal share a second control unit 112 (not shown in the figure).

[0231] The number of second control units 112 can be one, such as Figure 8 As shown, when m = 5, the number of second control units 112 can be one. Alternatively, the number of second control units 112 can also be multiple, such as when m is an odd number greater than or equal to 7.

[0232] The phase modulation device 101 may also include a first auxiliary phase shift structure 30, with each second modulation unit 112 connected to the input terminal via the first auxiliary phase shift structure 30. The phase modulation device 101 may also include a second auxiliary phase shift structure 40, with the first modulation unit 111 connected to the input terminal via the second auxiliary phase shift structure 40. The specific structures of the first auxiliary phase shift structure 30 and the second auxiliary phase shift structure 40 are described above and will not be repeated in this example.

[0233] In this embodiment, when the phase shifting structure 11 is a phase-fixed phase shifting structure, the one or more phase shifters included in the phase shifting structure 11 are all fixed phase shifters. The fixed phase shifter can introduce a fixed phase, so that the phase difference generated by the radio frequency signal before and after passing through the phase shifting structure 11 is fixed. For example, the fixed phase shifter can be a phase shifter composed of transmission lines of fixed length.

[0234] Of course, in some examples, the phase-shifting structure 11 can also be a phase-adjustable phase-shifting structure, that is, the phase introduced by the phase-shifting structure 11 can be adjusted. For example, the phase-shifting structure 11 may include an adjustable phase shifter, which may include RF switches, transmission lines, and reactive components to control the state of the RF switches. Different phase-shifting states of the adjustable phase shifter result in different phase differences in the RF signal generated by the adjustable phase shifter. It can be understood that when the phase-shifting structure 11 is a phase-adjustable phase-shifting structure, the number of RF switches increases. By controlling the on and off states of the RF switches (including the RF switches of the adjustable phase shifter) in the entire phase modulation device 101, the beam state that the phase modulation device 101 can achieve will also increase accordingly, that is, a beam state greater than 2 can be achieved between the two outputs of the phase modulation device 101. n -1 type of beam state (or phase shift state) switching.

[0235] In the phase-adjustable phase-shifting structure 11, all phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters, and each adjustable phase shifter can include a radio frequency switch, a transmission line, and a reactive element. Alternatively, when the phase-shifting structure 11 includes multiple phase shifters, some phase shifters can be fixed phase shifters, and some phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters.

[0236] For example, an adjustable phase shifter may include one or more of the following: a T-shaped adjustable phase shifter composed of multiple transmission lines and radio frequency switches; a π-shaped adjustable phase shifter; an adjustable phase shifter composed of a combination of capacitors or inductors; or an adjustable phase shifter composed of capacitors or inductors and radio frequency switches.

[0237] In some examples, the phase modulation device may also include a housing (not shown in the figure), which may have multiple interfaces. Some interfaces may serve as input terminals, through which the phase modulation device connects to the control unit. Other interfaces may serve as output terminals, through which the phase modulation device connects to the radiation unit.

[0238] The housing may have a cavity, and the phase modulation unit can be disposed within the cavity. For example, the phase modulation device may also include a carrier, such as a circuit board. The phase shifting structure and switching unit of the phase modulation unit can be disposed on the carrier. The connection between the switching unit and the phase shifting structure, the connection between the switching unit and the input terminal, and the connection between the first node and the second node and the output terminal can be achieved through transmission lines.

[0239] In the embodiments of this application, the structures of the multiple switching units 21 may be the same or different.

[0240] In some examples, the switching unit may include a switching element, which may be an RF switch, such as a field-effect transistor, a diode, etc. For example, the switching element may be a photodiode, such as a PN junction diode (also known as a PIN diode).

[0241] Of course, in some other examples, the switching element can also be other forms of switching structure that can achieve switching between the on and off states. For example, the switching element can also be a mechanical switch, a ferrite switch, a GaN-based switch, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) switch, etc.

[0242] As a two-port switching structure, the switching unit can be electrically connected to other structures through the first and second terminals, with the two ends of the switching unit being the first and second terminals, respectively.

[0243] Each switching unit can consist of only one switching element, resulting in a simple structural design that reduces cost and footprint. The switching element provides high isolation in its off-state, ensuring the reliability of the switching unit. The off-state of the switching element is the off-state of the switching unit, and the on-state of the switching element is the on-state of the switching unit.

[0244] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0245] For example, see Figure 9 As shown, the switching unit 21 may include a switching element 211, and the two ends of the switching element 211 may be connected to the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the switching unit 21, respectively.

[0246] Alternatively, to improve the RF characteristics of the switching unit, each switching unit may include multiple switching elements located between its two ends, i.e., multiple switching elements are shared between the two ends of the switching unit. The multiple switching elements can be connected in series and / or in parallel, which can improve the isolation of the switching unit in the off state, prevent stub loading, and reduce the resistance in the on state, preventing signal loss.

[0247] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0248] For example, multiple switching elements can be connected in series. See also Figure 10 As shown, with Figure 10 S ′ The switch element 211 is shown as a multiple switch elements 211, which can be respectively switch elements S1. ′ Switching element S2′ ..., Switching element S n ′ Switching element S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ ..., Switching element S n ′ They can be connected in series.

[0249] In a circuit structure where multiple switching elements 211 are connected in series, the multiple series-connected switching elements 211 can be arranged sequentially as a row of switching elements. One end of the two switching elements 211 located at the beginning and end of this switching element group can be connected to the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the switching unit 21, respectively. For example, the switching element S1 located at the beginning... ′ One end can be connected to the first end 21a via a transmission line, and the switching element S located at the tail end... ′ n One end of the signal can be connected to the second end 21b via another transmission line. For example, both transmission lines can be λ / 4 transmission lines, where λ can be the wavelength of the transmitted radio frequency signal.

[0250] When all multiple switching elements 211 are in the ON state, the switching unit 21 is in the ON state; when one of the multiple switching elements 211 is in the OFF state, the switching unit 21 is in the OFF state.

[0251] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0252] Or see Figure 11 As shown, multiple switching elements 211 can also be connected in parallel. For example, multiple switching elements 211 can be respectively switching elements S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ ..., Switching element S n ′ Switching element S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ ..., Switching element S ′ n Multiple switching elements 211 can be connected in parallel. For example, one end of each switching element 211 can be connected to a transmission line and then connected to the first end 21a of the switching unit 21 via the transmission line. The other end of each switching element 211 can be connected to another transmission line and then connected to the second end 21b of the switching unit 21 via the transmission line. For example, both transmission lines can be λ / 4 transmission lines, where λ can be the wavelength of the transmitted radio frequency signal.

[0253] When one of the multiple switching units 21 is in the ON state, the switching unit 21 is in the ON state; when all the multiple switching elements 211 are in the OFF state, the switching unit 21 is in the OFF state.

[0254] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0255] Alternatively, among the multiple switching elements 211, some of the switching elements 211 can form a first unit 21c, and some of the switching elements 211 can form a second unit 21d. At least the multiple switching elements 211 in the first unit 21c are arranged in parallel, one end of the first unit 21c and the second unit 21d can be connected in series, and the other end of the first unit 21c and the second unit 21d can be connected to the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the switching unit 21, respectively.

[0256] For example, see Figure 12 As shown, multiple switching elements 211 are respectively the switching elements S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ Switching element S3 ′ Switching element S4 ′ For example, switching element S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ Switching element S3 ′ It can form the first unit 21c, and the switching element S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ Switching element S3 ′ Connected in parallel sequentially. Switching element S4 ′ The first unit 21c and the second unit 21d can be connected in series. When the first unit 21c and the second unit 21d are in the on state, the switch unit 21 is in the on state. When either the first unit 21c or the second unit 21d is in the off state, the switch unit 21 is in the off state.

[0257] The switching element 211 in the second unit 21d can be one or more, and the multiple switching elements 211 can be connected in parallel or in series. In the first unit 21c, when one of the switching elements 211 connected in parallel is in the on state, the first unit 21c is in the on state; when all the switching elements 211 in the first unit 21c are in the off state, the first unit 21c is in the off state.

[0258] Correspondingly, when the switching elements 211 in the second unit 21d are connected in parallel, if one of the switching elements 211 is in the ON state, the second unit 21d is also in the ON state; if all the switching elements 211 in the second unit 21d are in the OFF state, the second unit 21d is in the OFF state. When the switching elements 211 in the second unit 21d are connected in series, if all the switching elements 211 are in the ON state, the second unit 21d is in the ON state; if one of the switching elements 211 is in the OFF state, the second unit 21d is in the OFF state.

[0259] The number of first units 21c can be one, or the number of first units 21c can be multiple. Correspondingly, the number of second units 21d can also be one or multiple.

[0260] Alternatively, in some examples, the switching unit may also include other electronic components. For instance, the switching unit may also include an impedance transformation network. The impedance transformation network can be a device with impedance transformation function, forming a transition from low impedance to high impedance. By adding an impedance transformation network, it is beneficial to improve the isolation in the off state and reduce the resistance in the on state.

[0261] For example, an impedance transformation network can be a transmission line, such as a λ / 4 transmission line, where λ is the wavelength of the transmitted radio frequency signal. Alternatively, an impedance transformation network can also be a combination circuit structure of transmission lines, capacitors, inductors, etc.

[0262] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0263] For example, see Figure 13 As shown, the switching unit 21 may include a switching element 211 and two impedance transformation networks 212. One end of the two impedance transformation networks 212 is connected in series, and the other end of the two impedance transformation networks 212 can be connected to the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the switching unit 21, respectively. There is an intermediate node 212a between the two impedance transformation networks 212.

[0264] One end of the switching element 211 can be connected to the intermediate node 212a, and the other end of the switching element 211 can be grounded. When the switching element 211 is in the off state, there are two impedance transformation networks 212 between the two ends of the switching unit 21, and the switching unit 21 is in the on state. When the switching element 211 is in the on state, the intermediate node 212a is short-circuited to ground through the switching element 211, and the impedance transformation network 212 makes the two ends of the switching unit 21 open-circuit to the outside, and the switching unit 21 is in the off state.

[0265] Figure 14This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0266] Switching unit 21 may also include inductor 213, see [link / reference] Figure 14 As shown, the switching unit 21, which includes the impedance transformation network 212, may also include an inductor 213. The inductor 213 can be connected in parallel with the switching element 211. The inductor 213 can improve the isolation of the switching element 211 when it is in the off state, thereby improving the reliability of the switching unit 21.

[0267] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0268] Or, in some examples, see Figure 15 As shown, in an example where the switching unit 21 includes one or more switching elements 211, the switching unit 21 may also include an inductor 213 connected in parallel with the switching elements 211.

[0269] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0270] Switching unit 21 may also include capacitor element 214, see [link / reference] Figure 16 As shown, the switching unit 21, which includes the impedance transformation network 212, may also include an inductor 213 and a capacitor 214. The capacitor 214 is connected in series with the inductor 213. The capacitor 214 and the inductor 213 connected in series are connected in parallel with the switching element 211. The capacitor 214 can isolate the DC bias power supply across the switching element 211. Especially for the switching element 211, which includes RF switches such as PIN diodes that require bias driving, the reliability of the switching element 211 and the switching unit 21 can be effectively improved.

[0271] Of course, in some examples, in the example where the switching unit 21 includes one or more switching elements 211, the switching unit 21 may also include a capacitor element 214, which is connected in series with the inductor element 213 and in parallel with the switching element 211.

[0272] In some examples, to enhance the strength of the received signal and improve the sensitivity of signal reception, the phase modulation device may also include an amplifier, for example, a low noise amplifier (LNA).

[0273] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0274] See Figure 17 As shown, the phase control device 101 may include a first interface terminal, at least two second interface terminals, and at least one phase control unit 1011.

[0275] The first interface can be the input terminal described above; for example, the first interface can be connected to the radio frequency unit. The second interface can be the output terminal described above; for example, the second interface can be connected to the radiation unit.

[0276] Taking a signal transmission scenario as an example, if the aforementioned antenna is a transmitting antenna, the radio frequency (RF) signal can be transmitted through the first interface to the phase modulation device 101, such as to the phase modulation unit 1011. The phase modulation unit 1011 adjusts the phase of the RF signal and outputs the phase-adjusted RF signal from at least two second interface terminals, creating a phase difference between the RF signals output from the at least two second interface terminals. The phase-adjusted RF signal is then output from the at least two second interface terminals to the radiating unit and transmitted.

[0277] Taking the signal receiving scenario as an example, if the antenna mentioned above is a receiving antenna, the radio frequency signal can enter the phase modulation device 101 through at least two output terminals, such as being transmitted to the phase modulation unit 1011. The phase modulation unit 1011 realizes the modulation of the phase of the radio frequency signal, and transmits the phase-adjusted radio frequency signal to the first interface terminal, and then to the radio frequency unit, so that there is a phase difference between the radio frequency signals input to the radio frequency unit from at least two second interface terminals.

[0278] Each phase control unit 1011 includes a phase shifting unit 10 and a switching unit group 20, wherein the switching unit group 20 may include multiple switching units 21. The specific structure of the switching unit group 20 and the distribution and connection relationship of the multiple switching units 21 can be found above, and will not be repeated here.

[0279] The phase-shifting unit 10 may include a first node 10a, a second node 10b, and several phase-shifting structures 11. The first node 10a and the second node 10b are respectively connected to two second interface terminals. Each phase-shifting structure 11 may have two ports, such as a first port and a second port. For details on the specific structure of the phase-shifting unit 10, the distribution and connection relationship among the multiple phase-shifting structures 11, and the connection relationship between the phase-shifting unit 10 and the second interface terminals, please refer to the section above on the specific structure of the phase-shifting unit 10 and the connection relationship between the phase-shifting unit 10 and the two output terminals, which will not be repeated here.

[0280] Each pair of adjacent switching units 21 corresponds one-to-one with each phase-shifting structure 11 in the phase-shifting unit 10. In each of the multiple switching units 21, one end of each switching unit 21 is connected to the first interface terminal, and the other ends of two adjacent switching units 21 are connected to the first port and the second port of the corresponding phase-shifting structure 11, respectively. Two switching units 21 share one phase-shifting structure 11. The correspondence and connection relationships between the switching units and the phase-shifting structures can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0281] For example, see Figure 17 As shown, taking an example with n switch units 21, where n is a natural number greater than 1, such as n switch units 21 being switch unit S1, switch unit S2, switch unit S3, ..., switch unit S... n-1 Switching unit S n Switching unit S1, switching unit S2, switching unit S3, ..., switching unit S n-1 Switching unit S n They can be arranged side by side. Each pair of adjacent switching units 21 corresponds to one phase-shifting structure 11, and the number of phase-shifting structures 11 is n-1, such as phase-shifting structure Φ1, phase-shifting structure Φ2, ..., phase-shifting structure Φ n-1 For example, phase shifting structure Φ1, phase shifting structure Φ2, ..., phase shifting structure Φ n-1 They are connected in series. Adjacent switching units S1 and S2 correspond to phase-shifting structure Φ1, with the other end of switching unit S1 and the other end of switching unit S2 connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b of phase-shifting structure Φ1, respectively. Adjacent switching units S2 and S3 correspond to phase-shifting structure Φ2, with the other end of switching unit S2 and the other end of switching unit S3 connected to the first port and the second port (not shown in the figure) of phase-shifting structure Φ2, respectively. And so on, adjacent switching units S... n-1 and switching unit S n With phase-shifting structure Φ n-1 Correspondingly, the switching unit S n-1 The other end and the switching unit S n The other end is connected to the phase-shifting structure Φ n-1 The first port 11c and the second port 11d are connected.

[0282] Each phase control unit may also include multiple amplifiers 60, each amplifier 60 corresponding one-to-one with each switching unit 21. One-to-one correspondence means that each switching unit 21 corresponds to one other unit. For example, multiple switching units 21 can be considered as a set (i.e., switch unit group 20), and each switching unit 21 can be considered as an element in that set. Similarly, multiple amplifiers 60 can be considered as another set, and each amplifier 60 can be considered as an element in that set. One-to-one correspondence means that the number of elements in both sets is the same, and one element in one set corresponds to one element in the other set. That is, the number of switching units 21 is the same as the number of amplifiers 60; one switching unit 21 corresponds to one amplifier 60, and that switching unit 21 corresponds only to that specific amplifier 60.

[0283] As described above, in the multiple switching units 21, one end of each switching unit 21 is connected to the first interface terminal (i.e., the input terminal), and the other ends of two adjacent switching units 21 are connected to the two ports of the corresponding phase-shifting structure 11. The input terminal of each amplifier 60 is connected to the end of the corresponding switching unit 21 connected to the phase-shifting structure 11, and the output terminal of each amplifier 60 is connected to the end of the corresponding switching unit 21 connected to the first interface terminal. That is, the two ends of each amplifier 60 are correspondingly connected to the two ends of each switching unit 21, and each amplifier 60 can be connected in parallel with a corresponding switching unit 21.

[0284] For example, see Figure 17 As shown, taking an example where the number of switch units 21 is n, the number of amplifiers 60 can also be n, such as amplifiers A1, A2, A3, ..., A4. n-1 Amplifier A n Amplifier A1, Amplifier A2, Amplifier A3, ..., Amplifier A n-1 Amplifier A n They can be arranged side by side in sequence.

[0285] Amplifier A1 can correspond to switching unit S1. The input terminal of amplifier A1 can be connected to the end of switching unit S1 connected to phase-shifting structure Φ1, and the output terminal of amplifier A1 can be connected to the end of switching unit S1 connected to the first interface terminal. Amplifier A2 can correspond to switching unit S2. The input terminal of amplifier A2 can be connected to the end of switching unit S2 connected to phase-shifting structure Φ1 (or phase-shifting structure Φ2), and the output terminal of amplifier A2 can be connected to the end of switching unit S2 connected to the first interface terminal. And so on, amplifier A... n-1 Can be used with switch unit S n-1 Correspondingly, amplifier A n-1 The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit S n-1 With phase-shifting structure Φ n-1At the connected end, amplifier A n-1 The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit S n-1 The end connected to the first interface terminal. Amplifier A n Can be used with switch unit S n Correspondingly, amplifier A n The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit S n With phase-shifting structure Φ n-1 At the connected end, amplifier A n The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit S n The end that is connected to the first interface.

[0286] In this way, the two second interface terminals share a phase control unit 1011, which may include n switching units 21, n amplifiers 60, and n-1 phase shifting structures 11, thereby realizing the multiplexing of the switching units 21, amplifiers 60, and phase shifting structures 11.

[0287] In the signal transmission scenario, since amplifier 60 is a unidirectional device, the signal can only be transmitted from the input terminal to the output terminal of amplifier 60, and cannot be transmitted from the output terminal to the input terminal. The radio frequency (RF) signal input into the phase modulation device 101 via the first interface terminal does not pass through amplifier 60, but instead passes through multiple parallel switching units 21. As mentioned above, the multiple switching units 21 allow for the selection of the transmission path. Different states of the switching units 21 result in different RF signal transmission paths, and the phase shifting structures 11 on these paths are also different (e.g., different numbers, different phase shifting states), causing different phase differences in the RF signals. That is, when the switching units 21 are in different states, the phase shifting units 10 are in different phase shifting states, and the phase changes generated by the RF signals passing through the phase shifting units 10 are different. By controlling the on and off states of the switching units 21, the phase shifting state of the phase modulation unit 1011 can be controlled, thereby creating a phase difference between the RF signals output from the two second interface terminals, achieving beamforming. This allows the beam to be directed in different directions, increasing the angular radius of radiation from the sky.

[0288] By controlling the on and off states of n switching units 21, it is possible to achieve 2 n Two states can be switched. The beam states (or phase shift states) available for signal transmission are 2. n-1 There are two states, that is, two states that can be formed. n-1 A scanning beam. Only n switching units 21 are needed; the phase modulation device 101 can achieve 2 n-1The switching of beam states is achieved using fewer switching units 21 compared to phase modulation devices in related technologies. This saves RF switches and device circuit area, effectively reduces RF signal loss, and also helps to reduce the overall hardware structure of the phase modulation device 101, simplifying the phase modulation device 101 and further reducing its cost and footprint. Furthermore, the phase shifting unit 10 can be an integrated design combining power splitting and phase shifting, further simplifying the hardware structure design of the phase modulation device 101.

[0289] In the signal receiving scenario, multiple switching units 21 can be in the off state. The radio frequency signal input to the phase modulation device 101 through at least two second interface terminals is transmitted to the first interface terminal after passing through the phase shifting structure 11 and the amplifier 60 (or only through the amplifier 60).

[0290] The amplifier 60 can have two states: an active state and a deactivated state. When the amplifier 60 is active, its input and output terminals are connected, allowing signals to be transmitted from the input to the output. When the amplifier 60 is deactivated, its input and output terminals are disconnected, preventing signal transmission.

[0291] When the amplifier 60 is in different states, the transmission paths of the radio frequency signals input from at least two second interface terminals are different, and the phase shifting structures 11 on the different transmission paths are also different (such as different numbers, different phase shifting states, etc.), which causes the phase difference generated by the radio frequency signals to be different. That is, when the amplifier 60 is in different states, the phase change generated by the radio frequency signals after passing through the phase shifting unit 10 and the amplifier 60 is different.

[0292] By controlling the on and off states of amplifier 60, the phase shift state of phase modulation unit 1011 can be controlled, thereby creating a phase difference between the radio frequency signals input from the two second interface terminals to the first interface terminal, achieving phase adjustment. This allows for the reception of signals from different directions and implements a non-reciprocal design for phase shift adjustment in signal transmission and reception scenarios. Each amplifier 60 has two states: an active state and an off state. By controlling the active and off states of n amplifiers 60, two phase shift states can be achieved. n There are two state switching modes. When all amplifiers 60 are simultaneously in the off state, radio frequency signals cannot be transmitted, therefore the beam state (or phase shift state) available for signal transmission can also be 2. n-1 A state.

[0293] Furthermore, the RF signal input from the second interface is transmitted to the first interface after passing through the phase-shifting structure 11 and amplifier 60 (or directly through amplifier 60 without passing through the phase-shifting structure). Amplifier 60 amplifies the signal, improves the signal-to-noise ratio, and increases the signal strength. The signal input from the second interface is then amplified by amplifier 60 (or directly through amplifier 60) after passing through the phase-shifting structure 11. Compared to having the signal pass through the entire phase modulation device first and then through amplifier 60 for amplification, this achieves better amplification and enhancement, significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio, and more effectively enhances the receiving sensitivity. Connecting amplifier 60 in parallel with the original switching unit 21 in the signal transmission path achieves signal phase adjustment and signal amplification without affecting signal transmission. It avoids introducing additional switches that would increase the number of switches in the entire phase modulation device 101, increase the cost and footprint of the phase modulation device 101, or increase transmission path losses. While ensuring low loss, low cost, and miniaturization of the phase-shifting device 101, it also improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal, achieving high signal reception sensitivity.

[0294] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0295] For example, see Figure 18 As shown, in the phase control device 101, there are four switching units 21, namely switching unit S1, switching unit S2, switching unit S3, and switching unit S4. One end of each of the switching units S1, S2, S3, and S4 is connected to the first interface terminal.

[0296] The number of phase-shifting structures 11 connected in series between the first node 10a and the second node 10b of the phase-shifting unit 10 can be three, such as phase-shifting structure Φ1, phase-shifting structure Φ2, and phase-shifting structure Φ3, which can be fixed phase shifters. The first port 11a of phase-shifting structure Φ1 can be connected to the first node 10a, and the second port 11d of phase-shifting structure Φ3 can be connected to the second node 10b. The number of second interface terminals can be two, such as second interface terminal a and second interface terminal b, which can be connected to the first node 10a and the second node 10b of the phase-shifting unit 10, respectively.

[0297] Adjacent switching units S1 and S2 correspond to phase-shifting structure Φ1, with the other ends of switching units S1 and S2 connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b of phase-shifting structure Φ1, respectively. Adjacent switching units S2 and S3 correspond to phase-shifting structure Φ2, with the other ends of switching units S2 and S3 connected to the first port and the second port (not shown in the figure) of phase-shifting structure Φ2, respectively. Adjacent switching units S3 and S4 correspond to phase-shifting structure Φ3, with the other ends of switching units S3 and S4 connected to the first port 11c and the second port 11d of phase-shifting structure Φ3, respectively.

[0298] There are four amplifiers 60, namely amplifier A1, amplifier A2, amplifier A3, and amplifier A4. Amplifier A1 corresponds to switching unit S1, with its input terminal connected to the end of switching unit S1 connected to the phase-shifting structure Φ1, and its output terminal connected to the end of switching unit S1 connected to the first interface terminal. Amplifier A2 corresponds to switching unit S2, with its input terminal connected to the end of switching unit S2 connected to the phase-shifting structure Φ1, and its output terminal connected to the end of switching unit S2 connected to the first interface terminal. Amplifier A3 corresponds to switching unit S3, with its input terminal connected to the end of switching unit S3 connected to the phase-shifting structure Φ3, and its output terminal connected to the end of switching unit S3 connected to the first interface terminal. Amplifier A4 corresponds to switching unit S4, with its input terminal connected to the end of switching unit S4 connected to the phase-shifting structure Φ3, and its output terminal connected to the end of switching unit S4 connected to the first interface terminal.

[0299] In the signal transmission scenario, by controlling the on and off states of the switching unit 21, the phase modulation device 101 can achieve 2 4 The switching of these states allows the signals output from the two second interface terminals to have different phase states.

[0300] For example, when switch unit S1 is in the ON state and switch units S2, S3, and S4 are in the OFF state, the phase difference between second interface terminal a and second interface terminal b is 0-3θ, where θ is the phase angle. When switch unit S4 is in the ON state and switch units S1, S2, and S3 are in the OFF state, the phase difference between second interface terminal a and second interface terminal b is 3θ-0.

[0301] Switching unit S2 is in the ON state, while switching units S1, S2, and S3 are in the OFF state. The phase difference between second interface terminal a and second interface terminal b is θ-2θ. Switching unit S3 is in the ON state, while switching units S1, S2, and S4 are in the OFF state. The phase difference between second interface terminal a and second interface terminal b is 2θ-θ.

[0302] Switching units S1 and S2 are in the ON state, while switching units S3 and S4 are in the OFF state. The phase difference between second interface terminals a and b is 0-2θ. Switching units S3 and S4 are in the ON state, while switching units S1 and S2 are in the OFF state. The phase difference between second interface terminals a and b is 2θ-0.

[0303] Switching units S1 and S4 are in the ON state, while switching units S2 and S3 are in the OFF state, with the phase difference between second interface terminal a and second interface terminal b being 0-0. Switching units S2 and S3 are in the ON state, while switching units S1 and S4 are in the OFF state, with the phase difference between second interface terminal a and second interface terminal b being 0-0.

[0304] In the signal receiving scenario, switching units S1, S2, S3, and S4 are all in the off state. By controlling the operating and off states of amplifier 60, phase modulation device 101 can achieve 2 4 The switching between these states allows the signals input from the two second interface terminals to the first interface terminal to have different phase states. Furthermore, the RF signal entering from the second interface terminal passes through the phase shifting structure 11 and then enters the amplifier 60 (or directly enters the amplifier 60), thereby amplifying and enhancing the signal, significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio, and increasing the sensitivity of signal reception.

[0305] For example, when amplifier A1 is in the working state and amplifiers A2, A3, and A4 are in the off state, the phase difference between the second interface terminal a and the second interface terminal b is 0-3θ. When amplifier A4 is in the working state and amplifiers A1, A2, and A3 are in the off state, the phase difference between the second interface terminal a and the second interface terminal b is 3θ-0.

[0306] Amplifier A2 is activated, while amplifiers A1, A3, and A4 are deactivated. The phase difference between second interface terminals a and b is 0-2θ. Amplifier A3 is activated, while amplifiers A1, A2, and A4 are deactivated. The phase difference between second interface terminals a and b is 2θ-0.

[0307] Amplifiers A1 and A2 are activated, while amplifiers A3 and A4 are deactivated. The phase difference between the second interface terminals a and b is 0-2θ. Amplifiers A3 and A4 are activated, while amplifiers A2 and A4 are deactivated. The phase difference between the second interface terminals a and b is 2θ-0.

[0308] Amplifiers A1 and A4 are activated, while amplifiers A2 and A3 are deactivated. The phase difference between the second interface terminals a and b is 0-0.

[0309] The number of second interface terminals can be two as described above, and the number of phase adjustment units 1011 can be one. Alternatively, the number of second interface terminals can be two or more, and the number of phase adjustment units 1011 can be one or more.

[0310] Each pair of second interface terminals corresponds one-to-one with each phase modulation unit 1011. The switching unit 21 in each phase modulation unit 1011 is connected to the first interface terminal, and the two second interface terminals are connected to the first node and the second node of their respective phase modulation unit 1011, allowing the two second interface terminals to share a single phase modulation unit 1011. Increasing the number of phase modulation units 1011 and second interface terminals increases the number of transmission channels and phase-shifting structures, thus increasing the number of scanning beams.

[0311] Taking the number of second interface terminals as m (m is a natural number greater than 2) as an example, in some examples, the number of second interface terminals m can be an even number, such as m can be greater than or equal to 4. Each pair of second interface terminals shares a phase control unit 1011. The number of phase control units 1011 can be m / 2. Each phase control unit 1011 can include n switching units 21, n amplifiers 60 and n-1 phase shifting structures 11.

[0312] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0313] For example, see Figure 19As shown, taking the m second interface terminals as the 1st second interface terminal, the 2nd second interface terminal, ..., the m / 2nd second interface terminal (not shown in the figure), the m / 2+1th second interface terminal (not shown in the figure), ..., the m-1st second interface terminal, and the mth second interface terminal as examples, the phase differences of the signals output from the 1st second interface terminal, the 2nd second interface terminal, ..., the m / 2nd second interface terminal, the m / 2+1th second interface terminal, ..., the m-1st second interface terminal, and the mth second interface terminal, or the signals transmitted to the first interface terminal, can be arranged in an arithmetic sequence, which is beneficial for the realization of large field-of-view scanning and narrow beam pointing of the phase modulation device 101.

[0314] Of course, in some other examples, the phase of the signals transmitted through the m second interface terminals (including the signals output to the radiating element and the signals transmitted to the first interface terminal) can also be other distributions that are beneficial to beamforming.

[0315] The m / 2 phase control units 1011 can be respectively a first control unit 111, a second control unit 112a, a second control unit 112b, ... The first and mth second interface terminals can share a single phase control unit 1011, such as the first and mth second interface terminals sharing the first control unit 111. Similarly, the second and (m-1)th second interface terminals can share a single phase control unit 1011, such as the second and (m-1)th second interface terminals sharing the second control unit 112a.

[0316] The third and (m-2)th second interface terminals can share a phase control unit 1011, such as the third and (m-2)th second interface terminals sharing a second control unit 112b. Similarly, the (m / 2)th and (m / 2+1)th second interface terminals can share a phase control unit 1011, with the (m / 2)th and (m / 2+1)th second interface terminals respectively connected to the first and second nodes of the corresponding phase control unit 1011. This facilitates control implementation, ensuring that the phases of the signals transmitted from the first to the mth second interface terminal are arranged in an arithmetic progression array.

[0317] The n switching units 21 and n-1 phase shifting structures 11 included in each phase control unit 1011, such as the first control unit, the second control unit 112a, and the second control unit 112b, can be referred to in the example above where the number of output terminals m is an even number, and will not be repeated here.

[0318] Each phase control unit 1011, including the first control unit 111, the second control unit 112a, the second control unit 112b, etc., also includes n amplifiers 60, which are connected in parallel with n switching units 21 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0319] For example, taking the first control unit 111 as an example, the n switching units 21 of the first control unit 111 can be respectively switching units Switching unit Switching unit ..., Switching unit Switching unit The n amplifiers 60 of the first control unit 111 can be respectively amplifiers Amplifier Amplifier ... amplifier Amplifier Among them, amplifier The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit. With phase-shifting structure The connected end, amplifier The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit. The end connected to the first interface terminal. Amplifier. The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit. With phase-shifting structure The connected end, amplifier The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit. The end connected to the first interface terminal. And so on, the amplifier... The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit. With phase-shifting structure The connected end, amplifier The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit. The end connected to the first interface terminal. Amplifier. The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit. With phase-shifting structure The connected end, amplifier The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit. The end that is connected to the first interface.

[0320] Taking the first control unit 111 as an example, the switching unit 21 of the first control unit 111 can be a switching unit. Switching unit Switching unit ..., Switching unit Switching unit The phase-shifting structure 11 of the first control unit 111 can be a phase-shifting structure. Phase-shifting structure Phase-shifting structure ...phase-shifting structure The amplifier 60 of the first control unit 111 can be respectively amplifier Amplifier Amplifier ... amplifier Amplifier The first second interface terminal and the m-th second interface terminal are respectively connected to the first node 10a and the second node 10b of the first control unit 111, sharing the first control unit 111, so that the first second interface terminal and the m-th second interface terminal share the phase shifting structure. ~Phase-shifting structure In signal transmission scenarios, a switching unit can be used. ~Switch unit Control can be achieved by an amplifier in signal receiving scenarios. ~Amplifier To achieve control.

[0321] In a signal transmission scenario, by controlling the states of n switching units 21, the signal output between the first second interface terminal and the mth second interface terminal can achieve 2 n Beam state switching. In a signal reception scenario, by controlling the states of n amplifiers 60, the signals transmitted from the first second interface and the mth second interface to the first interface can achieve 2 n It can switch between various beam states and has a high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0322] The specific correspondence of the switching unit 21 and amplifier 60 in other phase control units 1011, as well as the beam state implementation in signal receiving and signal transmitting scenarios, can be referred to the example of the first control unit 111 mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0323] Taking a phase modulation device 101 with m second interface terminals as an example, the entire phase modulation device 101 only requires n×m / 2 switching units 21. The signal transmitted between the two second interface terminals (including the signal output to the radiation unit and the signal transmitted to the first interface terminal) can achieve 2 n By switching between states to achieve a larger scanning field of view and a narrower beam pointing, the number of switching units 21 is significantly reduced, resulting in lower losses, lower costs, and a smaller footprint. Furthermore, it exhibits high signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity in signal reception scenarios.

[0324] To better control the phase of the signal transmitted at the second interface, for example, the multiple phase control units may include a first control unit 111 and a number of second control units 112.

[0325] For example, among the m second interface terminals, the first second interface terminal and the mth second interface terminal can correspond to one first control unit 111. Excluding the first second interface terminal and the mth second interface terminal, each pair of the remaining second interface terminals can correspond to one second control unit 112.

[0326] The number of the first control unit 111 and the second control unit 112, as well as their connection relationship with the second interface terminal, can be found in the example above where the number of output terminals m is an even number, and will not be repeated here.

[0327] The phase modulation device 101 may further include a first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30, with each second modulation unit 112 connected to the first interface terminal via the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30. The structure, function, quantity, and connection relationship with the second modulation unit of the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 can be found in the section on first auxiliary phase shifting structure above, and will not be repeated here.

[0328] An auxiliary phase-shifting structure may not be provided between the first control unit 111 and the first interface terminal. Alternatively, an auxiliary phase-shifting structure, such as a second auxiliary phase-shifting structure 40, may be provided between the first control unit 111 and the first interface terminal. The structure, function, quantity, and connection relationship with the first control unit of the second auxiliary phase-shifting structure 40 can be found in the section on second auxiliary phase-shifting structures above, and will not be repeated here.

[0329] In some examples, the number m of the second interface terminals can also be an odd number, such as m being an odd number greater than or equal to 3, which enriches the structural design flexibility of the phase control device and is also conducive to realizing a large field of view range of the phase control device.

[0330] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0331] In the m second interface ports, each pair of second interface ports shares a phase adjustment unit. To meet the multiplexing requirements of the phase adjustment unit and ensure the phase difference of the signals transmitted at the second interface ports, see... Figure 20 As shown, the phase modulation device 101 may further include a branch phase shifting structure 50, in which one of the m second interface terminals can be connected to the first interface terminal through the branch phase shifting structure 50.

[0332] Of the remaining m-1 second interface terminals, each pair of second interface terminals can share a phase control unit 1011, and each pair of second interface terminals is connected to the first node and the second node of the corresponding phase control unit 1011. The number of phase control units 1011 can be (m-1) / 2, and each phase control unit 1011 can include n switches, n amplifiers 60, and n-1 phase shifting structures.

[0333] For example, see Figure 20 As shown, taking the m second interface terminals as the 1st second interface terminal, the 2nd second interface terminal, ..., the (m-1) / 2nd second interface terminal, the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal (not shown in the figure), the (m+3) / 2nd second interface terminal (not shown in the figure), ..., the (m-1)th second interface terminal, and the mth second interface terminal as examples, the phase difference of the signals transmitted from the 1st second interface terminal, the 2nd second interface terminal, ..., the (m-1) / 2nd second interface terminal, the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal, the (m+3) / 2nd second interface terminal, ..., the (m-1)th second interface terminal, and the mth second interface terminal (including the signal output to the radiation unit and the signal transmitted to the first interface terminal) can be arranged in an arithmetic sequence, which is beneficial to the realization of large field-of-view scanning and narrow beam pointing of the phase modulation device 101.

[0334] The (m-1) / 2 phase control units 1011 can be respectively a first control unit 111, a second control unit 112, ... The first second interface terminal and the m-th second interface terminal can share a single phase control unit 1011, such as the first second interface terminal and the m-th second interface terminal sharing a single first control unit 111. The second second interface terminal and the (m-1)-th second interface terminal can share a single phase control unit 1011, such as the second second interface terminal and the (m-1)-th second interface terminal sharing a single second control unit 112. Similarly, the (m-1) / 2-th second interface terminal and the (m+3) / 2-th second interface terminal can each share a single phase control unit 1011 (not shown in the figure).

[0335] The (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal can be connected to the first interface terminal through the branch phase shifting structure 50, such as the branch phase shifting structure 50 being... Figure 20 The phase-shifting structure Φ in ((m+1) / 2) The branch phase-shifting structure 50 allows for phase adjustment of the signal output from the (m+1) / 2nd second interface to the radiation unit or the signal input from the (m+1) / 2nd second interface to the first interface. The shared phase control unit 1011 for the second interface is configured as described above, facilitating control and ensuring that the phases of the signals transmitted from the 1st second interface to the mth second interface are arranged in an arithmetic progression array.

[0336] The structure, quantity, and connection relationship of the branch phase shifting structure 50 can be found in the example above where the number of output terminals m is an odd number, and will not be repeated here.

[0337] The n switching units 21 and n-1 phase shifting structures 11 included in each phase control unit 1011, such as the first control unit, the second control unit 112, etc., can be referred to in the example above where the number of output terminals m is an odd number, and will not be repeated here.

[0338] The aforementioned first control unit 111, second control unit 112, etc., each phase control unit 1011 also includes n amplifiers 60, each of which corresponds to and is connected in parallel with n switching units 21.

[0339] For example, taking the first control unit 111 as an example, the n switching units 21 of the first control unit 111 can be respectively switching units Switching unit Switching unit ..., Switching unit Switching unit The n amplifiers 60 of the first control unit 111 can be respectively amplifiers Amplifier Amplifier ... amplifier Amplifier Among them, amplifier The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit. With phase-shifting structure The connected end, amplifier The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit. The end connected to the first interface terminal. Amplifier. The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit. With phase-shifting structure The connected end, amplifier The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit. The end connected to the first interface terminal. And so on, the amplifier... The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit. With phase-shifting structure The connected end, amplifier The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit. The end connected to the first interface terminal. Amplifier. The input terminal can be connected to the switching unit. With phase-shifting structure The connected end, amplifier The output terminal can be connected to the switching unit. The end that is connected to the first interface.

[0340] Taking the first control unit 111 as an example, the switching unit 21 of the first control unit 111 can be a switching unit. Switching unit Switching unit ..., Switching unit Switching unit The phase-shifting units of the first control unit 111 can be phase-shifting structures. Phase-shifting structure Phase-shifting structure ...phase-shifting structure The amplifier 60 of the first control unit 111 can be respectively amplifier Amplifier Amplifier ... amplifier Amplifier The first second interface terminal and the m-th second interface terminal are respectively connected to the first node 10a and the second node 10b of the first control unit 111, sharing the first control unit 111, so that the first second interface terminal and the m-th second interface terminal share the phase shifting structure. ~Phase-shifting structure In signal transmission scenarios, a switching unit can be used. ~Switch unit Control can be achieved by an amplifier in signal receiving scenarios. ~Amplifier To achieve control.

[0341] like Figure 20 As shown, the phase modulation device 101 may also include a branch amplifier 70 and a branch switch 80, such as the branch switch 80 and the branch amplifier 70 being the branch switch S′ and the branch amplifier A′ in the figure, respectively.

[0342] In some examples, branch switch 80 is connected between one of the second interface terminals and branch phase shift structure 50, the input of branch amplifier 70 is connected to the end of branch switch 80 connected to the second interface terminal, and the output of branch amplifier 70 is connected to the end of branch switch 80 connected to branch phase shift structure 50. For example, with the (m+1) / 2th second interface terminal connected to branch phase shift structure Φ ((m+1) / 2) Taking the connection with the first interface terminal as an example, the branch switch S′ can be connected to the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal and the branch phase shifting structure Φ ((m+1) / 2) Between the two terminals, the input terminal of the branch amplifier A′ can be connected to the end of the branch switch S′ connected to the (m+1) / 2th second interface terminal, and the output terminal of the branch amplifier A′ can be connected to the branch phase shifting structure Φ. ((m+1) / 2) The end that is connected.

[0343] In the signal transmission scenario, the branch switch S′ is turned on to ensure that the signal travels from the first interface end through the branch phase-shifting structure Φ. ((m+1) / 2)The branch switch S′ transmits data to the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal to adjust the signal phase. In the signal receiving scenario, the branch switch S′ is open, and the signal entering from the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal passes through the branch amplifier A′ and the branch phase shifting structure Φ. ((m+1) / 2) The signal is transmitted to the first interface to adjust the signal phase and amplify the signal.

[0344] In some examples, there may be one or more third nodes between a second interface terminal connected to the branch phase shifting structure 50 and the first interface terminal. For example, taking the (m+1) / 2th second interface terminal connected to the first interface terminal via the branch phase shifting structure 50 as an example, it can be understood that one end of the switching unit 21 in each phase control unit 1011 is connected to the first interface terminal. For example, multiple switching units 21 in each phase control unit 1011 can be combined and connected to the line between the (m+1) / 2th second interface terminal and the first interface terminal, thereby realizing the connection between multiple switching units 21 and the first interface terminal, and realizing the path between multiple second interface terminals and the first interface terminal. Wherein, after multiple switching units 21 in each phase control unit 1011 are combined, they can be connected to the line between the (m+1) / 2th second interface terminal and the first interface terminal at the third node. The number of third nodes can be the same as the number of phase control units 1011.

[0345] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of another phase modulation device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0346] For example, refer to Figure 21 As shown, taking a scenario with 3 phase control units 1011, the number of second interface terminals m is 7. The 1st and 7th second interface terminals (the mth second interface terminal in the figure) can share the first control unit 111. The 2nd and 6th second interface terminals (the (m-1)th second interface terminal in the figure) can share a second control unit 112. The 3rd second interface terminal (i.e., the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal) and the 5th second interface terminal (i.e., the (m+3) / 2nd second interface terminal) can share a phase control unit 1011 (not shown in the figure). The 4th second interface terminal (the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal in the figure) can be connected to the first interface terminal through the branch phase shifting structure 50.

[0347] The number of third nodes can also be three, such as third node 10i, third node 10g, and third node 10h. After the multiple switching units 21 in the first control unit 111 are combined, they can be connected at the third node 10i to the line between the first interface terminal and the fourth second interface terminal (branch phase shifting structure 50). After the multiple switching units 21 in the second control unit 112 are combined, they can be connected at the third node 10h to the line between the first interface terminal and the fourth second interface terminal (branch phase shifting structure 50). After the multiple switching units 21 in the phase control unit shared by the third and fifth second interface terminals are combined, they can be connected at the third node 10g to the line between the first interface terminal and the fourth second interface terminal (branch phase shifting structure 50).

[0348] The branch switch 80 can also be connected between the branch phase-shifting structure 50 and the third node of the adjacent branch phase-shifting structure 50. The third node of the adjacent branch phase-shifting structure 50 refers to one or more third nodes on the line between the second interface terminal (e.g., the (m+1) / 2th second interface terminal) connected to the branch phase-shifting structure 50 and the first interface terminal, considered as a column or row of nodes, and the third node in that node group is arranged sequentially adjacent to the branch phase-shifting structure 50. This is only used to define the positional order of the branch phase-shifting structure 50 and the third node on the line between the second and first interface terminals, and not to limit the actual installation or assembly position.

[0349] For example Figure 21 As shown, on the line from the 4th second interface terminal (or the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal) to the first interface terminal, the branch phase shifting structure Φ ((m+1) / 2) The third node 10g, the third node 10h, and the third node 10i are arranged in sequence, and the third node 10g is connected to the branch phase shifting structure Φ. ((m+1) / 2) The arrangement is adjacent. Branch switch S′ can be connected to the branch phase-shifting structure Φ. ((m+1) / 2) Between the third node 10g and the third node, the input terminal of the branch amplifier A′ can be connected to the branch switch S′ and the branch phase shift structure Φ. ((m+1) / 2) At one end of the connection, the output of the branch amplifier A′ can be connected to the end of the branch switch S′ connected to the third node 10g.

[0350] In the signal transmission scenario, the branch switch S′ is turned on, allowing the signal to pass from the first interface terminal through the branch switch S′ and the branch phase shifting structure Φ. ((m+1) / 2) The signal is transmitted to the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal to adjust the signal phase. In the signal reception scenario, the branch switch S′ is open, and the signal entering from the (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal passes through the branch phase shifting structure Φ. ((m+1) / 2) The branch amplifier A′ transmits the signal to the first interface terminal to adjust the signal phase and amplify the signal.

[0351] In a signal transmission scenario, taking the first control unit as an example, by controlling the state of n switching units 21 in the first control unit, the signal output between the first second interface terminal and the mth second interface terminal can achieve 2 n Beam state switching. In a signal reception scenario, by controlling the states of n amplifiers 60, the signals transmitted from the first second interface and the mth second interface to the first interface can achieve 2 n It can switch between various beam states and has a high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0352] The specific correspondence of the switching unit 21 and amplifier 60 in other phase control units 1011, as well as the beam state implementation in signal receiving and signal transmitting scenarios, can be referred to the example of the first control unit 111 mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0353] Taking a phase modulation device 101 with m second interface terminals as an example, the entire phase modulation device 101 only requires (m-1)n / 2 switching units 21 and one branch switch 80. The signal transmitted between the two second interface terminals (including the signal output to the radiation unit and the signal transmitted to the first interface terminal) can achieve 2 n By switching between states to achieve a larger scanning field of view and a narrower beam pointing, the number of switching units 21 is significantly reduced, resulting in lower losses, lower costs, and a smaller footprint. Furthermore, it exhibits high signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity in signal reception scenarios.

[0354] The phase control unit 1011 may include a first control unit 111 and several second control units 112. For example, the first second interface terminal and the m-th second interface terminal share the first control unit 111. Excluding the first second interface terminal, the m-th second interface terminal, and the (m+1) / 2-th second interface terminal, each pair of the remaining second interface terminals shares one second control unit 112.

[0355] The number of the first control unit 111 and the second control unit 112, as well as their connection relationship with the second interface terminal, can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0356] The phase modulation device 101 may further include a first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30, with each second modulation unit 112 connected to the first interface terminal via the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30. The phase modulation device 101 may also include a second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40, with the first modulation unit 111 connected to the first interface terminal via the second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40. The structure, function, quantity, and connection relationship of the first auxiliary phase shifting structure 30 and the second auxiliary phase shifting structure 40 can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0357] The amplifier mentioned above can be an amplification unit, or it can be a combination of an amplification unit and a filter and / or switching elements.

[0358] Figure 21a This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an amplifier provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 21b This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another amplifier provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 21c This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another amplifier provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 21d This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another amplifier provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0359] For example, see Figure 21a As shown, amplifier 60 may include only amplification unit 61, which is used to enhance and amplify signals. The input and output terminals of amplification unit 61 are the input terminal 60a and the output terminal 60b of amplifier 60, respectively. For example, amplification unit 61 may include amplifying elements, input / output matching networks, bias circuits, etc.

[0360] Or see Figure 21b As shown, amplifier 60 may include an amplification unit 61 and a filtering unit 62. One end of the filtering unit 62 is connected to the input terminal 60a of amplifier 60, and the other end of the filtering unit 62 is connected to the input terminal of amplification unit 61. The output terminal of amplification unit 61 is connected to the output terminal 60b of amplifier 60. This allows the signal entering amplifier 60 to first pass through the filtering unit 62 before entering the amplification unit 61, thereby enhancing and amplifying the signal and improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0361] Or see Figure 21c As shown, amplifier 60 may include amplification unit 61, switching element 63a, and switching element 63b. Switching element 63b, amplification unit 61, and switching element 63a can be connected in series. Switching element 63a and switching element 63b are respectively connected to the input terminal 60a and the output terminal 60b of amplifier 60. When amplifier 60 is in the off state, switching element 63a and switching element 63b can be in the cutoff state, and the switching elements can protect amplification unit 61. When amplifier 60 is in the operating state, switching element 63a and switching element 63b can be in the on state.

[0362] Or see Figure 21dAs shown, amplifier 60 may include an amplification unit 61, a filtering unit 62, a switching element 63a, and a switching element 63b. The switching element 63b, amplification unit 61, filtering unit 62, and switching element 63a are connected in series. The filtering unit 62 is connected between the input terminal of amplification unit 61 and the switching element 63a. Switching elements 63a and 63b are connected to the input terminal 60a and the output terminal 60b of amplifier 60, respectively. When amplifier 60 is in the off state, switching elements 63a and 63b can be in the cutoff state; when amplifier 60 is in the operating state, switching elements 63a and 63b can be in the on state.

[0363] Of course, in some other examples, amplifier 60 can also have other types of structures. The above are merely examples of the structure of amplifier 60 and do not limit amplifier 60. The structure of the branch amplifier 70 described above can be the same as that of amplifier 60.

[0364] In the example described above where the phase modulation device 101 includes multiple amplifiers 60, the structures of the multiple switching units 21 may be the same or different. As a two-port switching structure, the switching unit 21 may include a first terminal and a second terminal. The switching unit 21 can be electrically connected to other structures (such as a first interface terminal, a phase-shifting structure, etc.) through its first and second terminals.

[0365] The switching unit 21 may include a switching element located between the first end and the second end. The specific structure of the switching unit 21 can be found in the structure of the switching unit 21 described above. For example, in some examples, the switching element 211 may be a single element (see reference...). Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram). The two ends of the switching element 211 can be connected to the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the switching unit 21, respectively.

[0366] Alternatively, each switching unit 21 may include a plurality of switching elements located between the first end and the second end.

[0367] For example, multiple switching elements 211 can be connected in series (see reference). Figure 10 As shown, multiple series-connected switching elements 211 can be arranged in sequence as a row of switching elements. One end of the two switching elements 211 located at the beginning and end of the switching element group can be connected to the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the switching unit 21, respectively.

[0368] Alternatively, multiple switching elements 211 can be connected in parallel (see reference). Figure 11As shown, one end of each of the multiple switching elements 211 can be connected to a transmission line and then connected to the first end 21a of the switching unit 21 through the transmission line. The other end of each of the multiple switching elements 211 can be connected to another transmission line and then connected to the second end 21b of the switching unit 21 through the transmission line.

[0369] Alternatively, some of the multiple switching elements 211 can form the first unit 21c (see reference). Figure 12 As shown), some of the switching elements 211 can form a second unit 21d. At least a plurality of switching elements 211 in the first unit 21c are arranged in parallel. One end of the first unit 21c and the second unit 21d can be connected in series. The other ends of the first unit 21c and the second unit 21d can be connected to the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the switching unit 21, respectively.

[0370] The number and connection method of the switching elements 211 in the first unit 21c and the second unit 21d can be found above, and will not be repeated here.

[0371] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0372] Alternatively, some of the multiple switching elements 211 can be connected in series, with an intermediate node between any two series-connected switching elements 211. The multiple series-connected switching elements 211 can be arranged sequentially as a row of switching elements. One end of two switching elements 211 located at the beginning and end of this group can be connected to the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the switching unit 21, respectively. One end of another switching element 211 can be connected to the intermediate node between any two switching elements 211, and the other end of the third switching element 211 can be grounded.

[0373] For example, see Figure 22 As shown, multiple switching elements are designated as switching elements S1. ′ Switching element S2 ′ Switching element S3 ′ For example, switching element S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ They can be connected in series, switching element S1 ′ One end is connected to the switching element S2 ′ One end is connected to the switching element S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ The other end can be connected to the first end 21a and the second end 21b of the switching unit 21, respectively. Switching element S3 ′ One end can be connected to the switching element S1 ′ With switching element S2′ The intermediate node between them, the switching element S3 ′ The other end can be grounded.

[0374] When switching element S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ In the on state, switching element S3 ′ When in the off state, the switching unit 21 is in the on state. When the switching element S1 ′ Switching element S2 ′ Any one of the switching elements S3 is in the off state. ′ When in the ON state, the switch unit 21 is in the OFF state.

[0375] Alternatively, in some examples, the switching unit 21 may also include other electronic components. For example, the switching unit 21 may also include impedance transformation networks. For instance, the switching unit 21 may include a switching element 211 and two impedance transformation networks 212 (see reference). Figure 13 (As shown). The structure, function, and connection relationships of the impedance transformation network can be found above, and will not be repeated here.

[0376] Switching unit 21 may also include inductor 213 (see reference). Figure 14 (As shown). The inductor 213 is combined with the switching unit 21 having the impedance transformation network 212 and the switching element 211.

[0377] Alternatively, the inductor element may be combined only with the aforementioned switching unit having switching element 211 (see reference). Figure 15 As shown above, the specific structure and connection relationships are detailed above and will not be repeated here.

[0378] Of course, in some other examples, the switching unit 21 can also be of other types of structure. The above are only examples of switching unit structures and do not limit the switching unit. The structure of the branch switch described above can be the same as the structure of the switching unit.

[0379] In the example of the phase modulation device 101 including multiple amplifiers 60, the phase shifting structure 11 may include one or more phase shifters located between the first port and the second port. The specific structure of the phase shifting structure 11 and the number of phase shifters included in a phase shifting structure 11 can also be found above.

[0380] For example, the phase shifting structure 11 can be a phase shifting structure with a fixed phase, such as the phase shifters in the phase shifting structure 11 being fixed phase shifters.

[0381] Figure 23a This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a fixed phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 23bThis is a schematic diagram of another fixed phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 23c This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another fixed phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 23d This is a schematic diagram of another fixed phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 23e This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another fixed phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0382] Taking phase-shifting structure 11 as an example, which includes a fixed phase shifter. For example, see... Figure 23a As shown, the phase-shifting structure 11 may include a microstrip line 1101, such as the phase-shifting structure in the first control unit. For example, the two ends of the microstrip line 1101 can be connected to the first port and the second port of the phase shifting structure 11, respectively.

[0383] Alternatively, the phase-shifting structure 11 may include multiple microstrip lines, some of which may be connected in series. These multiple series-connected microstrip lines can be arranged sequentially as a row of microstrip lines. One end of each of the two microstrip lines at the beginning and end can be connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b of the phase-shifting structure 11, respectively. Any two series-connected microstrip lines have an intermediate node, and one end of the other microstrip line can be connected to this intermediate node, allowing the phase-shifting structure 11 to have a T-shaped overall structure.

[0384] For example, see Figure 23b As shown, microstrip lines 1101a and 1101b are connected in series. The other end of microstrip line 1101a and the other end of microstrip line 1101b can be connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b, respectively. One end of microstrip line 1101c is connected to the intermediate node between microstrip lines 1101a and 1101b. The entire phase-shifting structure 11 is T-shaped.

[0385] Or see Figure 23c As shown, the phase shifting structure 11 can also be a coupled line type phase shifter, such as the phase shifting structure 11 including coupled microstrip line 1011a and microstrip line 1011b, one end of microstrip line 1011a can be connected to the first port 11a, and one end of microstrip line 1011b can be connected to the second port 11b.

[0386] Alternatively, the phase shifting structure 11 can also be a low-pass network type phase shifter. For example, the phase shifting structure 11 may include multiple inductors and at least one capacitor. The multiple inductors can be connected in series and arranged sequentially. One end of the two inductors located at the beginning and end can be connected to the first port and the second port, respectively.

[0387] A capacitor is connected to the midpoint between any two adjacent inductive elements. One end of the capacitor is connected to the midpoint, and the other end is grounded.

[0388] For example, see Figure 23d As shown, taking the phase-shifting structure 11 as an example, it includes three inductor elements, such as inductor element 1102a, inductor element 1102b and inductor element 1102c respectively. The phase-shifting structure 11 includes two capacitors, such as capacitor 1103a and capacitor 1103b respectively.

[0389] Inductors 1102a, 1102b, and 1102c are connected in series. One end of inductors 1102a and 1102c can be connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b, respectively. One end of capacitor 1103a can be connected to the intermediate node between inductors 1102a and 1102b, and the other end can be grounded. One end of capacitor 1103b can be connected to the intermediate node between inductors 1102b and 1102c, and the other end can be grounded.

[0390] Alternatively, the phase shifting structure 11 can also be a Qualcomm network-type phase shifter. For example, the phase shifting structure 11 may include multiple capacitors and at least one inductor. The multiple capacitors can be connected in series and arranged in sequence. One end of the two capacitors located at the beginning and the end can be connected to the first port and the second port, respectively.

[0391] An inductor is connected to the midpoint between any two adjacent capacitors. One end of the inductor is connected to the midpoint, and the other end is grounded.

[0392] For example, see Figure 23d As shown, taking the phase-shifting structure 11 as an example, it includes three capacitors, such as capacitors 1103a, 1103b and 1103c, and two inductors, such as inductor 1102a and inductor 1102b.

[0393] Capacitors 1103a, 1103b, and 1103c are connected in series. One end of capacitors 1103a and 1103c can be connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b, respectively. One end of inductor 1102a can be connected to the intermediate node between capacitors 1103a and 1103b, and the other end can be grounded. One end of inductor 1102b can be connected to the intermediate node between capacitors 1103b and 1103c, and the other end can be grounded.

[0394] Alternatively, the phase-shifting structure 11 can be a phase-adjustable phase-shifting structure, in which all phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters. Alternatively, some phase shifters can be fixed phase shifters, and some phase shifters can be adjustable phase shifters. Referring to the above, the adjustable phase shifter can include RF switches, transmission lines, and reactive components such as capacitors and inductors. By controlling the state of the RF switch, different phase shift states of the adjustable phase shifter result in different phase differences generated by the RF signal passing through the adjustable phase shifter.

[0395] Figure 24a This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an adjustable phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 24b This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another adjustable phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 24c This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another adjustable phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 24d This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of another adjustable phase shifter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0396] Taking phase-shifting structure 11 including an adjustable phase shifter as an example, see [link to example]. Figure 24a As shown, the phase-shifting structure 11 can be a switch network type phase shifter. The phase-shifting structure 11 has two phase-shifting branches between its first port 11a and second port 11b, such as phase-shifting branch 111a and phase-shifting branch 111b. Each phase-shifting branch can have one or more fixed phase shifters 111c. The first port 11a and the second port 11b are respectively connected to selector switches 1104a and 1104b. The selector switches can connect phase-shifting branch 111a to both the first port 11a and the second port 11b, or connect phase-shifting branch 111b to both the first port 11a and the second port 11b, thus achieving different phase-shifting states.

[0397] Among them, the fixed phase shifter 111c can be any of the fixed phase shifters mentioned above.

[0398] Or see Figure 24bAs shown, the phase-shifting structure 11 can also be a loaded linear phase shifter. For example, the phase-shifting structure 11 may include reactance elements 1105a, 1105b, 1105c, and switching elements 1106a and 1106b. The two ends of reactance element 1105a can be connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b respectively. One end of reactance element 1105b is connected to the intermediate node between the first port 11a and reactance element 1105a, and the other end of reactance element 1105b is grounded through switching element 1106a. One end of reactance element 1105c is connected to the intermediate node between the second port 11b and reactance element 1105a, and the other end of reactance element 1105c is grounded through switching element 1106b. By controlling the on and off states of the switching elements, the load between the first port 11a and the second port 11b can be changed, achieving different phase states.

[0399] Or see Figure 24c As shown, the phase-shifting structure 11 can also be a reflective phase shifter. For example, the phase-shifting structure 11 may include a bridge 1107, capacitors 1103a and 1103b, a switching element 1106a, and a switching element 1106b. One end of one side of the bridge 1107 is connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b, respectively. One end of the other side of the bridge 1107 is connected to one end of capacitor 1103a and one end of switching element 1106a, and the other end of capacitor 1103a is connected to the other end of switching element 1106a. The intermediate node between capacitor 1103a and switching element 1106a is grounded. Another end of the other side of the bridge 1107 is connected to one end of capacitor 1103b and one end of switching element 1106b, and the other end of capacitor 1103b is connected to the other end of switching element 1106b. The intermediate node between capacitor 1103b and switching element 1106b is grounded. By controlling the on and off states of the switching element, the load between the first and second ports can be changed, thus achieving different phase states.

[0400] Alternatively, the phase-shifting structure 11 can also be Figure 24dThe cross-loaded phase shifter shown may include branches 1108a and 1108b. Branch 1108a includes a microstrip line 1101a, a switching element 1106a, and a microstrip line 1101b connected in series. Microstrip lines 1101a and 1101b are connected to a first port 11a and a second port 11b, respectively. Branch 1108b includes microstrip lines 1101c and 1101d connected in series. Microstrip lines 1101c and 1101d are connected to the first port 11a and the second port 11b, respectively. A microstrip line 1101e is also connected to the intermediate node of microstrip lines 1101c and 1101d. One end of microstrip line 1101e is connected to the intermediate node, and the other end of microstrip line 1101e is grounded through the switching element 1106b. Different phase states can be achieved by controlling the on and off states of the switching element.

[0401] Of course, in some other examples, the phase-shifting structure can also be some other types of structure. The above are only examples of phase-shifting structures and do not limit the phase-shifting structure.

[0402] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0403] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although the embodiments of this application have been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A phase modulation device, characterized in that, It includes an input terminal, at least two output terminals, and at least one phase control unit; Each phase control unit includes a phase shifting unit and multiple switching units. The phase shifting unit includes a first node, a second node, and a phase shifting structure or multiple phase shifting structures connected in series between the first node and the second node. Each pair of adjacent switching units in the plurality of switching units corresponds one-to-one with each phase shifting structure in the phase shifting unit. One end of each switching unit is connected to the input terminal, and the other ends of two adjacent switching units are connected to the first port and the second port of the corresponding phase shifting structure, respectively. The two output terminals are respectively connected to the first node and the second node.

2. The phase modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of output terminals is two or more, and the number of phase control units is one or more; Each pair of output terminals corresponds one-to-one with each phase control unit in the phase control unit, and the two output terminals are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the corresponding phase control unit.

3. The phase modulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of output terminals is m, where m is an even number greater than or equal to 4, and the number of phase adjustment units is m / 2.

4. The phase modulation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The output terminals include a first output terminal, a second output terminal, ..., the m / 2th output terminal, the m / 2+1th output terminal, ..., the m-1th output terminal, and the mth output terminal. The phases of the signals output from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, ..., the m / 2th output terminal, the m / 2+1th output terminal, ..., the m-1th output terminal, and the mth output terminal are arranged in an arithmetic sequence. The first output terminal and the m-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit, the second output terminal and the (m-1)-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit, ..., the m / 2-th output terminal and the m / 2+1-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit.

5. The phase modulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of output terminals is m, where m is an odd number greater than or equal to 3; The number of phase control units is (m-1) / 2; The phase control device further includes a branch phase shifting structure. Among the m output terminals, one of the output terminals is connected to the input terminal through the branch phase shifting structure, and the remaining m-1 output terminals are respectively connected to the corresponding phase control unit.

6. The phase modulation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The output terminals include a first output terminal, a second output terminal, ..., a (m-1) / 2th output terminal, a (m+1) / 2th output terminal, a (m+3) / 2th output terminal, ..., a (m-1)th output terminal, and a mth output terminal. The phases of the signals output from the first output terminal, the second output terminal, ..., the (m-1) / 2th output terminal, the (m+1) / 2th output terminal, the (m+3) / 2th output terminal, ..., the (m-1)th output terminal, and the mth output terminal are arranged in an arithmetic progression array. The first output terminal and the m-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit; the second output terminal and the (m-1)-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit; ..., the (m-1) / 2-th output terminal and the (m+3) / 2-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit; The (m+1) / 2th output terminal is connected to the input terminal through the branch phase-shifting structure.

7. The phase modulation device according to claim 4 or 6, characterized in that, The phase control unit includes a first control unit and a second control unit. Among the m output terminals, the first output terminal and the m-th output terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the first control unit, and the remaining output terminals are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the corresponding second control unit. The phase control device further includes a first auxiliary phase shifting structure, and each of the second control units is connected to the input terminal via the first auxiliary phase shifting structure.

8. The phase modulation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a second auxiliary phase-shifting structure, which is connected between the first control unit and the input terminal.

9. The phase modulation device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The phase-shifting structure includes one or both of a fixed phase shifter and an adjustable phase shifter.

10. The phase modulation device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The switching unit includes one or more switching elements located between the two ends of the switching unit; When the switching unit comprises multiple units, the multiple switching elements are connected in series; Alternatively, multiple of the aforementioned switching elements may be connected in parallel; Alternatively, among the multiple switching elements, some of the switching elements form a first unit, some of the switching elements form a second unit, at least the switching elements in the first unit are connected in parallel, and the first unit and the second unit are connected in series.

11. The phase modulation device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The switching unit includes a switching element and two impedance transformation networks; One end of each of the two impedance transformation networks is connected in series, and the other end is connected to both ends of the switching unit, with an intermediate node between the two impedance transformation networks; One end of the switching element is connected to the intermediate node, and the other end of the switching element is grounded.

12. The phase modulation device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The switching unit further includes an inductor, which is connected in parallel with the switching element.

13. The phase modulation device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The switching unit further includes a capacitor element, which is connected in series with the inductor element and in parallel with the switching element.

14. A phase modulation device, characterized in that, It includes a first interface terminal, at least two second interface terminals, and at least one phase control unit; Each of the phase control units includes a phase shifting unit, multiple switching units, and multiple amplifiers. The phase shifting unit includes a first node, a second node, and a phase shifting structure or multiple phase shifting structures connected in series between the first node and the second node. Each pair of adjacent switching units in the plurality of switching units corresponds one-to-one with each phase shifting structure in the phase shifting unit. One end of each switching unit is connected to the first interface end, and the other ends of two adjacent switching units are connected to the first port and the second port of the corresponding phase shifting structure, respectively. Each amplifier corresponds one-to-one with each switching unit. The input terminal of each amplifier is connected to the end of the corresponding switching unit that is connected to the phase-shifting structure, and the output terminal of each amplifier is connected to the end of the corresponding switching unit that is connected to the first interface terminal. The two second interface ends are respectively connected to the first node and the second node.

15. The phase modulation device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The number of the second interface terminals is two or more, and the number of the phase adjustment units is one or more; Each pair of second interface terminals corresponds one-to-one with each phase control unit, and the two second interface terminals are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the corresponding phase control unit.

16. The phase modulation device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The number of the second interface terminals is m, where m is an even number greater than or equal to 4, and the number of the phase adjustment units is m / 2.

17. The phase modulation device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second interface includes a first second interface, a second second interface, ..., a m / 2th second interface, a m / 2+1th second interface, ..., a m-1th second interface, and a mth second interface. The signal phases transmitted by the first second interface, the second second interface, ..., the m / 2th second interface, the m / 2+1th second interface, ..., the m-1th second interface, and the mth second interface are arranged in an arithmetic progression array. The first second interface terminal and the m-th second interface terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the corresponding phase control unit; the second second interface terminal and the (m-1)-th second interface terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the corresponding phase control unit; ..., the m / 2-th second interface terminal and the (m / 2+1)-th second interface terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of the corresponding phase control unit.

18. The phase modulation device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The number of the second interface ends is m, where m is an odd number greater than or equal to 3; The number of phase control units is (m-1) / 2; The phase control device further includes a branch phase shifting structure. Among the m second interface terminals, one of the second interface terminals is connected to the first interface terminal through the branch phase shifting structure. One of the second interface terminals and the first interface terminal have one or more third nodes. One end of each switching unit is connected to the first interface terminal at the third node. The remaining m-1 second interface terminals are respectively connected to the corresponding phase control units; The phase modulation device further includes a branch amplifier and a branch switch. The branch switch is connected between one of the second interface terminals and the branch phase shifting structure. The input terminal of the branch amplifier is connected to the end of the branch switch connected to the second interface terminal, and the output terminal of the branch amplifier is connected to the end of the branch switch connected to the branch phase shifting structure. Alternatively, the branch switch is connected between the branch phase-shifting structure and the third node adjacent to the branch phase-shifting structure, the input terminal of the branch amplifier is connected to the end of the branch switch connected to the branch phase-shifting structure, and the output terminal of the branch amplifier is connected to the end of the branch switch connected to the third node.

19. The phase modulation device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second interface includes a first second interface, a second second interface, ..., a (m-1) / 2 second interface, a (m+1) / 2 second interface, a (m+3) / 2 second interface, ..., a (m-1) second interface, and a m second interface. The signal phases transmitted by the first second interface, the second second interface, ..., the (m-1) / 2 second interface, the (m+1) / 2 second interface, the (m+3) / 2 second interface, ..., the (m-1) second interface, and the m second interface are arranged in an arithmetic progression array. The first second interface terminal and the m-th second interface terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit; the second second interface terminal and the (m-1)-th second interface terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit; ..., the (m-1) / 2-th second interface terminal and the (m+3) / 2-th second interface terminal are respectively connected to the first node and the second node of a corresponding phase control unit; The (m+1) / 2nd second interface terminal is connected to the first interface terminal through the branch phase shifting structure.

20. A phase-shifting circuit, characterized in that, It includes a control unit and the phase adjustment device according to any one of claims 1-13, or it includes a control unit and the phase adjustment device according to any one of claims 14-19; The switching unit of the phase modulation device is connected to the control unit.

21. An antenna, characterized in that, Includes a radiating unit and the phase-shifting circuit as described in claim 20; The phase shifter output terminal of the phase shifter circuit is connected to the radiation unit.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a radio frequency unit and the antenna as described in claim 21 above; The radio frequency unit is connected to the input terminal of the phase shift circuit.

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