A radio frequency front-end circuit, module, method, and medium

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of radio frequency (RF) circuit technology, providing an RF front-end circuit, module, method, and medium. The circuit includes: an amplification module with a signal output terminal and at least two signal input terminals; a switching module connected to the signal output terminal and each signal input terminal; an attenuation module, one end of which is connected to the switching module, and the other end of which is grounded; and a control module connected to the controlled terminal of the switching module. Based on the switching module switching the on / off state between the signal input terminal, signal output terminal, and attenuation module, multiple signal input terminals can reuse the same attenuation module to achieve input attenuation and bypass output functions; output attenuation can also be achieved through the same attenuation module. While ensuring adjustable gain, reusing the attenuation module effectively simplifies the number of components used in the circuit, reducing the overall circuit footprint and lowering implementation costs.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of radio frequency circuit, in particular to a radio frequency front-end circuit, module, method and medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the radio frequency front-end circuit, a design with multiple radio frequency input terminals is usually adopted, each radio frequency input terminal corresponds to one or a group of operating frequency bands, so as to adapt to the demand of multi-band operation to realize carrier aggregation, and to facilitate the improvement of communication efficiency. In the actual communication environment, due to the large dynamic range of the received signal, in order to prevent the amplifier from entering the saturation region and causing signal distortion under strong signal input, ensure the high linearity of amplification, and at the same time provide sufficient gain under weak signal input, the radio frequency front-end circuit needs to have the function of adjustable gain.

[0003] In the prior art, the technical means for realizing adjustable gain include setting input attenuation circuit and bypass circuit. The input attenuation circuit attenuates the relatively strong input signal to ensure the linearity of amplification; the bypass circuit makes the signal bypass the amplifier and be transmitted directly to the rear end when the received signal is strong enough and does not need to be amplified.

[0004] However, in the prior art, the front-end circuit with multiple radio frequency input terminals, i.e. multiple input channels, has corresponding attenuation circuits and bypass circuits respectively set for each input channel, which leads to complex circuit structure, and the multiple attenuation circuits respectively include capacitors, resistors and other devices, which increases the overall circuit area and also leads to high implementation cost.

[0005] Therefore, in the case of multiple input channels, how to ensure adjustable gain while reducing the occupied area and implementation cost is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a radio frequency front-end circuit to solve the defect of large occupied area and high implementation cost caused by complex circuit structure in the prior art in the case of multiple input channels.

[0007] The present application also provides a module, a method and a medium.

[0008] The present application provides a radio frequency front-end circuit, comprising:

[0009] An amplification module is provided with a signal output terminal and at least two signal input terminals;

[0010] A switch switching module is connected with the signal output terminal and each signal input terminal;

[0011] An attenuation module is connected with the switch switching module at one end, and grounded at the other end.

[0012] a control module, connected with a controlled end of the switch module;

[0013] The switch module is used to switch on or off the connection between the signal input end and the attenuation module and the connection between the signal output end and the attenuation module.

[0014] According to the application, the working mode of the switch module includes an input attenuation mode, an output attenuation mode and a bypass output mode.

[0015] The input attenuation mode turns on the connection between one of the signal input ends and the attenuation module and turns off the connection between the signal output end and the attenuation module.

[0016] The output attenuation mode turns off the connection between the signal input end and the attenuation module and turns on the connection between the signal output end and the attenuation module.

[0017] The bypass output mode turns on the connection between one of the signal input ends and the attenuation module and turns on the connection between the signal output end and the attenuation module.

[0018] According to the application, the switch module includes a selection switch unit and an output switch unit, the selection switch unit is connected with each signal input end and the attenuation module respectively, the output switch unit is connected with the attenuation module and the signal output end respectively, and the control module is connected with the controlled end of the selection switch unit and the output switch unit.

[0019] The selection switch unit is used to turn on the connection between one of the signal input ends and the attenuation module or turn off the connection between each signal input end and the attenuation module, and the output switch unit is used to turn on or turn off the connection between the signal output end and the attenuation module.

[0020] According to the application, the selection switch unit includes a first switch part corresponding to each signal input end, one end of the first switch part is connected with the corresponding signal input end, the other end of each first switch part is connected with the attenuation module, and the control module is connected with the controlled end of the first switch part.

[0021] According to a radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention, the selection switch unit further includes an auxiliary capacitor and a second switch. One end of the auxiliary capacitor is connected to the other end of each of the first switches and one end of the second switch. The other end of the auxiliary capacitor is connected to the other end of the second switch and the attenuation module. The control module is connected to the controlled end of the second switch.

[0022] According to a radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention, the output switching unit includes a third switching element, one end of the third switching element is connected to the attenuation module, the other end of the third switching element is connected to the signal output terminal, and the control module is connected to the controlled terminal of the third switching element.

[0023] According to a radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention, the attenuation module includes at least two attenuation levels, and the control module is connected to the controlled terminal of the attenuation module to switch between different attenuation levels, wherein different attenuation levels have different attenuation degrees on the signal.

[0024] According to a radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention, the attenuation module includes at least two attenuation resistors and a fourth switch corresponding to each of the attenuation resistors. The attenuation resistors and the fourth switch are connected in series to form a series branch. One end of each series branch is connected to the selection switch unit and the output switch unit, and the other end of the series branch is grounded. The control module is connected to the controlled end of the fourth switch.

[0025] According to a radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention, the amplification module includes a bias circuit, a transistor, a first inductor, a second inductor, an output matching circuit, and amplifying tubes corresponding to the signal input terminals. The bias circuit is connected to the controlled terminals of the amplifying tubes and the transistors respectively. One end of the transistor is connected to one end of the first inductor and the input terminal of the output matching circuit respectively. The other end of the first inductor is connected to a power supply terminal. The other end of the transistor is connected to one end of each amplifying tube respectively. The controlled terminal of the amplifying tube is connected to the corresponding signal input terminal. The other end of the amplifying tube is connected to one end of the second inductor. The other end of the second inductor is grounded. The output terminal of the output matching circuit is connected to the signal output terminal.

[0026] According to the radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention, an output attenuation circuit is further included, wherein the output attenuation circuit is connected to the signal output terminal.

[0027] The present invention also provides an RF front-end module, including the RF front-end circuit described above.

[0028] The present invention also provides a radio frequency front-end circuit control method, applied to the above-mentioned radio frequency front-end circuit, the radio frequency front-end circuit control method comprising:

[0029] Determine the working mode based on the operating status information;

[0030] Once the operating mode is confirmed to be input attenuation mode, the switch switching module is controlled to connect the signal input terminal to the attenuation module and disconnect the signal output terminal from the attenuation module.

[0031] Confirm that the working mode is bypass output mode, and control the switch switching module to connect the signal input terminal with the attenuation module and the signal output terminal;

[0032] The operating mode is determined to be output attenuation mode. The switch switching module is controlled to turn off the signal input terminal and the attenuation module, and to connect the signal output terminal and the attenuation module.

[0033] According to a radio frequency front-end circuit control method provided by the present invention, the attenuation module includes at least two attenuation levels, and further includes:

[0034] The attenuation level is determined based on the operating status information and / or the working mode.

[0035] The present invention also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements a radio frequency front-end circuit control method as described above.

[0036] This invention provides a radio frequency front-end circuit, module, method, and medium, which has at least the following beneficial effects: By incorporating a switching module connected to each signal input terminal and signal output terminal of an amplification module, and simultaneously connected to an attenuation module, the switching module, under the control of a control module, switches the on / off relationship between the signal input terminals, signal output terminals, and the attenuation module, thereby selectively connecting the same attenuation module to different signal paths. When input signal attenuation is required, the switching module connects the corresponding signal input terminal to the attenuation module, allowing the attenuation module to attenuate the input signal, achieving input attenuation. When bypass output is required, the switching module connects the corresponding signal input terminal to the attenuation module and simultaneously connects the signal output terminal to the attenuation module, allowing the input signal to be directly transmitted to the signal output terminal after passing through the attenuation module, bypassing the amplification module, achieving bypass output. Furthermore, when output attenuation is required, the switching module connects the signal output terminal to the attenuation module, allowing the output signal to be attenuated by the attenuation module, achieving output attenuation. Therefore, by switching the signal input terminal, signal output terminal, and attenuation module between the switching module and the signal input terminal, multiple signal input terminals can reuse the same attenuation module to achieve input attenuation and bypass output. Simultaneously, output attenuation can also be achieved through the same attenuation module. While ensuring adjustable gain, reusing the attenuation module effectively simplifies the number of components used in the circuit, reducing the overall circuit footprint and lowering implementation costs. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or related technologies, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of a radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the attenuation module in one embodiment of a radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a radio frequency front-end circuit control method provided by the present invention.

[0043] Figure label:

[0044] 100: Amplification module; 101: Signal output terminal; 102: Signal input terminal; 110: Bias circuit; 120: Transistor; 130: First inductor; 140: Second inductor; 150: Output matching circuit; 160: Amplifying tube; 200: Switching module; 210: Selection switch unit; 211: First switch; 212: Auxiliary capacitor; 213: Second switch; 220: Output switch unit; 221: Third switch; 300: Attenuation module; 310: Attenuation resistor; 320: Fourth switch; 400: Control module; 500: Output attenuation circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0046] The following is combined Figures 1 to 3 A radio frequency front-end circuit according to the present invention includes:

[0047] The amplifier module 100 is provided with a signal output terminal 101 and at least two signal input terminals 102;

[0048] The switch switching module 200 is connected to the signal output terminal 101 and each of the signal input terminals 102;

[0049] An attenuation module 300 is provided, one end of which is connected to the switch switching module 200, and the other end of which is grounded.

[0050] The control module 400 is connected to the controlled end of the switch switching module 200;

[0051] The switch switching module 200 is used to switch the connection between the signal input terminal 102 and the attenuation module 300, and the connection between the signal output terminal 101 and the attenuation module 300.

[0052] By providing a switch switching module 200, which is connected to each signal input terminal 102 and signal output terminal 101 of the amplification module 100, and also connected to the attenuation module 300, the switch switching module 200 switches the on / off relationship between the signal input terminal 102, the signal output terminal 101 and the attenuation module 300 under the control of the control module 400, thereby selectively connecting the same attenuation module 300 to different signal paths. When input signal attenuation is required, the switch module 200 connects the signal input terminal 102 corresponding to the input signal to the attenuation module 300, allowing the attenuation module 300 to attenuate the input signal, achieving input attenuation. When bypass output is required, the switch module 200 connects the signal input terminal 102 corresponding to the input signal to the attenuation module 300, and simultaneously connects the signal output terminal 101 to the attenuation module 300, allowing the input signal to be directly transmitted to the signal output terminal 101 after passing through the attenuation module 300, without needing to pass through the amplification module 100, achieving bypass output. Simultaneously, when output attenuation is required, the switch module 200 connects the signal output terminal 101 to the attenuation module 300, allowing the output signal to be attenuated by the attenuation module 300, achieving output attenuation.

[0053] Therefore, based on the switching module 200 switching the on / off state between the signal input terminal 102, the signal output terminal 101, and the attenuation module 300, multiple signal input terminals 102 can reuse the same attenuation module 300 to achieve input attenuation and bypass output functions; simultaneously, output attenuation can also be achieved through the same attenuation module 300. While ensuring adjustable gain, reusing the attenuation module 300 effectively simplifies the number of components used in the circuit, which helps reduce the overall circuit footprint and lower implementation costs.

[0054] Understandably, in the case of input attenuation, the signal input terminal 102 is connected to the attenuation module 300. After the input signal is attenuated by the attenuation module 300, it is input to the amplification module 100 for amplification. Input attenuation ensures good linearity in the amplification process, guaranteeing that the output signal generated by the signal output terminal 101 is not distorted. In the case of bypass output, since both the signal input terminal 102 and the signal output terminal 101 are connected to the attenuation module 300 (i.e., the signal input terminal 102 and the signal output terminal 101 are also connected), the input signal can be directly transmitted to the signal output terminal 101 via the attenuation module 300, bypassing the amplification module 100 to achieve a bypass effect.

[0055] It should be emphasized that in the relevant technologies, the output side is usually equipped with a separate output attenuation circuit 500 for output attenuation adjustment, that is, the output attenuation circuit 500 is fixedly installed.

[0056] This invention achieves both input and output attenuation simultaneously using the multiplexed attenuation module 300. In other words, the multiplexed attenuation module 300 performs the function of output attenuation, eliminating the need for a separate output attenuation circuit 500 after the signal output terminal 101. Therefore, the attenuation module 300 can simultaneously achieve both input and output attenuation, further simplifying the circuit structure. The elimination of the need for a separate output attenuation circuit 500 further reduces the overall footprint and lowers implementation costs.

[0057] One end of the attenuation module 300 is connected to the switch module 200, and the other end of the attenuation module 300 is grounded. In input attenuation mode, a portion of the input signal strength is released to ground through the attenuation module 300, achieving attenuation of the input signal. The remaining portion of the input signal strength is transmitted to the amplification module 100 for amplification to form the output signal. Similarly, in output attenuation mode, a portion of the output signal strength is released to ground through the attenuation module, achieving attenuation of the output signal. In bypass output mode, both the signal input and output terminals are connected to one end of the attenuation module 300, meaning there is also a connection between the signal input and output terminals, thus achieving bypass output. Simultaneously, a portion of the bypass output signal strength can also be released to ground through the attenuation module 300, thus attenuating the bypass output signal. It can be understood that the signal strength released to ground through the attenuation module 300, i.e., the signal attenuation amount, is determined by the attenuation module 300.

[0058] It is understood that, depending on the needs of actual application scenarios, in some embodiments of the present invention, an output attenuation circuit 500 may also be provided, and the output attenuation circuit 500 is connected to the signal output terminal 101.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the amplification module 100 may include implementations of devices such as a low-noise amplifier (LNA) to amplify the input signal. It is understood that different signal input terminals 102 may correspond to different operating frequency bands, i.e., the frequency band of the input signal is different.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control module 400 may include implementations of devices with control functions such as microcontrollers and embedded chips.

[0061] In some embodiments of a radio frequency front-end circuit of the present invention, the operating modes of the switch switching module 200 include input attenuation mode, output attenuation mode and bypass output mode.

[0062] The input attenuation mode enables one of the signal input terminals 102 to conduct with the attenuation module 300, and disables the signal output terminal 101 from the attenuation module 300.

[0063] The output attenuation mode disconnects the signal input terminal 102 from the attenuation module 300 and connects the signal output terminal 101 to the attenuation module 300.

[0064] The bypass output mode enables one of the signal input terminals 102 to conduct with the attenuation module 300, and also enables the signal output terminal 101 to conduct with the attenuation module 300.

[0065] Under the control of the control module 400, the switch switching module 200 has multiple working modes: in the input attenuation mode, the selected signal input terminal 102 is connected to the attenuation module 300; in the output attenuation mode, the signal output terminal 101 is connected to the attenuation module 300; in the bypass output mode, the connection between the signal input terminal 102 and the attenuation module 300 and the signal output terminal 101 and the attenuation module 300 are connected simultaneously, so that the signal bypasses the amplification module 100.

[0066] Therefore, the switch module 200 can be operated in the required working mode according to the needs, so as to achieve input attenuation or bypass output of input signal, or output attenuation of output signal, so as to flexibly meet different signal processing needs.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the three operating modes described above, the switch switching module 200 may also include a cut-off mode. In the cut-off mode, the switch switching module 200 disconnects both the signal input terminal 102 and the signal output terminal 101 from the attenuation module 300. This allows the input signal to be amplified by the amplification module 100 and then output through the signal output terminal 101, adapting to situations where the input signal strength is low and no input or output attenuation is required.

[0068] It is understandable that the signal input terminal 102 corresponds to the frequency band. The selected signal input terminal 102 can be determined based on the current required operating frequency band, or further, based on the strength of the input signal. The operating mode of the switching module 200 can be determined accordingly. For example, if the input signal is strong but not strong enough to achieve direct bypass output, the switching module 200 can operate in input attenuation mode to attenuate the input signal, ensuring the linearity of the amplification module 100 in amplifying the input signal and ensuring that the generated output signal is not distorted. If the input signal strength is sufficient, the switching module 200 can operate in bypass output mode, allowing the input signal to bypass the amplification module 100 and be transmitted directly to the signal output terminal 101 after passing through the attenuation module 300. If the input signal strength is low and no input attenuation is required but output attenuation is necessary, the switching module 200 can operate in output attenuation mode to attenuate the output signal of the amplification module 100, preventing the output signal strength from being too high.

[0069] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of a radio frequency front-end circuit of the present invention, the switch switching module 200 includes a selection switch unit 210 and an output switch unit 220. The selection switch unit 210 is connected to each of the signal input terminals 102 and the attenuation module 300, respectively. The output switch unit 220 is connected to the attenuation module 300 and the signal output terminal 101, respectively. The control module 400 is connected to the controlled terminal of the selection switch unit 210 and the controlled terminal of the output switch unit 220.

[0070] The selection switch unit 210 is used to enable one of the signal input terminals 102 to conduct with the attenuation module 300 or to disable all the signal input terminals 102 from the attenuation module 300; the output switch unit 220 is used to enable or disable the signal output terminal 101 from the attenuation module 300.

[0071] The switch module 200 includes a selection switch unit 210 and an output switch unit 220. The selection switch unit 210 controls the conduction connection between one of the signal input terminals 102 and the attenuation module 300, thus enabling the selection of the input signal to conduct with the attenuation module 300. The selection switch unit 210 can also disable all signal input terminals 102 from the attenuation module 300, i.e., excluding input attenuation and bypass output. The output switch unit 220 is dedicated to controlling the connection between the signal output terminal 101 and the attenuation module 300. The control module 400 controls the selection switch unit 210 and the output switch unit 220 to achieve input attenuation, output attenuation, and bypass output.

[0072] Therefore, the switching function is divided into a selection switch unit 210 corresponding to the input side and an output switch unit 220 corresponding to the output side, which makes the correspondence between the circuit structure and the control logic clearer, which helps to reduce the complexity of specific circuit design and improve the reliability of the circuit.

[0073] Understandably, in input attenuation mode, selection switch unit 210 connects the target signal input terminal 102 to the attenuation module 300, and output switch unit 220 disconnects the signal output terminal 101 from the attenuation module 300; in output attenuation mode, selection switch unit 210 disconnects all signal input terminals 102 from the attenuation module 300, and output switch unit 220 connects the signal output terminal 101 to the attenuation module 300; in bypass output mode, output switch unit 220 connects the target signal input terminal 102 to the attenuation module 300, and output switch unit 220 connects the signal output terminal 101 to the attenuation module 300.

[0074] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments of a radio frequency front-end circuit of the present invention, the selection switch unit 210 includes a first switch element 211 corresponding to the signal input terminal 102. One end of the first switch element 211 is connected to the corresponding signal input terminal 102, and the other end of each first switch element 211 is connected to the attenuation module 300. The control module 400 is connected to the controlled end of the first switch element 211.

[0075] Each signal input terminal 102 is equipped with a corresponding first switch 211, and each first switch 211 is connected to the attenuation module 300. When the first switch 211 is closed, the corresponding signal input terminal 102 is connected to the attenuation module 300; conversely, when the first switch 211 is open, the corresponding signal input terminal 102 is disconnected from the attenuation module 300. Thus, by controlling the opening and closing of each first switch 211, the control module 400 can either connect one of the signal input terminals 102 to the attenuation module 300, or disconnect all signal input terminals 102 from the attenuation module 300. The structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first switching element 211 may be a switching device such as a MOSFET, or a device with switching function such as a relay.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, the selection switch unit 210 may also be an implementation that includes at least one single-pole double-throw switch, single-pole multi-throw switch, or other similar devices.

[0078] refer to Figure 3In some embodiments of the radio frequency front-end circuit of the present invention, the selection switch unit 210 further includes an auxiliary capacitor 212 and a second switch 213. One end of the auxiliary capacitor 212 is connected to the other end of each of the first switches 211 and one end of the second switch 213, respectively. The other end of the auxiliary capacitor 212 is connected to the other end of the second switch 213 and the attenuation module 300, respectively. The control module 400 is connected to the controlled end of the second switch 213.

[0079] Between the first switch 211 and the attenuation module 300, a selection branch is provided where an auxiliary capacitor 212 and a second switch 213 are connected in parallel. The control module 400 can control whether the input signal passes through the auxiliary capacitor 212 by controlling the opening and closing of the second switch 213. Specifically: when the second switch 213 is closed, the input signal is connected to the attenuation module 300 through the branch containing the second switch 213; when the second switch 213 is open, the input signal is connected to the attenuation module 300 through the branch containing the auxiliary capacitor 212. Thus, based on the fact that the second switch 213 can control whether the input signal passes through the auxiliary capacitor 212, the auxiliary capacitor 212 can be used to adjust the characteristics of the input, achieving effects such as adjusting signal matching and isolating DC components, thereby improving the impedance matching or isolation of the signal path.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second switching element 213 may be a switching device such as a MOSFET, or a device with switching function such as a relay.

[0081] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of a radio frequency front-end circuit of the present invention, the output switch unit 220 includes a third switch 221, one end of the third switch 221 is connected to the attenuation module 300, the other end of the third switch 221 is connected to the signal output terminal 101, and the control module 400 is connected to the controlled terminal of the third switch 221.

[0082] The control module 400 controls the connection between the output signal terminal and the attenuation module 300 by controlling the opening and closing of the third switch 221. Thus, the connection between the control signal output terminal 101 and the attenuation module 300 is achieved based on the structure of the third switch 221, resulting in a simple structure that is easy to implement.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, the third switching element 221 may be a switching device such as a MOSFET, or a device with switching function such as a relay.

[0084] In some embodiments of a radio frequency front-end circuit of the present invention, the attenuation module 300 includes at least two attenuation levels, and the control module 400 is connected to the controlled terminal of the attenuation module 300 to switch between different attenuation levels, wherein different attenuation levels have different degrees of signal attenuation.

[0085] The attenuation module 300 includes at least two attenuation levels. Under the control of the control module 400, it can switch between different attenuation levels to process signals at different degrees and flexibly adapt to different signal strengths. During input attenuation, it ensures that the amplification module 100 has good linearity when amplifying the input signal, which helps to avoid signal distortion. At the same time, in different working modes of input attenuation and output attenuation, different attenuation levels can be selected to meet different attenuation requirements for input and output attenuation.

[0086] It should be noted that the input attenuation mode and output attenuation mode can correspond to different attenuation levels, or they can correspond to the same level. That is, the attenuation level is not strongly related to the operating mode and can be determined according to the signal attenuation requirements. In input attenuation mode, different attenuation levels can also be flexibly selected for different input signals. In some embodiments, there may be a fixed attenuation level in both input and output attenuation modes.

[0087] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments of a radio frequency front-end circuit of the present invention, the attenuation module 300 includes at least two attenuation resistors 310 and a fourth switch 320 corresponding to each of the attenuation resistors 310. The attenuation resistors 310 and the fourth switch 320 are connected in series to form a series branch. One end of each series branch is connected to the selection switch unit 210 and the output switch unit 220, and the other end of the series branch is grounded. The control module 400 is connected to the controlled end of the fourth switch 320.

[0088] By connecting the attenuation resistor 310 in series with the corresponding fourth switch 320 to form a series branch, and then connecting multiple series branches in parallel, the control module 400 can selectively connect the attenuation resistor 310 by controlling the closing of the fourth switch 320 to determine the degree of signal attenuation. Thus, by forming a series branch and then connecting it in parallel with the fourth switch 320, the system provides multiple attenuation levels for flexible signal attenuation processing.

[0089] It should be noted that in the bypass output mode, the control module 400 can control all fourth switches 320 to be open, that is, no signal attenuation is performed, or it can be understood as the attenuation level is zero, and the input signal is directly bypassed and output to the signal output terminal 101; in some embodiments, the control module 400 can also control the required fourth switches 320 to be closed in the bypass output mode in order to perform attenuation processing on the signal for bypass output.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fourth switching element 320 may be a switching device such as a MOSFET, or a device with switching function such as a relay.

[0091] It should be noted that, in some embodiments of the present invention, each attenuation resistor 310 may correspond to one attenuation level, that is, each closed fourth switch 320 may correspond to one attenuation level. In some embodiments, a fixed combination of attenuation resistors 310 may correspond to one attenuation level, that is, an attenuation level may correspond to the closure of a fixed combination of fourth switch 320.

[0092] To gain a deeper and more intuitive understanding of different work patterns, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Let's take an example to illustrate:

[0093] exist Figure 2In this embodiment, when the switch switching module 200 is in the off mode, all switches in the switch switching module 200 are disconnected, the attenuation module 300 is grounded, and the signal input terminal 102 and signal output terminal 101 are not affected. The RF front-end circuit operates in high-gain mode, meaning the input signal is directly input to the amplification module 100 without input attenuation, and after amplification, an output signal is formed. The output signal is output without output attenuation (in the absence of the output attenuation circuit 500). Since no signal attenuation is performed, the RF front-end circuit operates in high-gain mode. When input attenuation is required, the switch switching module 200 is controlled to be in input attenuation mode. Taking the signal input terminal REIN1 as an example, the corresponding first switch K1 is closed, and the other first switches K2-K4 and the third switch K5 are all disconnected. The attenuation module 300 attenuates the input signal at the signal input terminal REIN1, achieving the effect of input attenuation. When bypass output is required, the control switch switching module 200 is in bypass output mode. Taking the signal input terminal REIN1 as an example, the first switch K1 and the third switch K5 are both closed, while the other first switches K2-K4 are all open. At this time, the input signal of the signal input terminal REIN1 is transmitted to the signal output terminal, achieving the effect of bypass output. The attenuation module 300 also acts as input attenuation during bypass output. When output attenuation is required, the control switch switching module 200 is in output attenuation mode, the first switches K1-K4 are all open, and the third switch K5 is closed. At this time, the attenuation module 300 attenuates the output signal, achieving the effect of output attenuation.

[0094] exist Figure 3In this embodiment, when the switch switching module 200 is in the off mode, that is, all the switches in the switch switching module 200 are disconnected, the attenuation module 300 is grounded, and the signal input terminal 102 and the signal output terminal 101 are not affected. The RF front-end circuit operates in high-gain mode, that is, the input signal is directly input to the amplification module 100 without input attenuation, and after amplification, it forms the output signal. The output signal is output without output attenuation (in the absence of the output attenuation circuit 500). Since no signal attenuation is performed, the RF front-end circuit operates in high-gain mode. When input attenuation is required, the switch switching module 200 is controlled to be in input attenuation mode. Taking the operation of the signal input terminal REIN1 as an example, the first switch K1 and the second switch Kb are closed, and the first switch K2-K4 and the third switch K5 are all disconnected. The attenuation module 300 attenuates the input signal of the signal input terminal REIN1, achieving the effect of input attenuation. When bypass output is required, the control switch switching module 200 is in bypass output mode. Taking the signal input terminal REIN1 as an example, the first switch K1 and the third switch K5 are both closed, while the first switches K2-K4 and the second switch Kb are all open. At this time, the input signal of the signal input terminal REIN1 is transmitted to the signal output terminal, achieving the effect of bypass output. The attenuation module 300 acts as input attenuation during bypass output, and the auxiliary capacitor Cb provides impedance matching and DC blocking for the signal. When output attenuation is required, the control switch switching module 200 is in output attenuation mode. The first switches K1-K4 and the second switch Kb are all open, while the third switch K5 is closed. At this time, the attenuation module 300 attenuates the output signal, achieving the effect of output attenuation.

[0095] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of a radio frequency front-end circuit of the present invention, the amplification module 100 includes a bias circuit 110, a transistor 120, a first inductor 130, a second inductor 140, an output matching circuit 150, and amplifying tubes 160 corresponding to the signal input terminals 102. The bias circuit 110 is connected to the controlled terminals of the amplifying tubes 160 and the transistors 120 respectively. One end of the transistor 120 is connected to one end of the first inductor 130 and the input terminal of the output matching circuit 150 respectively. The other end of the first inductor 130 is connected to the power supply terminal. The other end of the transistor 120 is connected to one end of each of the amplifying tubes 160 respectively. The controlled terminal of the amplifying tube 160 is connected to the corresponding signal input terminal 102. The other end of the amplifying tube 160 is connected to one end of the second inductor 140. The other end of the second inductor 140 is grounded. The output terminal of the output matching circuit 150 is connected to the signal output terminal 101.

[0096] The signal input terminal 102 corresponds one-to-one with the amplifier tube 160, allowing for the selection of an appropriate amplifier tube 160 for each frequency band of input signal, providing optimal gain performance for the corresponding frequency band input signal. Simultaneously, the transistor 120 and amplifier tube 160 can form a common-source, common-gate structure, providing low-noise, high-gain performance and decoupling the input and output signals, thus improving output signal stability. The bias circuit 110 provides a bias voltage, enabling the transistor 120 and amplifier tube 160 to operate stably, providing stable and reliable amplification of the input signal. The first inductor 130 and the second inductor 140 reduce the impact of noise, improve the quality factor to enhance amplification performance, and facilitate input impedance matching. The output matching circuit 150 ensures output impedance matching. This structure provides stable and reliable amplification gain for the input signal, achieving amplification processing of the input signal.

[0097] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, a capacitor may be connected in series between the signal input terminal 102 and the controlled terminal of the amplifier tube 160.

[0098] In some embodiments, the amplification module 100 may also be an implementation of a circuit capable of amplifying signals, such as a folded common-source cascode circuit, a circuit combining a common-source amplifier and a source follower.

[0099] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of the radio frequency front-end circuit of the present invention, an output attenuation circuit 500 is further included, which is connected to the signal output terminal 101.

[0100] In this embodiment, an output attenuation circuit 500 is provided at the signal output terminal 101, which can perform fixed output attenuation processing on the output signal to meet signal processing requirements. The switch switching module 200 can also operate in output attenuation mode, and combined with the output attenuation circuit 500, it forms a two-stage output attenuation processing, which can meet the attenuation requirements of specific application scenarios.

[0101] In some embodiments of the present invention, the output attenuation circuit 500 may include implementations with attenuation function circuits such as T-type resistor attenuation circuits and π-type resistor attenuation circuits.

[0102] It is understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the output attenuation circuit 500 may not be provided.

[0103] The following describes a radio frequency front-end module provided by the present invention. The radio frequency front-end module described below can be referred to in correspondence with the radio frequency front-end circuit described above.

[0104] The present invention also provides an RF front-end module, including the RF front-end circuit described above.

[0105] In the RF front-end module, a switch module 200 is provided. The switch module 200 is connected to each signal input terminal 102 and signal output terminal 101 of the amplification module 100. At the same time, the switch module 200 is connected to the attenuation module 300. Under the control of the control module 400, the switch module 200 switches the on / off relationship between the signal input terminal 102, the signal output terminal 101 and the attenuation module 300, thereby selectively connecting the same attenuation module 300 to different signal paths. When input signal attenuation is required, the switch module 200 connects the signal input terminal 102 corresponding to the input signal to the attenuation module 300, allowing the attenuation module 300 to attenuate the input signal, achieving input attenuation. When bypass output is required, the switch module 200 connects the signal input terminal 102 corresponding to the input signal to the attenuation module 300, and simultaneously connects the signal output terminal 101 to the attenuation module 300, allowing the input signal to be directly transmitted to the signal output terminal 101 after passing through the attenuation module 300, without needing to pass through the amplification module 100, achieving bypass output. Simultaneously, when output attenuation is required, the switch module 200 connects the signal output terminal 101 to the attenuation module 300, allowing the output signal to be attenuated by the attenuation module 300, achieving output attenuation.

[0106] Therefore, based on the switching module 200 switching the on / off state between the signal input terminal 102, the signal output terminal 101, and the attenuation module 300, multiple signal input terminals 102 can reuse the same attenuation module 300 to achieve input attenuation and bypass output functions; simultaneously, output attenuation can also be achieved through the same attenuation module 300. While ensuring adjustable gain, reusing the attenuation module 300 effectively simplifies the number of components used in the circuit, which helps reduce the overall circuit footprint and lower implementation costs.

[0107] The radio frequency front-end circuit provided by the present invention mainly relates to the circuit structure of the radio frequency receiving side. In some embodiments of the present invention, the radio frequency front-end module may also include the circuit structure of the transmitting side, such as including a power amplifier and a filter.

[0108] The following describes a radio frequency front-end circuit control method provided by the present invention. The radio frequency front-end circuit control method described below can be referred to in correspondence with the radio frequency front-end circuit described above.

[0109] refer to Figure 5The present invention also includes a radio frequency front-end circuit control method, applied to the above-mentioned radio frequency front-end circuit, the radio frequency front-end circuit control method comprising:

[0110] S100: Determine the working mode based on the operating status information;

[0111] S110: Confirm that the working mode is the input attenuation mode, control the switch switching module 200 to make the signal input terminal 102 and the attenuation module 300 conduct, and the signal output terminal 101 and the attenuation module 300 are turned off.

[0112] S120: Confirm that the working mode is bypass output mode, and control the switch switching module 200 to make the signal input terminal 102 connected to the attenuation module 300 and the signal output terminal 101;

[0113] S130: Determine the working mode as output attenuation mode, control the switch switching module 200 to turn off the signal input terminal 102 and the attenuation module 300, and turn on the signal output terminal 101 and the attenuation module 300.

[0114] The control module 400 determines the operating mode based on the operating status information and controls the switch switching module 200 to perform corresponding actions based on different operating modes to achieve input attenuation, output attenuation, and bypass output processing of the signal. Specifically: when the operating mode is input attenuation mode, the switch switching module 200 connects the signal input terminal 102 with the attenuation module 300, so that the input signal is attenuated by the attenuation module 300 before being input to the amplification module 100 for amplification to form the output signal; when the operating mode is bypass output mode, the switch switching module 200 connects both the signal input terminal 102 and the signal output terminal 101 with the attenuation module 300, so that the input signal is directly transmitted to the signal output terminal 101 through the attenuation module 300, bypassing the amplification module 100 to achieve bypass output; when the operating mode is output attenuation mode, the switch switching module 200 connects the signal output terminal 101 with the attenuation module 300, so that the input signal is amplified by the amplification module 100 to form the output signal, and then the output signal is attenuated by the attenuation module 300.

[0115] Therefore, the control module 400 determines the operating mode based on the operating status information and can process the signals accordingly. Simultaneously, based on the switching module 200 switching the on / off state between the signal input terminal 102, the signal output terminal 101, and the attenuation module 300, multiple signal input terminals 102 can reuse the same attenuation module 300 to achieve input attenuation and bypass output; furthermore, output attenuation can also be achieved through the same attenuation module 300. While ensuring adjustable gain, reusing the attenuation module 300 effectively simplifies the number of components used in the circuit, reducing the overall circuit footprint and lowering implementation costs.

[0116] In some embodiments of the present invention, the operating status information may include the current operating frequency band, and the signal input terminal 102 for acquiring the input signal is determined based on the current operating frequency band; the operating status information may also include the strength of the input signal to determine the required processing of the signal, such as input attenuation, output attenuation, bypass output, and thus determine the operating mode. In some embodiments, the operating mode may be determined based on a preset operating strategy and the operating status information.

[0117] In some embodiments of the radio frequency front-end circuit control method of the present invention, the attenuation module 300 includes at least two attenuation levels, and further includes:

[0118] The attenuation level is determined based on the operating status information and / or the working mode.

[0119] The control module 400 determines the attenuation level of the attenuation module 300 based on the operating status information and / or working mode, which can flexibly provide processing for different degrees of signal attenuation, thereby improving the flexibility of processing and meeting the signal attenuation processing needs under different conditions.

[0120] In some embodiments of the present invention, different attenuation levels are determined by combining the operating status information under different operating modes. For example, in the current input attenuation mode, in order to ensure the linearity of amplification, the strength of the input signal is determined by combining the operating status information, and then the attenuation level is determined so that the signal strength falls into the linear amplification region of the amplification module 100 after input attenuation.

[0121] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a non-transitory readable storage medium having a program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, is implemented to perform a radio frequency front-end circuit control method provided by the above methods.

[0122] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0123] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0124] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has 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 of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radio frequency front-end circuit, characterized by The application relates to an amplifier module. The amplifier module comprises: an amplification module (100) provided with a signal output end (101) and at least two signal input ends (102); a switch switching module (200) connected with the signal output end (101) and each signal input end (102); an attenuation module (300) connected with the switch switching module (200) at one end and grounded at the other end; a control module (400) connected with the controlled end of the switch switching module (200); wherein the switch switching module (200) is used for switching the on-off connection between the signal input end (102) and the attenuation module (300) and the on-off connection between the signal output end (101) and the attenuation module (300); the working mode of the switch switching module (200) comprises an input attenuation mode, an output attenuation mode and a bypass output mode; the input attenuation mode makes one of the signal input ends (102) and the attenuation module (300) conductive and makes the signal output end (101) and the attenuation module (300) non-conductive; the output attenuation mode makes the signal input end (102) and the attenuation module (300) non-conductive and makes the signal output end (101) and the attenuation module (300) conductive; 2. A radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, the bypass output mode makes one of the signal input ends (102) and the attenuation module (300) conductive and makes the signal output end (101) and the attenuation module (300) conductive. The switch switching module (200) comprises a selection switch unit (210) and an output switch unit (220), the selection switch unit (210) is connected with each signal input end (102) and the attenuation module (300) respectively, the output switch unit (220) is connected with the attenuation module (300) and the signal output end (101) respectively, and the control module (400) is connected with the controlled end of the selection switch unit (210) and the controlled end of the output switch unit (220); 3. A radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, wherein the selection switch unit (210) is used for making one of the signal input ends (102) and the attenuation module (300) conductive or making each signal input end (102) and the attenuation module (300) non-conductive; and the output switch unit (220) is used for making the signal output end (101) and the attenuation module (300) conductive or non-conductive. The selection switch unit (210) comprises a first switch piece (211) corresponding to each signal input end (102), one end of the first switch piece (211) is connected with the corresponding signal input end (102), the other end of each first switch piece (211) is connected with the attenuation module (300), and the control module (400) is connected with the controlled end of the first switch piece (211).

4. A radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The selection switch unit (210) further comprises an auxiliary capacitor (212) and a second switch element (213), one end of the auxiliary capacitor (212) is connected with the other end of each first switch element (211) and one end of the second switch element (213) respectively, the other end of the auxiliary capacitor (212) is connected with the other end of the second switch element (213) and the attenuation module (300) respectively, and the control module (400) is connected with the controlled end of the second switch element (213).

5. A radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The output switch unit (220) comprises a third switch element (221), one end of the third switch element (221) is connected with the attenuation module (300), the other end of the third switch element (221) is connected with the signal output end (101), and the control module (400) is connected with the controlled end of the third switch element (221).

6. A radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that The attenuation module (300) comprises at least two attenuation gears, and the control module (400) is connected with the controlled end of the attenuation module (300) to switch different attenuation gears, and different attenuation gears have different attenuation degrees on signals.

7. A radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 6, characterised in that, The attenuation module (300) comprises at least two attenuation resistors (310) and fourth switch elements (320) corresponding to the attenuation resistors (310) one by one, the attenuation resistors (310) and the fourth switch elements (320) are connected in series to form series branches, one end of each series branch is connected with the selection switch unit (210) and the output switch unit (220), the other end of the series branch is grounded, and the control module (400) is connected with the controlled end of the fourth switch element (320).

8. A radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The amplification module (100) comprises a bias circuit (110), a transistor (120), a first inductor (130), a second inductor (140), an output matching circuit (150), and amplifying tubes (160) corresponding to the signal input ends (102) one by one, the bias circuit (110) is connected with the controlled end of each amplifying tube (160) and the controlled end of the transistor (120) respectively, one end of the transistor (120) is connected with one end of the first inductor (130) and the input end of the output matching circuit (150) respectively, the other end of the first inductor (130) is connected with a power supply end, the other end of the transistor (120) is connected with one end of each amplifying tube (160) respectively, the controlled end of the amplifying tube (160) is connected with the corresponding signal input end (102), the other end of the amplifying tube (160) is connected with one end of the second inductor (140), the other end of the second inductor (140) is grounded, and the output end of the output matching circuit (150) is connected with the signal output end (101).

9. A radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output attenuation circuit (500) is further connected with the signal output end (101).

10. A radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that, The radio frequency front-end circuit comprises the selection switch unit (210), the output switch unit (220), the attenuation module (300), the control module (400), the amplification module (100), and the output attenuation circuit (500).

11. A radio frequency front-end circuit control method, characterized by, The radio frequency front-end circuit control method is applied to the radio frequency front-end circuit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, and comprises the steps of: determining the working mode according to the operation state information; confirming that the working mode is the input attenuation mode, and controlling the switch switching module (200) to make the signal input end (102) and the attenuation module (300) conductive, and the signal output end (101) and the attenuation module (300) non-conductive; confirming that the working mode is the bypass output mode, and controlling the switch switching module (200) to make the signal input end (102) and the attenuation module (300) and the signal output end (101) conductive; determining that the working mode is the output attenuation mode, and controlling the switch switching module (200) to make the signal input end (102) and the attenuation module (300) non-conductive, and the signal output end (101) and the attenuation module (300) conductive.

12. The radio frequency front-end circuit control method of claim 11, wherein, The attenuation module (300) comprises at least two attenuation gears, and further comprises: determining the attenuation gear according to the operation state information and / or the working mode. 13.A non-transitory readable storage medium having stored thereon a program, characterized in that, The program is executed by the processor to realize the radio frequency front-end circuit control method as claimed in claim 11 or 12.

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