Differential bridge structure, differential circuit structure and electronic device

Abstract

The invention discloses a differential bridge structure and a differential circuit structure. The differential bridge structure can comprise a differential power division network, a first differential phase shift network and a second differential phase shift network, wherein the differential power division network, the first differential phase shift network and the second differential phase shift network are constructed based on coupling transmission lines; the differential power division network is configured to divide an input signal into two paths of differential signals and output the two paths of differential signals to the first differential phase shift network and the second differential phase shift network respectively; the first differential phase shift network and the second differential phase shift network are respectively configured to output the differential signal as an output signal whose phase difference is a preset difference value including 90 DEG. The differential bridge structure disclosed by the invention has good broadband characteristics, realizes high-precision phase control, and can output and maintain 90-degree phase difference signal output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and in particular to a differential bridge structure with good broadband characteristics and high-precision phase control, a differential circuit structure having the differential bridge structure, and an electronic device having the differential bridge structure or differential circuit structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of modern wireless communication technology, new communication methods (such as wireless LANs and satellite communication) place increasingly stringent demands on communication systems, requiring efficient and high-quality signal transmission. New-generation communication standards require radio frequency (RF) and microwave circuits not only to operate at higher frequency bands but also to have wider bandwidths, smaller sizes, and better performance. As one of the commonly used passive components in RF and microwave integrated circuit technology, the performance of the bridge circuit plays a crucial role in the overall performance of the RF system.

[0003] With increasing integration and operating frequencies reaching THz, more and more microwave systems are adopting differential circuits for signal transmission and processing. How to apply bridge circuits to differential circuits while achieving high electrical performance is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this application discloses a differential bridge structure, a differential circuit structure, and electronic devices. The differential bridge structure can achieve differential signal output with a 90-degree phase difference over a wide frequency range and is easily implemented in the microwave frequency band.

[0005] This application provides a differential bridge structure 100, which may include: a differential power divider network 200, a first differential phase shifter network 300, and a second differential phase shifter network 400; wherein the differential power divider network 200, the first differential phase shifter network 300, and the second differential phase shifter network 400 are constructed based on coupled transmission lines; the differential power divider network 200 is configured to split the input signal into two differential signals and output them to the first differential phase shifter network 300 and the second differential phase shifter network 400 respectively; the first differential phase shifter network 300 and the second differential phase shifter network 400 are respectively configured to output the differential signals as output signals with a phase difference of a preset value including 90°.

[0006] According to some embodiments of this application, the differential power divider network 200 may include: a first coupled transmission line pair 210 and a second coupled transmission line pair 220; a first port 211 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 and a first port 221 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220 are connected; a second port 212 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 and a second port 222 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220 are connected.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this application, the differential power divider network 200 may further include a first isolation resistor R1 and a second isolation resistor R2; the first isolation resistor R1 couples the third port 213 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 with the third port 223 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220; the second isolation resistor R2 couples the fourth port 214 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 with the fourth port 224 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the first differential phase-shifting network 300 may include: a third coupled transmission line pair 310 and a fourth coupled transmission line pair 320; wherein, the differential first input port 301 of the first phase-shifting network 300 is connected to the second port 312 of the third coupled transmission line pair 310, and the differential second input port 302 is connected to the second port 322 of the fourth coupled transmission line pair 320; the differential first output port 303 of the first phase-shifting network 300 is connected to the first port 311 of the third coupled transmission line pair 310, and the differential second output port 304 is connected to the first port 321 of the fourth coupled transmission line pair 320.

[0009] The fourth port 314 of the third coupled transmission line pair 310 of the first phase-shifting network 300 is connected to the third port 323 of the fourth coupled transmission line pair 320; the third port 313 of the third coupled transmission line pair 310 is connected to the fourth port 324 of the fourth coupled transmission line pair 320.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the second differential phase-shifting network 400 includes: a fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 and a sixth coupled transmission line pair 420; wherein, the differential first input port 401 of the second phase-shifting network 400 is connected to the second port 412 of the fifth coupled transmission line pair 410, and the differential second input port 402 is connected to the second port 422 of the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420; the differential first output port 403 of the second phase-shifting network 400 is connected to the third port 413 of the fifth coupled transmission line pair 410, and the differential second output port 404 is connected to the third port 423 of the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420; The first port 411 of the fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 of the second phase-shifting network 400 is connected to the first port 421 of the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420; the fourth port 414 of the fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 is connected to the fourth port 424 of the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the second differential phase-shifting network 400 may include: a seventh coupled transmission line pair 430; wherein, the differential first input port 401 of the second phase-shifting network 400 is connected to the first port 431 of the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430, and the differential second input port 402 is connected to the second port 432 of the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430; the differential first output port 403 of the second phase-shifting network 400 is connected to the third port 433 of the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430, and the differential second output port 404 is connected to the third port 433 of the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the coupled transmission line includes a wide-side coupled transmission line, and the differential power divider network, the first differential phase shifter network, and the second differential phase shifter network are implemented using the wide-side coupled transmission line based on silicon-on-insulator or a conventional dielectric substrate.

[0013] A second aspect of this application provides a differential circuit structure, which may include an impedance conversion circuit and a differential bridge structure as described above electrically connected to the impedance conversion circuit.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the impedance conversion circuit may include a balun.

[0015] A third aspect of this application provides an electronic device, which may include the differential bridge structure or differential circuit structure described above.

[0016] The differential bridge structure disclosed in this application exhibits excellent broadband characteristics, enabling impedance matching at the ports and a 90-degree phase difference between the two output ports over a wide frequency range. It also achieves high-precision phase control by adjusting the Ze, Zo, and electrical length E of the coupled transmission line pair. For example, a 90-degree phase difference can be maintained over a wide frequency band with a phase accuracy control error within + / - 5 degrees. This differential bridge structure is simple, easy to implement, and low-cost, supporting implementation using wide-side coupled transmission lines on SOI or substrates, offering advantages in compact structure and integration.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] This application will be further described by way of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting; in these embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same structures, wherein: Figure 1 These are exemplary composition diagrams of differential bridge structures shown in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 These are exemplary structural diagrams of differential bridge structures shown in some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is another exemplary structural diagram of the differential bridge structure shown in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the amplitude-frequency and phase-frequency characteristics of a differential bridge structure according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is another exemplary schematic diagram of the amplitude-frequency and phase-frequency characteristics of the differential bridge structure shown in some embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is an exemplary structural diagram of a differential circuit structure shown in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application and in its specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The terms "comprising" or "including," as used in this application, mean that an element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms "and / or" or "and / or" as used in this application include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] The phase difference "including a preset difference of 90°" disclosed in this application can also be called a 90° phase difference, which can indicate that the two output signals have a phase difference of about 90° (e.g., ±5°) within a certain frequency range.

[0022] The differential bridge structure disclosed in this application can be implemented as a 90-degree bridge. The 90-degree bridge can refer to converting the microwave input signal into two output signals, which have a phase difference of about 90° (e.g., ±5°) within a certain frequency range.

[0023] Typically, 90-degree bridge circuits are implemented in various forms, including branch-line couplers, rat-race couplers, Lange couplers, Wilkinson power dividers, lumped element power dividers, and waveguide power dividers. However, these 90-degree bridge circuits are difficult to use in differential circuits, requiring the differential signals to be converted to single-ended signals before being connected to these bridge circuits.

[0024] The differential bridge structure disclosed in this application can be constructed based on coupled transmission line pairs, and can output differential signals as two differential output signals, the phase difference of which is a preset difference including 90°.

[0025] The following describes some preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that the following description is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] Figure 1 These are exemplary configuration diagrams of differential bridge structures shown in some embodiments of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the differential bridge structure 100 may include a differential power divider network 200, a first differential phase-shifting network 300, and a second differential phase-shifting network 400.

[0027] The differential power divider network 200 can split an input signal (e.g., one differential signal) into two differential signals according to a certain ratio (e.g., equal amplitude or unequal amplitude), and output them to the first differential phase-shifting network and the second differential phase-shifting network, respectively. Exemplarily, the differential power divider network 200 can be a coupled structure, utilizing the electromagnetic coupling characteristics of coupled transmission lines, such as parallel coupled transmission lines, to achieve differential power distribution. The differential power divider network 200 can also be an active balun-connected structure or a lumped element type differential power divider network. In some implementations, the differential power divider network 200 can be built based on coupled transmission lines, splitting the input signal into two differential signals of equal amplitude and in phase, and outputting them to the first differential phase-shifting network 300 and the second differential phase-shifting network 400, respectively.

[0028] The first differential phase-shifting network 300 and the second differential phase-shifting network 400 can also be constructed based on coupled transmission lines. For example, the first differential phase-shifting network 300 and the second differential phase-shifting network 400 can be circuit structures that utilize the phase delay characteristics of coupled transmission lines for phase adjustment. As another example, the first differential phase-shifting network 300 and the second differential phase-shifting network 400 can be differential all-pass networks of coupled transmission lines, utilizing the differential-mode resonance characteristics of parallel coupled transmission lines to achieve all-pass phase response while maintaining the symmetry of the differential signals. In some embodiments, the phase difference between the output signals of the first differential phase-shifting network 300 and the second differential phase-shifting network 400 from the two differential signals from the differential power divider network 200 can be 90°. This 90° phase difference can refer to a phase difference including a preset difference value of 90°. For example, the difference between this phase difference and 90° does not exceed 5°. That is, the phase difference is within 90° ± 5°. Of course, this range can be made closer to 90° or kept at 90° by adjusting the electrical characteristic parameters of the components constituting the differential bridge structure 100.

[0029] The following is for reference Figures 2 to 3 The differential power divider network 200, the first differential phase-shifting network 300, and the second differential phase-shifting network 400 included in the differential bridge circuit 100 will be described. It should be noted that the following description is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the differential input terminals of the differential power divider network 200 include a first differential input port 201 and a second differential input port 202, which can serve as the differential input terminals of the entire differential bridge structure 100. One differential signal is connected to the differential input terminal formed by the first differential input port 201 and the second differential input port 202 and input into the differential power divider network 200. The differential power divider network 200 can be a 1-to-2 differential power divider network, used to split the input signal into two differential signals of equal amplitude and in phase, and output them to the first differential phase shifter network 300 and the second differential phase shifter network 400, respectively.

[0031] The differential power divider network 200 may include a first coupled transmission line pair 210 and a second coupled transmission line pair 220. The first coupled transmission line pair 210 and the second coupled transmission line pair 220 may be coupled transmission line pairs with the same parameters, and their coupling ports may be interconnected. They are respectively connected to the differential input and differential output terminals of the differential power divider network 200 according to the signal transmission direction. Figure 2As shown, the first coupled transmission line pair 210 includes a first port 211, a second port 212, a third port 213, and a fourth port 214. The first port 211 and the third port 213 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 can be on the same coupled transmission line, and the second port 212 and the fourth port 214 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 can also be on the same coupled transmission line. The first port 211 and the second port 212 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 can be located on one side of the coupled transmission line pair, and the third port 213 and the fourth port 214 can be located on the other side of the coupled transmission line pair. The second coupled transmission line pair 220 includes a first port 221, a second port 222, a third port 223, and a fourth port 224. The first port 221 and the third port 223 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220 can also be on the same coupled transmission line, and the second port 222 and the fourth port 224 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220 can also be on the same coupled transmission line. The first port 221 and the second port 222 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220 can be located on one side of the coupled transmission line pair, and the third port 223 and the fourth port 224 can be located on the other side of the coupled transmission line pair.

[0032] The first port 211 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 and the first port 221 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220 can be connected to the differential first input port 201, and the second ports 212 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 and the second port 222 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220 can be connected to the differential second input port 202. The third port 213 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 and the fourth port 214 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220 can be connected to the output ports 203 and 204 of the first differential output terminal of the differential power divider network 200, respectively, and are connected to the differential first input port 301 and the differential second input port 302 of the first differential phase shifter network 300. The fourth port 214 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 and the third port 223 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220 can be connected to the output ports 205 and 206 of the second differential output terminal of the differential power divider network 200, respectively, and connected to the differential first input port 401 and differential second input port 402 of the second differential phase shifter network 400.

[0033] The differential power divider network 200 may further include a first isolation resistor R1 and a second isolation resistor R2. The first isolation resistor R1 and the second isolation resistor R2 may be respectively disposed between two identical pairs of coupled ports connecting the first coupled transmission line pair 210 and the second coupled transmission line pair 220 to the differential output terminals. Figure 2As shown, the first isolation resistor R1 can be placed between the third port 213 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 and the third port 223 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220. The second isolation resistor R2 can be placed between the fourth port 214 of the first coupled transmission line pair 210 and the fourth port 224 of the second coupled transmission line pair 220.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the first differential phase-shifting network 300 may include a third coupled transmission line pair 310 and a fourth coupled transmission line pair 320. In these two coupled transmission line pairs, the second port 312 of the third coupled transmission line pair 310 can be connected to the differential first input port 301 of the first differential phase-shifting network 300 and to the output port 203 of the first differential output terminal of the differential power divider network 200; the second port 322 of the second coupled transmission line pair 320 can be connected to the differential second input port 302 of the first differential phase-shifting network 300 and to the output port 204 of the first differential output terminal of the differential power divider network 200; the first port 311 of the third coupled transmission line pair 310 can be connected to the differential first output port 303 of the first differential phase-shifting network 300; and the first port 321 of the fourth coupled transmission line pair 320 can be connected to the differential second output port 304 of the first differential phase-shifting network 300. Furthermore, in the first differential phase-shifting network 300, the fourth port 314 of the third coupled transmission line pair 310 is connected to the third port 323 of the fourth coupled transmission line pair 320. The third port 313 of the third coupled transmission line pair 310 is connected to the fourth port 322 of the fourth coupled transmission line pair 320. This forms an X-shaped connection structure.

[0035] By forming an X-shaped connection structure or a cross-connection structure, two mutually compensating transmission paths can be created, enabling the first differential phase-shifting network 300 to achieve efficient signal transmission and noise suppression through cross-coupling design. Furthermore, this topology offers the following technical advantages: 1) The electromagnetic fields of the coupled transmission pairs cancel each other out, significantly reducing common-mode noise interference; 2) Cross-connection enables automatic signal polarity matching, ensuring phase consistency of the differential signals; 3) The cooperative operation of the dual-coupled transmission pairs expands bandwidth and improves high-frequency signal integrity.

[0036] like Figure 2As shown, the second differential phase-shifting network 400 may include a fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 and a sixth coupled transmission line pair 420. The second port 412 of the fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 of the second differential phase-shifting network 400 can be connected to the differential first input port 401 of the second differential phase-shifting network 400 and to the output port 205 of the second differential output terminal of the differential power divider network 200. The second port 422 of the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420 is connected to the differential second input port 402 of the second differential phase-shifting network 400 and to the output port 206 of the second differential output terminal of the differential power divider network 200.

[0037] The third port 413 of the fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 can be connected to the differential first output port 403 of the second differential phase shifting network 400. The third port 423 of the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420 can be connected to the differential second output port 404 of the second differential phase shifting network 400.

[0038] In the second differential phase-shifting network 400, the fourth port 414 of the fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 and the fourth port 424 of the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420 are connected, the fourth port 414 of the fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 and the fourth port 424 of the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420 are connected, and the first port 411 of the fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 and the first port 421 of the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420 are connected.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 Another exemplary circuit diagram of the second differential phase-shifting network 400 is shown, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second differential phase-shifting network 400 may include a seventh coupled transmission line pair 430. (As...) Figure 3As shown, the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430 includes a first port 431, a second port 432, a third port 433, and a fourth port 434. The first port 431 and the third port 433 of the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430 of the second differential phase-shifting network 400 can be on the same coupled transmission line, and the second port 432 and the fourth port 434 of the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430 can also be on the same coupled transmission line. The first port 431 and the second port 432 of the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430 can be located on one side of the coupled transmission line pair, and the third port 433 and the fourth port 434 can be located on the other side of the coupled transmission line pair. The first port 431 and the second port 432 of the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430 of the second differential phase-shifting network 400 can be connected to the differential first input port 401 and the differential second input port 402 of the second differential phase-shifting network 400, respectively, and can be connected to the output ports 205 and 206 of the second differential output terminal of the differential power divider network 200, respectively. The third port 433 and the fourth port 434 of the seventh coupling transmission line 430 of the second differential phase shifting network 400 can be connected to the differential first output port 403 and the differential second output port 404 of the second differential phase shifting network 400, respectively.

[0040] The coupled transmission line mentioned in the above specification can be a wide-side coupled transmission line. It is understood that a wide-side coupled transmission line refers to two conductor layers stacked parallel to each other between dielectric layers, with the coupling surface being the wide side (width direction) of the conductor. The wide-side coupled structure enhances the interaction of electromagnetic fields in the vertical direction, achieving high coupling coefficients and high-frequency performance that are difficult to achieve with traditional edge coupling while maintaining strict symmetry. In the embodiments of this application, by employing a wide-side coupled transmission line and utilizing its unique vertical field coupling mechanism, coupling efficiency and signal integrity can be enhanced, high-frequency performance and integration density can be optimized, and manufacturing tolerance and reliability can be improved.

[0041] In some implementations, the differential power divider network 200, the first differential phase-shifting network 300, and the second differential phase-shifting network 400 can be implemented using the wide-side coupling transmission lines on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) or ordinary dielectric substrates. It is understood that SOI has a sandwich architecture, including a top silicon layer, a buried oxide layer, and a silicon substrate. Ordinary dielectric substrates include, but are not limited to, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and ceramic substrates. In the embodiments of this application, through an innovative wide-side coupling structure design, both SOI and ordinary dielectric substrates can achieve "ultra-wideband, low-loss, and high-linearity" differential all-pass characteristics using the wide-side coupling transmission lines.

[0042] The following are some examples of differential bridge structures. For example... Figure 2The exemplary structure of the differential bridge structure 100' shown includes a differential power divider network 200, a first differential phase-shifting network 300, and a second differential phase-shifting network 400. The first coupled transmission line pair 210 and the second coupled transmission line pair 220 of the differential power divider network 200 can have equal even-mode impedance Ze, odd-mode impedance Zo, and electrical length E. For example, the even-mode impedance Ze can be 200Ω, the odd-mode impedance Zo can be 25Ω, and the electrical length E is 5 degrees at a frequency of 1GHz. The first isolation resistor R1 and the second isolation resistor R2 of the differential power divider network 200 are both equal and 50Ω.

[0043] The third coupled transmission line pair 310 and the fourth coupled transmission line pair 320 of the first differential phase-shifting network 300 can have equal even-mode impedance Ze, odd-mode impedance Zo, and electrical length E. For example, the even-mode impedance Ze can be 50Ω, the odd-mode impedance Zo can be 12Ω, and the electrical length E is 5 degrees at a frequency of 1GHz.

[0044] The fifth coupled transmission line pair 410 and the sixth coupled transmission line pair 420 of the second differential phase-shifting network 400 can have equal even-mode impedance Ze, odd-mode impedance Zo, and electrical length E. For example, the even-mode impedance Ze can be 200Ω, the odd-mode impedance Zo can be 12Ω, and the electrical length E is 5 degrees at a frequency of 1GHz.

[0045] The differential load impedance of the differential input ports 201-202 of the differential power divider network 200 is 25Ω, and the differential load impedance of the differential output ports 303-304 of the first differential phase shifter network 300 and the differential load impedance of the differential output ports 403-404 of the second differential phase shifter network 400 can both be 50Ω.

[0046] refer to Figure 4 The diagram illustrates exemplary amplitude-frequency and phase-frequency characteristics of a differential bridge structure according to some embodiments of this application. The differential bridge structure can be as follows: Figure 2 The differential bridge structure 100' shown is illustrated. Figure 4As shown, within the 8–28 GHz frequency range, the return losses S11, S22, and S33 of the differential bridge structure 100' are all less than -15 dB, indicating that the signal reflection of the differential bridge structure 100 is very low across the entire frequency band. This demonstrates that the differential bridge structure 100' can not only effectively match the impedance of the input and output ports but also maximize signal absorption to achieve efficient energy transfer. Furthermore, the figure shows that within the 8–28 GHz frequency range, the differential output ports 303-304 and 403-404 of the differential bridge structure 100' maintain a precise 90-degree phase difference with an error offset of <3 degrees. Within the 8–28 GHz frequency range, the amplitude balance between differential output ports 303-304 and 403-404 is better than ±0.1 dB, indicating excellent amplitude balance and phase consistency of the differential bridge structure.

[0047] refer to Figure 3 Another exemplary structural diagram of the differential bridge structure is shown. Figure 3 The differential bridge structure 100” shown in the figure is compared to Figure 2 The differential bridge structure 100' shown may include the same differential power divider network 200 and first differential phase-shifting network 300, but differs in the second differential phase-shifting network 400. The second differential phase-shifting network is... Figure 3 The second differential phase-shifting network 400 is shown in the diagram. The differential power divider network 400 includes a seventh coupled transmission line pair 430. For example, the even-mode impedance Ze can be 300Ω, the odd-mode impedance Zo can be 25Ω, and the electrical length E is 5 degrees at a frequency of 1GHz. The first isolation resistor R1 and the second isolation resistor R2 of the differential power divider network 200 are both equal and 50Ω.

[0048] The third coupled transmission line pair 310 and the fourth coupled transmission line pair 320 of the first differential phase-shifting network 300 have equal even-mode impedance Ze, odd-mode impedance Zo, and electrical length E. For example, the even-mode impedance Ze can be 50Ω, the odd-mode impedance Zo can be 12Ω, and the electrical length E is 5 degrees at a frequency of 1GHz.

[0049] The even-mode impedance Ze of the seventh coupled transmission line pair 430 of the second differential phase-shifting network 400 can be 200Ω, the odd-mode impedance Zo can be 25Ω, the electrical length E can be 5 degrees, and the frequency can be 1GHz.

[0050] The differential load impedance of the differential input ports 201-202 of the differential power divider network 200 is 25Ω, and the differential load impedance of the differential output ports 303-304 of the first differential phase shifter network 300 and the differential load impedance of the differential output ports 403-404 of the second differential phase shifter network 400 can both be 50Ω.

[0051] refer to Figure 5 The diagram illustrates exemplary amplitude-frequency and phase-frequency characteristics of a differential bridge structure according to some embodiments of this application. The differential bridge structure can be as follows: Figure 3 The differential bridge structure 100 shown is as follows. Figure 5 As shown, within the 10~26GHz frequency range, the return losses S11, S22, and S33 of the differential bridge structure 100” are all less than -25dB, indicating that the signal reflection of the differential bridge structure 100” is very low throughout the entire frequency band. This demonstrates that the differential bridge structure 100” can not only effectively match the impedance of the input and output ports but also maximize signal absorption to achieve efficient energy transfer. From Figure 5 As can be seen, within the frequency range of 10~26GHz, the differential output ports 303-304 and 403-404 of the differential bridge structure 100” maintain a precise 90-degree phase difference, with an error offset of <5 degrees. Within the same frequency range, the amplitude balance between differential output ports 303-304 and 403-404 is better than ±0.1dB, indicating excellent amplitude balance and phase consistency of the differential bridge structure 100”.

[0052] The differential bridge structure disclosed in this application possesses excellent broadband characteristics, enabling impedance matching at the ports and a 90-degree phase difference between the two output ports over a wide frequency range. It also achieves high-precision phase control by adjusting the Ze, Zo, and electrical length E of the coupled transmission line pairs. For example, a 90-degree phase difference can be maintained over a wide frequency band with a phase accuracy control error within + / - 5 degrees. In practical implementation, one coupled transmission line pair can be physically connected by two or more coupled transmission line pairs, greatly improving the flexibility of differential bridge design. This differential bridge structure is simple, easy to implement, and low in cost, supporting implementation using wide-side coupled transmission lines on SOI or substrates, offering advantages in compact structure and integration.

[0053] Meanwhile, the coupled transmission line pairs all use the same parameters, namely, the same odd-mode impedance Zo, even-mode impedance Ze, and electrical length E, which brings the following key advantages: 1. Ensure strict synchronization of differential signals: Since the physical lengths of the two pairs of coupled transmission lines are the same, the transmission delays of the positive and negative paths of the differential signals are completely consistent, avoiding phase deviation (Skew) caused by differences in path length. For example, in high-speed signal transmission (such as SerDes, millimeter-wave communication), this symmetry can significantly reduce timing jitter and improve signal integrity.

[0054] 2. Optimize the symmetry of electromagnetic field coupling: Equal physical lengths ensure highly symmetrical electromagnetic field distributions in the two coupled transmission line pairs, maintaining consistent transmission characteristics for odd-mode (differential mode) and even-mode (common-mode). Therefore, common-mode noise caused by asymmetrical coupling can be suppressed, improving the common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR).

[0055] 3. Simplified Design and Process Consistency: Consistent physical lengths reduce the impact of manufacturing tolerances, ensuring consistent performance during mass production. For example, in PCBs or integrated circuits, equal-length designs facilitate layout and routing, reducing performance fluctuations caused by process variations.

[0056] 4. Supports wideband frequency response: Physical length matching can avoid frequency selective attenuation caused by path differences, allowing differential circuits to maintain a flat amplitude response over a wide frequency band (such as DC to millimeter wave band).

[0057] In addition, since differential bridge structures are mainly used in differential circuit systems, their input differential ports and output differential ports make them unsuitable for use in single-ended circuit systems. By adding a conversion structure to the differential bridge structure, differential signals and single-ended signals can be flexibly converted, allowing the bridge structure to be flexibly applied to different systems.

[0058] This application also discloses a differential circuit structure. The differential circuit structure may include an impedance transformation circuit and a differential bridge structure as described above electrically connected to the impedance transformation circuit, to achieve the conversion between differential signals and single-ended signals. (Reference) Figure 6 The illustrated exemplary configuration diagram of a differential circuit structure according to some embodiments of this application shows that the differential circuit structure may include an impedance transformation circuit 500 and a differential bridge structure DC electrically connected to the impedance transformation circuit 500. The differential bridge structure DC may be the differential bridge structure 100 as described above (e.g., differential bridge structure 100', differential bridge structure 100"). The differential input ports 201-202 of the differential bridge structure 100 may be electrically connected to the differential ports of the impedance transformation circuit 500, thereby constituting the aforementioned differential circuit structure.

[0059] Impedance transformation circuit 500 may have a single-ended signal input port SI. A single-ended signal input through single-ended signal input port SI can be converted into a differential signal and then input to differential bridge structure 100. Impedance transformation circuit 200 can convert a single-ended signal into a differential signal, and it can be applied to single-ended circuit systems or differential circuit systems. The input signal of the differential bridge structure disclosed in this application is a differential signal. Therefore, by connecting impedance transformation circuit 200 to the input terminal of differential bridge structure, the single-ended signal can be converted into a differential signal by the impedance transformation circuit first, and then the signal can be input into the differential bridge structure, thus realizing the conversion of a single-ended signal into a differential signal.

[0060] like Figure 6 In the differential circuit structure shown, the differential port of the impedance transformation circuit 500 is connected to the input terminal of the differential bridge structure. The differential port impedance of the differential output port of this differential bridge structure (i.e., the aforementioned 303-304, 403-404, etc.) can be of any form. For example, if the differential port impedance of the differential bridge structure is 25 ohms and the impedance ratio of the impedance transformation circuit 500 is 2:1, then the impedance transformation circuit 500 can convert the differential port impedance of the differential bridge structure into a single-ended impedance of 50 ohms.

[0061] In some implementations, the impedance transformation circuit may include a balun.

[0062] The differential circuit structure disclosed in this application has high port adaptability. By using an impedance transformation circuit to flexibly convert between differential and single-ended signals, the differential bridge structure is not limited to differential circuit systems, allowing it to be flexibly applied to both differential and single-ended circuit systems.

[0063] This application also discloses an electronic device, which may include the differential bridge structure or differential circuit structure described above. Due to the characteristics of the differential bridge structure or differential circuit structure disclosed above, the electronic device can be applied to wireless communication equipment such as radio frequency front-end modules, microwave communication systems (satellite communication / radar), and phased array antenna systems (5G base stations).

[0064] This application has described the basic concepts. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the above detailed disclosure is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this application, and therefore such modifications, improvements, and corrections still fall within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0065] Furthermore, this application uses specific terms to describe its embodiments. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this application do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this application can be appropriately combined.

[0066] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of this application and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of the embodiments of this application sometimes combines multiple features into one embodiment or its description. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of this application requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments have fewer features than all the features of the single embodiments disclosed above.

[0067] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this application are merely illustrative of the principles of the embodiments of this application. Other modifications may also fall within the scope of this application. Therefore, alternative configurations of the embodiments of this application are considered as examples and not limitations, and are regarded as consistent with the teachings of this application. Accordingly, the embodiments of this application are not limited to the embodiments explicitly described and illustrated in this application.

Claims

1. A differential bridge structure (100), characterized in that, The differential bridge structure includes: Differential power divider network (200), first differential phase shifter network (300), and second differential phase shifter network (400); wherein, The differential power divider network, the first differential phase-shifting network, and the second differential phase-shifting network are constructed based on coupled transmission lines; The differential power divider network is configured to split the input signal into two differential signals and output them to the first differential phase-shifting network and the second differential phase-shifting network, respectively; the first differential phase-shifting network and the second differential phase-shifting network are configured to output the differential signals as output signals with a preset phase difference of 90°.

2. The differential bridge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The differential power divider network (200) includes: a first coupled transmission line pair (210) and a second coupled transmission line pair (220); the first port (211) of the first coupled transmission line pair (210) and the first port (221) of the second coupled transmission line pair (220) are connected; the second port (212) of the first coupled transmission line pair (210) and the second port (222) of the second coupled transmission line pair (220) are connected.

3. The differential bridge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The differential power divider network (200) further includes a first isolation resistor (R1) and a second isolation resistor (R2); the first isolation resistor (R1) couples the third port (213) of the first coupled transmission line pair (210) with the third port (223) of the second coupled transmission line pair (220); the second isolation resistor (R2) couples the fourth port (214) of the first coupled transmission line pair (210) with the fourth port (224) of the second coupled transmission line pair (220).

4. The differential bridge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first differential phase-shifting network (300) includes: a third coupled transmission line pair (310) and a fourth coupled transmission line pair (320); wherein, The differential first input port (301) of the first phase-shifting network (300) is connected to the second port (312) of the third coupled transmission line pair (310), and the differential second input port (302) is connected to the second port (322) of the fourth coupled transmission line pair (320); the differential first output port (303) of the first phase-shifting network (300) is connected to the first port (311) of the third coupled transmission line pair (310), and the differential second output port (304) is connected to the first port (321) of the fourth coupled transmission line pair (320); The fourth port (314) of the third coupled transmission line pair (310) of the first phase-shifting network (300) is connected to the third port (323) of the fourth coupled transmission line pair (320); the third port (313) of the third coupled transmission line pair (310) is connected to the fourth port (324) of the fourth coupled transmission line pair (320).

5. The differential bridge structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second differential phase-shifting network (400) includes: a fifth coupled transmission line pair (410) and a sixth coupled transmission line pair (420); wherein, The differential first input port (401) of the second phase-shifting network (400) is connected to the second port (412) of the fifth coupled transmission line pair (410), and the differential second input port (402) is connected to the second port (422) of the sixth coupled transmission line pair (420); the differential first output port (403) of the second phase-shifting network (400) is connected to the third port (413) of the fifth coupled transmission line pair (410), and the differential second output port (404) is connected to the third port (423) of the sixth coupled transmission line pair (420); The first port (411) of the fifth coupled transmission line pair (410) of the second phase-shifting network (400) is connected to the first port (421) of the sixth coupled transmission line pair (420); the fourth port (414) of the fifth coupled transmission line pair (410) is connected to the fourth port (424) of the sixth coupled transmission line pair (420).

6. The differential bridge structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second differential phase-shifting network (400) includes: a seventh coupled transmission line pair (430); wherein, The differential first input port (401) of the second phase-shifting network (400) is connected to the first port (431) of the seventh coupled transmission line pair (430), and the differential second input port (402) is connected to the second port (432) of the seventh coupled transmission line pair (430); the differential first output port (403) of the second phase-shifting network (400) is connected to the third port (433) of the seventh coupled transmission line pair (430), and the differential second output port (404) is connected to the third port (433) of the seventh coupled transmission line pair (430).

7. The differential bridge structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The coupled transmission line includes a wide-side coupled transmission line, and the differential power divider network, the first differential phase shifter network, and the second differential phase shifter network are implemented using the wide-side coupled transmission line based on silicon-on-insulator or a conventional dielectric substrate.

8. A differential circuit structure, characterized in that, The differential circuit structure includes an impedance conversion circuit and a differential bridge structure as described in any one of claims 1-7 electrically connected to the impedance conversion circuit; the impedance conversion circuit is used to convert a single-ended signal into a differential signal as the input signal.

9. The differential circuit structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The impedance conversion circuit includes a balun.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a differential bridge structure as described in any one of claims 1-7 or a differential circuit structure as described in claim 8 or 9.

Images