Radio frequency receiver and method for receiving radio frequency input signal

Abstract

The invention discloses a radio frequency receiver and a method for receiving a radio frequency input signal. The radio frequency receiver comprises a radiating element, a chip and a phase shift circuit. The radiating element is configured to receive a radio frequency input signal to generate a plurality of electrical signals. The chip includes an amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit is configured to receive a plurality of phase-shifted signals from a plurality of input terminals, respectively, and amplify the plurality of phase-shifted signals to generate a radio frequency output signal. The phase shift circuit is located outside the chip and is coupled to the radiating element and the plurality of input terminals. The phase shift circuit is used for performing phase shift operation on the plurality of electric signals and generating the plurality of phase shift signals according to the plurality of electric signals. The phase shift circuit and the radiating element are formed on the same substrate. According to the radio frequency receiver, the size of a required chip can be reduced, the production cost is reduced, and the signal loss is reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to phased arrays, and in particular to a radio frequency transmitter / receiver array each comprising a same phase / quadrature phase shifter located off-chip and formed on a same substrate as a corresponding antenna element. BACKGROUND

[0002] In wireless communication applications such as 5G communication networks or low Earth orbit satellite constellations, phased array antennas are increasingly popular. Phased array systems can utilize techniques of beamforming or beam steering to form and control a radiation pattern in various directions. For example, in a phased array system, the input power and relative phasing of each antenna can be adjusted to change the direction and shape of the radiated signal without moving the antenna. The radiation pattern can be adjusted by electronic control according to the phase difference between different radiated signals. Phased array systems can intelligently combine several individual antennas to achieve better signal strength, gain, and directivity. In addition, phased array systems can produce a large number of beams, achieve wide coverage, and are suitable for low Earth orbit satellite constellations. SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present application disclose a radio frequency transmitter having a phase shifter and a radiating element formed on a same substrate, a method of transmitting a radio frequency output signal, a radio frequency receiver having a phase shifter and a radiating element formed on a same substrate, a method of receiving a radio frequency input signal, and related phased arrays.

[0004] Certain embodiments of the present application include a radio frequency receiver. The radio frequency receiver includes a radiating element, a chip, and a phase shifting circuit. The radiating element is configured to receive a radio frequency input signal to generate a plurality of electrical signals. The chip includes an amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit is configured to receive a plurality of phase shifted signals from a plurality of inputs, respectively, and amplify the plurality of phase shifted signals to generate a radio frequency output signal. The phase shifting circuit is located outside of the chip and coupled between the radiating element and the plurality of inputs. The phase shifting circuit is configured to perform a phase shifting operation on the plurality of electrical signals to generate the plurality of phase shifted signals. The phase shifting circuit and the radiating element are formed on a same substrate. The radiating element includes a first feed point configured to output a first electrical signal of the plurality of electrical signals, a second feed point configured to output a second electrical signal of the plurality of electrical signals, wherein the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal have a same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees, a third feed point configured to output a third electrical signal of the plurality of electrical signals, and a fourth feed point configured to output a fourth electrical signal of the plurality of electrical signals, wherein the third electrical signal and the fourth electrical signal have a same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The radio frequency output signal is a circularly polarized signal including a horizontal component and a vertical component; the radiating element is configured to generate the first electrical signal and the third electrical signal according to the horizontal component of the circularly polarized signal, and generate the second electrical signal and the fourth electrical signal according to the vertical component of the circularly polarized signal. The plurality of amplified signals includes a first phase shifted signal, a second phase shifted signal, a third phase shifted signal, and a fourth phase shifted signal. The amplifier circuit includes a first amplification path configured to amplify the first phase shifted signal using a first gain value to generate a first amplified signal, a second amplification path configured to amplify the second phase shifted signal using a second gain value to generate a second amplified signal, a third amplification path configured to amplify the third phase shifted signal using a third gain value to generate a third amplified signal, and a fourth amplification path configured to amplify the fourth phase shifted signal using a fourth gain value to generate a fourth amplified signal, wherein a combination of the first amplified signal, the second amplified signal, the third amplified signal, and the fourth amplified signal is the radio frequency output signal. The first gain value is equal to or an opposite of the second gain value, and the third gain value is equal to or an opposite of the fourth gain value.

[0005] Certain embodiments of the present application include a method of receiving a radio frequency input signal. The method includes receiving the radio frequency input signal with a radiating element to produce a plurality of electrical signals, phase shifting the plurality of electrical signals to produce a plurality of phase shifted signals and outputting the plurality of phase shifted signals to a plurality of inputs of a chip, respectively, and amplifying the plurality of phase shifted signals received at the plurality of inputs with an amplifier circuit located in the chip to produce a radio frequency output signal. Receiving the radio frequency input signal with the radiating element to produce the plurality of electrical signals includes receiving the radio frequency input signal to output a first electrical signal of the plurality of electrical signals from a first feed point of the radiating element and receiving the radio frequency input signal to output a second electrical signal of the plurality of electrical signals from a second feed point of the radiating element, wherein the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The radio frequency output signal is a circularly polarized signal including a horizontal component and a vertical component. Receiving the radio frequency input signal with the radiating element to produce the plurality of electrical signals includes receiving the radio frequency input signal to output a third electrical signal of the plurality of electrical signals from a third feed point of the radiating element and receiving the radio frequency input signal to output a fourth electrical signal of the plurality of electrical signals from a fourth feed point of the radiating element, wherein the third electrical signal and the fourth electrical signal have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The first electrical signal and the third electrical signal are produced in response to the horizontal component of the circularly polarized signal and the second electrical signal and the fourth electrical signal are produced in response to the vertical component of the circularly polarized signal. The plurality of phase shifted signals includes a first phase shifted signal, a second phase shifted signal, a third phase shifted signal and a fourth phase shifted signal. Amplifying the plurality of phase shifted signals with the amplifier circuit to produce the radio frequency output signal includes amplifying the first phase shifted signal using a first gain value to produce a first amplified signal, amplifying the second phase shifted signal using a second gain value to produce a second amplified signal, amplifying the third phase shifted signal using a third gain value to produce a third amplified signal and amplifying the fourth phase shifted signal using a fourth gain value to produce a fourth amplified signal, wherein a combination of the first amplified signal, the second amplified signal, the third amplified signal and the fourth amplified signal is the radio frequency output signal. The first gain value is equal to the second gain value or the opposite of the second gain value and the third gain value is equal to the fourth gain value or the opposite of the fourth gain value.

[0006] By the heterogeneous integration techniques disclosed herein, which integrate active elements with passive elements on a phased array, the phase shifting operation can be performed off-chip, thereby reducing the required chip size. Moreover, the reduction in chip size helps reduce production costs due to the higher cost of the substrate used for the chip, as compared to the substrate on which the radiating elements are disposed. The heterogeneous integration techniques disclosed herein also reduce signal loss caused by signal transmission within the chip. Furthermore, the handedness of the circularly polarized waves that the radio frequency transmitter / receiver can transmit / receive is selectable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The present application can be more fully understood with reference to the following implementations. It should be understood that the various

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary phased array in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a radio frequency transmitter in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a radio frequency receiver in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0011] FIGS. 3-5 is a detailed implementation of a radio frequency transmitter shown in FIG. 2A in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0012] FIGS. 6-8 is a detailed implementation of a radio frequency receiver shown in FIG. 2B in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0013] FIGS. 9-12 is a detailed implementation of a radio frequency transmitter shown in FIG. 2A in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0014] FIGS. 13-16 is a detailed implementation of a radio frequency receiver shown in FIG. 2B in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0015] FIGS. 17-19 is a detailed implementation of a radio frequency transmitter shown in FIG. 2A in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0016] FIGS. 20-22 is a detailed implementation of a radio frequency receiver shown in FIG. 2B in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0017] FIG. 23 This is a schematic diagram of the interconnection structure between array units of a phase array according to certain embodiments of this application.

[0018] FIG. 24 This is a schematic diagram of the interconnection structure between array units of a phase array according to certain embodiments of this application.

[0019] FIG. 25 This is a flowchart of a method for transmitting radio frequency output signals according to certain embodiments of this application.

[0020] FIG. 26 This is a flowchart of a method for receiving radio frequency input signals according to certain embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following disclosure presents various implementation methods or examples that can be used to achieve different features of this application. Specific examples of parameter values, components, and configurations described below are used to simplify the content of this application. It is understood that these descriptions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. For example, component symbols and / or reference numerals may be reused in embodiments. Such reuse is for the purpose of brevity and clarity and does not in itself represent a relationship between the different embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0022] Furthermore, it is understood that if a component is described as "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, then the two components can be directly connected or coupled, or there may be other intervening components between them.

[0023] Phase arrays can employ in-phase / quadrature (I / Q) phase shifters to transmit or receive polarized electromagnetic waves, such as circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. Each I / Q phase shifter is formed within an integrated circuit (IC) or chip, and each I / Q phase shifter itself has a 90-degree phase shift between its in-phase path (I-path) and quadrature path (Q-path). The phase-shifted signal generated at the transmission end can be amplified and transmitted to the antenna element used to transmit the polarized electromagnetic waves.

[0024] For example, in a phase array implemented as a transmitter array, each transmitter includes a chip and an antenna element. The chip can include an active two-way splitter, an I / Q generator, two variable gain amplifiers (VGAs), a signal adder, and a power amplifier (PA). The active two-way splitter is used to split a radio frequency (RF) input signal into two input signals. The I / Q generator receives an input signal through one of the in-phase and quadrature paths and generates a phase-shifted signal that lags the input signal by one-eighth of a wavelength (e.g., -45 degrees). In addition, the I / Q generator receives another input signal through the other of the in-phase and quadrature paths to generate another phase-shifted signal that leads the other input signal by one-eighth of a wavelength (e.g., +45 degrees). The two phase-shifted signals, which have a 90-degree phase difference, are input to the two VGAs, respectively. The signal adder is used to add the two signals output by the two VGAs to generate a phase-shifted version of the RF input signal. The phase-shifted version of the RF input signal is sent to the PA to generate an amplified signal. Next, the amplified signal is fed to two feeding points of the antenna element through two transmission lines, each of which has a length that differs from the other by one-quarter of a wavelength. The antenna element can emit circularly polarized electromagnetic waves according to the signals at the two feeding points.

[0025] However, integrating multiple circuit elements into the chip increases the required chip size and cost. In addition, I / Q phase shifters (i.e., I / Q generators) are susceptible to signal loss caused inside the chip. Furthermore, because the signals at the two feeding points have a fixed phase difference (e.g., 90 degrees), the electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna element are circularly polarized in a fixed direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0026] Similar problems are also encountered for a phase array implemented as a receiver array. For example, each receiver includes a chip and an antenna element. The chip includes a low noise amplifier (LNA), an active two-way divider, two variable gain amplifiers, an I / Q generator, and a signal adder. When the antenna element receives a circularly polarized electromagnetic wave, there can be a 90-degree phase difference between the signals output from two feed points of the antenna element. The signals output from the two feed points are input to the LNA through two transmission lines, respectively. The lengths of the two transmission lines differ by one-quarter wavelength. Thus, the two transmission lines can be used to compensate for the 90-degree phase difference, and the signals output from the two feed points can be added up in phase at the input of the LNA. The active two-way divider is used to divide the output of the LNA into two input signals. The two variable gain amplifiers are used to amplify the two input signals to generate two corresponding amplified signals. The I / Q generator receives the two amplified signals through in-phase and quadrature paths to generate two phase-shifted signals. The signal adder is used to add the two phase-shifted signals. The added signal is then transmitted to an output buffer for subsequent operations.

[0027] Similarly, integrating multiple circuit elements into the chip increases the required chip size and cost. The I / Q phase shifter (i.e., the I / Q generator) is susceptible to signal loss caused inside the chip. The electromagnetic wave that the receiver can receive is circularly polarized along a fixed direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0028] The present application provides exemplary phased arrays, where each phased array includes a plurality of array elements, which can be implemented as radio frequency transmitters or radio frequency receivers. Each array element (i.e., radio frequency transmitter / receiver) includes a phase shifting circuit and a radiating element formed on the same substrate. For example, the phase shifting circuit can include an off-chip I / Q phase shifter, which can include an amplifier circuit or other active circuit elements. The chip can be disposed on the substrate (on which the phase shifting circuit and the radiating element are formed) based on a heterogeneous integration approach. In some embodiments, the chip can include a semiconductor chip on which active circuit elements are formed / disposed. The phase shifting circuit and the radiating element are formed on a portion of the substrate, while the semiconductor chip is disposed on another portion of the substrate based on the heterogeneous integration approach. In some embodiments, the phase shifting circuit and the radiating element can be formed on a printed circuit board (PCB), a glass substrate, an insulating substrate, or various passive substrates on which passive circuit elements are formed / disposed. Integrating the phase shifting circuit and the radiating element on the same substrate can reduce the required chip size and production cost, and slow down signal attenuation. Further description is provided below.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary phased array according to some embodiments of the present application. The phased array 100 includes a substrate 102, and array elements 104 arranged in m rows and n columns 1,1 -104 m,n where m and n are positive integers. Each array element is disposed on the substrate 102 and can be implemented as a radio frequency transmitter or a radio frequency receiver. Each array element includes, but is not limited to, a radiating element, a chip, and a phase shifting circuit. In some embodiments, the chip can include active devices, such as an amplifier circuit. The substrate of the chip can be referred to as an active substrate, indicating that active elements or active circuit elements are formed / fabricated thereon. In some embodiments, the radiating element and the phase shifting circuit are both formed on the substrate 102 and implemented with passive devices. The substrate 102 can be referred to as a passive substrate.

[0030] For example, the array element 104 1,1 includes a radiating element 110 1,1 , a chip 1201,1 and phase shifting circuit 130 1,1 Radiation element 110 1,1 This can be implemented using an antenna element such as a microstrip antenna or a printed antenna. (Chip 120) 1,1 This can be implemented using a semiconductor chip (which includes a semiconductor substrate). Chip 120 1,1 Includes an amplifier circuit, which includes (but is not limited to) at least one variable gain amplifier, at least one power amplifier, or at least one low-noise amplifier. Phase shift circuit 130 1,1 This can be implemented using passive components such as transmission lines or microstrip couplers. The substrate 102 can be implemented using a printed circuit board, a glass substrate, or other types of insulating substrate. Furthermore, the chip 120 can be integrated heterogeneously. 1,1 (or its semiconductor substrate) is disposed on substrate 102.

[0031] When the phase array 100 is applied at the transmission end, the phase array 100 can be implemented as a phasedarray transmitter. Array element 104 1,1 -104 m,n Each array unit can be implemented as a radio frequency transmitter. Radiating element 110 1,1 -110 m,n Each radiating element in the array can be called a transmitter antenna, which can be used to transmit electromagnetic waves. Please refer to... FIG. 1 See FIG. 2A In some embodiments where the phase array 100 is implemented as a phase array transmitter, the radio frequency transmitter 204A can be used to implement the array element 104. 1,1 -104 m,n At least one of them. The radio frequency transmitter 204A is used to transmit according to a radio frequency input signal R. INA Transmit a radio frequency output signal R OUTA .

[0032] exist FIG. 2A In the example shown, the radio frequency transmitter 204A can be used as array unit 104. 1,1 An embodiment. The radio frequency transmitter 204A includes a radiating element 210A, a chip 220A, and a phase-shifting circuit 230A, which can respectively serve as the radiating element 110A. 1,1 Chip 120 1,1 and phase shifting circuit 130 1,1 An embodiment. Radiating element 210A is used to receive multiple electrical signals {EI} to generate (or produce) a radio frequency output signal R.OUTA For example, the radiating element 210A can be implemented using a dual-feed antenna. The radiating element 210A can receive a plurality of electrical signals {El} through two feed points thereof, based on which the radiating element 210A generates a radio frequency output signal R OUTA For another example, the radiating element 210A can be implemented using a four-feed antenna. The radiating element 210A can receive a plurality of electrical signals {El} through four feed points thereof, based on which the radiating element 210A generates a radio frequency output signal R OUTA The chip 220A includes an amplifier circuit 222A, which can be used to amplify the radio frequency input signal R INA to generate amplified signals AS1-AS P at output terminals TA1-TA P respectively. P is a positive integer greater than 1. For example, the amplifier circuit 222A can use P gain values to amplify the radio frequency input signal R INA to generate amplified signals AS1-AS P respectively. In some embodiments, at least one of the P gain values is adjustable.

[0033] The phase shifting circuit 230A is located outside the chip 220A and is coupled to the output terminals TA1-TA P and the radiating element 210A. The phase shifting circuit 230A is used to perform phase shifting operations on the amplified signals AS1-AS P and based on which a plurality of electrical signals {El} are fed into the radiating element 210A. The phase shifting circuit 230A is formed on the same substrate as the radiating element 210A. It should be noted that since the phase shifting circuit 230A can be responsible for the relevant phase shifting operations, the chip 220A can not need to reserve space for implementing an I / Q phase shifter. The chip 220A can have a smaller size as compared to a chip in which an I / Q phase shifter is integrated.

[0034] In some embodiments, when the phase array 100 is applied to a receiving end, the phase array 100 can be implemented as a phase array receiver. Each of the array units 104 1,1 -104 m,n may be implemented as a radio frequency receiver. Each of the radiating elements 110 1,1 -110 m,n may be referred to as a receiver antenna, which can be used to receive electromagnetic waves. Please refer to FIG. 1 for more information. FIG. 2B In some embodiments in which the phase array 100 is implemented as a phase array receiver, the radio frequency receiver 204B can be used to implement the array units 104 1,1 -104 m,nAt least one of them. The radio frequency receiver 204B is used to receive a radio frequency input signal R. INB To generate a radio frequency output signal R OUTB .

[0035] exist FIG. 2B In the example shown, the radio frequency receiver 204B can be used as array unit 104. 1,1 An embodiment. The radio frequency receiver 204B includes a radiating element 210B, a chip 220B, and a phase-shifting circuit 230B, which can each serve as a radiating element 110. 1,1 Chip 120 1,1 and phase shifting circuit 130 1,1 An embodiment. Radiating element 210B is used to receive radio frequency input signal R. INB To generate (or produce) multiple electrical signals {EO}. For example, radiating element 210B can be implemented using a double-fed antenna. Radiating element 210B can receive radio frequency input signal R. INB It outputs multiple electrical signals {EO} at its two feed points. For example, the radiating element 210B can be implemented using a four-feed antenna. The radiating element 210B can receive the radio frequency input signal R. INB It outputs multiple electrical signals {EO} at its four feed points.

[0036] Chip 220B includes amplifier circuit 222B, which can output from input terminals TB1-TB2 respectively. Q Receive phase shift signal PS1-PS Q Q is a positive integer greater than 1. Furthermore, amplifier circuit 222B is used to amplify the phase-shifted signal PS1-PS. Q To generate radio frequency output signal R OUTB For example, amplifier circuit 222B can use Q gain values ​​to amplify phase-shifted signals PS1-PS1 respectively. Q To generate radio frequency output signal R OUTB In some embodiments, at least one of the Q gain values ​​described above is adjustable.

[0037] The phase-shifting circuit 230B is located outside the chip 220B and is coupled to the radiating element 210B and the input terminals TB1-TB1. Q The phase-shifting circuit 230B is used to perform phase-shifting operations on multiple electrical signals {EO} to generate phase-shifted signals PS1-PS1. Q Similarly, since the phase-shifting circuit 230B can handle the relevant phase-shifting operations, chip 220B does not need to reserve space for implementing the I / Q phase shifter. Compared to a chip that integrates the I / Q phase shifter, chip 220B can have a smaller size.

[0038] The heterogeneous integration technology disclosed in this application (which integrates active and passive components on a phase array) allows phase-shifting operations to be performed outside the chip, thereby reducing the required chip size. Furthermore, since the substrate used in the chip is typically more expensive than the substrate on which the radiating elements are located, the reduction in chip size helps lower production costs. Moreover, the heterogeneous integration technology disclosed in this application can reduce signal loss caused by signal transmission within the chip.

[0039] To facilitate understanding of the content of this application, certain embodiments are provided below to further illustrate the heterogeneous integration scheme disclosed in this application. However, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. As long as the transmitter / receiver of the phase array includes a phase-shifting circuit located off-chip and responsible for I / Q phase-shifting operations, and this phase-shifting circuit and the corresponding antenna element are formed on the same substrate, related design modifications and alternatives are within the scope of this application.

[0040] FIGS. 3-5 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 2A The embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 204A shown is illustrated. FIGS. 6-8 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 2B The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 204B. FIGS. 3-8 In the illustrated embodiment, the radiating element located at the radio frequency transmitter / receiver is implemented using an antenna element with two feed points.

[0041] Please refer to the following first. FIG. 3 The radio frequency transmitter 304 can be used as FIG. 2A The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 204A. The radio frequency transmitter 304 includes a radiating element 310, a chip 320, and a phase-shifting circuit 330, which can respectively serve as... FIG. 2A The illustrated embodiment includes the radiating element 210A, chip 220A, and phase-shifting circuit 230A. FIG. 3 In the example shown, the radiating element 310 includes two feed points FP. V With FP H Feed point FP V Used to receive electrical signal EI V And feed point FP H Used to receive electrical signal EI H Electrical signal EI V With EI H They can have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The radiating element 310 can receive the electrical signal EI. V With EI H To generate circularly polarized electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio frequency output signal R).OUTA )。

[0042] Chip 320 includes an amplifier circuit 322 to amplify a radio frequency input signal R INA to generate two amplified signals AS1 and AS2. For example, but not by way of limitation, amplifier circuit 322 can include two amplifiers 341 and 342, each of which can be implemented by a variable gain amplifier. Radio frequency input signal R INA may be split into two in-phase input signals. Each of amplifiers 341 and 342 can amplify a corresponding one of the input signals split from radio frequency input signal R INA and generate a corresponding one of amplified signals AS1 and AS2. INA

[0043] Phase shifting circuit 330 includes phase shifting stages 332 and 338. Phase shifting stage 332 is coupled to outputs TA1 and TA2 of chip 320 to phase shift at least one of amplified signals AS1 and AS2 to generate phase shifted signals SS1 and SS2 having a 90 degree phase difference from each other. Phase shifting stage 332 can combine phase shifted signals SS1 and SS2 to generate a combined signal CS A . For example, but not by way of limitation, phase shifting stage 332 can include a phase shifter 334 and a signal combiner (also referred to as a signal adder) 336. Phase shifter 334 can shift the phase of amplified signal AS2 by 90 degrees to generate phase shifted signal SS2. Signal combiner 336 can combine phase shifted signal SS1 and phase shifted signal SS2 to generate combined signal CS A .

[0044] In this embodiment, amplified signal AS1 can be phase shifted signal SS1 because a phase shifter is not included between amplifier 341 and signal combiner 336. However, this is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. In some embodiments, a phase shifter can be included between amplifier 341 and signal combiner 336 as long as phase shifted signals SS1 and SS2 can have a 90 degree phase difference. For example, a phase shifter between amplifier 341 and signal combiner 336 can provide a first phase shift amount and phase shifter 334 can provide a second phase shift amount. The sum of the first phase shift amount and the second phase shift amount can be equal to or substantially equal to 90 degrees.

[0045] Phase shifting stage 338 is coupled to phase shifting stage 332 to phase shift combined signal CS A to generate electrical signals El V and E2.​H For example (but not limited to this application), the phase shifter 338 can be implemented using two transmission lines of different lengths, one of which is used to transmit the combined signal CS. A To generate electrical signal EI V The other transmission line is used to transmit the combination signal CS. A To generate electrical signal EI H The radiating element 310 can respond to the electrical signal EI. V Generate radio frequency output signal R OUTA The vertical component (e.g., vertical polarization component), and according to the electrical signal EI H Generate radio frequency output signal R OUTA Horizontal components (e.g., horizontal polarization components).

[0046] FIG. 4 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 3 The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 304. The radio frequency transmitter 404 includes a radiating element 410, a phase shifting circuit 430, and... FIG. 3 The chip 320 shown. The radiating element 410 is implemented using a dual-feed patch antenna and can be used as... FIG. 3 The illustrated embodiment of the radiating element 310. The phase-shifting circuit 430 may include a branch line coupler 432 and transmission lines 451 and 452. The branch line coupler 432 may serve as... FIG. 3 The illustrated embodiment of phase shifter 332. Transmission lines 451 and 452 can be used as... FIG. 4 An embodiment of the phase shifter 338 is shown. It should be noted that the branch line coupler 432 and each transmission line can be implemented using (but not limited to) microstrip lines. In the case where the radiating element 410 is implemented using a microstrip antenna, the branch line coupler 432, transmission lines 451 and 452, and the radiating element 410 can be simultaneously formed on a passive substrate located outside the chip 320.

[0047] In this embodiment, the branch line coupler 432 includes two input terminals TI. A1 With TI A2 and two output terminals TO A1 with TO A2 Input terminal TI A1 With TI A2 These are used to receive amplified signals AS1 and AS2, respectively. Output terminal TO A1 Used to output the combined signal CS A The output terminal TO A2 Isolated. For example, the output terminal TO. A2 Coupled to isolation resistor RI .

[0048] Transmission line 451 is coupled to the output terminal TO. A1 , used to combine the signal CS A Coupled to the radiating element 410, and thereby generating an electrical signal EI. V Transmission line 452 is coupled to the output terminal TO. A1 , used to combine the signal CS A Coupled to the radiating element 410, and thereby generating an electrical signal EI. H .At FIG. 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the length of transmission line 452 is greater than the length of transmission line 451. Electrical signal EI V With EI H The phase difference between them can be determined / adjusted based on the length difference between transmission lines 451 and 452. For example, the lengths of transmission lines 451 and 452 can differ by a quarter wavelength or an odd multiple of a quarter wavelength. Electrical signal EI V With EI H Therefore, there can be a 90-degree phase difference between them.

[0049] During operation, the branch line coupler 432 can couple the amplified signals AS1 and AS2 to the output terminal TO. A1 This generates phase-shifted signals SS1 and SS2. The phase-shifted signals SS1 and SS2 can be output at terminal TO. A1 Combined to generate the combination signal CS A Branch line coupler 432 can function as both a 90° phase shifter and a signal coupler. Next, transmission lines 451 and 452 can both combine the signal CS. A Coupled to the radiating element 410, an electrical signal EI is generated. V With EI H They have the same amplitude and a 90-degree phase difference. Transmission lines 451 and 452 can serve as another 90-degree phase shifter. Radiating element 410 can be adjusted according to electrical signal EI. V With EI H It generates right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) waves or left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) waves.

[0050] It should be noted that the phase-shifting circuit 430 (e.g., two phase shifters) can be designed together with the radiating element 410, rather than with the active elements of the chip 320. That is, the branch line coupler 432, transmission lines 451 and 452, and the radiating element 410 can be formed or laid out on a passive substrate. Chip area can be reserved for active elements (such as active amplifiers occupying a relatively small area), rather than for the phase shifters. Therefore, the heterogeneous integration technology disclosed in this application (which integrates active and passive elements in a phase array transmitter) not only reduces the required chip area and manufacturing cost, but also reduces signal attenuation and power consumption.

[0051] FIG. 4 and FIG. 3 The structures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In some embodiments, FIG. 4 The phase shifter 332 shown can be implemented using transmission lines of different lengths, such as... FIG. 3 The transmission lines 451 and 452 are shown. In some embodiments, FIG. 4 The phase shifter 338 shown can be implemented using a branch-line coupler, such as... FIG. 3 The branch line coupler 432 is shown.

[0052] In some embodiments, FIG. 5 The amplifier circuit 322 shown may include other circuit elements. See also... FIG. 2A The radio frequency transmitter 504 can be used as FIG. 3 Another embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 204A is shown. Except for the chip 520, the structure of the radio frequency transmitter 504 is similar to... FIG. 3 The radio frequency transmitter 304 shown is substantially the same / similar. In this embodiment, the amplifier circuit 522 in chip 520 includes a buffer 501 and amplification paths 541 and 542.

[0053] Buffer 501 is used to buffer the radio frequency input signal R INA To generate a buffered signal BS A (i.e., radio frequency input signal R) INA (Buffered version). Amplification path 541 is used to amplify the buffered signal BS. A This generates the amplified signal AS1. Amplification path 542 is used to amplify the buffered signal BS. A This generates an amplified signal AS2. In this embodiment, the amplification path 541 includes amplifier 511 and... FIG. 3 Amplifier 341 is shown. Amplification path 542 includes amplifier 512 and... FIGS. 1-4 Amplifier 342 is shown. Amplifiers 511 and 512 can both be implemented as power amplifiers (PAs). As those skilled in the art will understand from the above description…FIG. 5 After the paragraph explanation, it should be clear that... FIG. 6 The operational details of the radio frequency transmitter 504 shown are omitted here.

[0054] FIG. 2B Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 2B The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 204B. The radio frequency receiver 604 includes a radiating element 610, a chip 620, and a phase-shifting circuit 630, which can respectively serve as... FIG. 6 The illustrated embodiment includes the radiating element 210B, chip 220B, and phase-shifting circuit 230B. FIG. 7 In the example shown, the radiating element 610 includes two feed points FP. V With FP H Feed point FP V Used to output electrical signal EO V And feed point FP H Used to output electrical signal EO H Electrical signal EO V With EO H They can have the same amplitude but a 90-degree phase difference. For example, the radiating element 610 can receive circularly polarized electromagnetic waves (i.e., radio frequency input signal R). INB To generate an electrical signal EO V With EO H Electrical signal EO V With EO H It can respond to the radio frequency input signal R separately. INB It is produced by the vertical and horizontal components.

[0055] Chip 620 includes amplifier circuit 622, which receives two phase-shifted signals PS1 and PS2 from two input terminals TB1 and TB2, respectively. Amplifier circuit 622 amplifies the phase-shifted signals PS1 and PS2 to generate an RF output signal R. OUTB In this embodiment, amplifier circuit 622 may include two amplifiers 641 and 642 and signal combiner 626. Each of amplifiers 641 and 642 may be implemented as a variable gain amplifier. Amplifier 641 amplifies phase-shift signal PS1 to generate amplified signal SG1. Amplifier 642 amplifies phase-shift signal PS2 to generate amplified signal SG2. Signal combiner 626 combines amplified signals SG1 and SG2 to generate radio frequency output signal RF. OUTB .

[0056] The phase-shifting circuit 630 includes phase-shifting stages 632 and 634. Phase-shifting stage 632 is used to shift the electrical signal EO. V With EO HAt least one of them performs a phase-shifting operation to generate a combined signal CS at the output terminal TC. B For example (but not limited to this application), the phase shifter 632 can be implemented using two transmission lines of different lengths, one of which is used to transmit the electrical signal EO. V One line generates an electrical signal, and another transmission line is used to transmit the electrical signal EO. H This generates another electrical signal. The two generated electrical signals can be combined, superimposed, or added at the output terminal TC in phase to produce a combined signal CS. B .

[0057] Phase shifter 634 is used to adjust the combination signal CS. B A phase-shifting operation is performed to generate phase-shifted signals PS1 and PS2. For example (but not limited to this application), phase-shifting stage 634 may include phase shifter 636 disposed between output terminal TC and input terminal TB2. The binding signal CS may be split into two input signals, one of which is coupled from the binding signal CS to input terminal TB1 to generate phase-shifted signal PS1. Phase shifter 636 may shift the phase of the other input signal by 90 degrees to generate phase-shifted signal PS2.

[0058] In some embodiments, a phase shifter may be included between the output terminal TC and the input terminal TB1, provided that there is a 90-degree phase difference between the phase-shifted signals PS1 and PS2. For example, the phase shifter located between the output terminal TC and the input terminal TB1 may provide a first phase shift, while phase shifter 636 may provide a second phase shift. The sum of the first and second phase shifts may be equal to or substantially equal to 90 degrees.

[0059] FIG. 6 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 6 The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 604. The radio frequency receiver 704 includes a radiating element 710, a phase-shifting circuit 730, and... FIG. 6 The chip 620 is shown. The radiating element 710 can be implemented using a double-fed patch antenna and can serve as... FIG. 6 An embodiment of the radiating element 610 is shown. The phase-shifting circuit 730 may include transmission lines 731 and 732, and a branch line coupler 734. Transmission lines 731 and 732 may serve as... FIG. 6 The illustrated embodiment of phase shifter 632. Branch line coupler 734 can be used as... FIG. 7 An embodiment of the phase shifter 634 is shown. It should be noted that transmission lines 731, 732, and branch line coupler 734 can be implemented using (but are not limited to) microstrip lines. In the case where the radiating element 710 is implemented using a microstrip antenna, transmission lines 731 and 732, branch line coupler 734, and radiating element 710 can be simultaneously formed on a passive substrate located outside the chip 620.

[0060] Transmission line 731 is to couple electrical signal EO V to output terminal TC, and to output electrical signal EE V from output terminal TC. Transmission line 732 is to couple electrical signal EO H to output terminal TC, and to output electrical signal EE H from output terminal TC. Electrical signals EE V and EE H may be combined, superimposed or added in phase at output terminal TC to produce combined signal CS B . In this embodiment, the length of transmission line 732 is greater than the length of transmission line 731. For example, the lengths of transmission lines 731 and 732 can differ by one quarter wavelength or an odd multiple of one quarter wavelength. Electrical signals EE V and EE H may thus be added in phase.

[0061] Branch line coupler 734 includes two input terminals TI B1 and TI B2 and two output terminals TO B1 and TO B2 . Input terminals TI B1 are to receive combined signal CS B . Input terminals TI B2 are isolated. For example, input terminals TI B2 may be coupled to isolation resistors R I . Output terminal TO B1 is to output phase shifted signal PS1, and output terminal TO B2 is to output phase shifted signal PS2.

[0062] In operation, radiating element 710 can receive a right hand circularly polarized wave or a left hand circularly polarized wave to output electrical signals EO V and EO H which have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. Transmission line 731 can couple electrical signal EO V to output terminal TC, and transmission line 732 can couple electrical signal EO H to output terminal TC. Branch line coupler 734 can couple combined signal CS B on output terminal TC to input terminals TB1 and TB2. Amplifier circuit 622 can amplify phase shifted signals PS1 and PS2 on input terminals TB1 and TB2 to produce radio frequency output signal R OUTB .

[0063] It should be noted that the phase-shifting circuit 730 (e.g., two phase shifters) can be designed together with the radiating element 710, rather than with the active elements of the chip 620. That is, transmission lines 731 and 732, branch line coupler 734, and radiating element 710 can be formed or arranged on a passive substrate. Chip area can be reserved for active elements (such as active amplifiers occupying a relatively small area) rather than for phase shifters. Therefore, the heterogeneous integration technology disclosed in this application (which integrates active and passive elements in a phase array receiver) not only reduces the required chip area and manufacturing cost, but also reduces signal attenuation and power consumption.

[0064] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 The structures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In some embodiments, FIG. 6 The phase shifter 632 shown can be implemented using a branch-line coupler, such as... FIG. 7 The branch line coupler 734 is shown. In some embodiments, FIG. 6 The phase-shifting stage 634 shown can be implemented using transmission lines of different lengths, such as... FIG. 8 Transmission lines 731 and 732 are shown.

[0065] In some embodiments, FIG. 2B The amplifier circuit 622 shown may include other circuit elements. See also FIG. 6 The RF receiver 804 can be used as FIG. 6 Another embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 204B is shown. Except for the chip 820, the structure of the radio frequency receiver 804 is similar to... FIG. 6 The radio frequency receiver 604 shown is substantially the same / similar. In this embodiment, the amplifier circuit 822 in chip 820 includes amplification paths 841 and 842, a buffer 801, and... FIG. 6 The signal combiner 626 shown.

[0066] Amplification path 841 is used to amplify phase-shift signal PS1 to generate amplified signal SG1. Amplification path 842 is used to amplify phase-shift signal PS2 to generate amplified signal SG2. In this embodiment, amplification path 841 includes amplifier 811 and... FIGS. 1-7 Amplifier 641 is shown. Amplification path 841 includes amplifier 812 and... FIG. 8 Amplifier 642 is shown. Amplifiers 811 and 812 can both be implemented using low-noise amplifiers. Signal combiner 626 combines amplified signals SG1 and SG2 to generate a combined signal BS. B Buffer 801 buffers the coupled signal BS. B To generate radio frequency output signal RF OUTB (i.e., combined with signal BS)B (The buffered version). Because those skilled in the art will understand the above regarding... FIGS. 9-12 After the paragraph explanation, it should be clear that... FIG. 2A The operational details of the radio frequency receiver 804 shown are not described here, so further explanation will not be repeated.

[0067] FIGS. 13-16 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 2B The embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 204A shown is illustrated. FIGS. 9-16 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 9 The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 204B. FIG. 2A In the illustrated embodiment, the radiating element of the RF transmitter / receiver is implemented using an antenna element with two feed points. Furthermore, the direction of rotation of the circularly polarized waves that the RF transmitter / receiver can transmit / receive is selectable.

[0068] Please refer to the following first. FIG. 3 The radio frequency transmitter 904 can be used as FIG. 2A An embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 204A is shown. The radio frequency transmitter 904 includes a chip 920, a phase shifting circuit 930, and... FIG. 9 The radiating element 310 is shown. Chip 920 and phase-shifting circuit 930 can respectively serve as... FIG. 3 The illustrated embodiment shows chip 220A and phase-shifting circuit 230A. In FIG. 3 In the example shown, the electrical signal EI V With EI H They can have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The radiating element 310 can receive the electrical signal EI. V With EI H To generate circularly polarized electromagnetic waves (i.e., radio frequency output signal R) OUTA ).

[0069] Chip 920 includes amplifier circuit 922, which is used to amplify the radio frequency input signal R. INA This generates four amplified signals AS1-AS4. For example (but not limited to this application), amplifier circuit 922 may include buffer 901 and four amplification paths. Buffer 901 is used to buffer the RF input signal R. INA To generate a buffered signal BS X (i.e., radio frequency input signal R) INA (Buffered version). Four amplifiers 941-944 are used to implement the four amplification paths mentioned above. Each amplifier in amplifiers 941-944 can be implemented using a variable gain amplifier. Buffer signal BS XIt can be divided into four in-phase input signals. This is achieved by adjusting the buffer signal BS. X The corresponding input signal is amplified, and each amplifier can amplify the radio frequency input signal R. INA And based on this, a corresponding amplified signal is generated.

[0070] Phase-shifting circuit 930 includes phase-shifting stages 931 and 932. Phase-shifting stage 931 is coupled to the output terminals TA1 and TA2 of chip 920 to receive amplified signals AS1 and AS2. Phase-shifting stage 931 is used to perform a phase-shifting operation on at least one of the amplified signals AS1 and AS2 to generate phase-shifted signals SS1 and SS2 with a 90-degree phase difference between them. Phase-shifting stage 931 can combine phase-shifted signals SS1 and SS2 to generate electrical signal EI. V In this embodiment, the phase shifter 931 can be... FIG. 3 The phase shift stage 932 shown is used for implementation. For example, the phase shift stage 931 may include a phase shifter 933 and a signal combiner 935, which can be respectively implemented through... FIG. 3 The phase shifter 334 and signal combiner 336 shown are used to implement this.

[0071] Phase shift stage 932 is coupled to the outputs TA3 and TA4 of chip 920 to receive amplified signals AS3 and AS4. Phase shift stage 932 performs a phase shift operation on at least one of the amplified signals AS3 and AS4 to generate phase-shifted signals SS3 and SS4 with a 90-degree phase difference between them. Phase shift stage 932 can combine phase-shifted signals SS3 and SS4 to generate an electrical signal EI. H In this embodiment, the phase shifter 932 can be... FIG. 10 The phase shift stage 932 shown is used for implementation. For example, the phase shift stage 932 may include a phase shifter 934 and a signal combiner 936, which can be implemented by... FIG. 9 The phase shifter 334 and signal combiner 336 shown are used to implement this.

[0072] FIG. 4 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 9 The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 904. The radio frequency transmitter 1004 includes a phase shifting circuit 1030. FIG. 9 The radiating element 410 shown, and FIG. 4 The chip 920 is shown. The phase shifting circuit 1030 may include branch line couplers 1031 and 1032, which can respectively serve as... FIG. 9 The embodiments of phase shift stages 931 and 932 are shown. It should be noted that branch line couplers 1031 and 1032 can be implemented using (but are not limited to) microstrip lines. In the case where the radiating element 410 is implemented using a microstrip antenna, branch line couplers 1031 and 1032, as well as the radiating element 410, can be simultaneously formed on a passive substrate located outside the chip 920.

[0073] In this embodiment, each of the branch line couplers 1031 and 1032 can be connected via... FIG. 10 The branch line coupler 432 shown is used for implementation. The branch line coupler 1031 includes two input terminals TI. A11 With TI A12 and two output terminals TO A11 with TO A12 Input terminal TI A11 With TI A12 These are used to receive amplified signals AS1 and AS2, respectively. Output terminal TO A11 Used to output electrical signal EI V The output terminal TO A12 Isolated. For example, the output terminal TO. A12 Coupled to isolation resistor R I Similarly, the branch-line coupler 1032 includes two input terminals TI. A21 With TI A22 and two output terminals TO A21 with TO A22 Input terminal TI A21 With TI A22 These are used to receive amplified signals AS3 and AS4, respectively. Output terminal TO A21 Used to output electrical signal EI H The output terminal TO A22 Isolated. For example, the output terminal TO. A22 Coupled to isolation resistor R I .

[0074] During operation, the branch line coupler 1031 can couple the amplified signals AS1 and AS2 to the feed point FP. V This generates an electrical signal EI. V Branch line coupler 1031 can be used as a combination of a 90° phase shifter and a signal coupler. Branch line coupler 1032 can couple amplified signals AS3 and AS4 to the feed point FP. H This generates an electrical signal EI. H The branch line coupler 1032 can be used as a combination of a 90° phase shifter and a signal coupler. The radiating element 410 can be based on the electrical signal EI. V With EI H It generates right-hand circularly polarized waves or left-hand circularly polarized waves.

[0075] It should be noted that the phase-shifting circuit 1030 (e.g., two phase shifters) can be designed together with the radiating element 410, rather than with the active element of the chip 920. That is, the branch line couplers 1031 and 1032 and the radiating element 410 can be formed or positioned on a passive substrate. Chip area can be reserved for the active element instead of the phase shifter, thereby reducing the required chip area and manufacturing cost. Furthermore, FIG. 9 and FIG. 9 The structures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. In some embodiments, FIG. 10 The phase shifting stages 931 / 932 shown can be implemented using transmission lines of different lengths.

[0076] FIG. 9 and FIG. 11A The RF transmitter shown can adjust the rotation direction of the emitted circularly polarized wave according to the gain values ​​of each amplification path. Please refer again. FIG. 9 The gain values ​​of amplifiers 941-944 are adjustable. For example (but not limited to this application), amplifier 941 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values ​​including +a and -a, where a is a real number) to amplify the RF input signal R. INA This generates an amplified signal AS1. Amplifier 942 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values ​​including +b and -b, where b is a real number) to amplify the RF input signal R. INA This generates an amplified signal AS2. Amplifier 943 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values ​​including +b and -b) to amplify the RF input signal R. INA This generates an amplified signal AS3. Amplifier 944 can amplify the RF input signal R using a gain value (selected from a set of values ​​including +a and -a). INA This generates an amplified signal AS4.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the gain value of amplifier 941 is the inverse of the gain value of amplifier 944, and the gain value of amplifier 942 is equal to the gain value of amplifier 943, the radio frequency output signal R output by radiating element 310 is... OUTA Circular polarization along one direction. In some embodiments, when the gain of amplifier 941 is equal to the gain of amplifier 944, and the gain of amplifier 942 is the negative of the gain of amplifier 943, the radio frequency output signal R output by radiating element 310 is... OUTA Circular polarization in the other direction.

[0078] FIG. 11B yes FIG. 9This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 922. In this embodiment, the radio frequency transmitter 904 can transmit a left-hand circularly polarized wave according to the gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 922. That is, the radio frequency output signal R OUTA It can be rotated either in the direction indicated by the left-handed sense or counterclockwise. For ease of explanation, the RF input signal R... INA It can be a cosine wave represented as cos(ωt), where ω is the angular velocity and t is time. To emit a left-hand circularly polarized wave, the radiating element 310 can receive an electrical signal EI represented as +b·cos(ωt)-a·sin(ωt). H And receive the electrical signal EI represented as +a·cos(ωt)+b·sin(ωt). V Therefore, when the gain values ​​of amplifiers 941-944 are set to +a, +b, +b and -a respectively, the radiating element 310 can emit a left-hand circularly polarized wave.

[0079] FIG. 9 yes FIG. 12 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 922. In this embodiment, the radio frequency transmitter 904 can transmit a right-hand circularly polarized wave according to the gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 922. That is, the radio frequency output signal R OUTA It can be rotated either along the right-handed sense or clockwise. For ease of explanation, the RF input signal R... INA It can be a cosine wave represented as cos(ωt), where ω is the angular velocity and t is time. To emit a right-hand circularly polarized wave, the radiating element 310 can receive an electrical signal EI represented as -b·cos(ωt) + a·sin(ωt). H And receive the electrical signal EI represented as +a·cos(ωt)+b·sin(ωt). V Therefore, when the gain values ​​of amplifiers 941-944 are set to +a, +b, -b and -a respectively, the radiating element 310 can emit a right-hand circularly polarized wave.

[0080] In some embodiments, FIG. 2A The amplifier circuit 922 shown may include other circuit elements. See also... FIG. 9 The radio frequency transmitter 1204 can be used as FIG. 9 Another embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 204A is shown. Except for the chip 1220, the structure of the radio frequency transmitter 1204 is similar to... FIG. 9 The radio frequency transmitter 904 shown is substantially the same / similar. In this embodiment, the amplifier circuit 1222 in chip 1220 includes amplification paths 1241-124 and FIG. 9 The buffer 901 shown.

[0081] Amplification path 1241 is used to amplify the buffered signal BS. X This generates the amplified signal AS1. Amplification path 1242 is used to amplify the buffered signal BS. X This generates the amplified signal AS2. Amplification path 1243 is used to amplify the buffered signal BS. X This generates the amplified signal AS3. Amplification path 1244 is used to amplify the buffered signal BS. X This generates an amplified signal AS4. In this embodiment, the amplification path 1241 includes amplifier 1211 and... FIG. 9 Amplifier 941 is shown. Amplification path 1242 includes amplifier 1212 and... FIG. 9 Amplifier 942 is shown. Amplification path 1243 includes amplifier 1213 and... FIGS. 1-11B Amplifier 943 is shown. Amplification path 1244 includes amplifier 1214 and... FIG. 12 Amplifier 944 is shown. Amplifiers 1211-1214 can all be implemented as power amplifiers. As those skilled in the art will understand from the above description... FIG. 13 After the paragraph explanation, it should be clear that... FIG. 2B The operational details of the radio frequency transmitter 1204 shown are not described in detail here, therefore further explanation will not be repeated.

[0082] FIG. 6 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 2B The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 204B. The radio frequency receiver 1304 includes a chip 1320, a phase shifting circuit 1330, and... FIG. 13 The radiating element 610 is shown. Chip 1320 and phase-shifting circuit 1330 can respectively serve as... FIG. 6 The illustrated embodiment shows chip 220B and phase-shifting circuit 230B. In FIG. 6 In the example shown, the electrical signal EO V With EO H They can have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees.

[0083] Chip 1320 includes amplifier circuit 1322, which receives four phase-shift signals PS1-PS4 from four input terminals TB1-TB4 respectively. Amplifier circuit 1322 amplifies the phase-shift signals PS1-PS4 to generate an RF output signal R. OUTB In this embodiment, amplifier circuit 1322 may include four amplification paths, signal combiner 1326, and buffer 1301. Four amplifiers 1341-1344 are used to implement the four amplification paths. Each amplifier may be implemented using a variable gain amplifier.

[0084] Amplifier 1341 amplifies phase-shift signal PS1 to generate amplified signal SG1. Amplifier 1342 amplifies phase-shift signal PS2 to generate amplified signal SG2. Amplifier 1343 amplifies phase-shift signal PS3 to generate amplified signal SG3. Amplifier 1344 amplifies phase-shift signal PS4 to generate amplified signal SG4. Signal combiner 1326 combines amplified signals SG1-SG4 to generate combined signal BS. Y Buffer 1301 can buffer the combined signal BS. Y To generate radio frequency output signal RF OUTB (i.e., combined with signal BS) Y (buffered version).

[0085] The phase-shifting circuit 1330 includes phase-shifting stages 1331 and 1332. Phase-shifting stage 1331 is used to shift the electrical signal EO. V A phase-shifting operation is performed to generate phase-shifted signals PS1 and PS2. Phase-shifting stage 1332 is used to process the electrical signal EO. H A phase-shifting operation is performed to generate phase-shifted signals PS3 and PS4. In this embodiment, both phase-shifting stages 1331 and 1332 can be... FIG. 6 The phase shift stage 634 shown is used for implementation. For example, the phase shift stage 1331 may include a phase shifter 1333, which can be implemented by... FIG. 14 The phase shifter 636 shown is used for implementation. Phase shift stage 1332 may include phase shifter 1334, which can be implemented via... FIG. 13 The phase shifter 636 shown is used to implement this.

[0086] FIG. 7 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 13 The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 1304. The radio frequency receiver 1404 includes a phase shifting circuit 1430. FIG. 13 The radiating element 710 shown, and FIG. 7 The chip 1320 is shown. The phase shifting circuit 1430 may include branch line couplers 1431 and 1432, which can respectively serve as... FIG. 13 The embodiments of phase shift stages 1331 and 1332 are shown. It should be noted that branch line couplers 1431 and 1432 can be implemented using (but are not limited to) microstrip lines. In the case where the radiating element 710 is implemented using a microstrip antenna, branch line couplers 1431 and 1432, as well as the radiating element 710, can be simultaneously formed on a passive substrate located outside the chip 1320.

[0087] In this embodiment, both branch line couplers 1431 and 1432 can be connected via... FIG. 14 The branch line coupler 734 shown is used for implementation. Branch line coupler 1431 includes two input terminals TI. B11 With TI B12and two output terminals TO B11 and TO B12 . Input terminals TI B11 to receive electrical signals EI V . Input terminals TI B12 are isolated. For example, input terminals TI B12 are coupled to isolation resistors R I . Output terminals TO B11 are to output phase-shifted signals PS1, and output terminals TO B12 are to output phase-shifted signals PS2. Similarly, branch-line coupler 1432 includes two input terminals TI B21 and TI B22 and two output terminals TO B21 and TO B22 . Input terminals TI B21 to receive electrical signals EI H . Input terminals TI B22 are isolated. For example, input terminals TI B22 are coupled to isolation resistors R I . Output terminals TO B21 are to output phase-shifted signals PS3, and output terminals TO B22 are to output phase-shifted signals PS4.

[0088] In operation, radiating element 710 can receive right-hand circularly polarized waves or left-hand circularly polarized waves to output electrical signals EO V and EO H with the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. Branch-line coupler 1431 can couple electrical signals EO V at feed point FP V to input terminals TB1 and TB2. Branch-line coupler 1432 can couple electrical signals EO H at feed point FP H to input terminals TB3 and TB4. Amplifier circuit 1322 is located at phase-shifted signals PS1-PS4 at input terminals TB1-TB4 to generate radio frequency output signals R OUTB .

[0089] It should be noted that phase-shifting circuit 1430 (e.g., two 90° phase shifters) can be designed together with radiating element 710 instead of active elements of chip 1320. That is, branch-line couplers 1431 and 1432 and radiating element 710 can be formed or laid out on a passive substrate. Chip area can be reserved for active elements instead of phase shifters, thereby reducing the area of the chip required and production cost. Furthermore, FIG. 13 and FIG. 13 the structures shown are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. In some embodiments,FIG. 14 The phase shift stages 1331 / 1332 shown can be implemented by transmission lines of different lengths.

[0090] FIG. 13 With FIG. 15A The radio frequency receiver shown can adjust the gain values of the amplification paths individually to receive circularly polarized waves that rotate in a predetermined direction. Please refer to FIG. 13 , the gain values of the amplifiers 1341-1344 are adjustable. For example (but the present application is not limited to this), the amplifier 1341 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +a and -a) to amplify the phase shift signal PS1 to generate the amplified signal SG1. The amplifier 1342 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +b and -b) to amplify the phase shift signal PS2 to generate the amplified signal SG2. The amplifier 1343 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +b and -b) to amplify the phase shift signal PS3 to generate the amplified signal SG3. The amplifier 1344 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +a and -a) to amplify the phase shift signal PS4 to generate the amplified signal SG4. In some embodiments, when the gain value of the amplifier 1341 is the opposite of the gain value of the amplifier 1344, and the gain value of the amplifier 1342 is equal to the gain value of the amplifier 1343, the radiating element 610 can receive a radio frequency input signal R INB In some embodiments, when the gain value of the amplifier 1341 is equal to the gain value of the amplifier 1344, and the gain value of the amplifier 1342 is equal to the gain value of the amplifier 1343, the radiating element 610 can receive a radio frequency input signal R INB .

[0091] FIG. 15B is FIG. 13 A schematic diagram of an exemplary gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 1322 shown. In this embodiment, the radio frequency receiver 1304 is configured to receive left-handed circularly polarized waves according to the gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 1322. When the radiating element 610 receives left-handed circularly polarized waves, the phase of the electrical signal E0 V will lag the phase of the electrical signal E0 H by 90 degrees. For ease of illustration, the electrical signal E0 H may be a sine wave represented as a • sin(ωt), and the electrical signal E0 V may be a cosine wave represented as a • cos(ωt), where a is the amplitude, ω is the angular velocity, and t is the time. To preserve the phase relationship between E0 V and E0 HThe information carried allows amplifier circuit 1322 to set the gain values ​​of amplifiers 1341-1344 to +a, +b, +b, and -a respectively, thereby outputting an RF output signal R expressed as 2α·(a·cos(ωt)+b·sin(ωt)). OUTB .

[0092] FIG. 13 yes FIG. 16 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 1322. In this embodiment, the radio frequency receiver 1304 is used to receive a right-hand circularly polarized wave according to the gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 1322. When the radiating element 610 receives the right-hand circularly polarized wave, the electrical signal EO... V The phase will lead the electrical signal EO. H The phase is 90 degrees. For ease of explanation, the electrical signal EO... H It can be a cosine wave represented as α·cos(ωt), while the electrical signal EO V It can be a sine wave represented as α·sin(ωt), where α is the amplitude, ω is the angular velocity, and t is time. This is to store the electrical signal EO. V With EO H The information carried allows amplifier circuit 1322 to set the gain values ​​of amplifiers 1341-1344 to +a, +b, +b, and +a respectively, thereby outputting an RF output signal R expressed as 2α·(b·cos(ωt)+a·sin(ωt)). OUTB .

[0093] In some embodiments, FIG. 2B The amplifier circuit 1322 shown may include other circuit elements. See also... FIG. 13 The RF receiver 1604 can be used as FIG. 13 Another embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 204B is shown. Except for the chip 1620, the structure of the radio frequency receiver 1604 is similar to... FIG. 13 The RF receiver 1304 shown is substantially the same / similar. In this embodiment, the amplifier circuit 1622 in chip 1620 includes amplification paths 1641-1644 and FIG. 13 The buffer 1301 shown.

[0094] Amplification path 1641 amplifies phase-shift signal PS1 to generate amplified signal SG1. Amplification path 1642 amplifies phase-shift signal PS2 to generate amplified signal SG2. Amplification path 1643 amplifies phase-shift signal PS3 to generate amplified signal SG3. Amplification path 1644 amplifies phase-shift signal PS4 to generate amplified signal SG4. In this embodiment, amplification path 1641 includes amplifier 1611 and... FIG. 13 Amplifier 1341 is shown. Amplification path 1642 includes amplifier 1612 and...FIG. 13 Amplifier 1342 is shown. Amplification path 1643 includes amplifier 1613 and... FIGS. 1-1 Amplifier 1343 is shown. Amplification path 1644 includes amplifier 1614 and... FIG. 16 Amplifier 1344 is shown. Amplifiers 1611-1614 can all be implemented using low-noise amplifiers. As those skilled in the art will understand from the above description... FIGS. 17-19 After paragraph 5, it should be clear that... FIG. 2A The operational details of the RF receiver 1604 shown are not described here, so further explanation will not be repeated.

[0095] FIGS. 20-22 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 2B The embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 204A shown is illustrated. FIGS. 17-22 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 17 The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 204B. FIG. 2A In the illustrated embodiment, the radiating element of the RF transmitter / receiver is implemented using an antenna element with four feed points. Furthermore, the rotation direction of the circularly polarized waves that the RF transmitter / receiver can transmit / receive is selectable.

[0096] Please refer to the following first. FIG. 9 The radio frequency transmitter 1704 can be used as FIG. 2A An embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 204A is shown. The radio frequency transmitter 1704 includes a radiating element 1710, a phase-shifting circuit 1730, and... FIG. 17 The chip 920 shown. Radiation element 1710 and phase-shifting circuit 1730 can respectively serve as... FIG. 17 The illustrated embodiment shows the radiating element 210A and the phase-shifting circuit 230A. In FIG. 17 In the example shown, the radiating element 1710 may include four feed points F1-F4, which are used to receive the electrical signal EI. H1 EI V2 EI H3 With EI V4 The radiating element 1710 can receive electrical signals EI. H1 EI V2 EI H3 With EI V4 To generate a circularly polarized signal (i.e., the radio frequency output signal R) OUTA For example, the radiating element 1710 can be based on the electrical signal EI. V2 With EI V4 Generate radio frequency output signal R OUTA The vertical component, and according to the electrical signal EI H1 With EI H3 Generate radio frequency output signal ROUTA horizontal component. The electrical signal E1 H1 may have the same amplitude, and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The electrical signal E1 V2 may have the same amplitude, and a phase difference of 90 degrees. H3 horizontal component. The electrical signal E1 V4 may have the same amplitude, and a phase difference of 90 degrees.

[0097] The phase shifting circuit 1730 includes phase shifting stages 1731 and 1732. The phase shifting stage 1731 is configured to perform a phase shifting operation on the amplified signals AS1 and AS2 to generate electrical signals E1 H1 and E1 V2 , which have the same amplitude, and a phase difference of 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the phase shifting stage 1731 can include transmission lines 1751 and 1752. The transmission line 1751 is configured to couple the amplified signal AS1 to the feed point Fl, and to generate the electrical signal E1 H1 therefrom. The transmission line 1752 is configured to couple the amplified signal AS2 to the feed point F2, and to generate the electrical signal E1 V2 therefrom. The length of the transmission line 1751 is greater than the length of the transmission line 1752. For example, the transmission line 1752 can shift the phase of the amplified signal AS2 by +θ degrees, and the transmission line 1751 can shift the phase of the amplified signal AS1 by (+θ + 90°) degrees. The respective lengths of the transmission lines 1751 and 1752 can differ by one quarter of a wavelength.

[0098] The phase shifting stage 1732 is configured to perform a phase shifting operation on the amplified signals AS3 and AS4 to generate electrical signals E1 V4 and E1 H3 , which have the same amplitude, and a phase difference of 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the phase shifting stage 1732 can include transmission lines 1753 and 1754. The transmission line 1753 is configured to couple the amplified signal AS3 to the feed point F3, and to generate the electrical signal E1 V4 therefrom. The transmission line 1754 is configured to couple the amplified signal AS4 to the feed point F4, and to generate the electrical signal E1 H1 therefrom. The length of the transmission line 1754 is greater than the length of the transmission line 1753. For example, the transmission line 1753 can shift the phase of the amplified signal AS3 by +θ degrees, and the transmission line 1754 can shift the phase of the amplified signal AS4 by (+θ + 90°) degrees. The respective lengths of the transmission lines 1753 and 1754 can differ by one quarter of a wavelength.

[0099] In operation, the transmission lines 1751 and 1752 can act as 90° phase shifters that generate the electrical signals E1 V2 and E1 H3 from the amplified signals AS1 and AS2, respectively. The transmission lines 1753 and 1754 can act as 90° phase shifters that generate the electrical signals E1 V4 and E1 H1 from the amplified signals AS3 and AS4, respectively.The radiating element 1710 can generate a right-handed circularly polarized wave or a left-handed circularly polarized wave according to the electrical signals El H1 , El H3 , El V2 , and El V4 .

[0100] It should be noted that the transmission lines 1751-1754 can be implemented by, but not limited to, microstrip lines. In the case that the radiating element 1710 is implemented with a microstrip antenna, the transmission lines 1751-1754 and the radiating element 1710 can be formed on a passive substrate outside the chip 920. That is, the phase shift circuit 1730 (e.g., two phase shifters) can be designed together with the radiating element 1710, instead of being designed together with the active elements of the chip 920. The transmission lines 1751-1754 and the radiating element 1710 can be formed or laid out on a passive substrate. The chip area can be reserved for the active elements instead of the phase shifters, thereby reducing the area of the required chip and the production cost. In addition, FIG. 18A The structure shown is for illustration only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. In some embodiments, FIG. 17 The phase shift stages 1731 / 1732 shown can be implemented by one or more branch-line couplers.

[0101] The radio frequency transmitter 1704 can adjust the handedness of the circularly polarized wave to be transmitted according to the respective gain values of the amplification paths. For example (but the present application is not limited thereto), the amplifier 941 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +a and -a) to amplify the radio frequency input signal R INA to generate an amplified signal AS1. The amplifier 942 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +a and -a) to amplify the radio frequency input signal R INA to generate an amplified signal AS2. The amplifier 943 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +b and -b) to amplify the radio frequency input signal R INA to generate an amplified signal AS3. The amplifier 944 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +b and -b) to amplify the radio frequency input signal R INA to generate an amplified signal AS4.

[0102] In some embodiments, when the gain value of the amplifier 941 is equal to the gain value of the amplifier 942, and the gain value of the amplifier 943 is equal to the opposite of the gain value of the amplifier 944, the radio frequency output signal R OUTA is circularly polarized in one direction. In some embodiments, when the gain value of the amplifier 941 is equal to the opposite of the gain value of the amplifier 942, and the gain value of the amplifier 943 is equal to the gain value of the amplifier 944, the radio frequency output signal R OUTACircular polarization in the other direction.

[0103] FIG. 18B yes FIG. 17 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 922. In this embodiment, the radio frequency transmitter 1704 can transmit a left-hand circularly polarized wave according to the gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 922. That is, the radio frequency output signal R OUTA It can be rotated in the direction indicated by the left finger or counterclockwise. For ease of explanation, the RF input signal R... INA It can be a cosine wave represented as cos(ωt), where ω is the angular velocity and t is time. To emit a left-hand circularly polarized wave, the radiating element 1710 can receive a first signal component represented as +b·cos(ωt)-a·sin(ωt) and a second signal component represented as +a·cos(ωt)+b·sin(ωt). The first signal component is related to the horizontal component of the left-hand circularly polarized wave, while the second signal component is related to the vertical component. Therefore, the gain values ​​of amplifiers 941-944 can be set to -a, -a, -b, and +b, respectively.

[0104] FIG. 17 yes FIG. 19 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 922. In this embodiment, the radio frequency transmitter 1704 can transmit a right-hand circularly polarized wave according to the gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 922. That is, the radio frequency output signal R OUTA It can be rotated in the direction indicated by the right hand or clockwise. For ease of explanation, the RF input signal R... INA It can be a cosine wave represented as cos(ωt), where ω is the angular velocity and t is time. To emit a right-hand circularly polarized wave, the radiating element 1710 can receive a first signal component represented as -b·cos(ωt) + a·sin(ωt), and a second signal component represented as +a·cos(ωt) + b·sin(ωt). The first signal component is related to the horizontal component of the right-hand circularly polarized wave, while the second signal component is related to the vertical component. Therefore, the gain values ​​of amplifiers 941-944 can be set to +a, -a, +b, and +b, respectively.

[0105] In some embodiments, FIG. 2A The amplifier circuit 922 shown may include other circuit elements. See also... FIG. 12 The RF transmitter 1904 can be used as FIG. 17 Another embodiment of the radio frequency transmitter 204A shown. Besides employing... FIGS. 1-18B The chip 1220 shown is used to amplify the radio frequency input signal R. INA In addition, the structure of the radio frequency transmitter 1904 is similar to FIG. 19The radio frequency transmitter 1704 shown is substantially the same / similar. As those skilled in the art will recognize upon reading the above description... FIG. 20 After the paragraph explanation, it should be clear that... FIG. 2B The operational details of the radio frequency transmitter 1904 shown are not described here, so further explanation will not be repeated.

[0106] FIG. 13 Based on certain embodiments of this application FIG. 2B The illustrated embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 204B. The radio frequency receiver 2004 includes a radiating element 2010, a phase-shifting circuit 2030, and... FIG. 20 The chip 1320 shown. The radiating element 2010 and the phase-shifting circuit 2030 can respectively serve as... FIG. 20 The illustrated embodiment shows the radiating element 210B and the phase-shifting circuit 230B. In FIG. 20 In the example shown, the radiating element 2010 includes four feed points F1-F4, which are used to output the electrical signal EO. H1 EO V2 EO H3 With EO V4 For example, the radiating element 2010 can receive circularly polarized electromagnetic waves (i.e., radio frequency input signal R). INB To generate an electrical signal EO H1 EO V2 EO H3 With EO V4 Electrical signal EO H1 With EO H3 Responds to RF input signal R INB It is generated by the vertical component. Electrical signal EO V2 With EO V4 Responds to RF input signal R INB It is generated by the level components. Electrical signal EO H1 With EO V2 They can have the same amplitude but a 90-degree phase difference. Electrical signal EO H3 With EO V4 They can have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees.

[0107] The phase-shifting circuit 2030 includes phase-shifting stages 2031 and 2032. Phase-shifting stage 2031 is used to shift the electrical signal EO. H1 With EO V2 A phase-shifting operation is performed to generate phase-shifted signals PS1 and PS2. In this embodiment, the phase-shifting stage 2031 may include transmission lines 2051 and 2052. Transmission line 2051 is used to transmit the electrical signal EO. H1 Coupled to input terminal TB1, it generates phase-shift signal PS1. Transmission line 2052 is used to transmit electrical signal EO. V2Coupled to input terminal TB2, and used to generate phase-shift signal PS2. Transmission line 2051 is longer than transmission line 2052. For example, transmission line 2052 can transmit electrical signal EO... V2 The phase shift is +θ degrees, while the transmission line 2051 can transmit the electrical signal EO. H1 The phase shift is (+θ+90°). The lengths of transmission lines 2051 and 2052 can differ by a quarter wavelength.

[0108] Phase shifter 2032 is used to shift electrical signal EO H3 With EO V4 A phase-shifting operation is performed to generate phase-shifted signals PS3 and PS4. In this embodiment, the phase-shifting stage 2032 may include transmission lines 2053 and 2054. Transmission line 2053 is used to transmit the electrical signal EO. H3 Coupled to input terminal TB3, it generates phase-shift signal PS3. Transmission line 2054 is used to transmit electrical signal EO. V4 Coupled to input terminal TB4, and used to generate phase-shift signal PS4. Transmission line 2054 is longer than transmission line 2053. For example, transmission line 2053 can transmit electrical signal EO... H3 The phase shift is +θ degrees, while the transmission line 2054 can transmit the electrical signal EO. V4 The phase shift is (+θ+90°). The lengths of transmission lines 2053 and 2054 can differ by a quarter wavelength.

[0109] During operation, the radiating element 2010 can respond to the electrical signal EO. H1 EO H3 EO V2 With EO V4 It generates right-hand circularly polarized waves or left-hand circularly polarized waves. Transmission lines 2051 and 2052 can function as 90° phase shifters, which can be adjusted according to the electrical signal EO. H1 With EO V2 Phase shift signals PS1 and PS2 are generated. Transmission lines 2053 and 2054 can act as 90° phase shifters, which can be adjusted according to the electrical signal EO. H3 With EO V4 Phase-shift signals PS3 and PS4 are generated. Amplifier circuit 1322 amplifies the phase-shift signals PS1-PS4 on input terminals TB1-TB4, thereby generating the RF output signal R. OUTB .

[0110] It should be noted that the phase shift circuit 2030 (e.g., two 90° phase shifters) can be designed together with the radiating element 2010 instead of being designed together with the active elements of the chip 1320. The transmission lines 2051-2054 and the radiating element 2010 can be formed or laid out on a passive substrate. Chip area can be reserved for active elements instead of phase shifters, thereby reducing the area of the chip required and the production cost. In addition, FIG. 21A The structures shown are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. In some embodiments, FIG. 20 The phase shift stages 2031 / 2032 shown can be implemented by one or more branch line couplers.

[0111] The radio frequency receiver 2004 can adjust the respective gain values of the amplification paths to receive circularly polarized waves that are rotated in a predetermined direction. For example (but the present application is not limited to this), the amplifier 1341 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +a and -a) to amplify the phase shifted signal PS1 to generate the amplified signal SG1. The amplifier 1342 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +a and -a) to amplify the phase shifted signal PS2 to generate the amplified signal SG2. The amplifier 1343 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +b and -b) to amplify the phase shifted signal PS3 to generate the amplified signal SG3. The amplifier 1344 can use a gain value (selected from a set of values including +b and -b) to amplify the phase shifted signal PS4 to generate the amplified signal SG4.

[0112] In some embodiments, when the gain value of the amplifier 1341 is equal to the gain value of the amplifier 1342, and the gain value of the amplifier 1343 is the opposite of the gain value of the amplifier 1344, the radiating element 2010 can receive a radio frequency input signal R INB In some embodiments, when the gain value of the amplifier 1341 is the opposite of the gain value of the amplifier 1342, and the gain value of the amplifier 1343 is equal to the gain value of the amplifier 1344, the radiating element 2010 can receive a radio frequency input signal R INB .

[0113] FIG. 21B is FIG. 20 A schematic diagram of an exemplary gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 1322 is shown. In this embodiment, the radio frequency receiver 1304 is configured to receive left-handed circularly polarized waves according to the gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 1322. That is, the radio frequency input signal R INBIt can rotate in the direction indicated by the left finger or counterclockwise. The radiating element 2010 can respond to the horizontal and vertical components of the left-hand circularly polarized wave, respectively, outputting a first signal component and a second signal component. The first and second signal components can be expressed as α·sin(ωt) and α·cos(ωt), respectively, where α is the amplitude, ω is the angular velocity, and t is time. For example, the electrical signal EO... H1 With EO H3 These can be expressed as 0.5α·sin(ωt) and -0.5α·sin(ωt), respectively. The electrical signal EO V2 With EO V4 These can be expressed as 0.5α·cos(ωt) and -0.5α·cos(ωt), respectively. This is to preserve the electrical signal EO. H1 EO V2 EO H3 With EO V4 The information carried allows amplifier circuit 1322 to set the gain values ​​of amplifiers 1341-1344 to -a, -a, -b, and +b respectively, thereby outputting an RF output signal R expressed as α·(a·cos(ωt)+b·sin(ωt)). OUTB .

[0114] FIG. 20 yes FIG. 22 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 1322. In this embodiment, the radio frequency receiver 1304 is used to receive a right-hand circularly polarized wave according to the gain configuration of the amplifier circuit 1322. That is, the radio frequency input signal R input to the radiating element 2010... INB It can rotate in the direction of the right hand or clockwise. The radiating element 2010 can respond to the horizontal and vertical components of the right-hand circularly polarized wave, respectively, and output a first signal component and a second signal component. The first signal component and the second signal component can be expressed as α·cos(ωt) and α·sin(ωt), respectively, where α is the amplitude, ω is the angular velocity, and t is time. For example, the electrical signal EO H1 With EO H3 These can be represented as 0.5α·cos(ωt) and -0.5α·cos(ωt), respectively. The electrical signal EO V2 With EO V4 These can be expressed as 0.5α·sin(ωt) and -0.5α·sin(ωt), respectively. To preserve the electrical signal EO... H1 EO V2 EO H3 With EO V4The information carried allows amplifier circuit 1322 to set the gain values ​​of amplifiers 1341-1344 to +a, -a, -b, and -b respectively, thereby outputting an RF output signal R expressed as α·(b·cos(ωt)+a·sin(ωt)). OUTB .

[0115] In some embodiments, FIG. 2B The amplifier circuit 1322 shown may include other circuit elements. See also... FIG. 16 The radio frequency receiver 2204 can be used as FIG. 20 Another embodiment of the radio frequency receiver 204B shown. Besides employing... FIGS. 1-21B The chip 1620 shown is used to output the radio frequency output signal R. OUTB In addition, the structure of the radio frequency receiver 2204 is similar to FIG. 22 The radio frequency receiver 2004 shown is substantially the same as / similar to the one described above. Those skilled in the art will find this information readily apparent upon reading the above description. FIG. 23 After the paragraph explanation, it should be clear that... FIG. 1 The operational details of the RF receiver 2204 shown are not described here, so further explanation will not be repeated.

[0116] FIG. 1 This is a schematic diagram of the interconnection structure between array elements of a phase array according to certain embodiments of this application. Phase array 2300 can be used as... FIG. 17 The illustrated embodiment of phase array 100. Phase array 2300 includes signal couplers 301-315 and array element 2304. 1,1 -2304 4,4 Signal couplers 301-315 are coupled to each other using a binary tree configuration. For example, each signal coupler in signal couplers 301-308 is at the first level, used to couple two array elements to another signal coupler at the second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. Each signal coupler in signal couplers 309-312 is at the second level, used to couple two signal couplers at the first level to another signal coupler at the third level, where the third level is higher than the second level.

[0117] Array cell 2304 1,1 -2304 4,4 Can be used as FIG. 17 The array unit 104 shown 1,1 -104 m,n The implementation method is as follows. In this embodiment, when the phase array 2300 is implemented as a phase array transmitter, the array element 2304 1,1 -2304 4,4All can be passed FIG. 20 The radio frequency transmitter 1704 shown is used for implementation. That is, array unit 2304. 1,1 -2304 4,4 Each array cell in the array may include FIG. 20 The diagram shows the radiating element (labeled A), the chip (labeled C), and four transmission lines. However, those skilled in the art will understand that array unit 2304... 1,1 -2304 4,4 Each array unit can be implemented using any of the radio frequency transmitters described above without departing from the scope of this application. Furthermore, each signal coupler in signal couplers 301-315 can operate as a power splitter. Radio frequency input signal R IN It can be transmitted to RF port 2301.

[0118] When the phase array 2300 is implemented as a phase array receiver, array element 2304 1,1 -2304 4,4 All can be passed FIG. 22 The radio frequency receiver 2004 shown is used for implementation. That is, array unit 2304. 1,1 -2304 4,4 Each array cell in the array may include FIG. 23 The radiating element, chip, and four transmission lines are shown. However, those skilled in the art will understand that array unit 2304 1,1 -2304 4,4 Each array unit can be implemented using any of the RF receivers described above without departing from the scope of this application. Furthermore, each signal coupler in signal couplers 301-315 can operate as a power combiner. RF output signal R OUT It can be output from RF port 2301.

[0119] Because those skilled in the art will understand the above regarding Figures 21 to 22. FIG. 24 After the paragraph explanation, it should be clear that... FIG. 1 The operational details of the phase array 2300 shown are omitted here.

[0120] FIG. 23 This is a schematic diagram of the interconnection structure between array elements of a phase array according to certain embodiments of this application. The phase array 2400 can be used as... FIGS. 1-22 The illustrated embodiment of phase array 100. Phase array 2400 includes transmission lines 461-464, resistor components R1-R4, signal couplers 401-403, and... FIG. 24 The array cell 2304 shown1,1 -2304 4,4 Array cells located in the same row are coupled to the same transmission line. Each of signal couplers 401 and 402 is used to couple two transmission lines to signal coupler 403.

[0121] When the phase array 2400 is implemented as a phase array transmitter, array element 2304 1,1 -2304 4,4 Both can be implemented as radio frequency (RF) transmitters. The RF input signal R... IN It can be transmitted to RF port 2401. Signal couplers 401-403 can all operate as power dividers. An RF signal can be input to each RF transmitter located in the same row through the corresponding voltage tap VT. When the phase array 2400 is implemented as a phase array receiver, array element 2304 1,1 -2304 4,4 All can be implemented as RF receivers. Signal couplers 401-403 can all operate as power combiners. An RF signal (e.g., a current signal) output from each RF receiver located in the same row can be transmitted to the corresponding power combiner. RF output signal R OUT It can be output from RF port 2401.

[0122] Because those skilled in the art will understand the above regarding FIG. 25 After the paragraph explanation, it should be clear that... FIG. 25 The operational details of the phase array 2400 shown are omitted here.

[0123] FIG. 2A This is a flowchart of a method for transmitting a radio frequency output signal according to certain embodiments of this application. The operation described with reference to at least one of the aforementioned radio frequency transmitters can be simply summarized as follows: FIG. 1 The flowchart shown is provided. For illustrative purposes, the following is based on... FIGS. 3-5 The radio frequency transmitter 204A shown is used to illustrate method 2500. It should be noted that... FIGS. 9-12 Each array unit shown, when implemented as a radio frequency transmitter, can be operated using method 2500. For example, refer to... FIGS. 17-19 , FIG. 23 as well as FIG. 24 At least one of the radio frequency transmitters described herein can operate using method 2500. For example, refer to... FIGS. 1-24 and FIG. 26 At least one array unit described herein may be operated using method 2500. Furthermore, in some embodiments, method 2500 may include additional steps / operations.

[0124] In operation 2502, an amplifier circuit located in a chip amplifies a radio frequency input signal to generate multiple amplified signals at multiple output terminals of the chip. For example, amplifier circuit 222A amplifies the radio frequency input signal R. INA , respectively at the output terminals TA1-TA P Generate amplified signal AS1-AS P .

[0125] In operation 2504, a phase-shifting operation is performed on the plurality of amplified signals output from the plurality of output terminals of the chip to generate a plurality of electrical signals. For example, the phase-shifting circuit 230A located outside the chip 220A can receive amplified signals AS1-AS1-AS2. P And amplify the signal AS1-AS P A phase-shifting operation is performed to generate an electrical signal {EI}.

[0126] In operation 2506, the plurality of electrical signals are fed into a radiating element to transmit the radio frequency output signal from the radiating element. For example, radiating element 210A may respond to the fed electrical signal {EI} and transmit a radio frequency output signal R. OUTA .

[0127] In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical signals fed to the radiating element may include two electrical signals having the same amplitude and a 90-degree phase difference. For example, the radiating element 210A may be implemented as a dual-fed antenna. The radiating element 210A may receive two electrical signals through its two feed points to generate a radio frequency output signal R. OUTA .

[0128] In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical signals fed to the radiating element may include four electrical signals, wherein two of the electrical signals have the same amplitude and a 90-degree phase difference. The other two electrical signals also have the same amplitude and a 90-degree phase difference. For example, the radiating element 210A may be implemented using a four-feed antenna. The radiating element 210A may receive four electrical signals through its four feed points to generate a radio frequency output signal R. OUTA .

[0129] In some embodiments, the transmitted radio frequency output signal can be a circularly polarized wave with an adjustable rotation direction. For example, the radio frequency output signal R... OUTA The rotation direction can be changed in response to the gain configuration of amplifier circuit 222A.

[0130] In some embodiments, the above-described phase shifting operation (i.e., operation 2504) can be performed outside of the chip (which is used to perform the amplification operation of the radio frequency input signal). For example, the above-described phase shifting operation can be performed by a phase shifting circuit formed on a substrate on which the radiating element is formed. The substrate can be implemented by a printed circuit board, a glass substrate, or other types of insulating substrates. For another example, the phase shifting circuit can be implemented by passive circuit elements such as microstrip lines. The phase shifting circuit and the radiating element can be formed or arranged on the same passive substrate.

[0131] Since those skilled in the art should be able to understand the details of the operations of the method 2500 after reading the above description of the paragraphs regarding FIG. 26 , further description is not repeated here.

[0132] FIG. 2B is a flowchart of a method for receiving a radio frequency input signal according to some embodiments of the present application. The operations described with reference to at least one of the above-described radio frequency receivers can be simply summarized in the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 . For illustrative purposes, the method 2600 is described below based on the radio frequency receiver 204B shown in FIGS. 6-8 . It should be noted that each of the array elements shown in FIGS. 13-16 may operate using the method 2600 when implemented as a radio frequency receiver. For example, at least one of the radio frequency receivers described with reference to FIGS. 20-22 , FIG. 23 , and FIG. 24 may operate using the method 2600. For another example, at least one of the array elements described with reference to FIGS. 1-24 and ​ may operate using the method 2600. In addition, in some embodiments, the method 2600 can include other steps / operations.

[0133] In operation 2602, a radio frequency input signal is received by a radiating element to generate a plurality of electrical signals. For example, the radiating element 210B can receive the radio frequency input signal R INB to generate the electrical signals {E0}.

[0134] In operation 2604, phase shifting operations are performed on the plurality of electrical signals to generate a plurality of phase shifted signals, and the plurality of phase shifted signals are output to a plurality of input terminals of a chip, respectively. For example, the phase shifting circuit 230B can perform phase shifting operations on the electrical signals {E0} to generate the phase shifted signals PS1-PS Q , and the phase shifted signals PS1-PS Q are output to the input terminals TB1-TB Q , respectively.

[0135] At operation 2606, the plurality of phase-shifted signals received by the plurality of input terminals are amplified by an amplifier circuit located in the chip to generate a radio frequency output signal. For example, amplifier circuit 222B can receive and amplify phase-shifted signals PS1-PS Q , to generate a radio frequency output signal R OUTB .

[0136] In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical signals output by the radiating element can include two electrical signals having the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. For example, radiating element 210B can be implemented by a dual-feed antenna. Radiating element 210B can respond to radio frequency input signal R INB by generating two electrical signals at its two feed points, respectively.

[0137] In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical signals output by the radiating element can include four electrical signals, two of which have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The other two electrical signals have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. For example, radiating element 210B can be implemented by a quad-feed antenna. Radiating element 210B can respond to radio frequency input signal R INB by generating four electrical signals at its four feed points, respectively.

[0138] In some embodiments, the radio frequency input signal can be implemented by a circularly polarized wave. The circularly polarized wave can be successfully received even if the handedness of the circularly polarized wave changes. For example, radio frequency receiver 204B can selectively adjust the gain configuration of amplifier circuit 222B in response to the handedness of radio frequency input signal R INB to successfully receive radio frequency input signal R INB .

[0139] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned phase-shifting operation (i.e., operation 2604) can be performed outside the chip (which is used to perform the amplification of the phase-shifted signals). For example, the above-mentioned phase-shifting operation can be performed by a phase-shifting circuit formed on a substrate on which the radiating element is formed. The substrate can be implemented by a printed circuit board, a glass substrate, or other types of insulating substrates. For another example, the phase-shifting circuit can be implemented by passive circuit elements such as microstrip lines. The phase-shifting circuit and the radiating element can be formed or laid out on the same passive substrate.

[0140] Since those skilled in the art should be able to understand the details of the operations of method 2600 after reading the above description of paragraphs ​ , further description is not repeated here.

[0141] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment or embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the application be limited not with this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A radio frequency receiver, characterized in that, include: A radiating element used to receive radio frequency input signals to generate multiple electrical signals; A chip having an amplifier circuit, wherein the amplifier circuit is used to receive multiple phase-shift signals from multiple input terminals respectively, and amplify the multiple phase-shift signals to generate a radio frequency output signal; as well as A phase-shifting circuit, located outside the chip and coupled to the radiating element and the plurality of input terminals, is used to perform phase-shifting operations on the plurality of electrical signals and generate the plurality of phase-shifted signals accordingly. The phase-shifting circuit and the radiating element are formed on the same substrate. The radiating element includes: The first feed point is used to output the first electrical signal among the plurality of electrical signals; The second feed point is used to output the second electrical signal among the plurality of electrical signals, wherein the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees; The third feed point is used to output the third electrical signal among the plurality of electrical signals; and The fourth feed point is used to output the fourth electrical signal among the plurality of electrical signals, wherein the third electrical signal and the fourth electrical signal have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The radio frequency output signal is a circularly polarized signal comprising horizontal and vertical components; the radiating element is used to generate the first and third electrical signals based on the horizontal component of the circularly polarized signal, and to generate the second and fourth electrical signals based on the vertical component of the circularly polarized signal. The plurality of amplified signals include a first phase-shift signal, a second phase-shift signal, a third phase-shift signal, and a fourth phase-shift signal. The amplifier circuit mentioned above includes: A first amplification path is used to amplify the first phase-shift signal using a first gain value to generate a first amplified signal; The second amplification path is used to amplify the second phase-shift signal using a second gain value to generate a second amplified signal; A third amplification path is used to amplify the third phase-shift signal using a third gain value to generate a third amplified signal; and A fourth amplification path is used to amplify the fourth phase-shift signal using a fourth gain value to generate a fourth amplified signal, wherein the combination of the first amplified signal, the second amplified signal, the third amplified signal, and the fourth amplified signal serves as the radio frequency output signal; The first gain value is equal to the second gain value or is the opposite of the second gain value, and the third gain value is equal to the fourth gain value or is the opposite of the fourth gain value.

2. The radio frequency receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chip is disposed on the substrate in a heterogeneous integration manner.

3. The radio frequency receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the radio frequency input signal received by the radiating element is circularly polarized in one direction, the first gain value is equal to the second gain value, and the third gain value is the opposite of the fourth gain value.

4. The radio frequency receiver according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the radio frequency input signal received by the radiating element is circularly polarized in another direction, the first gain value is the opposite of the second gain value, and the third gain value is equal to the fourth gain value.

5. A method for receiving a radio frequency input signal, characterized in that, include: The radio frequency input signal is received using a radiating element to generate multiple electrical signals; The multiple electrical signals are phase-shifted to generate multiple phase-shifted signals, and the multiple phase-shifted signals are output to multiple input terminals of the chip respectively. as well as The amplifier circuit located in the chip amplifies the multiple phase-shift signals received at the multiple input terminals to generate a radio frequency output signal. The step of receiving the radio frequency input signal using the radiating element to generate the plurality of electrical signals includes: Receive the radio frequency input signal to output a first electrical signal from the first feed point of the radiating element; and The radio frequency input signal is received to output a second electrical signal from the second feed point of the radiating element, wherein the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The radio frequency output signal is a circularly polarized signal that includes both horizontal and vertical components. The step of receiving the radio frequency input signal using the radiating element to generate the plurality of electrical signals includes: Receive the radio frequency input signal to output a third electrical signal from the third feed point of the plurality of electrical signals from the radiating element; and The radio frequency input signal is received to output a fourth electrical signal from the fourth feed point of the radiating element, wherein the third electrical signal and the fourth electrical signal have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90 degrees. The first and third electrical signals are generated in response to the horizontal component of the circularly polarized signal, and the second and fourth electrical signals are generated in response to the vertical component of the circularly polarized signal. The plurality of phase shift signals include a first phase shift signal, a second phase shift signal, a third phase shift signal, and a fourth phase shift signal. The step of amplifying the plurality of phase-shift signals using the amplifier circuit to generate the radio frequency output signal includes: The first phase-shift signal is amplified using a first gain value to generate a first amplified signal; The second gain value is used to amplify the second phase-shift signal to generate a second amplified signal; The third phase-shift signal is amplified using a third gain value to generate a third amplified signal; and The fourth phase shift signal is amplified using a fourth gain value to generate a fourth amplified signal, wherein the combination of the first amplified signal, the second amplified signal, the third amplified signal, and the fourth amplified signal serves as the radio frequency output signal; The first gain value is equal to the second gain value or is the opposite of the second gain value, and the third gain value is equal to the fourth gain value or is the opposite of the fourth gain value.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the radio frequency input signal received by the radiating element is circularly polarized in one direction, the first gain value is equal to the second gain value, and the third gain value is the opposite of the fourth gain value.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the radio frequency input signal received by the radiating element is circularly polarized in another direction, the first gain value is the opposite of the second gain value, and the third gain value is equal to the fourth gain value.

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