Radio frequency switching module and communication equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a radio frequency switching module and communication equipment, and relates to the technical field of radio frequency. The invention provides a radio frequency switching module, the radio frequency switching module comprises a power supply module and at least two radio frequency links, and each radio frequency link is connected with the power supply module; the power supply module comprises at least two output states and is used for correspondingly adjusting the state of the radio frequency link through different output states; wherein when at least one radio frequency link is in a working state, the rest radio frequency links which do not work are in a high reflection state. According to the radio frequency switching module and the communication equipment provided by the invention, a switching framework of an existing radio frequency switch can be replaced, so that on the basis of reducing the layout area of a radio frequency chip, the influence between radio frequency links in different working states is reduced to the minimum, and meanwhile, the cost is saved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of radio frequency technology, in particular to a radio frequency switching module and a communication device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the prior art, switching between different radio frequency links is usually realized by a switching network. Figure 1 Figure 1 A radio frequency switching circuit realized based on a switching network is shown; wherein the switching network is usually arranged at the output end of the final amplifier to receive different control signals, such as high and low levels, to adjust to the corresponding on or off state, thereby realizing the on or off of the corresponding radio frequency link.

[0003] However, with the development of integrated radio frequency chips, the switching network greatly increases the device cost of the radio frequency switching circuit and increases the layout area of the radio frequency chip. Moreover, the switching network is usually composed of an additional switching chip or a switching diode (PIN), and in order to realize the adjustment of the radio frequency link, an additional control chip needs to be added, thereby causing the layout area of the radio frequency chip to be unable to be further reduced.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a radio frequency switching module to replace the switching architecture of the existing radio frequency switch, so as to minimize the influence between the radio frequency links in different working states on the basis of reducing the layout area of the radio frequency chip. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a radio frequency switching module and a communication device, which can replace the switching architecture of the existing radio frequency switch, so as to minimize the influence between the radio frequency links in different working states on the basis of reducing the layout area of the radio frequency chip.

[0006] Embodiments of the present application can be implemented as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a radio frequency switching module, comprising: a power supply module and at least two radio frequency links, each of the radio frequency links being connected with the power supply module.

[0008] The power supply module comprises at least two output states, and the power supply module is used to adjust the state of the radio frequency link through different output states; wherein,

[0009] When at least one radio frequency link is in a working state, the remaining radio frequency links that are not working are in a high reflection state.

[0010] ​Preferably, when the radio frequency switching module comprises at least two radio frequency links, at least one radio frequency link is taken as a target link, when the target link is in a working state, the power module provides a first voltage for the target link, and the power module provides a second voltage for other radio frequency links except the target link, so that the radio frequency links are in a high reflection state.

[0011] Preferably, the power module comprises a control unit and at least two power units; the control unit is connected with control ends of the power units to adjust working states of the power units; output ends of the power units are respectively connected with power input ends of the radio frequency links; the power units correspond to the radio frequency links one by one; and each power unit comprises at least two output states.

[0012] Preferably, the power module comprises a control unit and at least two power units; the control unit is connected with control ends of the power units to adjust working states of the power units; output ends of the power units are respectively connected with power input ends of the radio frequency links; the power units correspond to the radio frequency links one by one; and each power unit comprises at least two output states.

[0013] Preferably, the radio frequency switching module further comprises a common matching network, and an input end of the common matching network is connected with output ends of the radio frequency links.

[0014] The common matching network is used for adjusting input impedances corresponding to the output ends of the radio frequency links.

[0015] Preferably, when at least one radio frequency link is in a working state, other radio frequency links which are not in working states are in a high reflection state, and the common matching network adjusts input impedances corresponding to output ends of the other radio frequency links to be in an open circuit state.

[0016] Preferably, the radio frequency links at least comprise radio frequency amplifiers, and power input ends of the radio frequency amplifiers are connected with output ends of the power module.

[0017] Preferably, the second voltage is a pinch-off voltage of the radio frequency amplifiers.

[0018] Preferably, the radio frequency links further comprise a plurality of input matching modules, output ends of the input matching modules are respectively connected with input ends of the radio frequency amplifiers, and the input matching modules correspond to the radio frequency amplifiers one by one.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which comprises the radio frequency switching module in any one of the first aspect.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application include, for example:

[0021] The application provides a radio frequency switching module, which comprises a power module and at least two radio frequency links, each of which is connected with the power module; the power module comprises at least two output states, and the power module is used for adjusting the states of the radio frequency links through different output states; wherein when at least one radio frequency link is in a working state, the remaining radio frequency links which are not in the working state are in a high reflection state. The radio frequency switching module and the communication equipment provided by the application can replace the switching architecture of the existing radio frequency switch, so as to minimize the influence between the radio frequency links in different working states on the basis of reducing the layout area of the radio frequency chip, and save the cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the application, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some of the embodiments of the application, and therefore should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can also be obtained without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 A two-channel radio frequency switching network in the prior art;

[0024] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of a radio frequency switching module provided by the application;

[0025] Figure 3 A control schematic diagram of a radio frequency switching module provided by the application;

[0026] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of a radio frequency switching module provided by the application;

[0027] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of a radio frequency switching module provided by the application;

[0028] Figure 6 A structural schematic diagram of a radio frequency switching module provided by the application;

[0029] Figure 7 A structural schematic diagram of a radio frequency switching module provided by the application;

[0030] Figure 8 A structural schematic diagram of a radio frequency link in the application.

[0031] Icon: 100 - RF switching module; 101 - power module; 102 - RF link; 201 - RF amplifier; 202 - common matching network; 203 - input matching module; 301 - control unit; 302 - power unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present application, but only represents selected embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0034] It should be noted that: similar reference numerals and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings.

[0035] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that if the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the present application is usually placed, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the indicated device or element must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0036] In addition, if the relationship terms such as "first" and "second" and the like are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between the entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "contain" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without more limitations, the element defined by the statement "including a" does not exclude the presence of another identical element in the process, method, article or device including the element.

[0037] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0038] As described in the background section, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a conventional dual-channel RF switch network in the prior art. The dual-channel RF switch network includes a switch network, a first final-stage amplifier, and a second final-stage amplifier. The outputs of both the first and second final-stage amplifiers are connected to the input of the switch network. The switch network is configured with multiple switches to receive different control signals, such as high / low level signals, to adjust the on / off state of the corresponding switches, thereby selecting the corresponding RF channel. Figure 1 In the dual-channel switching network shown, each switch is connected to the output terminals of the first and second final-stage amplifiers, respectively, and the control terminal of each switch is connected to the main control device that provides control signals. When the RF link corresponding to the first final-stage amplifier needs to be turned on, a high-level signal can be sent to the switch corresponding to that RF link through the main control device.

[0039] However, typically, switching networks consist of additional RF components, such as switching chips and switching diodes. As the number of RF links increases, the number of components forming the switching network also increases. Since the master control device needs to configure the on / off states of each switch, the complexity of the RF chip's control algorithm also increases. Therefore, in the conventional approach of switching RF paths one-to-one through a switching network significantly increases the cost of RF components and the layout area.

[0040] Based on this, the present invention provides an RF switching scheme to replace the existing RF switch switching architecture, so as to minimize the impact between RF links under different operating states while reducing the layout area of ​​the RF chip.

[0041] The above-mentioned radio frequency switching scheme will be described in detail below.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 2 In a first aspect, the present invention provides an RF switching module 100, which includes a power module 101 and at least two RF links 102, each of which is connected to the power module 101.

[0043] The power module 101 includes at least two output states. The power module 101 is used to adjust the state of the RF link according to the different output states. When at least one RF link is in the working state, the other non-working RF links are in the high reflection state.

[0044] In the embodiment, the power module can adjust the working state of the corresponding radio frequency link by configuring different voltages for the radio frequency link, thereby replacing the switching architecture of the existing radio frequency switch, avoiding adjusting the working state of the radio frequency link through the corresponding switch of the switch network, and thereby reducing the layout area of the radio frequency chip, minimizing the influence between the radio frequency links in different working states, and saving costs.

[0045] In the embodiment, the power module can adjust the working state of the corresponding radio frequency link by configuring different voltages for the radio frequency link, thereby replacing the switching architecture of the existing radio frequency switch, avoiding adjusting the working state of the radio frequency link through the corresponding switch of the switch network, and thereby reducing the layout area of the radio frequency chip, minimizing the influence between the radio frequency links in different working states, and saving costs. Figure 3 When the radio frequency switching module 100 includes at least two radio frequency links, at least one radio frequency link is taken as a target link, when the target link is in a working state, the power module 101 provides a first voltage for the target link, and the power module 101 provides a second voltage for the radio frequency link other than the target link, so that the radio frequency link is in a high reflection state.

[0046] In the embodiment, one or more radio frequency links can be turned on, i.e., in a normal working state, for the convenience of description, the above radio frequency link set according to the demand can be taken as a target link. To make the above target link in a normal working state, the power module can provide a first voltage for the target link.

[0047] In the embodiment, the power module can adjust the working state of the corresponding radio frequency link by configuring different voltages for the radio frequency link, thereby replacing the switching architecture of the existing radio frequency switch, avoiding adjusting the working state of the radio frequency link through the corresponding switch of the switch network, and thereby reducing the layout area of the radio frequency chip, minimizing the influence between the radio frequency links in different working states, and saving costs. Figure 4 Figure 4 A structure of a radio frequency link is shown, in a possible implementation, the radio frequency link includes at least a radio frequency amplifier 201, wherein the power supply end of the radio frequency amplifier 201 in each radio frequency link is connected with the output end of the power module 101.

[0048] When it is needed to make the target link in a normal working state, the power module can provide a first voltage for the corresponding target link, which can make the gate voltage of the radio frequency amplifier work stably, i.e., the power module provides a constant working voltage for the gate voltage of the radio frequency amplifier, to ensure the voltage between the gate and the source to be stable, and ensure the conduction performance of the radio frequency amplifier.

[0049] In the embodiment, when the target link is in a stable conduction state, to avoid the influence of other radio frequency links (radio frequency links other than the target link) that do not need to be turned on on the target link, the power module can provide a second voltage for the radio frequency link other than the target link, so that the radio frequency link is in a high reflection state.

[0050] In a possible implementation, please continue to refer to Figure 4 When the radio frequency link includes at least a radio frequency amplifier, and the power supply end of the radio frequency amplifier in each radio frequency link is connected with the output end of the power module, in the embodiment, the second voltage can be the pinch-off voltage of the radio frequency amplifier, and the pinch-off voltage can pinch off the channel of the radio frequency amplifier, so that the output end of the radio frequency amplifier is in a high reflection state.

[0051] ​At this time, the radio frequency link in the high reflection state is connected in parallel with the radio frequency link in the normal working state, for example, the radio frequency amplifier in the high reflection state is connected to the output terminal of the radio frequency amplifier in the normal working state, and the radio frequency amplifier in the high reflection state does not absorb the working signal of the radio frequency amplifier in the normal working state.

[0052] In the embodiment, the pinch-off voltage is the gate-source voltage when the drain current of the radio frequency amplifier is close to zero, at this time, the channel of the radio frequency amplifier is pinched off, and the output terminal is in the high reflection state.

[0053] In addition, in the embodiment, after the value corresponding to the gate voltage of the radio frequency link except the target link is adjusted to the value corresponding to the pinch-off voltage, that is, after the second voltage is provided to the radio frequency link except the target link by the voltage module, the radio frequency amplifier corresponding to the radio frequency link has the characteristic of high isolation, and thus the remaining part of the corresponding radio frequency link can be prevented from leaking the corresponding signal to the target link.

[0054] It should be noted that the embodiment does not limit the specific value corresponding to the first voltage, as long as the corresponding radio frequency amplifier can be kept in the stable conduction state.

[0055] Similarly, the embodiment also does not limit the specific value corresponding to the pinch-off voltage, as long as the corresponding radio frequency amplifier can be kept in the stable high reflection state.

[0056] In summary, the embodiment can realize the link switching function by configuring the bias voltage of the radio frequency amplifier in different radio frequency links instead of the switching network. In the embodiment, the power supply module includes a control unit, at least two power supply units; the control unit is connected to the control end of each power supply unit to adjust the working state of each power supply unit.

[0057] In one possible implementation, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 Fig. 1 shows a structural schematic diagram of the power supply module 101, which includes a control unit 301, at least two power supply units 302; the control unit 301 is connected to the control end of each power supply unit 302 to adjust the working state of each power supply unit 302. In the embodiment, the power supply unit 302 corresponds to the radio frequency link one by one, and each power supply unit 302 has at least two output states.

[0058] Please continue to refer to Figure 5The output terminal of each power supply unit 302 is connected to the power input terminal of each RF link. When it is necessary to adjust the operating state of a corresponding RF link, the output state of the power supply unit corresponding to the current RF link can be adjusted through the control unit. For example, when the current RF link needs to be in a normal operating state, the control unit can send a first control signal to the power supply unit corresponding to the current RF link to make the power supply unit output a first voltage. When the current RF link needs to be in a high reflection state, the control unit can send a second control signal to the power supply unit corresponding to the current RF link to make the power supply unit output a second voltage.

[0059] For another possible implementation, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 The second schematic diagram of the power module 101 shows that, in this embodiment, the power module 101 includes a control unit 301 and at least two power supply units 302. The control unit 301 is connected to the control terminal of each power supply unit 302 to adjust the operating state of each power supply unit 302. The output states of each power supply unit 302 are different, meaning each power supply unit 302 corresponds to a different power supply voltage output. For example, in this embodiment, if the RF link needs to be in two operating states, then two different power supply units can be used to provide the corresponding first voltage and second voltage to each RF link. Please continue to refer to... Figure 6 The output of each power supply unit 302 is connected to the power input of each RF link.

[0060] When it is necessary to adjust the operating state of the corresponding RF link, the output state of the power supply unit corresponding to the current RF link can be adjusted through the control unit. For example, when the current RF link needs to be in a normal operating state, the control unit can send a first control signal to the power supply unit that can output a first voltage, so that the power supply unit outputs the first voltage. When the current RF link needs to be in a high-reflection state, the control unit can send a second control signal to the power supply unit that can output a second voltage, so that the power supply unit outputs the second voltage.

[0061] Unlike the previous embodiment, since each power supply unit with different output states is connected to a corresponding RF link, such as the gate voltage output terminal of an RF amplifier, the control unit needs to send a control signal to the power supply unit accordingly. This control signal needs to include the label of the RF link to be adjusted in order to ensure that the preset RF link is adjusted accordingly.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the control unit, RF links, and power supply units can maintain a lookup table to ensure the target link is in normal working condition, while other RF links are in a high-reflection state. For example, different random codes, such as 001 and 010, can be pre-configured for each RF link. The RF link corresponding to code 001 is pre-defined as the target link. The control unit then sends a control signal to the power supply unit capable of outputting a first voltage (hereinafter referred to as the first power supply unit for convenience). This control signal triggers the first power supply unit to output the first voltage to the RF link corresponding to code 001. Simultaneously, the control unit also sends a control signal to the power supply unit capable of outputting a second voltage (hereinafter referred to as the second power supply unit for convenience). This control signal triggers the second power supply unit to output the second voltage to all RF links except those with code 001.

[0063] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an RF switching module 100 is shown. The RF switching module 100 also includes a common matching network 202, the input of which is connected to the output of each RF link. The common matching network 202 is used to adjust the input impedance corresponding to the output of each RF link.

[0064] In one possible implementation, when at least one RF link is active, the remaining inactive RF links are in a high-reflection state. The common matching network adjusts the input impedance corresponding to the output of the remaining inactive RF links to an open-circuit state. In this case, the common matching network acts as a match for the RF amplifier in the RF amplification link, and also minimizes the impact of the pinch-off RF amplifier on the active link.

[0065] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an RF link 102, which also includes multiple input matching modules 203; the output of each input matching module 203 is connected to the input of each RF amplifier 201.

[0066] In this embodiment, the input matching module corresponds one-to-one with the RF amplifier to maximize power transmission efficiency and reduce RF signal reflection and distortion, thereby ensuring the quality and stability of the RF signal during transmission. For example, impedance matching can ensure that the power emitted by the RF signal source is transmitted to the load to the maximum extent, rather than being reflected or dissipated during transmission; or impedance matching can reduce noise and interference in the RF circuit, making the RF circuit more stable and reliable. At the same time, impedance matching prevents circuit components from being damaged by overvoltage or overcurrent.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the impedance of the accurate measurement circuit element can be obtained before impedance matching is performed, for example, by using a test device such as an impedance analyzer, a network analyzer, or the like, and the test conditions are ensured to be as consistent as possible with the actual working conditions during measurement, so as to obtain an accurate impedance value. After the impedance value is obtained, appropriate matching elements can be selected to achieve impedance matching, for example, capacitors, inductors, resistors, transformers, and the like, and then the impedance value of the circuit is changed by adjusting the parameters of these elements, so as to match the impedance of the signal source or the load.

[0068] It should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to the specific circuit structure of the input matching module described above, as long as the input matching can be met, that is, as long as the maximum power transmission efficiency is achieved, the reflection and distortion of the radio frequency signal are reduced, and the quality and stability of the radio frequency signal during transmission are ensured.

[0069] To sum up, the present application provides a radio frequency switching module, which comprises a power supply module and at least two radio frequency links, each radio frequency link being connected with the power supply module; the power supply module comprises at least two output states, and the power supply module is used for adjusting the state of the radio frequency link through different output states; wherein when at least one radio frequency link is in a working state, the remaining radio frequency links which are not in working state are in a high reflection state. The present application can replace the switching architecture of the existing radio frequency switch, so as to minimize the influence between the radio frequency links in different working states on the basis of reducing the layout area of the radio frequency chip, and save costs at the same time.

[0070] In a second aspect, in order to perform the corresponding steps in the above embodiments and various possible manners, an implementation manner of a communication device is given below, which can optionally adopt the device structure of the radio frequency switching module shown in the above Figure 2

[0071] It should be noted that the basic principle and technical effects of the communication device provided by the embodiments are the same as those of the above embodiments, and for brief description, the parts not mentioned in the embodiments can refer to the corresponding contents of the above embodiments. The communication device comprises the radio frequency switching module of any one of the first aspect.

[0072] The communication device provided by the present application can replace the switching architecture of the existing radio frequency switch, so as to minimize the influence between the radio frequency links in different working states on the basis of reducing the layout area of the radio frequency chip.

[0073] ​The apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative, for example, the flow charts and block diagrams in the drawings show the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatuses according to various embodiments of the present application. In this regard, each block in the flow charts and block diagrams can represent a portion of a module, the module. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flow chart illustrations, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or acts or combinations of them. The

[0074] In addition, each functional module in various embodiments of the present application can be integrated together to form an independent part, or each module can exist independently, or two or more modules can be integrated to form an independent part.

[0075] The above description is merely illustrative of the application, and the scope of the application is not limited thereto. Any changes or modifications that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present application should be encompassed within the scope of the present application. Therefore, the scope of the present application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A radio frequency switching module, characterized in that, The radio frequency switching module comprises: a power module and at least two radio frequency links, each of the radio frequency links being connected with the power module; the power module comprises at least two output states, and the power module is configured to adjust the states of the radio frequency links by corresponding different output states; wherein, when at least one radio frequency link is in a working state, the remaining radio frequency links not in the working state are in a high reflection state.

2. The radio frequency switching module of claim 1, wherein, When the radio frequency switching module comprises at least two radio frequency links, at least one radio frequency link is taken as a target link, when the target link is in a working state, the power module provides a first voltage for the target link, and the power module provides a second voltage for the radio frequency links other than the target link, so that the radio frequency links are in a high reflection state.

3. The radio frequency switching module of claim 1, wherein, The power module comprises a control unit and at least two power units; the control unit is connected with the control ends of the power units to adjust the working states of the power units; the output ends of the power units are respectively connected with the power input ends of the radio frequency links; the power units correspond to the radio frequency links one by one; wherein, each of the power units comprises at least two output states.

4. The radio frequency switching module of claim 1, wherein, The power module comprises a control unit and at least two power units; the control unit is connected with the control ends of the power units to adjust the working states of the power units; the output ends of the power units are respectively connected with the power input ends of the radio frequency links; wherein, the output states of the power units are different.

5. The radio frequency switching module of claim 1, wherein, The radio frequency switching module further comprises a common matching network, the input end of the common matching network is connected with the output ends of the radio frequency links; wherein, the common matching network is configured to adjust the input impedance corresponding to the output ends of the radio frequency links.

6. The radio frequency switching module of claim 5, wherein, When at least one radio frequency link is in a working state, the remaining radio frequency links not in the working state are in a high reflection state, and the common matching network adjusts the input impedance corresponding to the output ends of the remaining radio frequency links to an open circuit state.

7. The radio frequency switching module of claim 2, wherein, The radio frequency link comprises at least a radio frequency amplifier, wherein the power input ends of the radio frequency amplifiers are connected with the output ends of the power module.

8. The radio frequency switching module of claim 7, wherein, The second voltage is the pinch-off voltage of the radio frequency amplifier.

9. The radio frequency switching module of claim 7, wherein, The radio frequency link further comprises a plurality of input matching modules; the output ends of the input matching modules are respectively connected with the input ends of the radio frequency amplifiers, wherein the input matching modules correspond to the radio frequency amplifiers one by one.

10. A communication device, characterized by The radio frequency switching module comprises the radio frequency switching module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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