Radio frequency switch and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a radio frequency switch and electronic equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The radio frequency switch comprises a power divider, a plurality of phase adjustment assemblies and at least one coupler, wherein the power divider comprises a plurality of branches, the first ends of the branches are directly connected, and the second ends of the branches are respectively connected with the input ends of the corresponding phase adjustment assemblies; the coupler comprises a first input end, a second input end, a first output end and a second output end, and the first input end and the second input end of the coupler are connected with the output ends of the different phase adjusting assemblies respectively.

Description

RF switches and electronic equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the field of communication technology, and particularly relates to a radio frequency switch and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] In RF circuit systems, RF switches are important components in RF front-end systems and are currently widely used to control microwave signal paths in radar and communication systems. Currently, the more mature RF switch technologies include field-effect transistors (FETs), pin diodes, and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The greatest advantage of semiconductor switches lies in their integration and manufacturing capabilities, but their RF performance is relatively poor, with leakage issues and high nonlinearity. RF MEMS switches generally outperform semiconductor switches in RF performance, but they also have significant disadvantages, such as large size, high cost, difficulty in integration, low reliability, high excitation voltage, and low power capacity.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art and provides a radio frequency switch and an electronic device.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a radio frequency switch comprising a power splitter, a plurality of phase adjustment components and at least one coupler; wherein,

[0006] The power divider includes a plurality of branches, and the first ends of the branches are directly connected, and the second ends of the branches are respectively connected to the input ends of the corresponding phase adjustment components;

[0007] The coupler includes a first input end, a second input end, a first output end, and a second output end. The first input end and the second input end of the coupler are respectively connected to the output ends of different phase adjustment components.

[0008] The phase adjustment component includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and an adjustable dielectric layer, a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; the dielectric constant of the adjustable dielectric layer changes according to the electric field between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0009] In which, the first electrode layer includes a first main body, and a plurality of first branch parts connected to one side of the extension direction of the first main body and arranged at intervals; the second electrode layer includes a second main body, and a plurality of second branch parts connected to one side of the extension direction of the second main body and arranged at intervals; the orthographic projections of one first branch part and one second branch part on the first substrate overlap.

[0010] The overlapping area of ​​the orthographic projections of one first branch portion and one second branch portion on the first substrate is a first area, and areas of at least parts of the first areas are unequal.

[0011] Wherein, the material of the adjustable dielectric layer includes liquid crystal.

[0012] Wherein, one of the first output end and the second output end of the coupler is connected to a matching load.

[0013] The first output end of the coupler is connected to the first delay line, and the second output end of the 90° coupler is connected to the second delay line.

[0014] The first delay line and the second delay line connected to the same coupler are directly connected.

[0015] The first delay line and the second delay line connected to the same coupler have different line lengths.

[0016] Wherein, the first input end of the coupler is connected to the phase adjustment component via a delay line; and / or the second input end of the coupler is connected to the phase adjustment component via a delay line.

[0017] Wherein, the coupler includes a 90° coupling bridge; the 90° coupling bridge includes:

[0018] a first transmission line connected between the first input terminal and the first output terminal of the coupler, a second transmission line connected between the second input terminal and the second output terminal of the coupler, a third transmission line connected between the first end of the first transmission line and the first end of the second transmission line, and a fourth transmission line connected between the second end of the first transmission line and the second end of the second transmission line.

[0019] Wherein, the coupler includes a 90° coupling bridge; the 90° coupling bridge includes:

[0020] a first transmission line connected between the first input terminal and the first output terminal of the coupler, a second transmission line connected between the second input terminal and the second output terminal of the coupler, a third transmission line connected between the first end of the first transmission line and the first end of the second transmission line, a fourth transmission line connected between the second end of the first transmission line and the second end of the second transmission line, a fifth transmission line connected between the second end of the first transmission line and the first output terminal, a sixth transmission line connected between the second end of the second transmission line and the second output terminal, and a seventh transmission line connected between the second end of the fifth transmission line and the second end of the sixth transmission line.

[0021] Wherein, the coupler includes a Lange bridge; the Lange bridge includes:

[0022] a first transmission line, a second transmission line, a third transmission line, and a fourth transmission line extending in parallel and spaced apart along the first direction, and a fifth transmission line, a sixth transmission line, a seventh transmission line, and an eighth transmission line extending in parallel and spaced apart along the second direction;

[0023] The first end of the first transmission line is connected to the first input end, the second end of the first transmission line is connected to the second input end, the first end of the fourth transmission line is connected to the first output end, and the second end of the fourth transmission line is connected to the second output end; the first end of the first transmission line and the first end of the third transmission line are connected through the fifth transmission line, the first end of the second transmission line and the first end of the fourth transmission line are connected through the sixth transmission line, the second end of the first transmission line and the second end of the third transmission line are connected through the seventh transmission line, and the second end of the second transmission line and the second end of the fourth transmission line are connected through the eighth transmission line.

[0024] The first transmission line, the second transmission line, the third transmission line, the fourth transmission line, the fifth transmission line and the eighth transmission line are arranged on the same layer; the sixth transmission line and the seventh transmission line are arranged on the same layer; the first end of the second transmission line and the first end of the fourth transmission line are both connected to the sixth transmission line through a conductive via; the second end of the first transmission line and the second end of the third transmission line are both connected to the seventh transmission line through a conductive via.

[0025] The first transmission line, the second transmission line, the third transmission line, the fourth transmission line, the fifth transmission line and the eighth transmission line are arranged on the first substrate, and the sixth transmission line and the seventh transmission line are arranged on the second substrate.

[0026] The coupler further includes a first transmission line and a second transmission line arranged crosswise, the first input end and the first output end are respectively connected to two ends of the first transmission line, and the second input end and the second output end are respectively connected to two ends of the second transmission line.

[0027] The first input end, the first output end and the first transmission line are arranged on the same layer and on the first substrate; the second input end, the second output end and the second transmission line are arranged on the same layer and on the second substrate.

[0028] The first input end, the first output end, the second input end, the second output end and the first transmission line are arranged on the same layer, and the five are arranged on the first substrate; the second transmission line is arranged on the second substrate.

[0029] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic device comprising any of the above-mentioned radio frequency switches. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG2 is a top view of the radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG3 is a top view of a liquid crystal phase shifter in a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ in FIG. 3 .

[0034] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a first example of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a second example of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a third example of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a fourth example of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a fifth example of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a sixth example of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG11 is a diagram showing S-parameter simulation results of the RF switch output of the fifth example.

[0041] FIG12 is a diagram showing the power simulation results of the RF switch output of the fifth example.

[0042] FIG13 is a diagram showing the S-parameter simulation results of the third type of RF switch output.

[0043] FIG14 is a diagram showing the power simulation results of the RF switch output of the third example.

[0044] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a seventh example of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of an eighth example of the radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a ninth example of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a tenth example of a radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG19 is a schematic diagram showing a direct connection between a power divider and a feeding structure of an RF switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of the coupling connection between the power divider and the feeding structure of the radio frequency switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of a 90° coupler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as a first-level branch line 90° coupling bridge.

[0051] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of a 90° coupler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as a secondary branch line 90° coupling bridge.

[0052] FIG23 is a simulation diagram of the S parameters of the output of the primary branch line 90° coupled bridge and the S parameters of the output of the secondary branch line 90° coupled bridge.

[0053] FIG24 is a simulation diagram of the power output by the primary branch line 90° coupled bridge and the power output by the secondary branch line 90° coupled bridge.

[0054] FIG25 is a schematic diagram of a primary branch line 90° coupled bridge loading branch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG26 is a schematic diagram showing a Lange bridge as the 90° coupler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB′ in FIG26 .

[0057] FIG28 is a schematic diagram of an X-shaped 90° coupler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG29 is another schematic diagram of an X-shaped 90° coupler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure should have the usual meanings understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which this disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "one", "an" or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the existence of at least one. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0061] It should be noted that the embodiments of this disclosure use a 90° coupler as an example. The 90° coupler superimposes or cancels the energy at its two input terminals, which is then output through the two output terminals. Of course, couplers are not limited to 90° couplers, and the use of a 90° coupler as an example in this disclosure does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0062] In the first aspect, FIG1 is an architectural diagram of an RF switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in FIG1 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an RF switch, which includes a power divider 1, a plurality of phase adjustment components 2, and at least one 90° coupler 3. The power divider 1 includes a main circuit and a plurality of branches, the first ends of the branches are connected together and connected to the main circuit, and the second ends of the branches are respectively connected to the corresponding phase adjustment components 2. For example, the branches and the relative adjustment components are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and at this time, the second ends of the corresponding branches are electrically connected to the phase adjustment components 2. The 90° coupler 3 includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal, and the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each 90° coupler 3 are connected to different phase adjustment components 2.

[0063] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the phase adjustment component 2 is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal output by the power divider 1, and the 90° coupler 3 adjusts the amplitude of the radio frequency signal output by the phase adjustment component 2 to realize the on and off of the radio frequency switch. It should be noted that the number of branches of the power divider 1 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is preferably an even number, and at this time, the on and off of the switch can be realized by equipping it with a 90° coupler 3. When the number of branches is 2, the radio frequency switch is a single-pole double-throw switch, and when the number of branches is 4, the radio frequency switch is a single-pole four-throw switch, and so on. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, for the sake of convenience of description, only the example of the power divider 1 including two branches and the radio frequency switch being a single-pole double-throw switch are taken for description, but this does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] In some examples, the phase adjustment component 2 can use a liquid crystal phase shifter, that is, the material of the adjustable dielectric layer is liquid crystal. Liquid crystal is an anisotropic material. As a uniaxial crystal, its molecular long axis has a specific orientation. Under the action of an external electric field or magnetic field, the long axis orientation of the liquid crystal molecules will be deflected, thereby causing the macroscopic dielectric constant of the liquid crystal material to change. Such characteristics make it applicable to the design of radio frequency switches. The drive of liquid crystal is completely driven by voltage, with basically no direct current passing through, so the power consumption is very low. In addition to the low driving voltage, in the design of liquid crystal radio frequency devices, electromagnetic interference can be reduced and passive intermodulation performance can be improved by coupling transmission.

[0065] Figure 2 is a top view of an RF switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a top view of a liquid crystal phase shifter in the RF switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of Figure 3. As shown in Figures 2-4, an exemplary structure of a liquid crystal phase shifter is provided in the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that this structure does not limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The liquid crystal phase shifter includes a first substrate 10 and a second substrate 20 disposed opposite each other, and a liquid crystal layer 203, a first electrode layer 201, and a second electrode layer 202 disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. When a bias voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 201 and the second electrode layer 202, the electric field formed therebetween can drive the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 203 to deflect, thereby changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 203 and thereby adjusting the phase of the transmitted RF signal.

[0066] Continuing with Figures 2-4, in a specific example, the first electrode layer 201 is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal layer 203 proximal to the first substrate 10, and the second electrode layer 202 is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal layer 203 proximal to the second substrate 20. The first electrode layer 201 includes a first main portion 2011 and a plurality of first branch portions 2012 spaced apart and connected to one side of the first main portion 2011. The second electrode layer 202 includes a second main portion 2021 and a plurality of second branch portions 2022 spaced apart and connected to one side of the second main portion 2021. The orthographic projections of a first branch portion 2012 and a second branch portion 2022 on the first substrate 10 overlap. For example, the first branch portions 2012 and the second branch portions 2022 are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence, and the orthographic projections of the corresponding first branch portions 2012 and the second branch portions 2022 on the first substrate 10 overlap.

[0067] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the overlapping area of ​​the orthographic projection of the corresponding first branch portion 2012 and the second branch portion 2022 on the first substrate 10 is referred to as the first area. The first area is also the capacitive coupling area. By adjusting the size of the capacitance of the capacitive coupling area, the phase of the transmitted radio frequency signal can be adjusted. When the area sizes of the capacitive coupling areas are equal, the capacitance size of the capacitive coupling area can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the bias voltage loaded on the first branch portion 2012 and / or the second branch portion 2022. The size of the bias voltage is positively correlated with the achievable phase shift. The maximum phase shift amount of the liquid crystal phase shifter depends on the structural design of the phase shifter.

[0068] In order to facilitate control, the second electrode layer 202 is usually set as a ground electrode. Of course, the second electrode layer 202 can also be a reference electrode layer, that is, connected to any fixed voltage. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, only the second electrode layer 202 is described as a ground electrode.

[0069] In some examples, at least some of the first branches 2012 of the first electrode layer 201 have different lengths. Similarly, at least some of the second branches 2022 of the second electrode layer 202 have different lengths. By providing first branches 2012 and / or second branches 2022 of different lengths, different capacitances can be achieved. Of course, different capacitances can also be achieved by designing at least some of the first branches 2012 of the first electrode layer 201 to have different widths, and / or at least some of the second branches 2022 of the second electrode layer 202 to have different widths.

[0070] Furthermore, the first electrode layer 201 of the liquid crystal phase shifter, i.e., the first main line and the first branch portion 2012, can be provided on the same layer as the power divider 1. For example, the first electrode layer 201 and the power divider 1 are both provided on the first substrate 10. In this case, the two can be an integrated structure, and the branch of the power divider 1 is directly connected to the first main line. Of course, the power divider 1 can also be provided on the same layer as the second electrode layer 202. For example, the second electrode layer 202 and the power divider 1 are both provided on the second substrate 20, and the branch of the power divider 1 is coupled to the first main line. By providing the power divider 1 on the same layer as the first electrode layer 201 or the second electrode layer 202, the RF switch can be made lighter and thinner.

[0071] Furthermore, the liquid crystal phase shifter not only includes the above structure, but also includes a first printed circuit board for providing a first bias voltage to the first electrode layer 201 , and a second printed circuit board for providing a second bias voltage to the second electrode layer 202 .

[0072] In one example, the first electrode layers 201 in each liquid crystal phase shifter share a common first printed circuit board. In this case, it is only necessary to control the first electrode layers 201 of different liquid crystal phase shifters to connect to different pins of the first printed circuit board to achieve independent control of each first electrode layer 201. Similarly, the second electrode layers 202 in each liquid crystal phase shifter share a common second printed circuit board. In this case, it is only necessary to control the second electrode layers 202 of different liquid crystal phase shifters to connect to different pins of the second printed circuit board to achieve independent control of each second electrode layer 202.

[0073] In one example, the first printed circuit board is electrically connected to the first electrode layer 201 via a flexible circuit board. Similarly, the second printed circuit board can be disposed on a first side of the second substrate 20 facing away from the second electrode layer 202. The second printed circuit board can be fixed to the second substrate 20, for example, by forming an adhesive layer therebetween to secure the two.

[0074] It should be noted that in the disclosed embodiments, in addition to the single-branch loaded LC phase shifter described above, the LC phase shifter can also be a single-line phase shifter, a coplanar differential phase shifter, an out-of-plane differential phase shifter, and so on, which are not described in detail here. Control of the RF switch in the disclosed embodiments only requires the LC phase shifter to achieve 45° and 90° phase control; continuous phase modulation is not required.

[0075] The following is an example of the specific application and structure of the RF switch of the present disclosure, combined with the above-mentioned RF switch architecture. It should be understood that the following only provides several exemplary RF switch structures, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of ease of description, the two branches in the power divider 1 of the RF switch are referred to as the first branch and the second branch, respectively. The liquid crystal phase shifter connected to the first branch is referred to as the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21, and the liquid crystal phase shifter connected to the second branch is referred to as the second liquid crystal phase shifter 22.

[0076] First example: Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the first example of the RF switch of the embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figure 5, in the RF switch, the second output end of the 90° coupler 3 is connected to the matching impedance, the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to be 90°, and the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter is controlled to be 0°. At this time, the input power of the main circuit of the power divider 1 is all output by the first output end of the 90° coupler 3 (taking into account the loss of the signal during transmission, the output power is less than 100%). In this case, the RF switch realizes the open state of a single-pole single-throw switch.

[0077] Second Example: FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a second example of an RF switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , in this RF switch, the second output end of the 90° coupler 3 is connected to a matching impedance, controlling the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 to 0° and the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter to 90°. After passing through the 90° coupler 3, the input power of the main circuit of the power divider 1 is completely absorbed by the matching impedance connected to the second output end of the 90° coupler 3, and no energy is output from the first output end of the 90° coupler 3. In this case, the RF switch achieves the off state of a single-pole, single-throw switch.

[0078] Third Example: FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the third example of the RF switch according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7 , compared to the first example, the second output end of the 90° coupler 3 is no longer connected to the matching impedance. In this case, the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to 90°, and the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter is controlled to 0°. At this time, the input power of the main circuit of the power divider 1 is output entirely by the first output end of the 90° coupler 3 (taking into account the signal loss during transmission, the output power is less than 100%), and no energy is output by the second output end of the 90° coupler 3. This RF switch realizes the one-way off state of a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0079] Fourth Example: FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the fourth example of the RF switch according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8 , compared to the first example, the second output end of the 90° coupler 3 is no longer connected to the matching impedance. In this case, the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to 0°, and the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter is controlled to 90°. At this time, the input power of the main circuit of the power divider 1 is all output from the second output end of the 90° coupler 3 (taking into account the signal loss during transmission, the output power is less than 100%), and no energy is output from the first output end of the 90° coupler 3. This RF switch realizes the one-way off state of a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0080] The fifth example: FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the fifth example of the RF switch of the embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in FIG9 , in this example, the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to be 0°, and the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter is controlled to be 0°. The RF switch is equivalent to the power divider 1. At this time, the first output end and the second output end of the 90° coupler 3 have equal amplitude and in-phase power outputs. It should be noted that by controlling the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 to be equal to the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter, the first output end and the second output end of the 90° coupler 3 can also have equal amplitude and in-phase power outputs. The RF switch realizes the open state of a single-pole double-throw switch. Sixth example: Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the sixth example of the radio frequency switch of the embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figure 10, in this example, the phase shift amount of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to be an arbitrary value (an arbitrary value not equal to 90°), and the phase shift amount of the second liquid crystal phase shifter is 0°. At this time, the first output end and the second output end of the 90° coupler 3 both have output capabilities, wherein most of the energy is output from the first output end, and a small amount of energy is output from the second output end. Similarly, the phase shift amount of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to be 0°, and the phase shift amount of the second liquid crystal phase shifter is an arbitrary value (an arbitrary value not equal to 90°). At this time, the first output end and the second output end of the 90° coupler 3 both have output capabilities, wherein most of the energy is output from the second output end, and a small amount of energy is output from the first output end. This radio frequency switch realizes the open state of a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0081] Figure 11 shows the S-parameter simulation results of the RF switch output for the fifth example; Figure 12 shows the power simulation results for the RF switch output for the fifth example; Figure 13 shows the S-parameter simulation results for the RF switch output for the third example; and Figure 14 shows the power simulation results for the RF switch output for the third example. As shown in Figures 11-14, for the third example, only the first output port outputs power, while the second output port has no power output. Good performance is achieved within the bandwidth of 1.8 GHz to 2.5 GHz, with S12 within 1 dB and S13 less than -15 dB. In terms of power, the first output port outputs an average of 93% of the power. In practice, however, losses are relatively high, resulting in lower output power and near zero power output at the second output port. For the fifth example, this is equivalent to a two-way power divider 1, with both output ports delivering equal amplitude and in-phase outputs.

[0082] Seventh example: Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the seventh example of the radio frequency switch of the embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figure 15, in this example, the first output end and the second output end of the 90° phase shifter are both connected to a delay line. For the sake of convenience of description, the delay line connected to the first output end is referred to as the first delay line 41, and the delay line connected to the second output end is referred to as the second delay line 42. In this example, the length of the first delay line 41 is greater than the length of the second delay line 42. On the basis of the above-mentioned basic radio frequency switch, the function of a digital phase shifter can be realized by combining the first delay line 41 and the second delay line 42. Specifically, the first end of the first delay line 41 is connected to the first output end of the 90° coupler 3, the first end of the second delay line 42 is connected to the second output end of the 90° coupler 3, and the second end of the first delay line 41 is connected to the second end of the second delay line 42. In this example, the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to be 90°, and the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter 22 is controlled to be 0°. The input power of the main circuit of the power divider 1 is all output by the first output end of the 90° coupler 3, and the first delay line 41 is connected thereto to achieve a phase shift of φ1.

[0083] The eighth example: Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the eighth example of the RF switch of the embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figure 16, this example has the same architecture as the seventh example. In this example, the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to be 0°, and the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter 22 is controlled to be 90°. The input power of the main circuit of the power divider 1 is all output by the second output end of the 90° coupler 3, and by connecting the second delay line 42 thereto, a phase shift of φ2 is achieved.

[0084] According to the architecture of the seventh and eighth examples, the magnitude of the phase shift of the digital phase shifter depends on the length of the delay line. This situation is more suitable for scenarios requiring a large phase shift, for example, using a 90° liquid crystal phase shifter to obtain a 180° phase shift. It should be noted that if a phase shift of less than 90° is required, the digital phase shifter with the complex structure above is not required, and only the liquid crystal phase shifter alone can be used. When the phase shift of the liquid crystal phase shifter is difficult to increase, but a relatively large phase shift is required, the digital phase shifter above can be used to achieve a phase shift of φ1 or φ2. The larger the φ1 or φ2, the higher the cost-effectiveness of the device.

[0085] Ninth example: FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the ninth example of the RF switch of the embodiment of the present disclosure; As shown in FIG17, in this example, a 45° delay line is connected between the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 of the RF switch and the first input end of the 90° coupler 3. At this time, the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 does not need to have a 90° phase shift, but only needs to have a 45° phase shift. In this case, the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to be 45°, and the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter 22 is 0°. Since the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is connected to the 45° delay line, the phase shift at this time is 90°. The input power of the main circuit of the power divider 1 is all output by the first output end of the 90° coupler 3, and there is no energy output at the second output end. The RF switch realizes the one-way open state of a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0086] Example 10: FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the tenth example of an RF switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG18 , this example has the same structure as the ninth example. In this example, the phase shift of the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is controlled to be 0°, and the phase shift of the second liquid crystal phase shifter 22 is controlled to be 45°. Since the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 is connected to a 45° delay line, the phase shift is 45° at this time. At this time, the first and second output ends of the 90° coupler 3 have equal amplitude and in-phase power outputs. This RF switch realizes the open state of a single-pole double-throw switch.

[0087] It should be noted that in both the ninth and tenth examples, a 45° delay line 43 is connected between the first liquid crystal phase shifter 21 and the first input of the 90° coupler 3. It is understood that a 45° delay line can also be connected between the second liquid crystal phase shifter 22 and the second input of the 90° coupler 3. Similarly, the switching state of the double-pole double-throw switch can be achieved by controlling the phase shifts of the first and second liquid crystal phase shifters 21, 22. Furthermore, the phase shift of the delay line is also limited to 45°, and a delay line with any phase shift can also be used.

[0088] Regardless of which of the above structures is adopted by the radio frequency switch in the embodiment of the present disclosure, it may also include a third printed circuit board to provide radio frequency signals for the main circuit of the power divider 1. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the direct connection between the power divider 1 and the feeding structure 301 of the radio frequency switch in the embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figure 19, in one example, the feeding structure 301 on the third printed circuit board can be directly electrically connected to the main circuit of the power divider 1, for example, the two are bound and welded together. In this case, the third printed circuit board can be arranged on the side of the first substrate 10 away from the liquid crystal layer 203, and fixed to the first substrate 10, for example, the two are fixed by an adhesive layer 40. The third printed circuit board includes a substrate 30, a feeding structure 301 arranged on the side of the substrate 30 close to the first substrate 10, and a reference ground 302 arranged on the side of the substrate 30 away from the feeding structure 301, and the feeding structure 301 is directly bound and connected to the main circuit of the power divider 1. FIG20 is a schematic diagram of the coupling connection between the power divider 1 and the feeding structure 301 of the radio frequency switch of the present disclosure embodiment; as shown in FIG20 , in another example, the reference ground 302 of the third printed circuit board is set on the side of the substrate 30 close to the first substrate 10, and the feeding structure 301 is set on the side of the substrate 30 away from the reference ground 302. At the same time, an opening is opened on the reference ground 302, and a coupling electrode 303 is set in the opening. The feeding structure 301 is electrically connected to the coupling electrode 303 through a through hole penetrating the substrate 30, and the coupling electrode 303 is coupled to the main circuit of the power divider 1, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the feeding structure 301 and the main circuit of the power divider 1. It should be noted that when using the coupling method for connection, the loss caused will be greater than that of welding binding. The loss of welding is generally less than 0.1dB, while the loss of the through-hole coupling method will be around 0.16dB.

[0089] Traditional branch line couplers can often only work at specific frequencies. In fact, branch line couplers are all based on λ / 4 transmission lines. The bandwidth of a single-section branch line coupler is very narrow, generally less than 20%, especially its high-frequency bandwidth is even narrower. However, like multi-section matching transformers and multi-hole directional couplers, the bandwidth of the branch line coupler can be greatly increased by cascading two or even more sections. Based on this, the 90° coupler 3 in the RF switch of the present embodiment can be selected from a first-level branch line 90° coupling bridge, a second-level branch line 90° coupling bridge, a first-level branch line parallel branch 90° coupling bridge, a Lange bridge, an X-shaped 90° coupler 3, etc., which will be explained in detail below with reference to specific examples.

[0090] The first example: FIG21 is a schematic diagram of the 90° coupler 3 of the embodiment of the present disclosure as a first-level branch line 90° coupling bridge; as shown in FIG21 , the 90° coupler 3 uses a first-level branch line 90° coupling bridge, and connects the first transmission line 31 between the first input end and the first output end of the 90° coupler 3, connects the second transmission line 32 between the second input end and the second output end of the 90° coupler 3, connects the third transmission line 33 between the first end of the first transmission line 31 and the first end of the second transmission line 32, and connects the fourth transmission line 34 between the second end of the first transmission line 31 and the second end of the second transmission line 32. The lengths of the first transmission line 31, the second transmission line 32, the third transmission line 33 and the fourth transmission line 34 are all λ / 4, and the four are connected to form a square. The impedance of the four ports of the first input end, the second input end, the first output end and the second output end is Z0 by default, the impedance of the third transmission line 33 and the fourth transmission line 34 is Z0, and the impedance of the first transmission line 31 and the second transmission line 32 is

[0091] In some examples, the first input end, the second input end, the first output end, the second output end, the first transmission line 31, the second transmission line 32, the third transmission line 33 and the fourth transmission line 34 of the first-level branch line 90° coupling bridge can be an integrally formed structure and are located on the same layer. For example, the first-level branch line 90° coupling bridge is arranged on the same layer as the first electrode layer 201. In this way, the signal transmission loss can be reduced and it helps to make the RF switch lighter and thinner.

[0092] Second example: FIG22 is a schematic diagram of a 90° coupler 3 of an embodiment of the present disclosure as a two-branch 90° coupling bridge. As shown in FIG22 , the 90° coupler 3 uses a two-branch 90° coupling bridge. This structure, in addition to the one-branch 90° coupling bridge, further includes a fifth transmission line 35 connected between the second end of the first transmission line 31 and the first output end, a sixth transmission line 36 connected between the second end of the second transmission line 32 and the second output end, and a seventh transmission line 37 connected between the second end of the fifth transmission line 35 and the second end of the sixth transmission line 36. In this structure, the lengths of the first transmission line 31, the second transmission line 32, the third transmission line 33, the fourth transmission line 34, the fifth transmission line 35, the sixth transmission line 36, and the seventh transmission line 37 are all λ / 4. The first transmission line 31, the second transmission line 32, the third transmission line 33, and the fourth transmission line 34 are connected to form a square, and the fourth transmission line 34, the fifth transmission line 35, the sixth transmission line 36, and the seventh transmission line 37 are connected to form a square. The impedance of the first input terminal, the second input terminal, the first output terminal and the second output terminal is Z0 by default, and the impedance of the first transmission line 31, the second transmission line 32, the fourth transmission line 34, the fifth transmission line 35 and the sixth transmission line 36 is The impedance of the third transmission line 33 and the seventh transmission line 37 is Z1.

[0093] In some examples, both the first and second 90° couplers 3 can add branches to their respective transmission lines, such as adding T-shaped or folded transmission lines, to further improve bandwidth.

[0094] Figure 23 is a simulation diagram of the S parameters output by the first-level branch line 90° coupled bridge and the S parameters output by the second-level branch line 90° coupled bridge; Figure 24 is a simulation diagram of the power output by the first-level branch line 90° coupled bridge and the power output by the second-level branch line 90° coupled bridge; as shown in Figures 23 and 24, compared with the first-level branch line 90° coupler 3, the bandwidth of the second-level branch line 90° coupler 3 can be increased by about 40%.

[0095] Third Example: Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of a primary branch line 90° coupled bridge loaded with branches according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 25, this example adds a λ / 2 folded branch 304 to the primary branch line 90° coupled bridge of the first example. In this example, folded branches 304 are loaded at the first input end and the first end of the first transmission line 31, the first output end and the second end of the first transmission line 31, the second input end and the first end of the second transmission line 32, and the second output end and the second end of the second transmission line 32 of the 90° coupled bridge, respectively. This method can expand bandwidth.

[0096] Fourth Example: Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of a Lange bridge in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of line BB' in Figure 26; as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the 90° coupler 3 uses a Lange bridge. Specifically, the Lange bridge includes a first transmission line 31, a second transmission line 32, a third transmission line 33, and a fourth transmission line 34 extending in parallel and spaced apart along a first direction, and a fifth transmission line 35, a sixth transmission line 36, a seventh transmission line 37, and an eighth transmission line 38 extending in parallel and spaced apart along a second direction. The first end of the first transmission line 31 is connected to the first input end, the second end of the first transmission line 31 is connected to the second input end, the first end of the fourth transmission line 34 is connected to the first output end, and the second end of the fourth transmission line 34 is connected to the second output end. The first end of the first transmission line 31 and the first end of the third transmission line 33 are connected via a fifth transmission line 35, the first end of the second transmission line 32 and the first end of the fourth transmission line 34 are connected via a sixth transmission line 36, the second end of the first transmission line 31 and the second end of the third transmission line 33 are connected via a seventh transmission line 37, and the second end of the second transmission line 32 and the second end of the fourth transmission line 34 are connected via an eighth transmission line 38.

[0097] Furthermore, the first transmission line 31, the second transmission line 32, the third transmission line 33, the fourth transmission line 34, the fifth transmission line 35, and the eighth transmission line 38 can be arranged on the same layer, and the sixth transmission line 36 and the seventh transmission line 37 can be arranged on the same layer. In this case, the first end of the second transmission line 32 and the first end of the fourth transmission line 34 both need to be connected to the sixth transmission line 36 through a conductive via 50, and the second end of the first transmission line 31 and the second end of the third transmission line 33 both need to be connected to the seventh transmission line 37 through a conductive via 50. In one example, the first transmission line 31, the second transmission line 32, the third transmission line 33, the fourth transmission line 34, the fifth transmission line 35, and the eighth transmission line 38 can be arranged on the first substrate 10, and the sixth transmission line 36 and the seventh transmission line 37 can be arranged on the second substrate 20. In this case, the conductive via 50 is formed in the spacer between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Of course, the first transmission line 31, the second transmission line 32, the third transmission line 33, the fourth transmission line 34, the fifth transmission line 35, the sixth transmission line 36, the seventh transmission line 37 and the eighth transmission line 38 can also be all arranged on the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20. In this case, it is only necessary to provide an interlayer insulating layer between the layer where the first transmission line 31, the second transmission line 32, the third transmission line 33, the fourth transmission line 34, the fifth transmission line 35 and the eighth transmission line 38 are located and the layer where the sixth transmission line 36 and the seventh transmission line 37 are located, and the conductive via 50 is formed in the interlayer insulating layer.

[0098] Fifth example: FIG28 is a schematic diagram of an X-shaped 90° coupler 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG29 is another schematic diagram of an X-shaped 90° coupler 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG28 and FIG29 , the 90° coupler 3 is X-shaped and includes a first transmission line 31 and a second transmission line 32 arranged in a cross pattern. The first input end and the first output end are respectively connected to the ends of the first transmission line 31, and the second input end and the second output end are respectively connected to the ends of the second transmission line 32. As shown in FIG28 , in one example, the first input end, the first output end, and the first transmission line 31 are arranged on the same layer and are all disposed on the first substrate 10. The second input end, the second output end, and the second transmission line 32 are arranged on the same layer and are all disposed on the second substrate 20. In other words, the input and output of the 90° coupler 3 of this structure are located on different layers. As shown in FIG29 , in one example, the first input terminal, the first output terminal, the second input terminal, the second output terminal, and the first transmission line 31 are arranged on the same layer, and all five are arranged on the first substrate 10, while the second transmission line 32 is arranged on the second substrate 20. In other words, the input and output of the 90° coupler 3 of this structure are located on the same layer.

[0099] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic device, which may include the above-mentioned radio frequency switch.

[0100] It will be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of the present invention, and such modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radio frequency switch comprising a power splitter, a plurality of phase adjustment components and at least one coupler; wherein: The power divider includes a plurality of branches, and the first ends of the branches are directly connected, and the second ends of the branches are respectively connected to the input ends of the corresponding phase adjustment components; The coupler includes a first input end, a second input end, a first output end, and a second output end. The first input end and the second input end of the coupler are respectively connected to the output ends of different phase adjustment components.

2. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, wherein: The phase adjustment component includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and an adjustable dielectric layer, a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; the dielectric constant of the adjustable dielectric layer changes according to the electric field between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

3. The radio frequency switch according to claim 2, wherein: The first electrode layer includes a first main body, and a plurality of first branch portions connected to one side of the extension direction of the first main body and arranged at intervals; the second electrode layer includes a second main body, and a plurality of second branch portions connected to one side of the extension direction of the second main body and arranged at intervals; the orthographic projections of one first branch portion and one second branch portion on the first substrate overlap.

4. The radio frequency switch according to claim 3, wherein: An overlapping area of ​​orthographic projections of one first branch portion and one second branch portion on the first substrate is a first area, and areas of at least parts of the first areas are unequal.

5. The radio frequency switch according to claim 2, wherein: The material of the adjustable dielectric layer includes liquid crystal.

6. The radio frequency switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: One of the first output terminal and the second output terminal of the coupler is connected to a matching load.

7. The radio frequency switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first output end of the coupler is connected to the first delay line, and the second output end of the coupler is connected to the second delay line.

8. The radio frequency switch according to claim 7, wherein: The first delay line and the second delay line connected to the same coupler are directly connected.

9. The radio frequency switch according to claim 7, wherein: The first delay line and the second delay line connected to the same coupler have different line lengths.

10. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, wherein: The first input end of the coupler is connected to the phase adjustment component via a delay line; and / or the second input end of the coupler is connected to the phase adjustment component via a delay line.

11. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, wherein: The coupler includes a 90° coupling bridge; The 90° coupling bridge comprises: a first transmission line connected between the first input terminal and the first output terminal of the coupler, a second transmission line connected between the second input terminal and the second output terminal of the coupler, a third transmission line connected between the first end of the first transmission line and the first end of the second transmission line, and a fourth transmission line connected between the second end of the first transmission line and the second end of the second transmission line.

12. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, wherein: The coupler includes a 90° coupling bridge; The 90° coupling bridge comprises: a first transmission line connected between the first input terminal and the first output terminal of the coupler, a second transmission line connected between the second input terminal and the second output terminal of the coupler, a third transmission line connected between the first end of the first transmission line and the first end of the second transmission line, a fourth transmission line connected between the second end of the first transmission line and the second end of the second transmission line, a fifth transmission line connected between the second end of the first transmission line and the first output terminal, a sixth transmission line connected between the second end of the second transmission line and the second output terminal, and a seventh transmission line connected between the second end of the fifth transmission line and the second end of the sixth transmission line.

13. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, wherein: The coupler includes a Lange bridge; the Lange bridge includes: a first transmission line, a second transmission line, a third transmission line, and a fourth transmission line extending in parallel and spaced apart along the first direction, and a fifth transmission line, a sixth transmission line, a seventh transmission line, and an eighth transmission line extending in parallel and spaced apart along the second direction; The first end of the first transmission line is connected to the first input end, the second end of the first transmission line is connected to the first input end, The first end of the first transmission line is connected to the second input end, the first end of the fourth transmission line is connected to the first output end, and the second end of the fourth transmission line is connected to the second output end; the first end of the first transmission line and the first end of the third transmission line are connected through the fifth transmission line, the first end of the second transmission line and the first end of the fourth transmission line are connected through the sixth transmission line, the second end of the first transmission line and the second end of the third transmission line are connected through the seventh transmission line, and the second end of the second transmission line and the second end of the fourth transmission line are connected through the eighth transmission line.

14. The radio frequency switch according to claim 13, wherein: The first transmission line, the second transmission line, the third transmission line, the fourth transmission line, the fifth transmission line and the eighth transmission line are arranged on the same layer; the sixth transmission line and the seventh transmission line are arranged on the same layer; the first end of the second transmission line and the first end of the fourth transmission line are both connected to the sixth transmission line through a conductive via; the second end of the first transmission line and the second end of the third transmission line are both connected to the seventh transmission line through a conductive via.

15. The radio frequency switch according to claim 14, wherein: The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and eighth transmission lines are disposed on the first substrate, and the sixth and seventh transmission lines are disposed on the second substrate.

16. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, wherein: The coupler further includes a first transmission line and a second transmission line arranged crosswise, the first input end and the first output end are respectively connected to two ends of the first transmission line, and the second input end and the second output end are respectively connected to two ends of the second transmission line.

17. The radio frequency switch according to claim 16, wherein: The first input end, the first output end and the first transmission line are arranged on the same layer, and the three are arranged on the first substrate; the second input end, the second output end and the second transmission line are arranged on the same layer, and the three are arranged on the second substrate.

18. The radio frequency switch according to claim 16, wherein: The first input end, the first output end, the second input end, the second output end and the first transmission line are arranged on the same layer, and the five are arranged on the first substrate; The second transmission line is disposed on the second substrate.

19. An electronic device comprising the radio frequency switch according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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