Communication devices, apparatuses, methods, and systems

Abstract

This application provides a communication device, apparatus, method, and system, relating to the field of communication technology. The communication device includes a radio frequency fiber optic transmission module and multiple signal processing modules. Each signal processing module includes a first processing component and N second processing components. The first processing component is used to split a first signal output from the radio frequency fiber optic transmission module into N second signals. The N second processing components are used to adjust the frequencies of the N second signals to output N third signals. Alternatively, the N second processing components are used to adjust the frequencies of the N third signals to output N second signals. The first processing component is used to merge the N second signals into a first signal and input it into the radio frequency fiber optic transmission module. The radio frequency fiber optic transmission module is used to modulate multiple first signals into optical carriers of different wavelengths. And / or, it outputs multiple first signals based on the received optical carriers. This application can help reduce the size, weight, power consumption, and connection complexity of communication systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication device, equipment, method and system. Background Technology

[0002] With the explosive growth of mobile smart terminals and the continuous innovation of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and edge computing, the communication capacity of wireless communication technologies has been challenged. Ultra-large-scale broadband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, as one of the key technologies in communication systems, can enhance the capacity and reliability of communication systems by simultaneously utilizing multiple transmit and receive antennas.

[0003] However, ultra-large-scale broadband MIMO systems currently face enormous challenges in terms of size, weight, power consumption, and connection complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication device, apparatus, method, and system that can help reduce the size, weight, power consumption, and connection complexity of the communication system.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a radio frequency fiber optic transmission module and a plurality of signal processing modules, wherein the signal processing modules are connected to the radio frequency fiber optic transmission module; the signal processing modules include a first processing component and N second processing components; the first processing component is connected to the aforementioned N second processing components; N is a positive integer and N≥2;

[0006] The first processing component is used to split the first signal output by the radio frequency fiber optic transmission module into N second signals, and N second processing components are used to output N third signals according to the received N second signals; and / or, the N second processing components are used to output N second signals according to the received N third signals, and the first processing component is used to merge the N second signals into a first signal and output it to the radio frequency fiber optic transmission module; the frequencies of the N second signals are different from each other, and the frequencies of the N third signals are the same.

[0007] The radio frequency fiber optic transmission module is used to modulate multiple first signals output by multiple signal processing modules into optical carriers of different wavelengths; and / or, to output multiple first signals based on the received optical carriers.

[0008] In this embodiment, each signal processing module can combine signals from multiple transmission links into one signal. The radio over fiber (ROF) module can modulate the signals output by multiple signal processing modules onto carriers of different wavelengths and then reuse the same optical fiber for long-distance transmission. This can effectively reduce the number of optical fibers required by the communication system and reduce the size, weight, power consumption and connection complexity of the communication system.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first processing component includes a common port and N radio frequency ports;

[0010] The aforementioned common port is connected to the radio frequency fiber optic transmission module, and different radio frequency ports among the N radio frequency ports are connected to different second processing components among the N second processing components.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first processing component includes N bandpass filters; different bandpass filters among the N bandpass filters are connected to different radio frequency ports among the N radio frequency ports; the N bandpass filters correspond to different frequency bands.

[0012] The above implementation method can split the first signal output by the ROF module into N second signals with different frequencies, or merge the N second signals with different frequencies into the first signal, which helps to simplify the structure of the ROF module and improve the flexibility of signal transmission.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the signal processing module further includes N radio frequency front-end modules; different radio frequency front-end modules among the N radio frequency front-end modules are connected to different second processing components among the N second processing components.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the signal processing module further includes N antennas; the common port of the different radio frequency front-end modules among the above N radio frequency front-end modules is connected to the different antennas among the N antennas.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the radio frequency front-end module includes a directional coupler, a first power amplifier, a first low-noise amplifier, and a first switch;

[0016] A directional coupler is connected in series between the antenna and the common port of the first switch; a first low-noise amplifier is connected in series between the first terminal of the first switch and the first terminal of the RF front-end module; and a first power amplifier is connected in series between the second terminal of the first switch and the second terminal of the RF front-end module.

[0017] Through the above implementation method, the above-mentioned radio frequency front-end module can be used to realize the functions of signal reception, amplification, filtering, and transmission. By adjusting the state of the first switch, the reception and transmission paths can be flexibly switched to realize different signal processing flows and functions.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the second processing component includes a down-conversion processing circuit and an up-conversion processing circuit; the down-conversion processing circuit is used to convert the received second signal into a third signal for output; the up-conversion processing circuit is used to convert the received third signal into a second signal for output.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the downconversion processing circuit includes a first bandpass filter, a second low-noise amplifier, a first digitally controlled attenuator, a first mixer, a first low-pass filter, and a first intermediate frequency amplifier connected in series; the upconversion processing circuit includes a first driver amplifier, a second bandpass filter, a second mixer, a second low-pass filter, a second digitally controlled attenuator, and a second intermediate frequency amplifier connected in series; both the first mixer and the second mixer include a local oscillator signal receiving terminal for receiving a local oscillator signal.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the downconversion processing circuit includes a second driver amplifier, a third digitally controlled attenuator, a third mixer, and a third bandpass filter connected in series; the upconversion processing circuit includes a third driver amplifier, a fourth mixer, a fourth digitally controlled attenuator, and a fourth bandpass filter connected in series; both the third and fourth mixers include a local oscillator signal receiving terminal for receiving local oscillator signals.

[0021] Through the above implementation, the second processing component, which includes both down-conversion and up-conversion processing circuits, can flexibly perform signal frequency conversion operations as needed. Furthermore, integrating the down-conversion and up-conversion processing circuits into the same second processing component also helps to improve the system's integration level and reduce costs.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second processing component includes an analog-to-digital conversion module and / or a digital-to-analog conversion module.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the N different analog-to-digital conversion modules and / or digital-to-analog conversion modules correspond to different Nyquist sampling regions.

[0024] With the above implementation, the second processing component does not need to adjust the frequency of the second or third signal. Instead, it is directly sampled by an analog-to-digital converter module and / or a digital-to-analog converter module with a higher sampling rate that supports higher frequency analog signals. This avoids spurious signals and other nonlinear problems caused by the second mixing of the second processing component, resulting in a simpler link structure and less interference.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the receiving link and the transmitting link of the radio frequency fiber optic transmission module share the same optical fiber.

[0026] By using the above implementation method, the receiving link and the transmitting link reuse the same optical fiber, which can effectively reduce the number of optical fibers required for the entire communication system and simplify the complexity of optical fiber cabling.

[0027] In one possible implementation, multiple receiving links corresponding to the RF fiber optic transmission module reuse the first fiber, and multiple transmitting links corresponding to the RF fiber optic transmission module reuse the second fiber.

[0028] With the above implementation, multiple receiving links reuse the same optical fiber, while multiple transmitting links reuse another optical fiber. This can maintain the independence of receiving and transmitting links to a certain extent, while also reducing the number of optical fibers required for the entire communication system and simplifying the complexity of optical fiber cabling.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a substrate on which the plurality of signal processing modules are mounted.

[0030] The above implementation method can effectively reduce the size and weight of the communication device, thereby reducing the size and weight of the entire communication system.

[0031] In a second aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first communication device, a second communication device, and a transmission medium, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are connected by the transmission medium.

[0032] The first communication device is the communication device provided in some possible implementations of the first aspect;

[0033] The second communication device is the communication device provided in another possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0034] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, including a communication apparatus, which is the same as the communication apparatus provided in the first aspect.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a baseband processing unit coupled to the communication device.

[0036] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0037] Multiple first signals are generated based on the received optical carrier, the first signals are split into N second signals, and N third signals are output based on the N second signals.

[0038] And / or, based on the received N third signals, output N second signals, merge the N second signals into a first signal, and modulate the multiple first signals into optical carriers of different wavelengths.

[0039] The second to fourth aspects of this application have similar beneficial effects to the first aspect of this application and the corresponding feasible implementation methods, and will not be described again. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first processing component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission characteristics of each bandpass filter in the first processing component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second processing component provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second processing component provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another second processing component provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0049] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another second processing component provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency front-end module (FEM) provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of another FEM structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the packaging structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 15 This is a disassembly diagram of the packaging structure of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solution provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first:

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0059] In the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and purpose. For example, "first processing component" and "second processing component" are used only to distinguish different processing components and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0060] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it does not exclude the possibility of indicating an "and" relationship. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0061] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, or New Radio Access Technology (NR). Among these, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networking. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit the scope of the application in this regard.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting system architecture is shown. (e.g.) Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a radio access network (RAN) 10 and a core network (CN) 20. Optionally, the communication system 100 also includes an Internet 30. RAN 10 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 1 RAN10, denoted as RAN10, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN10. RAN10 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1(Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 20 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 20 and RAN node 110 in RAN 10 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0063] RAN10 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a 5G mobile communication system or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN10 can also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. RAN10 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0064] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, is part of the communication system and helps terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 100 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative, for example... Figure 1 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 10 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0065] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 In CRAN scenarios, RAN nodes can be 110b, relay nodes, donor nodes, or wireless controllers. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0066] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), adaptive radio units (ARUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radioheads (RRHs).

[0067] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0068] A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal and network device can be hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or software functions running on general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., cloud platform), or entities that include dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal and network device.

[0070] To better understand the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the terms involved in this application will be briefly explained below.

[0071] 1. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system

[0072] An antenna system that uses multiple antennas at both the transmitting and receiving ends to improve channel capacity, thereby forming multiple channels between the transmitting and receiving ends.

[0073] 2. Radio over fiber (ROF) transmission

[0074] ROF (Remote Optical Fiber) is a wireless access technology that combines fiber optic communication and wireless communication. It loads radio frequency (RF) or intermediate frequency (IF) signals onto an optical carrier, uses optical fiber as the transmission medium, and then delivers the signal to the receiving end. A typical ROF link consists of a central station (CS), a base station (BS), and the optical fiber connecting them.

[0075] 3. Radio Frequency Front-End Module (FEM)

[0076] The FEM (Functional Electronic Module) is a circuit module situated between the antenna and the transceiver components. It primarily performs functions such as transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, amplification, filtering, power detection, control, and switching. These functions collectively ensure the stability and reliability of wireless signals during transmission.

[0077] 4. Up-down converter (UDC)

[0078] A circuit module for frequency conversion and signal modulation / demodulation. An upconverter converts low-frequency signals to high-frequency signals, and a downconverter converts high-frequency signals to low-frequency signals.

[0079] With the explosive growth of mobile smart terminals and the continuous innovation of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and edge computing, the communication capacity of wireless communication technologies has been challenged. To meet these challenges, communication systems are developing towards higher communication rates and ultra-large-scale wideband MIMO systems. The number of channels in ultra-large-scale wideband MIMO systems will reach 512 channels, or even 1024 channels or more. This means that the communication system can simultaneously send and receive more data signals on the same wireless channel, thereby significantly improving the capacity and reliability of network connections.

[0080] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, the aforementioned communication system may include multiple transmission links. Each transmission link includes an FEM, a UDC, and a set of ROF modules, with each set of ROF modules connected via an optical fiber. The baseband processing device can generate multiple digital baseband signals. Each digital baseband signal is converted from an analog to a digital signal by a mixed-signal circuit, then transmitted to the UDC via a set of ROF modules for frequency conversion processing. The frequency-converted signal is further processed by the FEM and then transmitted through an antenna. Conversely, signals received from the antenna can be processed by the FEM and UDC and then transmitted to the baseband processing device via a set of ROF modules.

[0082] The side where the FEM and UDC are deployed can be referred to as "on the tower," which refers to the upper area of ​​the communication tower or base station tower. This area may include antennas, signal amplification, and processing equipment. The antennas are used to transmit and receive wireless signals, and the signal amplification and processing equipment amplifies and processes the signals received by the antennas for subsequent data transmission or communication. Conversely, the side where the baseband processing equipment is deployed can be referred to as "below the tower," which refers to the bottom area of ​​the communication tower or base station tower. This area typically includes: an equipment room, where the main equipment of the base station is installed. This equipment is responsible for processing the signals received from the antennas and converting them into digital data for transmission or storage; and a power supply and distribution system, which provides a stable power supply for the communication equipment.

[0083] However, if ultra-large-scale broadband MIMO systems continue to use the above... Figure 2 The architecture shown requires the use of a large amount of optical fiber, which will lead to huge challenges for the entire communication system in terms of size, weight, power consumption and connection complexity.

[0084] To reduce the number of optical fibers used, some solutions utilize multi-wavelength ROF modules to modulate multiple radio frequency signals onto carriers of different wavelengths, and then reuse the same optical fiber for long-distance transmission. For example, refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the ROF module (multi-wavelength) can receive signals from multiple transmission links, modulate multiple signals onto carriers of different wavelengths, and then reuse the same optical fiber for long-distance transmission.

[0086] However, since each ROF module can only handle a limited number of signals, the above solutions have a limited impact on reducing the number of optical fibers in the overall communication system, and still have significant limitations for ultra-large-scale broadband MIMO systems. Furthermore, multiple transmission links sharing the same optical fiber does not reduce the size of the ROF modules, making it difficult to reduce the overall size and weight of the communication system. In addition, the ROF modules often require thermoelectric coolers (TECs) for cooling, which leads to relatively high power consumption and poor stability of the entire system.

[0087] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication device applicable to ultra-large-scale broadband MIMO systems. The communication device includes a ROF module and multiple signal processing modules. Each signal processing module can combine signals from multiple transmission links into a single signal. The ROF module can modulate the signals output by multiple signal processing modules onto carriers of different wavelengths and then reuse the same optical fiber for long-distance transmission. This effectively reduces the number of optical fibers required by the communication system, thereby reducing the size, weight, power consumption, and connection complexity of the communication system.

[0088] The communication methods provided in the various embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the English abbreviations involved in the embodiments of this application are merely exemplary and not the only or limiting naming methods. Various components may also have other reasonable naming methods, such as being flexibly defined according to their specific structural features and / or the functions they implement. These will not be listed one by one in the embodiments of this application.

[0089] For example, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 .

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, Figure 4 The communication device 400 shown may include a ROF module 410 (multi-wavelength) and multiple signal processing modules, such as signal processing module 420a, signal processing module 420b, ..., each of which is connected to the ROF module 410. It should be noted that the number of signal processing modules is not limited in this embodiment.

[0091] The ROF module 410 (multi-wavelength) can receive signals output from multiple signal processing modules and modulate multiple signals onto carriers of different wavelengths, then multiplex them onto the same optical fiber for long-distance transmission.

[0092] The following description uses signal processing module 420a as an example to illustrate the structure and function of the above signal processing module. It is understood that the structure and function of other signal processing modules, such as signal processing module 420b, can be referenced from signal processing module 420a.

[0093] In some embodiments, the signal processing module 420a includes a first processing component 421 and N second processing components 422; the first processing component 421 is connected to each of the N second processing components 422; N is a positive integer and N≥2. For example, the value of N can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, ..., and is not limited in this application.

[0094] In some implementations, different second processing components 422 correspond to different transmission links. Each second processing component 422 can be used to receive a third signal in its corresponding transmission link and output a second signal by adjusting the frequency of the received third signal. The aforementioned N second processing components 422 can be used to adjust the frequencies of N third signals to output N second signals, the frequencies of which are different from each other. For example, assuming N=4, the frequencies of the third signals received by the four second processing components 422 are the same, and the frequencies of the second signals output by the four second processing components 422 can be a1, a2, a3, and a4 (GHz), respectively, where a1≠a2≠a3≠a4.

[0095] The first processing component 421 can be used to combine the above-mentioned N second signals into a first signal and input it into the ROF module 410. The ROF module 410 is used to modulate the first signal output by the above-mentioned multiple signal processing modules (such as signal processing module 420a, signal processing module 420b, etc.) into optical carriers of different wavelengths, thereby enabling the same optical fiber to be used to transmit the first signals output by the above-mentioned multiple signal processing modules.

[0096] In some implementations, when the ROF module 410 receives an optical carrier through the optical fiber, the ROF module 410 can output multiple first signals based on the received optical carrier, with each first signal corresponding to a different signal processing module. After receiving its corresponding first signal, the signal processing module 420a can use the first processing component 421 to split the received first signal into N second signals with different frequencies. Different second processing components 422 can be used to receive different second signals and adjust the frequency of the received second signals to output third signals with the same frequency. For example, the N second processing components 422 can be used to adjust the frequency of the N second signals to output N third signals with the same frequency.

[0097] In some implementations, the first signal can be a broadband signal. For example, the first signal can be a broadband signal of 400MHz or higher.

[0098] In some implementations, the aforementioned third signal can be transmitted to an antenna for transmission; or it can be transmitted to a baseband processing device for processing.

[0099] For example, assuming the above communication system includes 512 transmission links, each ROF module 410 can be used to modulate four first signals into optical carriers of different wavelengths and multiplex them through the same optical fiber, and N=4; then the above communication system only requires 128 of the above signal processing modules, 32 ROF modules 410, and 32 optical fibers; compared to Figure 3The communication system shown (requiring at least 128 ROF modules and 128 optical fibers) effectively reduces the number of optical fibers and ROF modules 410 required, thereby helping to reduce the size, weight, power consumption and connection complexity of the communication system.

[0100] For example, assuming the above communication system includes a total of 1024 transmission links, you can refer to Table 1, which is a comparative table of the technical effects of different transmission schemes.

[0101] Table 1: Comparison of Technical Effects of Different Transmission Schemes

[0102]

[0103] Among them, for Figure 3 The illustrated technical solution requires 512 ROF modules to modulate two signals into optical carriers of different wavelengths for transmission. The required number of optical fibers is either 512 (using the same fiber for both the receiving and transmitting links) or 1024 (using different fibers for the receiving and transmitting links). If the ROF module can modulate eight signals into optical carriers of different wavelengths for transmission, the required number of ROF modules is 128. The required number of optical fibers is either 128 (using the same fiber for both the receiving and transmitting links) or 256 (using different fibers for the receiving and transmitting links).

[0104] for Figure 4 The illustrated technical solution, if the ROF module can be used to modulate two signals into optical carriers of different wavelengths for transmission, and the signal processing module includes 4 (i.e., N=4) second processing components, then the required number of ROF modules is 128, and the required number of optical fibers is either 128 (receiving and transmitting links share the same optical fiber) or 256 (receiving and transmitting links use different optical fibers). If the ROF module can be used to modulate eight signals into optical carriers of different wavelengths for transmission, and the signal processing module includes 4 (i.e., N=4) second processing components, then the required number of ROF modules is 32, and the required number of optical fibers is either 32 (receiving and transmitting links share the same optical fiber) or 64 (receiving and transmitting links use different optical fibers).

[0105] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can combine signals from multiple transmission links into one signal in each signal processing module. The ROF module can modulate the signals output by multiple signal processing modules onto carriers of different wavelengths and then reuse the same optical fiber for long-distance transmission. This can effectively reduce the number of optical fibers required by the communication system and reduce the size, weight, power consumption and connection complexity of the communication system.

[0106] Based on the content described in the above embodiments, referring to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first processing component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first processing component includes a common port COM and N radio frequency ports; for example, radio frequency ports RF1, RF2, RF3, ..., RF2. N The common port COM can be connected to the aforementioned ROF module, and different radio frequency ports among the N radio frequency ports can be connected to different second processing components among the aforementioned N second processing components.

[0108] In some implementations, when N=4, the first processing component described above may also be referred to as a quadruplexer (QPLX).

[0109] In some implementations, the first processing component 421 may include N bandpass filters (BPFs), with different bandpass filters connected to different radio frequency ports among the N radio frequency ports. For example, suppose the N bandpass filters are BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, ..., BPF N Then BPF1 is connected to RF port RF1, BPF2 is connected to RF port RF2, BPF3 is connected to RF port RF3, ..., BPF N With RF port N connect.

[0110] In some implementations, the N bandpass filters correspond to different frequency bands. For example, the center frequencies of BPF1, BPF2, BPF3, and BPF4 can be 1.5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 3.3 GHz, and 4.2 GHz, respectively.

[0111] Optionally, the bandwidths of the above N bandpass filters can be the same or different.

[0112] Optionally, the bandwidth of each of the above N bandpass filters can be 400MHz, and each bandpass filter can allow signals within a frequency range of approximately 200MHz above and below its center frequency to pass through.

[0113] For example, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission characteristics of each bandpass filter in the first processing component provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0114] Assuming the center frequency of BPF1 is 1.5 GHz, it can allow signals in the frequency range from 1.3 GHz to 1.7 GHz to pass through; assuming the center frequency of BPF2 is 2.4 GHz, it can allow signals in the frequency range from 2.2 GHz to 2.6 GHz to pass through; assuming the center frequency of BPF3 is 3.3 GHz, it can allow signals in the frequency range from 3.1 GHz to 3.5 GHz to pass through; assuming the center frequency of BPF4 is 4.2 GHz, it can allow signals in the frequency range from 4.0 GHz to 4.4 GHz to pass through.

[0115] In some implementations, the first processing component can use the N bandpass filters to split the first signal output by the ROF module into N second signals with different frequencies, or to merge the N second signals with different frequencies into the first signal.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second processing component includes a down-conversion processing circuit and an up-conversion processing circuit; the down-conversion processing circuit is used to convert the received second signal into a third signal output, that is, to reduce the signal from a higher frequency band to a lower frequency band, so as to facilitate subsequent signal processing or transmission; the up-conversion processing circuit is used to convert the received third signal into a second signal output, that is, to increase the signal from a lower frequency band to a higher frequency band, so as to meet the requirements of transmission or transmission.

[0117] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second processing component provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the downconversion processing circuit includes a first bandpass filter BPF1, a second low noise amplifier (LNA) 2, a first digital step attenuator (DSA) 1, a first mixer M1, a first low pass filter (LPF) 1, and a first intermediate frequency amplifier IF_Amp1 connected in series.

[0118] The aforementioned upconversion circuit includes a first driver amplifier (DA) 1, a second bandpass filter BPF 2, a second mixer M2, a second low-pass filter LPF 2, a second digitally controlled attenuator DSA 2, and a second intermediate frequency amplifier IF_Amp 2, which are connected in series.

[0119] Both M1 and M2 mentioned above include a local oscillator (LO) receiver, which is used to receive the local oscillator signal.

[0120] In some implementations, BPF1 is used to filter and allow signals in a specific frequency band to pass through in order to filter out unwanted interference signals.

[0121] LNA2 is used to amplify the weak signal output from BPF2 while maintaining the signal-to-noise ratio as much as possible.

[0122] DSA1 is used to adjust the amplitude of the signal to achieve precise gain control, which can prevent the signal from being too strong to cause saturation or too weak to cause ineffective amplification.

[0123] M1 is used to mix the received radio frequency signal with the local oscillator signal LO generated by the local oscillator to generate an intermediate frequency signal. This mixing process realizes the frequency conversion of the signal.

[0124] LPF1 is used to filter out harmonics and spurious signals generated during the mixing process, ensuring the purity of the output signal.

[0125] IF_Amp1 is used to further amplify the intermediate frequency signal, providing sufficient signal strength for subsequent digital signal processing or demodulation.

[0126] In some implementations, DA1 is used to amplify the baseband or intermediate frequency signal to be transmitted to provide sufficient power to drive the mixer.

[0127] BPF2 is used to filter and allow signals in a specific frequency band to pass through, ensuring that only signals that meet the requirements enter the second mixer M2.

[0128] M2 is used to mix the amplified baseband or intermediate frequency signal with the local oscillator signal LO generated by the local oscillator to generate an radio frequency signal. This mixing process achieves a frequency shift of the signal.

[0129] LPF2 is used to filter out harmonics and spurious signals generated during the mixing process, ensuring the purity of the output RF signal.

[0130] DSA2 is used to adjust the amplitude of the radio frequency signal to meet the transmit power requirements.

[0131] IF_Amp2 is used to further amplify the RF signal to provide sufficient transmit power.

[0132] In some implementations, the second processing component described above may integrate a serial-to-parallel conversion circuit, such as an integrated serial peripheral interface (SPI) chip, to achieve efficient conversion between serial and parallel signals.

[0133] In some implementations, the second processing component described above may also support inter-module cascading configuration to connect with other components in a cascading manner.

[0134] In some embodiments, the second processing component further includes a switch SW4, the first end and the second end of the switch SW4 being connected to IF_Amp1 and IF_Amp2 respectively, and the common port of the switch SW4 being used to connect to the first processing component.

[0135] In some implementations, SW4 can selectively output signals during down-conversion and up-conversion. During down-conversion, after the IF_Amp1 amplifies the intermediate frequency signal, SW4 can choose to pass the signal from the first terminal to the common port, and then send it to the first processing component for further processing. During up-conversion, SW4 can choose to pass the signal from the second terminal.

[0136] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second processing component provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 In some embodiments, the downconversion processing circuit further includes an intermediate frequency amplifier IF_Amp7-1 and a digitally controlled attenuator DSA7-1; IF_Amp7-1 is connected in series between M1 and LPF1; DSA7-1 is connected in series between LPF1 and IF_Amp1.

[0137] In some implementations, IF_Amp7-1 is used to amplify the intermediate frequency signal output from M1 to increase the signal strength for easier subsequent processing.

[0138] Similar to the DSA1, the DSA7-1 can also be used to adjust the amplitude of a signal for more precise gain control.

[0139] In some embodiments, the second processing component further includes a switch SW_LO; the first terminal of SW_LO is connected to the local oscillator signal receiving terminal of M1, the second terminal of SW_LO is connected to the local oscillator signal receiving terminal of M2, and the common port of SW_LO is used to receive the local oscillator signal LO.

[0140] In some implementations, SW_LO can selectively pass the local oscillator signal LO to the mixer. During downconversion, when the received RF signal needs to be processed, SW_LO passes the local oscillator signal LO to M1 to generate the intermediate frequency (IF) signal. During upconversion, when the baseband or IF signal needs to be converted into an RF signal for transmission, SW_LO passes the local oscillator signal LO to M2 to generate the RF signal.

[0141] Optionally, the local oscillator signal LO can be generated by one or more local oscillators. By introducing SW_LO, the system can utilize the signals generated by these local oscillators more efficiently, while reducing unnecessary signal interference and loss.

[0142] The second processing component provided in this application embodiment includes both a down-conversion processing circuit and an up-conversion processing circuit, so it can flexibly perform signal frequency conversion operations as needed. In addition, integrating the down-conversion processing circuit and the up-conversion processing circuit into the same second processing component is also beneficial to improving the system integration and reducing costs.

[0143] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another second processing component provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the second processing component includes a down-conversion processing circuit and an up-conversion processing circuit; the down-conversion processing circuit is used to convert the received second signal into a third signal output, that is, to reduce the signal from a higher frequency band to a lower frequency band, so as to facilitate subsequent signal processing or transmission; the up-conversion processing circuit is used to convert the received third signal into a second signal output, that is, to boost the signal from a lower frequency band to a higher frequency band, so as to meet the requirements of transmission or transmission.

[0144] In some embodiments, the downconversion processing circuit described above includes a second driver amplifier DA2, a third digitally controlled attenuator DSA3, a third mixer M3, and a third bandpass filter BPF3 connected in series.

[0145] The aforementioned upconversion circuit includes a third driver amplifier DA3, a fourth mixer M4, a fourth digitally controlled attenuator DSA4, and a fourth bandpass filter BPF4 connected in series.

[0146] Both M3 and M4 mentioned above include a local oscillator signal receiver, which is used to receive the local oscillator signal LO.

[0147] In some implementations, DA2 is used to amplify the received second signal to provide sufficient power to drive subsequent circuitry.

[0148] DSA3 is used to adjust the amplitude of the signal to achieve precise gain control, which helps prevent the signal from being too strong and causing subsequent circuits to saturate, or too weak and causing it to be unable to be processed effectively.

[0149] M3 is used to mix the received radio frequency signal with the local oscillator signal generated by the local oscillator to generate an intermediate frequency signal. This mixing process reduces the signal frequency.

[0150] BPF3 is used to filter and allow signals in specific frequency bands to pass through, ensuring the purity and stability of the output signal.

[0151] In some implementations, DA3 is used to amplify the baseband or intermediate frequency signal to be transmitted to provide sufficient power to drive the mixer.

[0152] M4 is used to mix the amplified baseband or intermediate frequency signal with the local oscillator signal generated by the local oscillator to generate a radio frequency signal.

[0153] DSA4 is used to adjust the amplitude of the radio frequency signal to meet the transmit power requirements.

[0154] BPF4 is used to filter and allow radio frequency signals in specific frequency bands to pass through, ensuring the purity and stability of the transmitted signal.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second processing component further includes a switch SW9, the first and second terminals of which are connected to DA2 and the fourth driver amplifier DA3, respectively, and the common port of SW9 is used to connect to the first processing component.

[0156] In some implementations, SW9 can selectively output signals during down-conversion and up-conversion. During down-conversion, after the third driver amplifier DA2 amplifies the received RF signal, SW9 can choose to pass the signal from the first terminal to the common port, and then send it to the first processing component for further processing. During up-conversion, after the fourth driver amplifier DA3 amplifies the baseband or intermediate frequency signal to be transmitted, SW9 can choose to pass the signal from the second terminal to the common port, and similarly send it to the first processing component for further processing or transmission.

[0157] Reference Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another second processing component provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 In some embodiments, the downconversion processing circuit further includes a fifth switch SW5 and a sixth switch SW6. The first terminal of SW5 is connected to the first terminal of SW6, the second terminal of SW5 is connected to the first terminal of M3, the second terminal of M3 is connected to the second terminal of SW6, the common port of SW5 is connected to DSA3, and the common port of SW6 is connected to BPF3.

[0158] The aforementioned upconversion circuit also includes a seventh switch SW7 and an eighth switch SW8. The first terminal of SW7 is connected to the first terminal of SW8, the second terminal of SW7 is connected to the first terminal of M4, the second terminal of M4 is connected to the second terminal of SW8, the common port of SW7 is connected to DA3, and the common port of SW8 is connected to DSA4.

[0159] In some implementations, SW5 and SW6 can be used to select a signal path. In the downconversion processing circuit, the coordinated operation of SW5 and SW6 allows the system to select between different signal processing paths.

[0160] Similarly, SW7 and SW8 are used to select the signal path. In the upconversion processing circuit, the coordinated operation of SW7 and SW8 may allow the system to select between different signal processing paths.

[0161] In some embodiments, the second processing component further includes a switch SW_LO; the first terminal of SW_LO is connected to the local oscillator signal receiving terminal of M3, the second terminal of SW_LO is connected to the local oscillator signal receiving terminal of M4, and the common port of SW_LO is used to receive the local oscillator signal LO.

[0162] In some implementations, SW_LO can selectively allocate the local oscillator signal LO during down-conversion and up-conversion. During down-conversion, when it is necessary to convert the received RF signal into an IF signal, SW_LO will pass the local oscillator signal LO to M3. During up-conversion, when it is necessary to convert the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal for transmission, SW_LO will pass the local oscillator signal LO to M4.

[0163] The second processing component provided in this application embodiment includes both a down-conversion processing circuit and an up-conversion processing circuit, so it can flexibly perform signal frequency conversion operations as needed. In addition, integrating the down-conversion processing circuit and the up-conversion processing circuit into the same second processing component is also beneficial to improving the system integration and reducing costs.

[0164] Based on the content described in the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the above signal processing module further includes N FEMs, and different FEMs among the N FEMs are connected to different second processing components among the N second processing components.

[0165] In some embodiments, the signal processing module further includes N antennas; the common port of different FEMs among the N FEMs is connected to different antennas among the N antennas.

[0166] Reference Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 In some embodiments, taking signal processing module 420a as an example, signal processing module 420a further includes N FEMs 423, and different FEMs among the N FEMs 423 are connected to different second processing components among the N second processing components 422.

[0167] The signal processing module 420a also includes N antennas 424; the common port of different FEMs among the N FEMs 423 is connected to different antennas among the N antennas 424.

[0168] In some implementations, the functions of the FEM described above may include one or more of the following: timing switching of the radio frequency transceiver link; power amplification of the radio frequency transmit signal; gain amplification of the radio frequency transmit link; spurious suppression of the radio frequency transmit link; low-noise gain amplification of the radio frequency receive link; configurable gain of the radio frequency receive link; and coupling of radio frequency signals (for calibration).

[0169] Reference Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a FEM provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, the FEM includes a directional coupler (DC), a first power amplifier PA1, a first low-noise amplifier LNA1, and a first switch SW1.

[0170] In some implementations, DC is connected in series between the antenna and the common port of the first switch SW1, LNA1 is connected in series between the first terminal of SW1 and the first terminal of FEM, and PA1 is connected in series between the second terminal of SW1 and the second terminal of FEM.

[0171] In some implementations, DC can be used to couple signals received or transmitted by the antenna to facilitate signal monitoring, power control, and other operations.

[0172] SW1 has one common port and two selectable ports. The common port is connected to the DC. The first port is connected to LNA1, forming part of the receive path; the second port is connected to PA1, forming part of the transmit path. The first switch SW1 can be used to switch between the receive and transmit paths.

[0173] LNA1 is used to amplify weak signals received by the antenna.

[0174] PA1 is used to amplify the signal in the transmission link to ensure that the signal has sufficient power level for long-distance transmission.

[0175] Reference Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another FEM provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, the FEM further includes a fourth driver amplifier DA4, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, and a fifth bandpass filter BPF5.

[0176] In some implementations, the first end of SW1 is connected to the common port of SW2, LNA1 is connected in series between the first end of SW2 and the first end of SW3, the second end of SW2 is connected to the second end of SW3, and the common port of SW3 is the first end of FEM; the second end of SW1, PA1, DA4, and the first end of BPF5 are connected in series in sequence, and the second end of BPF5 is the second end of FEM.

[0177] In some implementations, SW2 and SW3 are used to selectively output the amplified received signal or receive other input signals.

[0178] The DA4 acts as a preamplifier for PA1, providing sufficient gain to drive PA1. This helps reduce the input power requirements of PA1 and improves the efficiency of the entire transmit link.

[0179] BPF5 is used to filter out spurious frequency components in the transmitted signal, ensuring that the signal meets the spectrum requirements and reducing interference to other frequency bands.

[0180] In this embodiment, the FEM cleverly combines components such as directional couplers, switches, low-noise amplifiers, and power amplifiers to achieve functions such as signal reception, amplification, filtering, and transmission. By adjusting the state of the switch, the reception and transmission paths can be flexibly switched to achieve different signal processing flows and functions.

[0181] In some embodiments, the second processing component may further include an analog-to-digital (AD) conversion module and / or a digital-to-analog (DA) conversion module. The AD module is used to sample the second signal output by the first processing component and send the sampled signal to the baseband processing device; the DA module is used to convert the third signal output by the baseband processing device into an analog signal (the second signal mentioned above).

[0182] In some implementations, different analog-to-digital converters and / or digital-to-analog converters may have the same sampling rate; different analog-to-digital converters and / or digital-to-analog converters correspond to different Nyquist sampling regions.

[0183] In this embodiment, the second processing component does not need to adjust the frequency of the second or third signal. Instead, it is directly sampled and processed by the AD and / or DA modules with higher sampling rates that support higher frequency analog signals. This avoids spurious signals and other nonlinear problems caused by the secondary mixing of the second processing component, resulting in a simpler link structure and less interference.

[0184] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes a substrate, and the plurality of signal processing modules are mounted on the surface of the substrate.

[0185] Reference Figure 14 , Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the packaging structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0186] In some embodiments, the communication device includes a heat dissipation component 1, a connecting plate 2, a first metal structure 3, a substrate 4, a second metal structure 5, an antenna 6, a button connector 7, and a screw 8.

[0187] The first processing component, the second processing component, and the FEM mentioned above can be mounted on the surface of the substrate 3 using surface mount technology (SMT).

[0188] The heat dissipation component 1 can be used to reduce the heat generated by the communication device during operation, thereby ensuring that it can work stably and continuously.

[0189] The connecting plate 2 can serve as a bridge between the aforementioned signal processing modules, which helps with signal transmission and the fixation of the signal processing modules.

[0190] The first metal structure 3 can provide structural support and may include a metal shell, shielding cover, etc.

[0191] The substrate 4 can support the first processing component, the second processing component, and the FEM, and is responsible for the electrical connection between them.

[0192] The second metal structure 5 is similar to the first metal structure, also providing structural support.

[0193] Antenna 6 can be used to receive and transmit radio signals.

[0194] The 7-button connector is a convenient connector for connecting and disconnecting circuit boards.

[0195] Screw 8 can be used to secure various components, ensuring the overall structural stability of the communication device.

[0196] For example, refer to Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a disassembly diagram of the packaging structure of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0197] Reference Figure 16 , Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in the embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the communication system includes a first communication device 1510, a second communication device 1520, and a transmission medium 1530.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first communication device 1510 includes a ROF module 1511 and a plurality of signal processing modules, such as signal processing module 1512a, signal processing module 1512b, etc. Each signal processing module is connected to the ROF module 1511.

[0199] Taking signal processing module 1512a as an example, signal processing module 1512a includes a first processing component and N second processing components; the first processing component and the N second processing components are connected. The structure of the first processing component can be referred to the above. Figure 5 The first processing component shown can be described with reference to the structure of the second processing component described above. Figure 7 or Figure 8 The second processing component shown is not limited in this embodiment.

[0200] In some embodiments, the signal processing module 1512a may further include N FEMs and antennas; the structure of the FEM can be referred to the above description. Figure 12 or Figure 13 The FEM shown in this application embodiment is not limited.

[0201] In some embodiments, the second communication device 1520 includes a ROF module 1521 and multiple signal processing modules, such as signal processing module 1522a, signal processing module 1522b, etc. Each signal processing module is connected to the ROF module 1521.

[0202] Taking signal processing module 1522a as an example, signal processing module 1522a includes a first processing component and N second processing components; the first processing component and the N second processing components are connected. The structure of the first processing component can be referred to the above. Figure 5 The first processing component shown can be described with reference to the structure of the second processing component described above. Figure 9 or Figure 10 The second processing component shown is not limited in this embodiment.

[0203] In some embodiments, the second processing component in the second communication device 1520 may also be an AD module and / or a DA module.

[0204] In some embodiments, the transmission medium 1530 may be an optical fiber.

[0205] In some embodiments, one end of the transmission medium 1530 is connected to the ROF module 1511 in the first communication device 1510, and the other end is connected to the ROF module 1521 in the second communication device 1520. Exemplarily, the transmission medium is connected to the first or second communication device via an optical module.

[0206] In some embodiments, the receiving link and transmitting link corresponding to the above-mentioned ROF module can reuse the same optical fiber.

[0207] In this embodiment, the receiving link and the transmitting link reuse the same optical fiber, which can minimize the number of optical fibers required and simplify the complexity of optical fiber cabling.

[0208] In some embodiments, the multiple receiving links corresponding to the above-mentioned ROF module can reuse the first optical fiber, and the multiple transmitting links corresponding to the above-mentioned ROF module can reuse the second optical fiber.

[0209] The aforementioned receiving link and transmitting link are the receiving link and transmitting link corresponding to the aforementioned signal processing module.

[0210] In this embodiment, multiple receiving links reuse the same optical fiber, while multiple transmitting links reuse another optical fiber. This can maintain the independence of the receiving and transmitting links to a certain extent, while also reducing the number of optical fibers required and simplifying the complexity of optical fiber cabling.

[0211] It is understood that the division of components or modules in the aforementioned communication device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0212] Based on the content described in the above embodiments, some embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, which may include the communication apparatus provided in the above embodiments.

[0213] Optionally, the aforementioned communication equipment may be Figure 1 The RAN nodes shown in this embodiment are not limited.

[0214] In some embodiments, when the communication device is a tower-based device, it may further include a baseband processing device coupled to the communication device.

[0215] The aforementioned baseband processing unit, also known as a BBU, is the device in the aforementioned communication equipment responsible for processing baseband signals. Baseband signals are unmodulated raw signals that contain digital data and control information.

[0216] In some embodiments, the second processing component in the communication device can be used to transmit a third signal to the baseband processing device, or to receive the third signal output by the baseband processing device and convert the received third signal into a second signal for output.

[0217] Based on the content described in the above embodiments, some embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which includes:

[0218] Multiple first signals are generated based on the received optical carrier, the first signals are split into N second signals, and N third signals are output based on the N second signals.

[0219] And / or, based on the received N third signals, output N second signals, merge the N second signals into a first signal, and modulate the multiple first signals into optical carriers of different wavelengths.

[0220] In some embodiments, the above communication method can be implemented by the communication device provided in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application.

[0221] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0222] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0223] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0224] The unit described as a separate component may or may not be physically separate. The component shown as a unit may or may not be a physical unit; it may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0225] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0226] If this function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, or part of it, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized by It includes a radio frequency fiber optic transmission module and multiple signal processing modules, wherein the signal processing modules are connected to the radio frequency fiber optic transmission module; each signal processing module includes a first processing component and N second processing components; the first processing component is connected to the N second processing components; N is a positive integer and N≥2; The first processing component is used to split the first signal output by the radio frequency optical fiber transmission module into N second signals, and the N second processing components are used to output N third signals according to the received N second signals; And / or, the N second processing components are used to output N second signals according to the received N third signals, and the first processing component is used to combine the N second signals into a first signal and output it to the radio frequency optical fiber transmission module; The frequencies of the N second signals are all different, while the frequencies of the N third signals are all the same. The radio frequency fiber optic transmission module is used to modulate multiple first signals output by the multiple signal processing modules into optical carriers of different wavelengths; and / or, to output multiple first signals based on the received optical carriers.

2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first processing component includes a common port and N radio frequency ports; The common port is connected to the radio frequency fiber optic transmission module, and different radio frequency ports among the N radio frequency ports are connected to different second processing components among the N second processing components.

3. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The first processing component includes N bandpass filters; different bandpass filters among the N bandpass filters are connected to different radio frequency ports among the N radio frequency ports; the N bandpass filters correspond to different frequency bands.

4. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The signal processing module further includes N radio frequency front-end modules; different radio frequency front-end modules among the N radio frequency front-end modules are connected to different second processing components among the N second processing components.

5. The communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The signal processing module also includes N antennas; the common port of different radio frequency front-end modules among the N radio frequency front-end modules is connected to different antennas among the N antennas.

6. The communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The radio frequency front-end module includes a directional coupler, a first power amplifier, a first low-noise amplifier, and a first switch; The directional coupler is connected in series between the antenna and the common port of the first switch; the first low-noise amplifier is connected in series between the first terminal of the first switch and the first terminal of the RF front-end module; and the first power amplifier is connected in series between the second terminal of the first switch and the second terminal of the RF front-end module.

7. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The second processing component includes a down-conversion processing circuit and an up-conversion processing circuit; the down-conversion processing circuit is used to convert the received second signal into the third signal for output; the up-conversion processing circuit is used to convert the received third signal into the second signal for output.

8. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The downconversion processing circuit includes a first bandpass filter, a second low-noise amplifier, a first digitally controlled attenuator, a first mixer, a first low-pass filter, and a first intermediate frequency amplifier connected in series. The upconversion processing circuit includes a first driver amplifier, a second bandpass filter, a second mixer, a second low-pass filter, a second digitally controlled attenuator, and a second intermediate frequency amplifier connected in series. Both the first mixer and the second mixer include a local oscillator signal receiving terminal, which is used to receive the local oscillator signal.

9. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The downconversion processing circuit includes a second driver amplifier, a third digitally controlled attenuator, a third mixer, and a third bandpass filter connected in series. The upconversion processing circuit includes a third driver amplifier, a fourth mixer, a fourth digitally controlled attenuator, and a fourth bandpass filter connected in series. Both the third mixer and the fourth mixer include a local oscillator signal receiving end, which is used to receive the local oscillator signal.

10. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The second processing component includes an analog-to-digital conversion module and / or a digital-to-analog conversion module.

11. The communication apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The N different analog-to-digital conversion modules and / or digital-to-analog conversion modules correspond to different Nyquist sampling regions.

12. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The receiving link and transmitting link of the radio frequency optical fiber transmission module share the same optical fiber.

13. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The multiple receiving links corresponding to the radio frequency optical fiber transmission module reuse the first optical fiber, and the multiple transmitting links corresponding to the radio frequency optical fiber transmission module reuse the second optical fiber.

14. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The communication device also includes a substrate, and the plurality of signal processing modules are mounted on the surface of the substrate.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a transmission medium, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are connected via the transmission medium; The first communication device is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 12 to 14; The second communication device is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 7, 9 to 14.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a communication device, wherein the communication device is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. The communication device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The communication device includes a baseband processing unit, which is coupled to the communication device.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Multiple first signals are generated based on the received optical carrier, the first signals are split into N second signals, and N third signals are output based on the N second signals; And / or, based on the received N third signals, output N second signals, merge the N second signals into a first signal, and modulate multiple first signals into optical carriers of different wavelengths.

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