A phase shift circuit, a skyhook system and a communication device

Abstract

The application provides a phase shift circuit, a sky feed system and a communication device. In the phase shift circuit, a plurality of loading branches share one switch unit. By changing the state of the switch unit, the loading amount of the loading branch can be changed, so that the phase shift amount of the corresponding output end signal can be changed. The scheme can effectively improve the return loss, and can reduce the use amount of the switch unit in the phase shift circuit, thereby reducing the hardware cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to a phase-shifting circuit, an antenna feeder system, and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as wireless communication, wireless sensing, and wireless power transfer, phased array technology is commonly used to control the direction of the beam, making the energy of electromagnetic waves more concentrated in space, increasing signal coverage, and improving energy utilization efficiency. Each channel in the system requires an independent phase shifter and a corresponding control drive circuit. As the number of channels increases, the number of phase shifters needs to increase accordingly, causing the power consumption, area, cost, and complexity of the entire system to increase exponentially. Furthermore, to obtain a larger beam deflection angle, the phase shifters need to have a larger phase shift amount, resulting in a larger angle of deviation from the main axis during beam modulation, which usually also means greater losses.

[0003] Existing radio frequency phase shifters can be classified according to their circuit topology into switching type, loaded line type, reflective type, and high-pass / low-pass type phase shifters, etc. The circuit topology of the loaded line type phase shifter is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the loaded linear phase shifter includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter or a two-element loaded linear phase shifter.

[0004] Among them, the single-element loaded linear phase shifter has only one loading branch and requires only one switching unit, which has the advantages of simple circuit structure and short circuit length. However, when the phase shift increases, the return loss of the single-element loaded linear phase shifter is large, and the transmission efficiency becomes very low, making it only suitable for applications with a phase shift within 10°.

[0005] In scenarios with large phase shifts, how to achieve phase shifting using a single-element linear phase shifter while maintaining low return loss is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a phase-shifting circuit, an antenna feeder system, and a communication device for performing phase shifting through a single-element loaded linear phase-shifting circuit while maintaining low return loss.

[0007] In a first aspect, a phase-shifting circuit is provided, comprising: an input port, N output ports, and N transmission branches, wherein one end of each of the N transmission branches is connected to the input port, and the other end is connected to one of the N output ports, and the N transmission branches and the N output ports correspond one-to-one; the N transmission branches include at least two transmission branches, and each of the at least two transmission branches includes at least one unary loaded linear phase shifter, the unary loaded linear phase shifter being used to control the phase shift of radio frequency signals.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, a single-element loaded linear phase shifter is set in multiple transmission branches. The single-element loaded linear phase shifter in these multiple branches can offset the return loss of other branches, so that the single-element loaded linear phase shifter can be applied to large phase shift scenarios.

[0009] In some implementations, the unary loaded linear phase shifter includes two impedance matching units and a loading branch. The two impedance matching units are connected in series between the input and output terminals of the unary loaded linear phase shifter. One end of the loading branch is connected to the connection node between the two impedance matching units, and the other end is grounded or open-circuited. The loading branch includes a loading unit and a switching unit. The switching unit controls the phase shift of the radio frequency signal by controlling the amount of phase shift of the radio frequency signal in the unary loaded linear phase shifter.

[0010] In some implementations, the phase-shifting circuit further includes at least one switching unit, which includes a first switching unit. The at least two transmission branches include a total of M unary loaded linear phase shifters. The first switching unit is connected to P unary loaded linear phase shifters among the M unary loaded linear phase shifters. The first switching unit controls the phase shift of the radio frequency signal by controlling the phase shift amount of the radio frequency signal in the unary loaded linear phase shifters. M and P are integers greater than 1, and 2≤P≤M.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, multiple single-element linear phase shifters in the phase-shifting circuit share a single switching unit. By changing the state of this switching unit, the load amount of the loading branch can be changed, thereby altering the phase shift of the corresponding output signal. This scheme can effectively improve return loss and reduce the number of switching units used in the phase-shifting circuit, thus reducing hardware costs.

[0012] In some implementations, any one of the P unary loaded linear phase shifters includes: two impedance matching units and a loading branch, wherein the two impedance matching units are connected in series between the input and output terminals of the unary loaded linear phase shifter, one end of the loading branch is connected to the connection node between the two impedance matching units, and the other end is connected to the first switching unit; wherein the loading branch includes a loading unit.

[0013] In some implementations, the impedance matching unit includes one or more transmission line segments, or the impedance matching unit includes a capacitor and / or an inductor, or the impedance matching unit includes a device with phase-shifting functionality.

[0014] In some implementations, the loading unit includes one or more transmission lines, or the loading unit includes a capacitor and / or an inductor, or the loading unit includes a device with phase-shifting functionality.

[0015] In some implementations, the switching unit includes at least one radio frequency (RF) switch, which is connected in series or in parallel; or, the switching unit includes an RF switch and an inductor, with the RF switch connected in parallel with the inductor; or, the switching unit includes two series-connected impedance transformation units and an RF switch, with one end of the RF switch connected to the connection node between the two impedance transformation units, and the other end of the RF switch grounded or open-circuited; or, the switching unit includes an inductor, two impedance transformation units, and an RF switch, with one end of the RF switch connected to the connection node between the two impedance transformation units, and the other end of the RF switch grounded or open-circuited, and the inductor connected in parallel with the RF switch.

[0016] In some implementations, the impedance transformation unit is a transmission line with a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the radio frequency signal.

[0017] In a second aspect, an antenna feed system is provided, which includes N antenna elements and a phase shifting circuit as described in the first aspect or some implementation thereof, wherein the N output ports of the phase shifting circuit are respectively connected to the N antenna elements.

[0018] The phase-shifting circuit can transmit the signal after phase-shifting and filtering from the antenna element, or it can perform phase-shifting and filtering on the signal received from the antenna element. This application does not limit the specific application to this.

[0019] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a digital intermediate frequency unit, a radio frequency unit connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit, and N antenna units, the radio frequency unit including a phase shifting circuit as in the first aspect or some implementations of the first aspect, the N output ports of the phase shifting circuit being respectively connected to the N antenna units.

[0020] The phase-shifting circuit can transmit the signal after phase-shifting and filtering from the antenna element, or it can perform phase-shifting and filtering on the signal received from the antenna element. This application does not limit the specific application to this.

[0021] Fourthly, a phase-shifting circuit is provided, comprising: Q phase-shifting circuits in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, wherein the output port of each of the Q phase-shifting circuits is connected to an antenna element group, the Q phase-shifting circuits are connected to the Q antenna element groups, and the Q antenna element groups are connected to each other.

[0022] Fifthly, an antenna feed system is provided, comprising Q antenna element groups and Q phase-shifting circuits in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, wherein the output port of each of the Q phase-shifting circuits is connected to one of the antenna element groups in the Q antenna element groups, the Q phase-shifting circuits are connected to the Q antenna element groups, and the Q antenna element groups are connected to each other.

[0023] The phase-shifting circuit can transmit the signal after phase-shifting and filtering from the antenna element, or it can perform phase-shifting and filtering on the signal received from the antenna element. This application does not limit the specific application to this.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising a digital intermediate frequency unit, a radio frequency unit connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit, and Q antenna unit groups, the radio frequency unit comprising Q phase shifting circuits in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, the output port of each of the Q phase shifting circuits being connected to one of the Q antenna unit groups, the Q phase shifting circuits being connected to the Q antenna unit groups, and the Q antenna unit groups being interconnected.

[0025] The phase-shifting circuit can transmit the signal after phase-shifting and filtering from the antenna element, or it can perform phase-shifting and filtering on the signal received from the antenna element. This application does not limit the specific application to this. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 10 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device 20 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 3 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device 30 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna feeder system 40 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of the antenna feeder system 50 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a loaded linear phase-shifting circuit.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a circuit structure block diagram of the phase-shifting circuit 70 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a circuit structure block diagram of the phase-shifting circuit 80 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another switching unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another switching unit provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a circuit block diagram of a phase-shifting circuit 80 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 13 Another circuit block diagram of the phase-shifting circuit 80 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna feeder system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna feeder system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna feeder system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 18 This is a circuit block diagram of a phase-shifting circuit 90 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 19 This is a circuit block diagram of a phase-shifting circuit 90 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0046] The implementation of the technical solution of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication device 10 is connected to the baseband unit (BBU) 11 via optical fiber. The baseband unit 11 can perform baseband processing functions, such as encoding, multiplexing, modulation, and spread spectrum.

[0048] The communication device 10 is connected to the antenna element 12 via a feed line. The antenna element 12 includes at least one antenna element.

[0049] The optical fiber transmits optical signals, specifically the optical signals transmitted between the baseband processing unit 11 and the communication device 10. The feeder transmits electrical signals, specifically the electrical signals transmitted between the communication device 10 and the antenna unit 12.

[0050] The communication device 10 includes a digital intermediate frequency unit 101 and a radio frequency unit 102 connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit 101. Specifically, the baseband processing unit 11 is connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit 101 in the communication device 10. The digital intermediate frequency unit 101 is used for modulation and demodulation of optical transmission, digital up and down conversion, signal clipping, and analog-to-digital conversion.

[0051] The radio frequency unit 102 includes a phase shifting circuit 1021, which can shift the phase of the radio frequency signal in the radio frequency unit 102.

[0052] Furthermore, the radio frequency unit 102 may also include a power amplifier circuit 1022, which is located between the phase shift circuit 1021 and the digital intermediate frequency unit 101, and can amplify the power of the radio frequency signal. In this case, the digital intermediate frequency unit 101 is specifically connected to the power amplifier circuit 1022 in the radio frequency unit 102.

[0053] For example, taking the signal transmission of communication device 10 as an example, digital intermediate frequency unit 101 modulates the baseband signal transmitted by baseband processing unit 11 to obtain a first radio frequency signal. The first radio frequency signal is amplified by power amplifier circuit 1022 and then transmitted to phase shift circuit 1021. After phase shifting and filtering out interference frequency bands, phase shift circuit 1021 obtains a second radio frequency signal, which is converted into electromagnetic waves by antenna unit 12 and transmitted.

[0054] In some feasible implementations, the communication device may also include an antenna unit, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 . Figure 2 This is yet another structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 The communication device 20 shown is Figure 1The difference between the communication device 10 and the communication device 20 is that, in addition to the digital intermediate frequency unit 201 and the radio frequency unit 202, the communication device 20 also includes an antenna unit 203, wherein the antenna unit 203 includes at least one antenna element. Furthermore, each antenna element in the antenna unit 203 is specifically connected to one end of the phase shifting circuit 2021 in the radio frequency unit 202. The other end of the phase shifting circuit 2021 is connected to one end of the power amplifier circuit 2022, the other end of the power amplifier circuit 2022 is connected to one end of the digital intermediate frequency unit 201, and the other end of the digital intermediate frequency unit 201 is connected to the baseband processing unit 21. It is understood that the specific implementation of the communication device 20 can be referenced to the specific implementation of the communication device 10, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] In this embodiment, the communication device integrates an antenna unit, which reduces the cable connection between the communication device and the antenna unit, resulting in low cost. Furthermore, the integration of the communication device and the antenna unit together leads to high integration and high space utilization. A communication device integrating an antenna unit can be understood as an active antenna unit (AAU).

[0056] In some feasible implementations, the communication device may include multiple antenna elements, and the radio frequency unit may include a phase-shifting circuit corresponding to each antenna element. In this case, the communication device can... Figure 3 As shown, the communication device 30 includes a digital intermediate frequency unit 301 and a radio frequency unit 302. The radio frequency unit 302 includes a phase shifting circuit 3021a, a phase shifting circuit 3021b, and a phase shifting circuit 3021n. One end of the phase shifting circuit 3021a is connected to an antenna unit 303a, one end of the phase shifting circuit 3021b is connected to an antenna unit 303b, and one end of the phase shifting circuit 3021n is connected to an antenna unit 303n. The other ends of the phase shifting circuits 3021a, 3021b, and 3021n are connected to one end of a power amplifier circuit 3022. The other end of the power amplifier circuit 3022 is connected to one end of the digital intermediate frequency unit 301, and the other end of the digital intermediate frequency unit 301 is connected to a baseband processing unit 31. Unlike communication device 20, multiple antenna units in communication device 30 share a baseband processing unit 31. The baseband signal transmitted by the baseband processing unit 31 is modulated by the digital intermediate frequency unit 301 to obtain a third radio frequency signal. The third radio frequency signal is transmitted to each phase shifting circuit through the power amplifier circuit 3022. The phase shift amount of each phase shifting circuit can be different, so that the antenna units connected to each phase shifting circuit can propagate electromagnetic waves in different directions.

[0057] For example, antenna elements 303a, 303b, and 303n include at least one antenna element. Further, an antenna array may include antenna elements 303a, 303b, and 303n, in which case antenna elements 303a, 303b, and 303n may be disposed on the same printed circuit board (PCB).

[0058] In this embodiment, the communication device integrates multiple antenna units and multiple phase-shifting circuits, resulting in higher integration and higher space utilization.

[0059] It should be noted that the communication equipment provided in this application can be used in scenarios such as base stations, terminal devices, radar, and wireless fidelity (WiFi). Among them, terminal devices can be, for example, smart wearable devices, smartphones, tablets, laptops, in-vehicle computers, servers, and smart cars, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation of the terminal devices.

[0060] In some feasible implementations, this application can be specifically implemented as a product form other than a communication device, such as an antenna feeder system. For example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna feeder system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the antenna feeder system 40 is connected to the remote radio unit (RRU) 41.

[0061] The antenna system 40 includes a phase-shifting circuit 401 and an antenna unit 402, wherein the phase-shifting circuit 401 is connected to the antenna unit 402. Exemplarily, the phase-shifting circuit 401 phase-shifts the fourth radio frequency signal provided by the radio frequency remote unit 41 and filters out interference frequency bands to obtain a fifth radio frequency signal. The antenna unit 402 converts the fifth radio frequency signal into an electromagnetic wave that propagates in a specific direction, thereby realizing signal transmission.

[0062] Similarly, an antenna feed system can also include multiple phase-shifting circuits and antenna elements connected to each phase-shifting circuit, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 . Figure 5 This is another schematic diagram of the antenna feeder system provided in an embodiment of this application. (See attached diagram.) Figure 5 As shown, the antenna feeder system 50 is connected to the radio frequency remote unit 51.

[0063] The antenna feed system 50 includes phase shift circuits 501a, 501b, and 501n. Specifically, the radio frequency remote unit 51 is connected to one end of phase shift circuit 501a, one end of phase shift circuit 501b, and one end of phase shift circuit 501n in the antenna feed system 500. The other end of phase shift circuit 501a is connected to antenna element 502a, the other end of phase shift circuit 501b is connected to antenna element 502b, and the other end of phase shift circuit 501n is connected to antenna element 502n. This integration of multiple phase shift circuits and multiple antenna elements results in high integration density and high space utilization. For a detailed implementation, refer to antenna feed system 40; further details are omitted here.

[0064] For example, antenna elements 502a, 502b, and 502n include at least one antenna element. Further, an antenna array may include antenna elements 502a, 502b, and 502n, in which case antenna elements 502a, 502b, and 502n may be disposed on the same PCB.

[0065] The specific structure of the phase-shifting circuit provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] As described in the background section, a one-element loaded linear phase shifter circuit has only one loading branch and requires only one switching unit. The circuit topology of the one-element loaded linear phase shifter is as follows: Figure 6 As shown. The single-element loaded linear phase shifter includes two impedance matching units, which are connected in series between the input and output terminals of the single-element loaded linear phase shifter. A loading branch is also connected at the connection node between the two impedance matching units, and the other end of the loading branch is grounded. The loading branch includes a loading unit and a switching unit.

[0067] Both the impedance matching unit and the loading unit are used for phase shifting of the radio frequency signal.

[0068] The switching unit controls the phase shift of the radio frequency (RF) signal by controlling the phase shift in the unary loaded linear phase shifter. For example, when switching unit 1 is in the ON state, one end of the loading unit is grounded. When switching unit 1 is in the OFF state, one end of the loading unit is open-circuited. In other words, the loading amount (loading admittance) of the unary loaded linear phase shifter is different in different states of the switching unit, resulting in different phase shifts.

[0069] It should be understood that a single-element loaded linear phase shifter circuit has the advantages of simple circuit structure and short circuit length. However, as the phase shift increases, the return loss of the single-element loaded linear phase shifter circuit becomes large, and the transmission efficiency becomes very low, making it only suitable for applications with small phase shift ranges. For scenarios with large phase shift ranges, its operating bandwidth and port VSWR performance are poor. Therefore, a single-element loaded linear phase shifter is only used on a single branch of the phase shifter circuit for small-range phase adjustment. For example, a single-element loaded linear phase shifter can be used as... Figure 3 One of the phase shifting circuits 3021a, 3021b, and 3021n, or used as... Figure 5 One of the phase shifting circuits 501a, 501b, and 501n.

[0070] Based on this, this application provides a phase shifting circuit 70, in which a single-element loaded linear phase shifter is disposed on multiple branches of the circuit. The single-element loaded linear phase shifter in the multiple branches can offset the return loss of other branches, so that the single-element loaded linear phase shifter can be applied to large phase shift scenarios.

[0071] Figure 7 This is a circuit block diagram of a phase-shifting circuit 70 provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the phase-shifting circuit 70 includes one input port and two output ports, wherein the input port and the two output ports are connected through transmission branches, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, transmission branch 1 and transmission branch 2 each include a single-element loaded linear phase shifter.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, node 1 in transmission branch 1 is connected to a single-element loaded linear phase shifter, and node 2 in transmission branch 2 is connected to a single-element loaded linear phase shifter.

[0073] It should be understood that after the radio frequency signal enters the phase shift circuit 80 from the input port, it is split into two transmission branches, and each transmission branch is connected to an output port.

[0074] It should be understood that the loading branch has a certain loading admittance. The other end of the loading branch is connected to the switching unit. By changing the state of the switching unit, the loading amount (admittance) of the loading branch can be changed, thereby changing the phase shift of the corresponding output signal. Through this phase shifting circuit 70, the same effect as the binary loading linear phase shifting circuit can be achieved, that is, reducing return loss while increasing the phase shift.

[0075] Furthermore, the phase-shifting circuit 70 may include more transmission branches, and each transmission branch may also have more unary loaded linear phase-shifting circuits connected in series.

[0076] For example, the phase shifting circuit 70 includes: an input port, N output ports, and N transmission branches.

[0077] In this system, one end of each of the N transmission branches is connected to the input port, and the other end is connected to one of the N output ports. The N transmission branches and the N output ports correspond one-to-one.

[0078] It should be understood that after the radio frequency signal enters the phase shift circuit 80 from the input port, it is divided into N transmission branches, and each transmission branch is connected to an output port.

[0079] Among them, the N transmission branches include at least two transmission branches, and each of the at least two transmission branches includes at least one unary loaded linear phase shifter.

[0080] It should be understood that Figure 7 The phase-shifting circuit 70 shown is merely an example, and this application does not limit the specific form of the phase-shifting circuit 70.

[0081] The phase shift circuit 70 can achieve a large phase shift using a single-element loaded linear phase shifter and can improve return loss. However, when there are many transmission branches or a large number of phase shifting units on the transmission branches, the number of RF switches used in the phase shift circuit 70 is large, resulting in higher hardware costs.

[0082] Therefore, this application further improves upon the phase shift circuit 70 in order to reduce the number of RF switches used, as detailed in the phase shift circuit 80.

[0083] The improvement approach will be introduced below.

[0084] It should be understood that the phase shifting circuit 70 includes N transmission branches between the input port and the output port and a single-element loaded linear phase shifter on each transmission branch. Each single-element loaded linear phase shifter includes a switching unit, which results in a large number of switching units being used.

[0085] This application provides a phase shifting circuit 80, which, based on the phase shifting circuit 70, adopts a design concept of multiple unary loaded linear phase shifters coupled together. The multiple unary loaded linear phase shifters are coupled together through a common switching unit, which can realize the linkage adjustment of the output port phase difference and improve the effect of return loss. At the same time, it can reduce the number of switches and save hardware costs.

[0086] It should be understood that multiple unary loaded linear phase shifters are coupled together through a common switching unit, which can be understood as the loading branches of multiple unary loaded linear phase shifters being coupled together through a common switching unit.

[0087] Specifically, Figure 8This is a circuit block diagram of a phase-shifting circuit 80 provided in an embodiment of this application. The phase-shifting circuit 80 includes: an input port, N output ports, N transmission branches, and at least one switching unit.

[0088] In this system, the first end of each of the N transmission branches is connected to an input port, and the other end is connected to one of the N output ports. The N transmission branches and the N output ports correspond one-to-one.

[0089] It should be understood that after the radio frequency signal enters the phase shift circuit 80 from the input port, it is divided into N transmission branches, and each transmission branch is connected to an output port.

[0090] Among the N transmission branches, there are at least two transmission branches, and each of the at least two transmission branches includes at least one unary loaded linear phase shifter. The at least two transmission branches together include M unary loaded linear phase shifters.

[0091] The difference between phase shift circuit 80 and phase shift circuit 70 is that the single-element loaded linear phase shifter in phase shift circuit 70 is... Figure 6 The single-element loading linear phase shifter shown includes one switching unit in its loading path. In other words, the M single-element loading linear phase shifters in phase shift circuit 70 include a total of M switching units. However, in phase shift circuit 80, some of the M single-element loading linear phase shifters may not include switching units, but only loading units.

[0092] For example, the phase shifting circuit 80 includes a first switching unit connected to P of the M unary loaded linear phase shifters, where 2≤P≤M.

[0093] It should be understood that P is an integer greater than or equal to 2, that is, the first switching unit is connected to at least two unary loaded linear phase shifters and can simultaneously control the phase shift of at least two unary loaded linear phase shifters.

[0094] It should be understood that for any one of the P one-element loaded linear phase shifters, its loading branch does not include a switching unit, but is connected to a common switching unit (i.e., the first switching unit).

[0095] Specifically, any one of the P unary loaded linear phase shifters includes two impedance matching units and one loading branch. The two impedance matching units are connected in series between the input and output terminals of the unary loaded linear phase shifter. One end of the loading branch is connected to the connection node between the two impedance matching units, and the other end of the loading branch is connected to the first switching unit. The loading branch includes a loading unit.

[0096] For example, the first switching unit is switching unit 1, which is connected to both the single-element loading linear phase shifter 1 and the single-element loading linear phase shifter 3, that is, it is connected to both the loading branch 1 and the loading branch 3.

[0097] For example, the first switching unit is switching unit 2, which is simultaneously connected to a single-element loading linear phase shifter 2, a single-element loading linear phase shifter 5 and a single-element loading linear phase shifter 6, that is, simultaneously connected to loading branch 2, loading branch 5 and loading branch 6.

[0098] For example, the first switching unit is switching unit 3, which is connected to both the single-element loading linear phase shifter 3 and the single-element loading linear phase shifter 4, that is, it is connected to both the loading branch 3 and the loading branch 4.

[0099] It should be understood that Figure 8 This is merely one example of the phase-shifting circuit 80. This application does not limit the circuit structure of the phase-shifting circuit 80, as long as it satisfies the requirement that one switching unit can simultaneously connect multiple loading branches.

[0100] The impedance matching unit and loading unit in a one-element loaded linear phase shifter are described below.

[0101] The impedance matching unit can be a zero-phase-shift circuit or a circuit with phase-shift function, that is, the radio frequency signal can achieve a certain phase shift from one end to the other. The circuit with phase-shift function can be a fixed phase-shift circuit or an adjustable phase-shift circuit.

[0102] For example, the transmission segment can be a single transmission line; or it can be a T-shaped, π-shaped, or other phase-shifting module formed by multiple transmission lines; or it can be a capacitor and / or an inductor; or it can be a device with phase-shifting functionality.

[0103] The loading unit can be a zero-phase-shift circuit or a circuit with phase-shift function, that is, the radio frequency signal can achieve a certain phase shift from one end to the other. The circuit with phase-shift function can be a fixed phase-shift circuit or an adjustable phase-shift circuit.

[0104] For example, the loading unit can be a transmission line segment; or it can be a T-shaped, π-shaped, or other phase-shifting module formed by multiple transmission lines; or it can be a capacitor and / or an inductor; or it can be a device with phase-shifting functionality.

[0105] The following is combined Figure 9 and Figure 10 Two typical structures of phase-shifting circuit 80 are introduced.

[0106] Figure 9This is a circuit block diagram of a phase-shifting circuit 80. For a system with two output ports and one switching unit, the following can be used: Figure 9 The topology shown.

[0107] Specifically, the phase-shifting circuit 80 includes a transmission branch 1 and a transmission branch 2. Transmission branch 1 includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 1, and transmission branch 2 includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 2. Both the single-element loaded linear phase shifter 1 and the single-element loaded linear phase shifter 2 are connected to the switching unit 1. In other words, both loading branch 1 and loading branch 2 are connected to the switching unit 1.

[0108] It should be understood that loading branch 1 and loading branch 2 are coupled together through switching unit 1. By switching the state of the switch, the loading amount of the two loading branches changes simultaneously, and the phase shift amount of the two one-element loading linear phase shifters changes simultaneously, thus realizing the multiplexing of the switching unit.

[0109] like Figure 9 As shown in (a), the switching unit can be directly connected across the two load branches in series.

[0110] Or, such as Figure 9 As shown in (b), the switch unit can also be connected to ground first, and then connected to both ends of the two load branches.

[0111] Alternatively, the switching unit can be first combined with other components and then connected to both ends of the load branch. This application does not limit the connection method between the switching unit and the load branch.

[0112] Figure 10 This is a circuit block diagram of another phase-shifting circuit 80.

[0113] For a system with 3 output ports and 1 switching unit, the following can be used: Figure 10 The topology shown.

[0114] Specifically, the phase-shifting circuit 80 includes transmission branch 1, transmission branch 2, and transmission branch 3. Transmission branch 1 includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 1, transmission branch 2 includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 2, and transmission branch 3 includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 3. All three single-element loaded linear phase shifters 1, 2, and 3 are connected to the switching unit 1; that is, loading branch 1, loading branch 2, and loading branch 3 are all connected to the switching unit 1.

[0115] It should be understood that loading branch 1, loading branch 2 and loading branch 3 are coupled together through switching unit 1. By switching the state of the switch, the loading amount of the three loading branches changes simultaneously, and the phase shift amount of the three one-element loading linear phase shifters changes simultaneously, thus realizing the multiplexing of the switching unit.

[0116] It should be understood that this application does not limit the connection method between the switching unit and the loading branch.

[0117] The switching unit in the phase-shifting circuit 80 is described below.

[0118] To achieve the above functions, this application has certain requirements for the switching unit: it has low impedance in the on state to prevent signal loss; and it has high isolation in the off state to prevent stub loading.

[0119] It should be understood that the switching unit in this application can take many forms. As long as it can switch between the two states of signal conduction (on) and cutoff (off), it can be used as a "switching unit" to realize the basic function in this application. This application does not limit the specific form of the switching unit.

[0120] For example, electronic components that can switch between two (ON and OFF) or more states, such as diodes, MOSFETs, MEMS switches, varactor diodes, voltage-controlled liquid crystals, and mechanical switches, can be used as RF switches in the switching unit.

[0121] Optionally, the switching unit includes at least one radio frequency switch, which may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0122] like Figure 11 As shown in (a), the switching unit can be a single radio frequency switch.

[0123] Or, such as Figure 11 As shown in (b), the switching unit can be a series connection of multiple radio frequency switches.

[0124] Or, such as Figure 11 As shown in (c), the switching unit can be a parallel connection of multiple radio frequency switches.

[0125] Or, such as Figure 11 As shown in (d), the switching unit can be a series-parallel combination of multiple radio frequency switches.

[0126] It should be understood that a single RF switch typically does not perform very well in practical applications. To improve the RF characteristics of a switch, multiple switches can be combined in series and parallel, thereby increasing off-state isolation and reducing on-state resistance, among other things.

[0127] Optionally, the switching unit includes an RF switch and an inductor, wherein the RF switch is connected in parallel with the inductor.

[0128] like Figure 12 As shown, connecting an inductor L in parallel with the RF switch can improve isolation in the off-state. For RF switches that require bias, such as PIN diodes, the inductor L needs to be connected in series with an additional capacitor C to isolate the DC bias power supply across the switch.

[0129] Optionally, the switching unit includes two impedance transformation units connected in series and an RF switch. One end of the RF switch is connected to the connection node between the two impedance transformation units, and the other end of the RF switch is grounded.

[0130] like Figure 13 As shown in (a), when the RF switch is off, the entire switching circuit is connected to the input and output terminals by the transmission line and is in the on state; when the RF switch is on, the intermediate node is short-circuited to ground, and after passing through the impedance transformation network, the input and output terminals of the entire switching circuit are open to the outside and are in the off state.

[0131] Or, such as Figure 13 As shown in (b), the isolation of the RF switch in the off-state can be improved by measures such as parallel inductor L. For RF switches that require bias, such as PIN diodes, an additional capacitor C needs to be connected in series with the inductor L to isolate the DC bias power supply across the switch.

[0132] Optionally, the impedance transformation unit can be a transmission line with a length of λ / 4 (i.e., 1 / 4 of the RF signal wavelength), or a combination circuit of transmission line, capacitor, inductor, etc.

[0133] The above scheme allows multiple single-element linear phase shifters in a phase-shifting circuit to share a single switching unit. By changing the state of this switching unit, the load amount of the loading branch can be altered, thereby changing the phase shift of the corresponding output signal. This scheme effectively improves return loss and reduces the number of switching units used in the phase-shifting circuit, thus reducing hardware costs.

[0134] The radio frequency circuit 80 provided in this application can be applied to antenna feeder systems or communication equipment.

[0135] For example, Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna feed system provided in this application. The antenna feed system includes N antenna elements and a phase shifting circuit 80. The N output ports of the phase shifting circuit 80 are respectively connected to the N antenna elements.

[0136] For example, Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application. The communication device includes a digital intermediate frequency unit, a radio frequency unit connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit, and N antenna units. The radio frequency unit includes a phase shifting circuit 80, and the N output ports of the phase shifting circuit 80 are respectively connected to the N antenna units.

[0137] The phase-shifting circuit 70 or 80 described above can phase-shift the radio frequency signal within a single radio frequency channel. In a MIMO radio frequency communication module, a single module has multiple radio frequency channels (e.g., a 4G base station module typically has 2 to 32 channels, and a 5G base station module typically has 4 to 256 channels). Using multiple antennas to transmit and receive the same signal can effectively utilize spatial diversity to improve reliability, or transmit multiple independent data streams separately, increasing system capacity. Furthermore, multiple input / output (MIMO) can also achieve beamforming, obtain spatial diversity gain, effectively combat channel fading, increase signal coverage distance, and improve signal quality for edge users.

[0138] like Figure 16 The antenna feeder system shown has two RF channels, each corresponding to one of two antenna element groups. Antenna element group 1 and antenna element group 2 are isolated from each other. Signals input from input port 1 will only be transmitted to antenna element group 1, and similarly, signals input from input port 2 will only be transmitted to antenna element group 2. One RF channel corresponds to one antenna element group; this basic architecture is called a single-connection architecture. This is because good isolation is required between channels and between antennas to avoid signal interference. The single-connection architecture is not only more intuitive and easier to design, but also reduces the difficulty of troubleshooting and subsequent maintenance.

[0139] It should be understood that phase shift circuit 70 or 80 can be applied to channel 1 or channel 2.

[0140] Although the single-connection architecture is simple, it also has the following disadvantages: limited single-link bandwidth, limited user concurrency, low rooftop utilization efficiency, long switching interruption time, and inflexible load distribution.

[0141] Therefore, this application also provides another solution: multiplexing the antenna elements of multiple channels together. For example, the antenna elements of channel 1 and channel 2 are multiplexed, i.e., antenna element group 1 and antenna element group 2 are connected. Each channel has a larger antenna area, which can enhance beamforming accuracy and improve beam coverage, thereby improving spatial multiplexing capabilities. Furthermore, in energy-saving scenarios, one channel can be shut down to save energy, while the other channel can still fully utilize both antennas, improving the utilization rate of rooftop resources. This multi-connection system, combined with a digital chip, can simultaneously emit two beams with different pointing directions, supporting more concurrent users and reducing beam scanning and beam switching time.

[0142] It should be understood that the scheme of this application is applicable to multiplexing antenna elements with multiple channels connected together, for example, Q antenna elements with Q channels connected together for multiplexing, where Q is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0143] This application also provides a phase shifting circuit 90, which includes Q phase shifting circuits.

[0144] Optionally, the Q phase-shifting circuits can be any circuit with phase-shifting function.

[0145] Alternatively, the Q phase-shifting circuits may be an example of phase-shifting circuit 70 or phase-shifting circuit 80, and the Q phase-shifting circuits may be the same or different.

[0146] In this configuration, the output port of each of the Q phase-shifting circuits is connected to an antenna element group, the Q phase-shifting circuits are connected to the Q antenna element groups, and the Q antenna element groups are interconnected.

[0147] The following example, with Q=2, illustrates the scheme of this application, where the antenna elements of two channels are connected together for multiplexing.

[0148] This application also provides a phase shifting circuit 90, which includes, as shown in the example... Figure 17 The first phase-shifting circuit and the second phase-shifting circuit are shown.

[0149] The first phase-shifting circuit includes input port 1 and N output ports (i.e., output port 11, output port 12, ..., output port 1N), and the second phase-shifting circuit includes input port 2 and N output ports (i.e., output port 21, output port 22, ..., output port 2N). For ease of understanding, the N output ports of the first phase-shifting circuit are referred to as output port group 1, and the N output ports of the second phase-shifting circuit are referred to as output port group 2.

[0150] In this circuit, at least one output port of the first phase-shifting circuit is connected to at least one output port of the second phase-shifting circuit. Alternatively, output port group 1 and output port group 2 are connected.

[0151] It should be understood that this application does not limit the connection method of output port group 1 and output port group 2, as long as they are connected.

[0152] For example, such as Figure 17 As shown, output port 11 is connected to output port 21, and / or output port 12 is connected to output port 22, and / or output port 1N is connected to output port 2N.

[0153] It should be understood that, for ease of understanding, the number of output ports in the first phase-shifting circuit and the second phase-shifting circuit is N, or the number of transmission branches is N. However, this application does not limit the number of output ports in the first phase-shifting circuit and the second phase-shifting circuit. That is to say, the number of output ports in the first phase-shifting circuit and the second phase-shifting circuit can be different.

[0154] In the phase-shifting circuit of this application, each output port is connected to an antenna element. For example, output port 11 is connected to antenna element 11, output port 21 is connected to antenna element 21, etc. Therefore, after the output port group 1 and the output port group are connected, the antenna element group 1 of channel 1 can be used by channel 2, and the antenna element group 2 of channel 2 can also be used by channel 1.

[0155] Optionally, the connection path between output port group 1 and output port group 2 may also include a phase shift circuit, and the form of the phase shift circuit is not limited.

[0156] Optionally, when Q is greater than 2, antenna elements of other channels can also be reused. For example, channel 3 includes a third phase shifting circuit. The phase shifting circuit 90 may also include a third phase shifting circuit. The third phase shifting circuit includes an output port group 3, which is connected to output port group 1 and / or output port group 2, so that the antenna elements of channels 1, 2 and 3 can be reused.

[0157] The radio frequency circuit 90 provided in this application can be applied to antenna systems or communication equipment.

[0158] When the radio frequency circuit 90 is applied to the antenna feed system, the antenna feed system includes Q antenna element groups and Q phase shifting circuits. The output port of each of the Q phase shifting circuits is connected to one of the antenna element groups in the Q antenna element groups. The Q phase shifting circuits are connected to the Q antenna element groups, and the Q antenna element groups are connected to each other.

[0159] Optionally, the Q phase-shifting circuits can be any circuit with phase-shifting function.

[0160] Alternatively, the Q phase-shifting circuits may be an example of phase-shifting circuit 70 or phase-shifting circuit 80, and the Q phase-shifting circuits may be the same or different.

[0161] The following example, with Q=2, illustrates the scheme of this application, where the antenna elements of two channels are connected together for multiplexing.

[0162] For example, Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna feed system provided in this application. The antenna feed system includes a first antenna unit group, a second antenna unit group, a first phase shifting circuit, and a second phase shifting circuit. N output ports of the first phase shifting circuit are connected to the first antenna unit group, and N output ports of the second phase shifting circuit are connected to the second antenna unit group. The first antenna unit group is connected to the second antenna unit group.

[0163] It should be understood that since each output port is connected to at least one antenna element, the connection of output port group 1 and output port group 2 is equivalent to the connection of the first antenna element group and the second antenna element group.

[0164] For example, the radio frequency circuit 90 can also be applied in a communication device, which includes a digital intermediate frequency unit, a radio frequency unit connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit, and Q antenna unit groups. The radio frequency unit includes Q phase shifting circuits, the output port of each of the Q phase shifting circuits is connected to one of the antenna unit groups in the Q antenna unit groups, the Q phase shifting circuits are connected to the Q antenna unit groups, and the Q antenna unit groups are connected to each other.

[0165] Optionally, the Q phase-shifting circuits can be any circuit with phase-shifting function.

[0166] Alternatively, the Q phase-shifting circuits may be an example of phase-shifting circuit 70 or phase-shifting circuit 80, and the Q phase-shifting circuits may be the same or different.

[0167] For example, when Q=2, the communication device includes a digital intermediate frequency unit, a radio frequency unit connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit, a first antenna unit group, and a second antenna unit group. The radio frequency unit includes a first phase shifting circuit and a second phase shifting circuit. N output ports of the first phase shifting circuit are connected to the first antenna unit group, and N output ports of the second phase shifting circuit are connected to the second antenna unit group. The first antenna unit group is connected to the second antenna unit group.

[0168] The following section uses Q=2 as an example to introduce several typical structures of phase-shifting circuits 90 with reference to the attached diagram.

[0169] Figure 18 This is a circuit block diagram of a phase-shifting circuit 90. For a system with 2 input ports and 4 output ports, the following can be used: Figure 9 The topology shown.

[0170] Specifically, the phase shift circuit 90 includes input port 1 and input port 2, which are used to input radio frequency signals from channel 1 and channel 2, respectively.

[0171] Input port 1 is connected to output port 11 and output port 12 via transmission branch 11 and transmission branch 12 respectively, and input port 2 is connected to output port 21 and output port 22 via transmission branch 21 and transmission branch 22 respectively.

[0172] Among them, transmission branch 11 includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 1, transmission branch 12 includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 2, transmission branch 21 includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 3, and transmission branch 22 includes a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 4.

[0173] The output ports of channel 1 and channel 2 are connected. For example, output port 11 and output port 21 are connected, and output port 12 and output port 22 are connected.

[0174] It should be understood that output ports 11 and 12 are respectively connected to one antenna element in antenna element group 1, and output ports 21 and 22 are respectively connected to one antenna element in antenna element group 2. When the output port of channel 1 is connected to the output port of channel 2, the radio frequency signal of channel 1 can be transmitted through antenna element group 2, or the radio frequency signal of channel 2 can be transmitted through antenna element group 1.

[0175] Optionally, any type of phase shifter can be connected between output port 11 and output port 21. For example, a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 5.

[0176] Optionally, any type of phase shifter can be connected between output port 12 and output port 22. For example, a single-element loaded linear phase shifter 6.

[0177] Optionally, since transmission branch 11 is connected to transmission branch 12, and transmission branch 12 is connected to transmission branch 22, then in Figure 18 If both the upper and lower transmission paths in the middle have a single-element loaded linear phase shifter, it can be appropriately deleted. Figure 18 Part of the phase shifter in the circuit. For example, when... Figure 18 When the single-element loaded linear phase shifter 2, single-element loaded linear phase shifter 3, single-element loaded linear phase shifter 5, and single-element loaded linear phase shifter 6 are all omitted, the upper and lower branches can still achieve impedance balance, which can reduce return loss.

[0178] Furthermore, in Figure 18 Based on the phase shifting circuit 90 shown, the switches in multiple single-element loaded linear phase shifters can be multiplexed, thereby reducing the number of switching units used and saving hardware costs.

[0179] Figure 19 This is a circuit block diagram of a phase-shifting circuit 90.

[0180] Figure 19 and Figure 18 The difference is: Figure 18 All of them are single-element loaded linear phase shifters Figure 6 The single-element linear phase shifter shown includes a switching unit in the loading path. Figure 19 In some cases, a single-element linear phase shifter may not include a switching unit, but only a loading unit.

[0181] For example, both the one-element loaded linear phase shifter 1 and the one-element loaded linear phase shifter 2 are connected to the switching unit 1.

[0182] For example, both the one-element loaded linear phase shifter 3 and the one-element loaded linear phase shifter 5 are connected to the switching unit 2.

[0183] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus 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 mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of the apparatus or unit may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0184] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A phase-shifting circuit, characterized in that, include: There are N input ports, N output ports, and N transmission branches. One end of each of the N transmission branches is connected to the input port, and the other end is connected to one of the N output ports. The N transmission branches and the N output ports correspond one-to-one. The N transmission branches include at least two transmission branches, and each of the at least two transmission branches includes at least one unary loaded linear phase shifter, which is used to control the phase shift of the radio frequency signal, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

2. The phase-shifting circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single-element loaded linear phase shifter includes two impedance matching units and one loading branch, wherein, The two impedance matching units are connected in series between the input and output terminals of the unary loaded linear phase shifter. One end of the loading branch is connected to the connection node between the two impedance matching units, and the other end is grounded or open circuit; The loading branch includes a loading unit and a switching unit. The switching unit controls the phase shift of the radio frequency signal by controlling the phase shift amount of the radio frequency signal in the unary loading linear phase shifter.

3. The phase-shifting circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase-shifting circuit further includes at least one switching unit, which includes a first switching unit. The at least two transmission branches include a total of M unary loaded linear phase shifters. The first switching unit is connected to P unary loaded linear phase shifters among the M unary loaded linear phase shifters. The first switching unit controls the phase shift of the radio frequency signal by controlling the phase shift amount of the radio frequency signal in the unary loaded linear phase shifter. M and P are integers greater than 1, and 2≤P≤M.

4. The phase-shifting circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, Any one of the P unary loaded linear phase shifters includes: two impedance matching units and one loading branch, wherein... The two impedance matching units are connected in series between the input and output terminals of the unary loaded linear phase shifter. One end of the loading branch is connected to the connection node between the two impedance matching units, and the other end is connected to the first switching unit. The loading branch includes a loading unit.

5. The phase-shifting circuit according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, The impedance matching unit includes one or more transmission line segments, or the impedance matching unit includes a capacitor and / or an inductor, or the impedance matching unit includes a device with phase shifting function.

6. The phase-shifting circuit according to claim 2, 4, or 5, characterized in that, The loading unit includes one or more transmission lines, or the loading unit includes a capacitor and / or an inductor, or the loading unit includes a device with phase shifting function.

7. The phase-shifting circuit according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The switching unit includes at least one radio frequency switch, which may be connected in series or in parallel; or... The switching unit includes a radio frequency switch and an inductor, wherein the radio frequency switch and the inductor are connected in parallel; or... The switching unit includes two impedance transformation units connected in series and an RF switch. One end of the RF switch is connected to the connection node between the two impedance transformation units, and the other end of the RF switch is grounded or open-circuited; or... The switching unit includes an inductor, two impedance transformation units, and an RF switch. One end of the RF switch is connected to the connection node between the two impedance transformation units, and the other end of the RF switch is grounded or open-circuited. The inductor is connected in parallel with the RF switch.

8. The phase-shifting circuit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The impedance transformation unit is a transmission line with a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the radio frequency signal.

9. An antenna feeder system, characterized in that, The antenna feed system includes N antenna elements and a phase shifting circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the N output ports of the phase shifting circuit are respectively connected to the N antenna elements, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a digital intermediate frequency unit, a radio frequency unit connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit, and N antenna units. The radio frequency unit includes a phase shifting circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and the N output ports of the phase shifting circuit are respectively connected to the N antenna units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

11. A phase-shifting circuit, characterized in that, include: Q phase-shifting circuits, wherein the phase-shifting circuits are any one of the phase-shifting circuits according to claims 1 to 8, the output port of each of the Q phase-shifting circuits is connected to an antenna element group, the Q phase-shifting circuits are connected to the Q antenna element groups, the Q antenna element groups are connected to each other, and Q is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

12. An antenna feeder system, characterized in that, The antenna feed system includes Q antenna element groups and Q phase shifting circuits. The phase shifting circuits are the phase shifting circuits according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The output port of each of the Q phase shifting circuits is connected to one of the antenna element groups in the Q antenna element groups. The Q phase shifting circuits are connected to the Q antenna element groups. The Q antenna element groups are connected to each other. Q is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a digital intermediate frequency unit, a radio frequency unit connected to the digital intermediate frequency unit, and Q antenna unit groups. The radio frequency unit includes Q phase shifting circuits, which are phase shifting circuits as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. The output port of each of the Q phase shifting circuits is connected to one of the antenna unit groups in the Q antenna unit groups. The Q phase shifting circuits are connected to the Q antenna unit groups, and the Q antenna unit groups are connected to each other. Q is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

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