A radio frequency module and a communication device

Abstract

The application provides a radio frequency module and a communication device. The radio frequency module comprises an electro-optical modulation component, an optical beam expansion component and an opto-electric conversion component. The electro-optical modulation component is configured to receive K radio frequency signals, obtain a first light beam according to the K radio frequency signals, and emit the first light beam. The optical beam expansion component is configured to expand the first light beam to obtain a second light beam. The opto-electric conversion component is configured to receive the second light beam and convert the second light beam into N radio frequency signals. K and N are integers, and K is less than N. In the technical solution provided by the application, the expansion of the optical beam expansion component can make the opto-electric conversion component convert more radio frequency signals, thereby realizing a full connection network of few channels to many channels. In addition, the structure of the radio frequency module in the embodiment of the application is relatively simple, so that the complexity and cost of the radio frequency module are relatively low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a radio frequency module and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] The evolution of wireless access networks from 1G to 5G, and then to the future 5.5G and 6G, along with the explosive growth of phenomenal emerging scenarios such as live streaming and artificial intelligence (AI), has placed increasingly higher demands on capacity. In addition to increasing the operating frequency of base stations, another important goal is to improve the system's spectrum efficiency.

[0003] As electromagnetic wave frequencies increase, the number of antenna array elements in base stations also rises. However, due to limitations such as cost and complexity, the number of digital channels in base stations cannot be increased proportionally. Therefore, the traditional digital beamforming (DBF) architecture, where the number of digital channels is the same as the number of antennas, evolved into a hybrid beamforming (HBF) architecture. In the HBF architecture, each digital channel connects to a portion of the subarray, and phase can be distinguished within the subarray using low-order analog phase shifters. However, in the HBF architecture, a single digital channel only corresponds to a portion of the array surface, limiting its degrees of freedom.

[0004] Existing technologies have developed fully connected network solutions, which allow each digital channel to connect to all antenna arrays, and each digital channel's connection to the entire array has phase freedom, enabling beam manipulation. However, existing fully connected network solutions are both costly and complex. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a radio frequency module and communication device to reduce the cost and complexity of fully connected network solutions.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a radio frequency (RF) module, which may include an electro-optic modulation component, an optical beam expander component, and a photoelectric conversion component. The electro-optic modulation component can be used to receive K RF signals, obtain a first beam based on the K RF signals, and emit the first beam. In one possible implementation, the electro-optic modulation component can be electrically connected to K digital channels through K channel ports to receive the K RF signals provided by the K digital channels. The optical beam expander component can be used to expand the first beam to obtain a second beam. The photoelectric conversion component can be used to receive the second beam and convert it into N RF signals. Here, K and N are integers, and K is less than N. In one possible implementation, the photoelectric conversion component can be electrically connected to N antennas through N antenna ports. The N antennas can be used to receive the N RF signals output by the photoelectric conversion component and emit the N RF signals. In a specific configuration, the RF module can be electrically connected to the N antennas through multiple power amplifiers. The power amplifiers can amplify the RF signals and provide the amplified RF signals to the antennas.

[0007] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, an electro-optic modulation component, an optical beam expander component, and a photoelectric conversion component are provided in the radio frequency module. The electro-optic modulation component can modulate K-channel radio frequency signals into a first beam, the optical beam expander component can expand the first beam to obtain a second beam with a larger spot, and the photoelectric conversion component can convert the second beam into N-channel radio frequency signals. Through the beam expanding effect of the optical beam expander component, the photoelectric conversion component can convert more channels of radio frequency signals, thereby realizing a fully connected network with fewer channels to more channels. Furthermore, the structure of the radio frequency module in this application embodiment is relatively simple, which can reduce the complexity and cost of the radio frequency module.

[0008] In this embodiment, the electro-optic modulation component may include K light-emitting devices, which are arranged in a first plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical beam expander. The arrangement of the K light-emitting devices in the first plane provides a surface light source, facilitating the formation of a first beam. In specific configurations, the light-emitting devices may include, but are not limited to, photonic crystal surface emitting lasers (PCSELs) or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs).

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, direct modulation can be used to modulate the radio frequency (RF) signal into the first light beam. Specifically, each light-emitting device can receive one RF signal and emit modulated light under the drive of the RF signal. The first light beam can include K modulated lights. In this way, the intensity, frequency, or phase of the emitted light can be controlled by changing the driving current (or other internal parameters) of the light-emitting device according to the RF signal, thereby modulating the emitted light to obtain modulated light. The modulated light emitted by the K light-emitting devices in the electro-optic modulation assembly can form the first light beam, thus achieving the modulation of K RF signals into the first light beam.

[0010] In some other embodiments of this application, external modulation can be used to modulate the radio frequency (RF) signals into the first light beam. Specifically, the electro-optic modulation component may further include a modulation device, which can receive K RF signals and light emitted from K light-emitting devices, and modulate the light emitted from the K light-emitting devices according to the K RF signals to obtain the first light beam. The modulation device is an external modulation component independent of the light-emitting devices, and can regulate the already formed light according to the K RF signals to change the intensity, phase, or frequency of the light, thereby achieving precise modulation of the light emitted from each light-emitting device and modulating the K RF signals into the first light beam. Using external modulation to modulate the RF signals into the first light beam can result in a larger signal bandwidth and higher quality. For example, the modulation device can be a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM), but other devices with modulation functions are also possible and are not limited here.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the K light-emitting devices in the electro-optic modulation component can be arranged in an array along a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction can be perpendicular to each other, and the first direction and the second direction can be parallel to the aforementioned first plane. In specific implementations, the number of rows and columns of the K light-emitting devices can be reasonably set according to actual needs, and no limitation is made here. In another possible implementation, the K light-emitting devices in the electro-optic modulation component can be arranged in a ring. This eliminates or minimizes the number of intersecting traces in the electro-optic modulation component, reducing design complexity and minimizing signal crosstalk. Of course, in some cases, the K light-emitting devices in the electro-optic modulation component can also be arranged in other shapes such as lines or arcs, and no limitation is made here.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electro-optic modulation assembly may further include: a first optical antenna, which may be located on the light-emitting side of the K light-emitting devices. The first optical antenna can be used to collimate the first beam, making the aperture of the first beam substantially consistent with the outer contour formed by the K light-emitting devices. Furthermore, the first optical antenna can also perform optical field manipulation operations such as beam shaping on the first beam. In this way, the collimation of the first beam received by the optical beam expander is better, facilitating beam expansion and ensuring that the expanded beam spot achieves the expected magnification.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first optical antenna may include K first microlenses, each located on the light-emitting side of a light-emitting device, used to collimate the light emitted from the light-emitting device. The first microlenses are small in size, easily forming a microlens array consistent with the arrangement of the K light-emitting devices, facilitating multi-channel beam control. In another possible implementation, the first optical antenna may include a first grating structure, located on the light-emitting side of the K light-emitting devices, used to collimate the light emitted from the K light-emitting devices. Specifically, the first grating structure can be a single, integral structure covering the K light-emitting devices; alternatively, the first grating structure can be partitioned according to the positions of the K light-emitting devices; or, the first grating structure can be configured as multiple micro-grating structures corresponding to the K light-emitting devices, with the specific structure set according to actual needs. Of course, the first optical antenna can also be other structures with collimation functions, which will not be listed here.

[0014] In specific configurations, the components of the electro-optic modulation assembly can be integrated into the same chip or circuit board. For example, K light-emitting devices can be placed on the same first substrate, which can be a silicon substrate or other object with structural support. Furthermore, the electro-optic modulation assembly may also include multiple first signal pins, which can be electrically connected to a digital channel. The electro-optic modulation assembly can receive radio frequency signals through these first signal pins.

[0015] In this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion component may include N photodetectors arranged in a second plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical beam expander. The second plane may be parallel to the first plane. Each photodetector can sense a portion of the light in the second beam, sample and beat the sensed light to obtain a radio frequency (RF) signal, thereby converting the second beam into N RF signals carrying phase information. These N RF signals are then transmitted back to the RF link and emitted as RF beams via N antennas. In specific configurations, the photodetectors may include, but are not limited to, photodiodes (PDs), such as avalanche photodiodes (APDs). In some cases, other types of detection devices may also be used, which are not limited here.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the N photodetectors in the photoelectric conversion component can be arranged in an array along a third and a fourth direction. The third and fourth directions can be perpendicular to each other, parallel to the second plane, and the third direction can be aligned with the first direction, while the fourth direction can be aligned with the second direction. In specific configurations, the number of rows and columns of the N photodetectors can be reasonably set according to actual needs; no limitation is made here. In another possible implementation, the N photodetectors in the photoelectric conversion component can be arranged in a ring. This eliminates or minimizes the number of intersecting traces in the photoelectric conversion component, reducing design complexity and minimizing signal crosstalk. Of course, in some cases, the N photodetectors in the photoelectric conversion component can also be arranged in other shapes such as lines or arcs. In specific implementations, the arrangement of the N photodetectors can be reasonably set according to the arrangement of the K light-emitting devices in the electro-optic modulation component, the antenna arrangement, etc.; no limitation is made here.

[0017] In some embodiments, the photoelectric conversion component may further include: a second optical antenna, which may be located on the light-incident side of the N photodetectors, the second optical antenna may be used to receive the second light beam, and the second optical antenna may serve to converge the light so that the second light beam is directed toward the detection surfaces of the N photodetectors respectively.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the second optical antenna may include N second microlenses, each located on the incident light side of a photodetector, for receiving a portion of the second beam and directing the received light toward the photodetector. The small size of the second microlenses facilitates the formation of a microlens array that matches the arrangement of the N photodetectors, enabling the splitting of the second beam into multiple beams corresponding to the N photodetectors. In another possible implementation, the second optical antenna may include a second grating structure located on the incident light side of the N photodetectors, for receiving the second beam and directing it toward the N photodetectors. Specifically, the second grating structure can be a single, integral structure covering the N photodetectors; alternatively, it can be partitioned according to the positions of the N photodetectors; or it can be configured as multiple micrograting structures, each corresponding to one of the N photodetectors. The specific structure of the second grating structure can be customized according to actual needs. Of course, the second optical antenna can also be other structures with optical converging capabilities, which will not be listed here.

[0019] In specific configurations, the components of the photoelectric conversion assembly can be integrated into the same chip or circuit board. For example, N photodetectors can be placed on the same second substrate, which can be a silicon substrate or other object providing structural support. Furthermore, the photoelectric conversion assembly may also include multiple second signal pins, which can be electrically connected to an antenna. The photoelectric conversion assembly provides radio frequency signals to the antenna through these second signal pins.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the optical beam expander can enlarge the spot area of ​​the first beam. The beam expansion factor of the optical beam expander is greater than or equal to N / K. This allows the expanded second beam to cover the area of ​​N photodetectors, enabling each photodetector to sense the light and thus convert the second beam into N radio frequency signals. In specific implementations, the beam expansion factor of the optical beam expander can be reasonably set according to the number of digital channels and antennas.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the optical beam expander may include a first lens and a second lens arranged along the optical axis, with the second lens located on the light-emitting side of the first lens and having a focal length greater than that of the first lens. In specific configurations, the focal lengths of the first and second lenses can be appropriately set according to the magnification of the optical beam expander. For example, the focal length of the second lens can be set to three times that of the first lens, achieving a three-fold beam expansion. Both the first and second lenses can be convex lenses; or, the first lens can be a concave lens and the second lens a convex lens. In another possible implementation, the optical beam expander may include a metasurface lens with beam-expanding functionality. The metasurface lens has a small thickness, allowing for a smaller overall size of the RF module. In yet another possible implementation, the optical beam expander may include a reflector with beam-expanding functionality. By setting the curvature of the reflector surface, the reflector can have a beam-expanding function. Of course, in some cases, the optical beam expander may also be other devices with beam-expanding functionality, which will not be listed here.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device. The communication device provided in this application embodiment may include: any of the radio frequency (RF) modules described in the first aspect above and N antennas. The photoelectric conversion component in the RF module is electrically connected to the N antennas. The N antennas are used to receive N RF signals output by the photoelectric conversion component and to transmit N RF signals. The RF module in this application embodiment may include K channel ports and N antenna ports. The RF module can be electrically connected to K digital channels through the K channel ports and to N antennas through the N antenna ports, thereby realizing a fully connected network between the K digital channels and the N antennas. This allows each digital channel to connect to N antennas, and each digital channel has a phase degree of freedom with respect to the N antennas, enabling beam control. Since the RF module in the first aspect above can realize a low-cost, low-complexity fully connected network, the communication device including any of the RF modules in the first aspect has lower complexity and lower cost.

[0023] The communication device in this application embodiment can be any device with radio frequency radiation function. For example, the communication device in this application embodiment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), etc.; or the communication device in this application embodiment can also be an active antenna unit (AAU), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a remote radio head (RRH), etc. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the radio frequency module in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electro-optic modulation component in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of the electro-optic modulation component in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the photoelectric conversion component in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 This is another structural schematic diagram of the photoelectric conversion component in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a simulation diagram of the radio frequency beamforming of the radio frequency module in the embodiments of this application.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 100 - Radio frequency module; 101 - Electro-optic modulation component; 102 - Optical beam expander component; 103 - Photoelectric conversion component; 10 - First substrate; 11 - Light-emitting device; 12 - First optical antenna; 21 - First lens; 22 - Second lens; 13 - First signal pin; 30 - Second substrate; 31 - Photodetector; 32 - Second optical antenna; 33 - Second signal pin; T - Antenna; PA - Power amplifier. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual scale. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore, repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0036] The terms describing position and direction used in this application, such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," are merely illustrative examples based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are intended solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Changes may be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] To provide a low-cost, low-complexity fully connected network solution, embodiments of this application provide a radio frequency module and a communication device. The communication device in these embodiments can be any device with radio frequency radiation capabilities. For example, the communication device in these embodiments can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation nodeB (gNB), etc.; or, the communication device in these embodiments can also be an active antenna unit (AAU), a remote radio unit (RRU), or a remote radio head (RRH), etc.

[0038] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the communication device provided in this application embodiment may include: a radio frequency module 100 and N antennas T. The radio frequency module 100 in this application embodiment may include K channel ports and N antenna ports. The radio frequency module 100 can be electrically connected to K digital channels through the K channel ports and electrically connected to N antennas T through the N antenna ports, thereby realizing a fully connected network between the K digital channels and the N antennas T, so that each digital channel can be connected to N antennas T, and each digital channel has a phase degree of freedom with respect to the N antennas T, which can realize beam control.

[0039] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the radio frequency module 100 provided in this embodiment may include: an electro-optic modulation component 101, an optical beam expander component 102, and a photoelectric conversion component 103. The electro-optic modulation component 101 can be used to receive K radio frequency signals, obtain a first beam based on the K radio frequency signals, and emit the first beam. In one possible implementation, the electro-optic modulation component 101 can be electrically connected to K digital channels through K channel ports to receive K radio frequency signals provided by the K digital channels. The optical beam expander component 102 can be used to expand the first beam to obtain a second beam. The photoelectric conversion component 103 can be used to receive the second beam and convert it into N radio frequency signals. Here, K and N are integers, and K is less than N. In specific implementations, the values ​​of K and N can be reasonably set according to actual needs; for example, K can be 256 and N can be 960.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the photoelectric conversion component 103 can be electrically connected to N antennas T via N antenna ports. The N antennas T can be used to receive N radio frequency signals output by the photoelectric conversion component 103 and to transmit N radio frequency signals. In a specific configuration, the radio frequency module 100 can be electrically connected to the N antennas T via multiple power amplifiers PA. The power amplifiers PA can amplify the radio frequency signals and provide the amplified radio frequency signals to the antennas T.

[0041] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, an electro-optic modulation component 101, an optical beam expander component 102, and a photoelectric conversion component 103 are provided in the radio frequency module 100. The electro-optic modulation component 101 can modulate K radio frequency signals into a first beam, the optical beam expander component 102 can expand the first beam to obtain a second beam with an enlarged spot, and the photoelectric conversion component 103 can convert the second beam into N radio frequency signals. Through the beam expanding effect of the optical beam expander component 102, the photoelectric conversion component 103 can convert more radio frequency signals, thereby realizing a fully connected network of fewer channels to more channels. Furthermore, the structure of the radio frequency module 100 in this application embodiment is relatively simple, which can reduce the complexity and cost of the radio frequency module 100.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the radio frequency module in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electro-optic modulation component in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the electro-optic modulation component 101 may include K light-emitting devices 11, which can be arranged in a first plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical beam expander component 102. To clearly illustrate the orientation of each component, in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The coordinate axes are shown in the diagram. The optical axis of the optical beam expander 102 can be aligned with the X-direction of the arrow, and the first plane can be parallel to the YZ plane. The K light-emitting devices 11 in the electro-optic modulation assembly 101 are arranged in the first plane, providing a surface light source to facilitate the formation of the first beam. In specific configurations, the light-emitting devices 11 can include, but are not limited to, photonic crystal surface emitting lasers (PCSELs) or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs).

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, direct modulation can be used to modulate the radio frequency (RF) signal into the first light beam. Specifically, each light-emitting device 11 can receive one RF signal and emit modulated light under the drive of the RF signal. The first light beam can include K modulated lights. Thus, the intensity, frequency, or phase of the emitted light from the light-emitting device 11 can be controlled by changing the driving current (or other internal parameters) of the light-emitting device 11 according to the RF signal, thereby modulating the emitted light to obtain modulated light. The modulated light emitted by the K light-emitting devices 11 in the electro-optic modulation assembly 101 can form the first light beam, thereby achieving the modulation of K RF signals into the first light beam.

[0044] In other embodiments of this application, external modulation can be used to modulate the radio frequency signal into the first beam. Specifically, the electro-optic modulation component 101 may further include: a modulation device ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 (Not shown in the diagram) The modulator can be used to receive K radio frequency signals and light emitted from K light-emitting devices 11, and modulate the light emitted from the K light-emitting devices 11 according to the K radio frequency signals to obtain a first beam. The modulator is an external modulation component independent of the light-emitting devices 11. It can control the formed light according to the K radio frequency signals to change the intensity, phase, or frequency of the light, so as to achieve precise modulation of the light emitted from each light-emitting device 11, thereby modulating the K radio frequency signals into the first beam. Using external modulation to modulate the radio frequency signals into the first beam can result in a larger signal bandwidth and higher quality. For example, the modulator can be a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM). Of course, the modulator can also be other devices with modulation functions, which are not limited here.

[0045] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the K light-emitting devices 11 in the electro-optic modulation component 101 can be arranged in an array along the Y and Z directions. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the arrangement of K light-emitting devices 11 in the electro-optic modulation component 101 in a rectangular shape, which allows the formed first beam to have a rectangular light spot. In practical implementation, the number of rows and columns of the K light-emitting devices 11 can be reasonably set according to actual needs; no limitation is made here. In another possible implementation, such as... Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of the electro-optic modulation component in an embodiment of this application. The K light-emitting devices 11 in the electro-optic modulation component 101 can be arranged in a ring. In this way, there are no intersecting traces in the electro-optic modulation component 101, or the intersection of traces is minimal, which can reduce the design difficulty and reduce signal crosstalk. Of course, in some cases, the K light-emitting devices 11 in the electro-optic modulation component 101 can also be arranged in other shapes such as lines or arcs, which is not limited here.

[0046] In some embodiments, the electro-optic modulation assembly 101 may further include a first optical antenna 12, which may be located on the light-emitting side of the K light-emitting devices 11. The first optical antenna 12 can be used to collimate the first beam, making the aperture of the first beam substantially consistent with the outer contour formed by the K light-emitting devices 11. Furthermore, the first optical antenna 12 can also perform optical field manipulation operations such as beam shaping on the first beam. In this way, the collimation of the first beam received by the optical beam expander assembly 102 is better, facilitating beam expansion of the first beam and ensuring that the expanded beam spot achieves the expected multiple.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the first optical antenna 12 may include K first microlenses, each located on the light-emitting side of a light-emitting device 11, for collimating the light emitted from the light-emitting device 11. The first microlenses are small in size, making it easy to form a microlens array consistent with the arrangement of the K light-emitting devices 11, facilitating multi-channel beam control. In another possible implementation, the first optical antenna 12 may include a first grating structure, located on the light-emitting side of the K light-emitting devices 11, for collimating the light emitted from the K light-emitting devices 11. Specifically, the first grating structure can be a single, integral structure covering the K light-emitting devices 11; or, the first grating structure can be partitioned according to the positions of the K light-emitting devices 11; or, the first grating structure can be configured as multiple micro-grating structures corresponding to the K light-emitting devices 11, with the specific structure of the first grating structure set according to actual needs. Of course, the first optical antenna 12 can also be other structures with collimation functions, which will not be listed here.

[0048] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in a specific configuration, the components of the electro-optic modulation assembly 101 can be integrated into the same chip or circuit board. For example, K light-emitting devices 11 can be disposed on the same first substrate 10, which can be a silicon substrate or other object with structural support. Furthermore, the electro-optic modulation assembly 101 may also include a plurality of first signal pins 13, which can be electrically connected to a digital channel. The electro-optic modulation assembly 101 can receive radio frequency signals through the first signal pins 13.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the photoelectric conversion component in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown in this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion component 103 may include N photodetectors 31, which are arranged in a second plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical beam expander 102. The optical axis of the optical beam expander 102 may be aligned with the X-direction of the arrow, and the second plane may be parallel to the YZ plane. Each photodetector 31 can sense a portion of the light in the second beam, sample and beat the sensed light to obtain a radio frequency signal, thereby converting the second beam into N radio frequency signals carrying phase information. These N radio frequency signals are then transmitted back to the radio frequency link and emitted as radio frequency beams via N antennas. In specific configurations, the photodetectors 31 may include, but are not limited to, photodiodes (PDs), such as avalanche photodiodes (APDs). In some cases, the photodetectors 31 may also be other types of detectors, which are not limited here.

[0050] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the N photodetectors 31 in the photoelectric conversion component 103 can be arranged in an array along the Y and Z directions. Figure 6 The example shown is of N photodetectors 31 arranged in a rectangle within the photoelectric conversion component 103. In actual implementation, the number of rows and columns of the N photodetectors 31 can be adjusted according to specific needs; no limitation is imposed here. Another possible implementation is as follows... Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is another structural schematic diagram of the photoelectric conversion component in this application embodiment. The N photodetectors 31 in the photoelectric conversion component 103 can be arranged in a ring. In this way, there are no cross-cutting lines in the photoelectric conversion component 103, or the cross-cutting of the lines is minimal, which can reduce the design difficulty and reduce signal crosstalk. Of course, in some cases, the N photodetectors 31 in the photoelectric conversion component 103 can also be arranged in other shapes such as linear or arc-shaped. In specific implementation, the arrangement of the N photodetectors 31 can be reasonably set according to the arrangement of the K light-emitting devices 11 in the electro-optic modulation component 101, the arrangement of the antenna, etc., and is not limited here.

[0051] In some embodiments, the photoelectric conversion component 103 may further include: a second optical antenna 32, which may be located on the light-incident side of the N photodetectors 31, the second optical antenna 32 may be used to receive the second light beam, and the second optical antenna 32 may serve to converge the light so that the second light beam is directed toward the detection surfaces of the N photodetectors 31 respectively.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the second optical antenna 32 may include N second microlenses, each located on the incident light side of a photodetector 31, for receiving a portion of the second beam and directing the received light toward the photodetector 31. The second microlenses are small in size, making it easy to form a microlens array consistent with the arrangement of the N photodetectors 31, facilitating the splitting of the second beam into multiple beams corresponding to the N photodetectors 31. In another possible implementation, the second optical antenna 32 may include a second grating structure located on the incident light side of the N photodetectors 31, for receiving the second beam and directing it toward the N photodetectors 31. In specific configurations, the second grating structure can be a single, integral structure covering the N photodetectors 31; alternatively, the second grating structure can be partitioned according to the positions of the N photodetectors 31; or, the second grating structure can be configured as multiple micro-grating structures corresponding to the N photodetectors 31 respectively, with the specific structure of the second grating structure adjustable according to actual needs. Of course, the second optical antenna 32 can also be other structures with optical convergence function, which will not be listed here.

[0053] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in a specific configuration, the components of the photoelectric conversion assembly 103 can be integrated into the same chip or circuit board. For example, N photodetectors 31 can be placed on the same second substrate 30, which can be a silicon substrate or other object with structural support. Furthermore, the photoelectric conversion assembly 103 may also include multiple second signal pins 33, which can be electrically connected to an antenna. The photoelectric conversion assembly 103 provides radio frequency signals to the antenna through the second signal pins 33.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the optical beam expander 102 can enlarge the spot area of ​​the first beam. The beam expansion factor of the optical beam expander 102 is greater than or equal to N / K. This allows the expanded second beam to cover the area of ​​N photodetectors 31, enabling each photodetector 31 to sense the light, thereby converting the second beam into N radio frequency signals. In specific implementations, the beam expansion factor of the optical beam expander 102 can be reasonably set according to the number of digital channels and antennas. For example, when the number of digital channels is 256 and the number of antennas is 960, the beam expansion factor of the optical beam expander 102 can be greater than or equal to 3.75.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the optical beam expander 102 may include a first lens 21 and a second lens 22 arranged along the optical axis, with the second lens 22 located on the light-emitting side of the first lens 21 and having a focal length greater than that of the first lens 21. In specific configurations, the focal lengths of the first lens 21 and the second lens 22 can be appropriately set according to the magnification of the optical beam expander 102. For example, the focal length of the second lens 22 can be set to three times the focal length of the first lens 21, achieving a three-fold beam expansion. Both the first lens 21 and the second lens 22 can be convex lenses; or, the first lens 21 can be a concave lens, and the second lens 22 can be a convex lens. In another possible implementation, the optical beam expander 102 may include a metasurface lens with beam-expanding functionality. The metasurface lens has a small thickness, which can reduce the overall size of the RF module. In yet another possible implementation, the optical beam expander 102 may include a reflector with beam-expanding functionality. By setting the curvature of the reflector surface, the reflector can have a beam-expanding function. Of course, in some cases, the optical beam expander 102 can also be other devices with beam expanding function, which will not be listed here.

[0056] Figure 8 This is a simulation diagram of the radio frequency beamforming of the radio frequency module in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, curve L1 is the simulation result of beamforming of the radio frequency module in the embodiment of this application, and curve L2 is the theoretical value of target beamforming. By comparing curves L1 and L2, it can be clearly seen that the radio frequency module provided in the embodiment of this application can complete the target beamforming.

[0057] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0058] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, if these modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A radio frequency module, characterized in that, include: Electro-optic modulation components, optical beam expanders, and photoelectric conversion components; The electro-optic modulation component is used to receive K-channel radio frequency signals, obtain a first beam based on the K-channel radio frequency signals, and emit the first beam. The optical beam expander is used to expand the first beam to obtain a second beam; The photoelectric conversion component is used to receive the second beam and convert the second beam into N radio frequency signals; Where K and N are integers, and K is less than N.

2. The radio frequency module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electro-optic modulation component includes: K light-emitting devices; The K light-emitting devices are arranged in a first plane, which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical beam expander. Each of the light-emitting devices is used to receive one of the radio frequency signals and emit modulated light under the drive of the radio frequency signal; the first beam includes K of the modulated lights.

3. The radio frequency module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electro-optic modulation assembly includes: a modulation device and K light-emitting devices; The K light-emitting devices are arranged in a first plane, which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical beam expander. The modulation device is used to receive the K radio frequency signals and the light emitted by the K light-emitting devices, and modulates the light emitted by the K light-emitting devices according to the K radio frequency signals to obtain the first light beam.

4. The radio frequency module as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The light-emitting device includes: a photonic crystal laser or a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser.

5. The radio frequency module as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The electro-optic modulation component further includes: a first optical antenna; The first optical antenna is located on the light-emitting side of the K light-emitting devices, and the first optical antenna is used to collimate the first light beam.

6. The radio frequency module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first optical antenna includes: K first microlenses, each of which is located on the light-emitting side of one of the light-emitting devices and is used to collimate the light emitted from the light-emitting device; Alternatively, the first optical antenna may include: a first grating structure located on the light-emitting side of the K light-emitting devices, the first grating structure being used to collimate the light emitted from the K light-emitting devices.

7. The radio frequency module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The photoelectric conversion component includes: N photodetectors; The N photodetectors are arranged in a second plane, which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical beam expander. Each of the photodetectors is used to sense a portion of the light in the second beam, and to sample and beat the sensed light to obtain a radio frequency signal.

8. The radio frequency module as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The photoelectric conversion component further includes: a second optical antenna; The second optical antenna is located on the light-incident side of the N photodetectors. The second optical antenna is used to receive the second light beam and direct the second light beam toward the detection surfaces of the N photodetectors respectively.

9. The radio frequency module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second optical antenna includes: N second microlenses, each of which is located on the light-incident side of one of the photodetectors, for receiving a portion of the light in the second beam and directing the received light toward the photodetector; Alternatively, the second optical antenna may include a second grating structure located on the incident side of the N photodetectors, the second grating structure being used to receive the second light beam and direct the second light beam toward the N photodetectors.

10. The radio frequency module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The beam expansion factor of the optical beam expander is greater than or equal to N / K.

11. The radio frequency module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The optical beam expander assembly includes: a first lens and a second lens arranged along the optical axis; the second lens is located on the light-emitting side of the first lens, and the focal length of the second lens is greater than the focal length of the first lens; Alternatively, the optical beam expander assembly may include: a metasurface lens with beam expanding function; Alternatively, the optical beam expander assembly may include a reflector with beam expanding function.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The radio frequency module and N antennas as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; The photoelectric conversion component in the radio frequency module is electrically connected to the N-channel antenna. The N-channel antenna is used to receive the N-channel radio frequency signals output by the photoelectric conversion component and to transmit the N-channel radio frequency signals.

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