Quadrature coupler and radio frequency module

Abstract

The application provides a quadrature coupler and a radio frequency module. The quadrature coupler has a first region, a second region and an adjusting region distributed along a first direction, and comprises a first transmission line group, a coupling adjusting structure and a switching device. The first transmission line group comprises a first transmission line, a second transmission line and a third transmission line, the first transmission line and the second transmission line respectively span the first region, the second region and the adjusting region, and the third transmission line extends through the adjusting region along the first direction. The coupling adjusting structure is located in the adjusting region and is connected with the first transmission line and the third transmission line. The switching device is connected with the coupling adjusting structure and is controlled to be turned on or turned off, so that the coupling adjusting structure is switched to an access state, an equivalent coupling capacitance is changed, and the quadrature coupler has different coupling degrees. Thus, the coupling degree can be adjusted according to process, voltage or temperature changes, I / Q path amplitude and phase mismatch can be compensated, an external variable attenuator or phase shifter is not needed, space and insertion loss are reduced, and integration and adaptability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In semiconductor manufacturing, unavoidable deviations in process parameters, such as non-uniformity in device parameters, metal linewidth, dielectric thickness, and doping concentration, can lead to deviations in the electrical parameters of the transmission paths within radio frequency (RF) devices. For quadrature couplers, these process deviations can cause amplitude and phase mismatches between the I-channel and Q-channel signals, thereby reducing the balance performance of the quadrature signals and further affecting the image rejection capability and signal modulation accuracy in the RF system.

[0003] In related technologies, some solutions compensate for amplitude and phase errors generated by quadrature couplers by adding additional adjustable attenuation circuits, phase shifting circuits, or calibration networks. However, the additional compensation circuits typically require a large chip area or board space, while also increasing circuit complexity and system power consumption. Furthermore, the connection path between the compensation circuit and the quadrature coupler may introduce additional parasitic parameters and signal losses, affecting RF signal transmission performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an orthogonal coupler and a radio frequency module to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of this application, an orthogonal coupler is provided, the orthogonal coupler having a first region and a second region distributed along a first direction and an adjustment region located between the first region and the second region, the orthogonal coupler further comprising: A first transmission line group includes a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a third transmission line. A portion of the first transmission line is located in the first region, and another portion of the first transmission line is located in the adjustment region. A portion of the second transmission line is located in the second region, and another portion of the second transmission line is located in the adjustment region. The third transmission line extends along the first direction and extends from the first region through the adjustment region to the second region. A coupling adjustment structure is located in the adjustment region and connected between the first transmission line and the third transmission line; A switching device, connected to the coupling adjustment structure, is used to control the connection state of the coupling adjustment structure; The switching device is controlled to be turned on or off, causing the coupling adjustment structure to switch between multiple access states, thereby changing the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first transmission line and the third transmission line, so that the orthogonal coupler has different coupling degrees.

[0006] In some embodiments, the coupling adjustment structure includes at least one first coupling segment and at least one second coupling segment, both of which are located in the adjustment region; the first transmission line includes a third coupling segment located in the adjustment region, the third coupling segment being coupled between two oppositely disposed first and second coupling segments; The switching device includes a first switching device and a second switching device. The first switching device is connected between the third transmission line and the first coupling segment to control the connection state between the third transmission line and the first coupling segment. The second switching device is connected between the third transmission line and the second coupling segment to control the connection state between the third transmission line and the second coupling segment.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first switching device includes a first control terminal, and the second switching device includes a second control terminal; The first control terminal and the second control terminal respectively receive independent control signals to control the conduction state of the first switching device and the second switching device respectively.

[0008] In some embodiments, the coupling area between the first coupling segment and the third coupling segment is the first coupling area, and the coupling area between the second coupling segment and the third coupling segment is the second coupling area. Then, the first coupling area and the second coupling area satisfy the condition that the first coupling area is greater than the second coupling area.

[0009] In some embodiments, along the first direction, the distance between the first coupling segment and the third coupling segment is a first distance L1, and the distance between the second coupling segment and the third coupling segment is a second distance L2. Then, L1 and L2 satisfy: L1=L2.

[0010] In some embodiments, the third transmission line includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment arranged consecutively, wherein the first segment is located in the adjustment area, the second segment is located in the first area, and the third segment is located in the second area; the second transmission line includes a fourth segment and a fifth segment arranged consecutively, wherein the fourth segment is located in the adjustment area, and the fifth segment is located in the second area; The first line segment has a first accommodating space, and at least a portion of the fourth line segment extends into the first accommodating space.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first transmission line further includes a sixth segment and a seventh segment located in the first region, the sixth segment being continuously disposed between the third coupling segment and the seventh segment; the third transmission line further includes an eighth segment located in the first region, the eighth segment being located at the end of the second segment away from the first segment; The eighth line segment has a second accommodating space, and at least a portion of the seventh line segment is located in the second accommodating space.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second transmission line further includes a tenth segment located at the end of the fifth segment away from the fourth segment; The third transmission line further includes a ninth segment located in the second region, the ninth segment being located at the end of the third segment away from the first segment; The tenth line segment has a third accommodating space, and at least a portion of the ninth line segment is located in the third accommodating space.

[0013] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes a second transmission line group along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second transmission line group being stacked with the first transmission line group, and the second transmission line group being electrically isolated from the first transmission line group.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second transmission line group includes a fourth transmission line, a fifth transmission line, a sixth transmission line, and a seventh transmission line, wherein portions of the fourth transmission line and the fifth transmission line are located in the first region, other portions of the fourth transmission line and the fifth transmission line are located in the second region, and yet another portion of the fourth transmission line and the fifth transmission line are located in the adjustment region; portions of the sixth transmission line and the seventh transmission line are located in the adjustment region, and other portions of the sixth transmission line and the seventh transmission line are located in the second region; the fourth transmission line is correspondingly arranged with the first transmission line, the fifth and sixth transmission lines are respectively correspondingly arranged with the third transmission line, and the seventh transmission line is correspondingly arranged with the second transmission line; The orthogonal coupler further includes a first via interconnect structure, a second via interconnect structure, a third via interconnect structure, and a fourth via interconnect structure. A portion of the first line segment is connected to the portion of the seventh transmission line located in the adjustment region through the first via interconnect structure. Another portion of the first line segment is connected to the portion of the fourth transmission line located in the adjustment region through the second via interconnect structure. The third coupling line segment is connected to the sixth transmission line through the third via interconnect structure. The second transmission line is connected to the fifth transmission line through the fourth via interconnect structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second transmission line group further includes a fourth coupling line segment, a fifth coupling line segment, a sixth coupling line segment, and a seventh coupling line segment, all located in the adjustment region; the orthogonal coupler further includes a fifth via interconnect structure, the sixth via interconnect structure, the seventh via interconnect structure, the eighth via interconnect structure, the ninth via interconnect structure, and the tenth via interconnect structure; The fourth coupling segment is connected to the fifth coupling segment in sequence through the fifth via interconnect structure, the second coupling segment, and the sixth via interconnect structure. The fifth coupling segment is connected to the sixth coupling segment in sequence through the seventh via interconnect structure, the third coupling segment, and the eighth via interconnect structure. The sixth coupling segment is connected to the seventh coupling segment in sequence through the ninth via interconnect structure, the first coupling segment, and the tenth via interconnect structure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes an eleventh via interconnect structure, a twelfth via interconnect structure, a thirteenth via interconnect structure, a fourteenth via interconnect structure, a fifteenth via interconnect structure, and a sixteenth via interconnect structure; The orthogonal coupler further includes a first connecting line, a second connecting line, a third connecting line, and a fourth connecting line. The first connecting line is connected between the first switching device and the fourth coupling line segment through the eleventh via interconnection structure. The second connecting line is connected between the second switching device and the seventh coupling line segment through the thirteenth via interconnection structure. The third connecting line is partially connected to the seventh transmission line through the fifteenth via interconnection structure, and the third connecting line is connected between the first switching device and the second switching device. The end of the fourth connecting line away from the third connecting line is connected to the portion of the sixth transmission line located in the adjustment area through the fourteenth via interconnection structure. The end of the fourth connecting line close to the third connecting line is connected to the portion of the fifth transmission line located in the adjustment area through the twelfth via interconnection structure. The first line segment is connected to the third connecting line in sequence through the sixteenth via interconnection structure, a portion of the seventh transmission line, and the fifteenth via interconnection structure.

[0017] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes a seventeenth via interconnect structure, an eighteenth via interconnect structure, a nineteenth via interconnect structure, and a twentieth via interconnect structure; The orthogonal coupler also includes a fifth connection line and a sixth connection line, as well as a first port and a second port, wherein the first port serves as an input port and the second port serves as an output port; The first port is connected to the seventh line segment in sequence through the fifth connecting line, the eighteenth via interconnection structure, the fifth transmission line, and the seventeenth via interconnection structure. The second port is connected to the eighth line segment in sequence through the sixth connecting line, the twentieth via interconnection structure, the fourth transmission line, and the nineteenth via interconnection structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes a twenty-first via interconnect structure, a twenty-second via interconnect structure, a twenty-third via interconnect structure, and a twenty-fourth via interconnect structure; The orthogonal coupler also includes a seventh connection line and an eighth connection line, as well as a third port and a fourth port. The third port serves as an output port, and the fourth port serves as an isolation port. Along a third direction, the second port and the third port are located on the same side, and the first port and the fourth port are located on the same side. Along a first direction, the first port and the second port are located on the same side, and the third port and the fourth port are located on the same side. The third port is connected to the tenth segment in sequence through the eighth connecting line and the twenty-fourth via interconnection structure, the sixth transmission line, and the twenty-second via interconnection structure; the fourth port is connected to the ninth segment in sequence through the seventh connecting line, the twenty-third via interconnection structure, the seventh transmission line, and the twenty-first via interconnection structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the line widths of the transmission lines included in the first transmission line group are set to be equal; and / or, the line widths of the transmission lines included in the second transmission line group are set to be equal; and / or, the line widths of the transmission lines included in the first transmission line group and the line widths of the transmission lines included in the second transmission line group are set to be equal; and / or The spacing between at least a portion of adjacent transmission lines is set to be equal.

[0020] In some embodiments, the orthogonal coupler further includes a ground layer, and along the second direction, the fifth connecting line, the sixth connecting line, the seventh connecting line, and the eighth connecting line are disposed on the same layer as the ground layer; The grounding layer includes a plurality of grid lines spaced apart along a first direction, with the spacing between two adjacent grid lines being 15 µm and the line width of each grid line being 10 µm.

[0021] According to a second aspect of this application, a radio frequency module is provided, including the orthogonal coupler as described above.

[0022] In the orthogonal coupler of this embodiment, the orthogonal coupler has a first region and a second region distributed along a first direction, and an adjustment region located between the first region and the second region. The orthogonal coupler also includes a first transmission line group, a coupling adjustment structure, and a switching device. The first transmission line group in this embodiment includes a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a third transmission line. A portion of the first transmission line is located in the first region, and another portion is located in the adjustment region. A portion of the second transmission line is located in the second region, and another portion is located in the adjustment region. The third transmission line extends along the first direction and extends from the first region through the adjustment region to the second region. The coupling adjustment structure is located in the adjustment region and connected between the first transmission line and the third transmission line. The switching device is connected to the coupling adjustment structure and is used to control the connection state of the coupling adjustment structure. The switching device is controlled to be turned on or off, causing the coupling adjustment structure to switch between multiple connection states to change the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first transmission line and the third transmission line, so that the orthogonal coupler has different coupling degrees. Through the above technical solution, the switching device can control the coupling adjustment structure to switch between multiple access states, causing the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first and third transmission lines to change with the access state of the coupling adjustment structure, thereby enabling the quadrature coupler to form different coupling degrees. Therefore, the coupling degree of the quadrature coupler can be adjusted according to changes in process, voltage, or temperature, compensating for amplitude-phase mismatch in the I / Q paths, without the need for external variable attenuators or phase shifters. This helps reduce circuit space occupation and additional insertion loss, improves the integration of the quadrature coupler, and enhances its adaptability to changes in operating conditions.

[0023] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in the following description denote the same parts.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the orthogonal coupler provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle; Figure 3 yes Figure 1Cross-sectional view of section B; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the dimensional relationship between the grounding layer and the grid lines provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the orthogonal coupler provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of section C; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the orthogonal coupler provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application from another angle; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the partial three-dimensional structure of part C' in the middle; Figure 9 yes Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of section D in the middle; Figure 10 yes Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of section E in the middle; Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the grounding layer, grid lines, and connecting lines provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Enlarged schematic diagram of section F in the middle; Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Enlarged schematic diagram of section G in the middle; Figure 14 This is a top view of the first transmission line group provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the via interconnection structure between the first transmission line group and the second transmission line group provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 16 This is a top view of the second transmission line group provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the via interconnection structure between the second transmission line group, the ground layer, and the connecting lines provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 18 This is a top view of the grounding layer, grid lines, and connecting lines provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 19 This is a simulation curve of the amplitude error and phase error of the orthogonal coupler provided in the exemplary embodiment of this application before and after calibration as a function of frequency; Figure 20This is a simulation curve of the image rejection ratio of the orthogonal coupler provided in the exemplary embodiment of this application as a function of frequency under different control states and before and after calibration. Figure 21 This is a simulation curve of the reflection coefficient of each port of the orthogonal coupler provided in the exemplary embodiment of this application before and after calibration, as a function of frequency. Figure 22 This is a simulation curve of the scattering parameters of the orthogonal coupler provided in the exemplary embodiment of this application before and after calibration, as a function of frequency. Figure 23 This is a simulation curve showing the isolation of the orthogonal coupler provided in the exemplary embodiment of this application as a function of frequency; Figure 24 This is a simulation curve showing the overall loss of the orthogonal coupler provided in the exemplary embodiment of this application as a function of frequency. Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the coupler parity mode excitation model analysis provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 26 This is an equivalent principle diagram of the orthogonal coupler provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the switched capacitor circuit provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Orthogonal coupler; 10a. First region; 10b. Adjustment region; 10c. Second region; 100. First transmission line group; 110. First transmission line; 111. Third coupling segment; 112. Sixth segment; 113. Seventh segment; 120. Second transmission line; 121. Fourth segment; 122. Fifth segment; 123. Tenth segment; 123a. Third accommodating space; 130. Third transmission line; 131. First segment; 131a. First accommodating space; 132. Second segment; 133. Third segment; 134. Eighth segment; 134a. Second accommodating space; 135. Ninth segment; 200. Coupling adjustment structure; 210. First coupling segment; 220. Second coupling segment; 300. Switching device; 310. First switching device; 320. Second switching device; 400, Second transmission line group; 410, Fourth transmission line; 420, Fifth transmission line; 430, Sixth transmission line; 440, Seventh transmission line; 450, Fourth coupling segment; 460, Fifth coupling segment; 470, Sixth coupling segment; 480, Seventh coupling segment; 501. First via interconnect structure; 502. Second via interconnect structure; 503. Third via interconnect structure; 504. Fourth via interconnect structure; 505. Fifth via interconnect structure; 506. Sixth via interconnect structure; 507. Seventh via interconnect structure; 508. Eighth via interconnect structure; 509. Ninth via interconnect structure; 510. Tenth via interconnect structure; 511. Eleventh via interconnect structure; 512. Twelfth via interconnect structure; 513. Thirteenth via interconnect structure. Via interconnect structures; 514, fourteenth via interconnect structure; 515, fifteenth via interconnect structure; 516, sixteenth via interconnect structure; 517, seventeenth via interconnect structure; 518, eighteenth via interconnect structure; 519, nineteenth via interconnect structure; 520, twentieth via interconnect structure; 521, twenty-first via interconnect structure; 522, twenty-second via interconnect structure; 523, twenty-third via interconnect structure; 524, twenty-fourth via interconnect structure; 601. First connecting line; 602. Second connecting line; 603. Third connecting line; 604. Fourth connecting line; 605. Fifth connecting line; 606. Sixth connecting line; 607. Seventh connecting line; 608. Eighth connecting line; P1, the first port; P2, the second port; P3, the third port; P4, the fourth port; 700, grounding layer; 710, grid lines; X, first direction; Y, third direction; Z, second direction; 800, First layer via interconnect structure; 900, Second layer via interconnect structure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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 a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0029] In actual semiconductor manufacturing, unavoidable deviations in process parameters, such as non-uniformity in device parameters, metal linewidth, dielectric thickness, and doping concentration, can cause changes in the electrical parameters of the internal transmission paths of radio frequency (RF) devices. For quadrature couplers, the amplitude ratio and phase relationship of their output signals depend on the coupling characteristics between internal transmission lines. The aforementioned process deviations can lead to changes in electromagnetic parameters such as coupling capacitance and coupling coefficient between transmission lines, resulting in amplitude and phase mismatches between the I-channel and Q-channel signals. This reduces the balance performance of the quadrature signals and affects the image rejection capability and signal modulation accuracy of the RF front-end system.

[0030] In related technologies, to compensate for amplitude and phase errors in quadrature couplers caused by process variations, some solutions employ additional adjustable attenuation circuits, phase-shifting circuits, or calibration networks to compensate the output signal. However, these compensation methods typically require adding extra circuit structures around the quadrature coupler, increasing chip area and system integration difficulty, and introducing additional active components, leading to increased system power consumption. Furthermore, the connection path between the compensation circuit and the quadrature coupler generates additional parasitic parameters and signal transmission losses, affecting the integrity of the RF signal.

[0031] Furthermore, during the actual operation of the quadrature coupler, changes in supply voltage and ambient temperature can also cause drift in the device's electrical parameters, resulting in process-voltage-temperature (PVT) variations. For example, in applications such as 5G millimeter-wave base station RF front-ends and massive MIMO systems, quadrature couplers typically need to operate under complex environmental conditions for extended periods. Changes in device temperature and operating status can further affect the coupling relationship between transmission lines, causing dynamic shifts in the amplitude and phase characteristics of the quadrature coupler 10.

[0032] However, traditional quadrature couplers typically employ a fixed transmission line structure, and their coupling parameters are difficult to adjust based on actual operating conditions after manufacturing. When there are process differences between different batches of chips, or when the device is affected by PVT variations during actual operation, the fixed coupling structure cannot compensate for the resulting changes in coupling parameters in a timely manner. This leads to reduced amplitude and phase consistency of the I / Q signals, affecting the performance stability of the RF system and the consistency of mass production.

[0033] Therefore, how to adjust the internal coupling parameters of the quadrature coupler without increasing the area and power consumption, so that the quadrature coupler can adapt to process deviations and changes in the working environment, and improve the amplitude and phase consistency of the output quadrature signal, has become an urgent problem to be solved in the field of radio frequency integrated circuits.

[0034] Based on this, this application provides an orthogonal coupler and RF module that adjusts the internal coupling parameters of the orthogonal coupler without increasing the area and power consumption, so that the orthogonal coupler can adapt to process deviations and changes in the working environment, and improve the amplitude and phase consistency of the output orthogonal signal.

[0035] refer to Figures 1 to 5 In a first aspect, this application provides an orthogonal coupler 10. The orthogonal coupler 10 has a first region 10a and a second region 10c distributed along a first direction X, and an adjustment region 10b located between the first region 10a and the second region 10c. The orthogonal coupler 10 also includes a first transmission line group 100, a coupling adjustment structure 200, and a switching device 300. In this embodiment, the first transmission line group 100 includes a first transmission line 110, a second transmission line 120, and a third transmission line 130. A portion of the first transmission line 110 is located in the first region 10a, and another portion of the first transmission line 110 is located in the adjustment region 10b. A portion of the second transmission line 120 is located in the second region 10c, and another portion of the second transmission line 120 is located in the adjustment region 10b. The third transmission line 130 extends along the first direction X and extends from the first region 10a through the adjustment region 10b to the second region 10c. The coupling adjustment structure 200 is located in the adjustment region 10b and is connected between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130. The switching device 300 is connected to the coupling adjustment structure 200 and is used to control the connection state of the coupling adjustment structure 200.

[0036] In this process, the switching device 300 is controlled to be turned on or off, causing the coupling adjustment structure 200 to switch between multiple access states, thereby changing the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130, so that the quadrature coupler 10 has different coupling degrees.

[0037] It should be understood that the first region 10a and the second region 10c of the orthogonal coupler 10, which are distributed along the first direction X, typically carry the main input or output path of the coupler, or the direct and coupled path, while the adjustment region 10b is located between the first region 10a and the second region 10c and is used to integrate and realize the adjustable function of the coupling degree.

[0038] The first transmission line group 100 includes a first transmission line 110, a second transmission line 120, and a third transmission line 130. Each transmission line is a conductive path that constitutes the main structure of the orthogonal coupler 10, used to carry and transmit radio frequency signals, and to achieve signal distribution and phase conversion through electromagnetic coupling between the transmission lines. Exemplarily, the transmission lines can be implemented in various forms such as microstrip lines, striplines, or coplanar waveguides.

[0039] The coupling adjustment structure 200 is a structure that enables the coupling degree of the orthogonal coupler 10 to be adjustable. This coupling adjustment structure 200 adjusts the coupling degree by changing its own electrical characteristics, thereby affecting the equivalent coupling capacitance between transmission lines.

[0040] Switching device 300 is used to control the connection state of coupling adjustment structure 200. By controlling the on or off state of switching device 300, coupling adjustment structure 200 can be flexibly connected or disconnected between the transmission lines corresponding to the first region 10a and the second region 10c, thereby achieving dynamic control of coupling degree. Connection state refers to the connection mode of coupling adjustment structure 200 in the circuit. Different connection states correspond to different effects of coupling adjustment structure 200 on the equivalent coupling capacitance between transmission lines, thus causing quadrature coupler 10 to exhibit different coupling characteristics. Equivalent coupling capacitance refers to the effective capacitance value formed between transmission lines, affecting the electromagnetic coupling strength between transmission lines. By changing the equivalent coupling capacitance, the coupling coefficient of quadrature coupler 10 can be controlled. Coupling degree is an important parameter for measuring the performance of quadrature coupler 10, which represents the power distribution ratio of the input signal between different output ports. Variable coupling degree allows quadrature coupler 10 to adapt to different operating requirements or compensate for imbalances in the system.

[0041] In this embodiment, the coupling adjustment structure 200 is connected to the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130 between the first region 10a and the second region 10c, which will change the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130.

[0042] By controlling the on and off states of the switching device 300, the coupling adjustment structure 200 can switch between various access states, thereby achieving multi-level adjustment of the coupling degree. For example, the system can select a suitable coupling degree level based on the real-time monitored amplitude-phase mismatch, controlling the I / Q amplitude error within ±0.15dB and the phase error within ±4°. When changes in ambient temperature or voltage cause the coupling degree to drift again, the system can dynamically adjust the access state of the switching device 300 again to calibrate the coupling degree in real time, ensuring that the quadrature coupler 10 always operates in the optimal state, thereby maintaining the image rejection effect and modulation accuracy of the RF front-end system.

[0043] Through the above technical solution, the switching device 300 can control the coupling adjustment structure 200 to switch between multiple access states, so that the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130 changes with the access state of the coupling adjustment structure 200, thereby enabling the quadrature coupler 10 to form different coupling degrees. Therefore, the coupling degree of the quadrature coupler 10 can be adjusted according to process, voltage, or temperature changes to compensate for amplitude and phase mismatch in the I / Q paths, without the need for external variable attenuators or phase shifters. This helps reduce circuit space and additional insertion loss, improves the integration of the quadrature coupler 10, and enhances its adaptability to changes in operating conditions.

[0044] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 12 The coupling adjustment structure 200 includes at least one first coupling segment 210 and at least one second coupling segment 220, both of which are located in the adjustment region 10b. The first transmission line 110 includes a third coupling segment 111 located in the adjustment region 10b, which is coupled between the two oppositely arranged first coupling segments 210 and 220. The switching device 300 includes a first switching device 310 and a second switching device 320. The first switching device 310 is connected between the third transmission line 130 and the first coupling segment 210 to control the connection state between the third transmission line 130 and the first coupling segment 210. The second switching device 320 is connected between the third transmission line 130 and the second coupling segment 220 to control the connection state between the third transmission line 130 and the second coupling segment 220.

[0045] It should be understood that a coupling segment is a conductive structure used to achieve electromagnetic coupling. The geometry, size, and relative position of the coupling segment to other segments directly affect the coupling strength. These coupling segments can take the form of transmission line structures such as microstrip lines, striplines, or coplanar waveguides. For example, they can be metal strips printed on a dielectric substrate or metal wires sandwiched between multiple dielectric substrates.

[0046] The third coupling segment 111 is a part of the first transmission line 110 within the adjustment zone 10b. Its main function is to serve as part of the main transmission line, exchanging energy with the first coupling segment 210 and the second coupling segment 220 in the coupling adjustment structure 200. The third coupling segment 111 can be a straight section of the first transmission line 110 within the adjustment zone 10b, or it can be a section that is locally widened or bent to enhance the coupling effect. The third coupling segment 111 is coupled between two opposing first coupling segments 210 and 220. This arrangement means that the third coupling segment 111 is spatially located between the first coupling segments 210 and 220, and there is an electromagnetic coupling relationship between the three. For example, the first coupling segment 210, the third coupling segment 111, and the second coupling segment 220 can be arranged in parallel on the same layer, or coupling can be achieved through multi-layer structures and vias. This relative setup helps to form a controllable coupling unit, which can change the equivalent coupling environment of the third coupling segment 111 by selectively connecting the first coupling segment 210 or the second coupling segment 220.

[0047] As previously described, the switching device 300 is an electronic component used to control the on / off state of a circuit. Its function is to selectively connect or disconnect the first coupling segment 210 or the second coupling segment 220 to the third transmission line 130 according to the received control signal. For example, the switching device 300 can be a semiconductor switch such as a PIN diode or a field-effect transistor (FET), or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch, enabling fast and reliable on / off control.

[0048] The first switching device 310 is disposed between the third transmission line 130 and the first coupling segment 210. When the first switching device 310 is turned on, the first coupling segment 210 is connected to the third transmission line 130 and forms a corresponding coupling path together with the third coupling segment 210; when the first switching device 310 is turned off, the connection between the first coupling segment 210 and the third transmission line 130 is broken, and the first coupling segment 210 is not connected to the corresponding coupling path. Correspondingly, the second switching device 320 can control whether the second coupling segment 220 is connected to the third transmission line 130 by turning it on or off.

[0049] For example, when both the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320 are off, neither the first coupling segment 210 nor the second coupling segment 220 is connected; when the first switching device 310 is on and the second switching device 320 is off, the first coupling segment 210 is connected; when the first switching device 310 is off and the second switching device 320 is on, the second coupling segment 220 is connected; when both the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320 are on, both the first coupling segment 210 and the second coupling segment 220 are connected simultaneously. Therefore, the on states of the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320 can be combined to form multiple connection states.

[0050] The orthogonal coupler of this embodiment refines the coupling adjustment structure 200 into at least one first coupling segment 210 and at least one second coupling segment 220, and couples a third coupling segment 111 in the first transmission line 110 between the first coupling segment 210 and the second coupling segment 220. Simultaneously, a first switching device 310 and a second switching device 320 are introduced to control the connection state between the first coupling segment 210, the second coupling segment 220, and the third transmission line 130, respectively, thereby achieving adjustment of the coupling degree of the orthogonal coupler 10. Specifically, when the first switching device 310 is turned on, the first coupling segment 210 is connected to the circuit, forming a specific coupling path with the third coupling segment 111, changing the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130. Specifically, when the second switching device 320 is turned on, the second coupling segment 220 is connected to the circuit, forming another coupling path with the third coupling segment 111, further changing the equivalent coupling capacitance. In other words, by independently or in combination controlling the conduction states of the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320, different coupling path combinations can be flexibly selected, allowing the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130 to switch between multiple preset values. This mechanism enables the quadrature coupler 10 to switch between multiple coupling degrees according to actual needs, thereby meeting the coupling characteristics requirements of different application scenarios.

[0051] The following is a specific example illustrating the coupling adjustment structure 200, which can be composed of two parallel microstrip lines, serving as the first coupling segment 210 and the second coupling segment 220, respectively. Both coupling segments are printed on the same dielectric layer within the adjustment region 10b of the orthogonal coupler 10. A section of the first transmission line 110 within the adjustment region 10b can serve as the third coupling segment 111. This third coupling segment 111 can be designed to be located between the first coupling segment 210 and the second coupling segment 220, maintaining a certain distance from them to achieve electromagnetic coupling. For example, the first coupling segment 210 and the second coupling segment 220 can be symmetrically distributed on both sides of the third coupling segment 111. The switching device 300 can be implemented using PIN diodes, where the first PIN diode serves as the first switching device 310, and the second PIN diode serves as the second switching device 320. By applying different bias voltages to these two PIN diodes, their on or off states can be controlled respectively. For example, when only the first PIN diode is turned on, the first coupling segment 210 is effectively connected, providing one type of coupling; when only the second PIN diode is turned on, the second coupling segment 220 is effectively connected, providing another type of coupling; when both PIN diodes are turned on, the first coupling segment 210 and the second coupling segment 220 participate in coupling simultaneously, providing a third type of coupling; and when both PIN diodes are turned off, a reference coupling is provided.

[0052] Specifically, the first coupling segment 210 is located between the third coupling segment 111 and the first switching device 310, and the first switching device 310 is connected between the end of the first coupling segment 210 away from the third coupling segment 111 and the third transmission line 130. The second coupling segment 220 is located between the third coupling segment 111 and the second switching device 320, and the second switching device 320 is connected between the end of the second coupling segment 220 away from the third coupling segment 111 and the third transmission line 130.

[0053] Through the above technical solution, the coupling adjustment structure 200 is refined into a selectively accessible first coupling segment 210 and a second coupling segment 220, and in conjunction with independently controlled first and second switching devices 310 and 320, the quadrature coupler 10 can achieve multi-level or more flexible coupling degree adjustment. This reduces the risk of limitations in coupling degree adjustment flexibility of a single coupling structure or a single switching device 300, allowing switching between multiple coupling states via simple electrical control signals. This significantly improves the adaptability and performance of the quadrature coupler 10 in different application scenarios. The overall technical solution makes coupling degree adjustment more precise and controllable, providing design space and optimized performance for RF systems.

[0054] To flexibly achieve independent control of different coupled line segments, in some embodiments, the first switching device 310 includes a first control terminal (not shown in the figure), and the second switching device 320 includes a second control terminal (not shown in the figure). The first and second control terminals respectively receive independent control signals to control the conduction state of the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320.

[0055] It should be understood that the first control terminal and the second control terminal are interfaces used to receive external control commands, which can be electrical signal input ports, optical signal receivers, or wireless signal receiving modules. The function of the first control terminal and the second control terminal is to transmit external control information to the corresponding switching device 300 to trigger a change in the state of the corresponding switching device 300.

[0056] The first control terminal and the second control terminal receive independent control signals, meaning that the signals applied to the first control terminal and the second control terminal are logically or physically independent of each other, and synchronization or linkage is not mandatory. For example, the control signals can be generated by different control logic units, or issued by the same control unit at different times or based on different conditions. Controlling the conduction state of the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320 separately means that the on or off states of the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320 can be determined and executed independently. For example, only the first switching device 310 can be turned on while the second switching device 320 can be turned off, or vice versa, both can be turned on or off simultaneously.

[0057] In the aforementioned orthogonal coupler 10, the coupling adjustment structure 200 includes at least one first coupling segment 210 and at least one second coupling segment 220, and their connection states with the third transmission line 130 are controlled by a first switching device 310 and a second switching device 320, respectively. By providing a first control terminal and a second control terminal for the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320, and by having the first control terminal and the second control terminal receive independent control signals, independent control of the conduction states of the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320 can be achieved. For example, only the first switching device 310 can be turned on, allowing the first coupling segment 210 to be connected to the circuit, while the second coupling segment 220 is not connected; or only the second switching device 320 can be turned on, allowing the second coupling segment 220 to be connected to the circuit; or both can be turned on or off simultaneously. This independent control capability means that the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130 is no longer limited to a single or a few states, but can be configured to form various coupling paths and coupling strengths according to actual needs through different switching combinations. Therefore, the orthogonal coupler 10 can achieve more precise and diverse coupling degree adjustment, overcoming the problem of insufficient coupling adjustment flexibility under a single control mode.

[0058] In one specific implementation, the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320 can be implemented using radio frequency PIN diodes or field-effect transistors (FETs). The first control terminal and the second control terminal can be connected to independent output ports of an external control circuit, such as two general-purpose input / output (GPIO) pins of a microcontroller or a dedicated driver chip. When the coupling degree needs to be adjusted, the microcontroller can send a high-level signal to the first control terminal to turn on the first switching device 310, and simultaneously send a low-level signal to the second control terminal to turn off the second switching device 320, thus allowing only the first coupling segment 210 to participate in coupling. Conversely, the second switching device 320 can also be independently controlled to turn on and off. This independent digital control signal allows the quadrature coupler 10 to flexibly configure the coupling adjustment structure 200 according to a preset algorithm or external instructions to adapt to different radio frequency application scenarios.

[0059] Through the above technical solution, the quadrature coupler 10 can achieve independent control of the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320, which can improve the flexibility and accuracy of coupling adjustment. This allows the quadrature coupler 10 to achieve various fine coupling states through different switching combinations according to actual application requirements. For example, it can achieve asymmetric coupling or dynamically adjust coupling characteristics during operation, thereby optimizing the distribution and matching of RF signals and improving the performance and adaptability of the entire RF system.

[0060] In some embodiments, the coupling area between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111 is the first coupling area, and the coupling area between the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111 is the second coupling area. Then the first coupling area and the second coupling area satisfy the condition that the first coupling area is greater than the second coupling area.

[0061] It should be understood that the first coupling area refers to the effective coupling region between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111, and the size of the first coupling area determines the capacitive coupling strength between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111. The first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111 can be designed and adjusted in various ways, for example, by changing the overlap length, width, or dielectric layer thickness between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111.

[0062] The second coupling area refers to the effective coupling region between the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111. Its function is similar to that of the first coupling area, and it also directly affects the corresponding capacitive coupling strength. The second coupling area can also be achieved by adjusting the overlap length, width, or dielectric layer thickness between the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first coupling area is larger than the second coupling area. That is, the coupling strength between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111 can be designed to be greater than the coupling strength between the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111, thereby introducing coupling asymmetry in the structure.

[0064] The solution in this application differentiates the coupling areas between the first coupling segment 210, the second coupling segment 220, and the third coupling segment 111 in the coupling adjustment structure 200 within the adjustment region 10b of the orthogonal coupler 10. Specifically, the first coupling area is set to be larger than the second coupling area, thus introducing an asymmetry in coupling strength into the physical structure. When the first switching device 310 is turned on, the third transmission line 130 is connected to the first coupling segment 210. At this time, due to the larger first coupling area, a strong coupling channel is established between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130. When the second switching device 320 is turned on, the third transmission line 130 is connected to the second coupling segment 220. At this time, due to the smaller second coupling area, a relatively weak coupling channel is established between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130. This design allows the orthogonal coupler 10 to provide two different orders of magnitude of coupling under different switching states, rather than simply a matter of no coupling or symmetrical coupling. In this way, the orthogonal coupler 10 can achieve fine-grained and asymmetric control of coupling characteristics, greatly expanding its application range and adjustment flexibility.

[0065] The following is a specific example illustrating this. In the orthogonal coupler 10 described above, the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111 can be designed to have a large overlap area. For example, the effective coupling length of the first coupling segment 210 can be set to approximately 80% of the effective coupling length of the third coupling segment 111 to maximize its coupling effect, thereby forming a larger first coupling area S1. Simultaneously, the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111 can be designed to have a smaller overlap area. For example, the effective coupling length of the second coupling segment 220 can be set to approximately 50% of the effective coupling length of the third coupling segment 111 to weaken its coupling effect, thereby forming a smaller second coupling area.

[0066] Through the above technical solution, the orthogonal coupler 10 can provide asymmetric coupling degree adjustment capability. This asymmetric coupling area design allows the orthogonal coupler 10 to provide coupling states of different strengths or characteristics under different switching states, thereby improving the flexibility and accuracy of coupling degree adjustment while maintaining structural compactness. This solves the problem in the prior art that it is difficult to achieve fine or differentiated coupling control simply by switching, enabling the orthogonal coupler 10 to adapt to a wider range of application scenarios and meet the system requirements with specific coupling characteristics.

[0067] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 Along the first direction X, the distance between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111 is the first distance L1, and the distance between the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111 is the second distance L2. Then L1 and L2 satisfy: L1=L2.

[0068] It should be understood that the first spacing L1 refers to the physical distance between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111 along the first direction X, while the second spacing L2 refers to the physical distance between the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111 along the first direction X. The value of the spacing affects the coupling strength and also determines the distribution and interaction of the electromagnetic field between the coupling segments. For example, the spacing can be controlled by precise photolithography and etching processes to ensure that a preset accuracy is achieved during manufacturing; or it can be optimized using electromagnetic simulation tools during the design phase to determine the optimal spacing that meets performance requirements.

[0069] In this embodiment, L1=L2 indicates that the distance between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111 is equal to the distance between the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111. This ensures that, in terms of physical layout, the third coupling segment 111 maintains a symmetrical distance relationship with the first coupling segment 210 and the second coupling segment 220 on both sides. For example, a symmetrical layout strategy can be adopted, placing the third coupling segment 111 on the geometric center line of the first coupling segment 210 and the second coupling segment 220, thereby achieving L1=L2.

[0070] Based on the orthogonal coupler 10 described above, this application sets the first spacing L1 between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111, and the second spacing L2 between the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111, to be equal, i.e., L1=L2. Given that the first coupling area S1 and the second coupling area S2 are not equal, maintaining the equality of physical spacings L1 and L2 ensures that the third coupling segment 111 and the first coupling segments 210 and 220 on both sides have similar physical environments in the near-field region of electromagnetic coupling. This symmetry in spacing helps maintain a uniform distribution of the electromagnetic field inside the coupler and reduces local field strength differences caused by inconsistent physical spacing.

[0071] When the switching device 300 is controlled to be turned on or off, causing the coupling adjustment structure 200 to switch between multiple access states, although the difference in coupling area will change the equivalent coupling capacitance, the equal physical spacing L1 and L2 can ensure that the change in the equivalent coupling capacitance is controllable and has good symmetry. This allows the coupling characteristics of the coupler, especially the phase and amplitude balance, to maintain better consistency under different coupling degrees, thereby improving the overall performance stability and reliability of the quadrature coupler 10.

[0072] Through the above technical solution, even when the coupling area S1 between the first coupling segment 210 and the third coupling segment 111 is not equal to the coupling area S2 between the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111, the electromagnetic field distribution inside the coupler can be effectively balanced by keeping the first spacing L1 and the second spacing L2 equal. The symmetry of the physical spacing used helps to reduce the coupling non-uniformity that may be caused by the difference in coupling area. Thus, when the switching device 300 switches the coupling adjustment structure 200 to different access states, it ensures that the quadrature coupler 10 can still maintain good phase and amplitude balance under different coupling degrees, thereby improving the performance consistency and stability of the quadrature coupler 10 under broadband operating conditions. This allows the coupler to more accurately realize signal power distribution and phase conversion, thereby improving the reliability of the entire radio frequency system.

[0073] In some embodiments, reference Figure 14 The third transmission line 130 includes a first segment 131, a second segment 132, and a third segment 133 arranged consecutively. The first segment 131 is located in the adjustment zone 10b, the second segment 132 is located in the first zone 10a, and the third segment 133 is located in the second zone 10c. The second transmission line 120 includes a fourth segment 121 and a fifth segment 122 arranged consecutively. The fourth segment 121 is located in the adjustment zone 10b, and the fifth segment 122 is located in the second zone 10c. The first segment 131 has a first accommodating space 131a, and at least a portion of the fourth segment 121 extends into the first accommodating space 131a.

[0074] Specifically, the third transmission line 130 includes a first segment 131, which is the portion of the third transmission line 130 within the adjustment region 10b. Its function is to serve as the main carrier portion of the third transmission line 130 within the adjustment region 10b, interacting with the coupling adjustment structure 200. This first segment 131 can be implemented using a microstrip line, stripline, or coplanar waveguide, etc. The second segment 132 is the portion of the third transmission line 130 within the first region 10a, used to connect to the first segment 131. Its form can be the same as the first segment 131, or optimized according to the region characteristics. The third segment 133 is the portion of the third transmission line 130 within the second region 10c, used to connect to the first segment 131. Its form can also be the same as the first segment 131. The continuous arrangement of the first segment 131, second segment 132, and third segment 133 means that these three segments are physically connected together, forming a complete transmission path to ensure continuous signal transmission on the third transmission line 130.

[0075] For example, the fourth segment 121 of the second transmission line 120 is its portion within the conditioning region 10b. As the main carrier portion of the second transmission line 120 within the conditioning region 10b, the fourth segment 121 can be implemented in the form of a microstrip line, stripline, or coplanar waveguide. The fifth segment 122 is the portion of the second transmission line 120 within the second region 10c, used to connect to the fourth segment 121. Its form can be the same as the fourth segment 121, or optimized according to the characteristics of the region. The continuous arrangement of the fourth segment 121 and the fifth segment 122 also ensures the continuous transmission of signals on the second transmission line 120.

[0076] The first line segment 131 has a first receiving space 131a, which can be a groove, an opening, or a specific area around the first line segment 131. At least a portion of the fourth line segment 121 extends into the first receiving space 131a, meaning that a portion of the fourth line segment 121 physically enters into or occupies the receiving space provided by the first line segment 131. Its function is to achieve tight integration or a specific coupling relationship between the two transmission lines, optimizing space utilization. For example, the fourth line segment 121 can be partially embedded in the groove of the first line segment 131, or overlap with the receiving space of the first line segment 131 in the vertical direction.

[0077] In this embodiment, by segmenting the third transmission line 130 and the second transmission line 120, the transmission lines can be optimized in layout according to the functional requirements of different regions (first region 10a, second region 10c, and adjustment region 10b) of the orthogonal coupler 10. Specifically, the first segment 131 (the portion of the third transmission line 130 in the adjustment region 10b) is designed to have a first accommodating space 131a, and at least a portion of the fourth segment 121 (the portion of the second transmission line 120 in the adjustment region 10b) extends into this first accommodating space 131a. This allows for tighter integration and more efficient space utilization of the third transmission line 130 and the second transmission line 120 within the adjustment region 10b. By partially "embedding" or "overlapping" the fourth segment 121 into the accommodating space of the first segment 131, the lateral or longitudinal spacing between transmission lines can be effectively reduced, thereby achieving a more compact layout without increasing the overall size. This helps optimize the signal path, reduce unnecessary parasitic effects, and provides more flexibility for the integration of the coupling adjustment structure 200 and the switching device 300. It also solves the problems of complex wiring and low space utilization of transmission lines in different areas, and improves the stability of continuous signal transmission and the overall performance of the orthogonal coupler 10.

[0078] Through the above technical solution, the third transmission line 130 and the second transmission line 120 are finely segmented, and the first accommodating space 131a of the first segment 131 is used to accommodate part of the fourth segment 121. On the one hand, this improves the space utilization of the transmission lines inside the quadrature coupler 10, effectively reducing the overall size and making the quadrature coupler 10 easier to integrate into miniaturized RF modules. On the other hand, the optimized transmission line layout helps simplify wiring complexity, reduce signal loss and crosstalk during signal transmission, thereby improving the signal integrity and overall performance of the quadrature coupler 10. Furthermore, it also provides greater design freedom for the flexible configuration of the coupling adjustment structure 200 and the switching device 300, helping to achieve more precise and wider-range coupling adjustment.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first transmission line 110 further includes a sixth segment 112 and a seventh segment 113 located in the first region 10a, wherein the sixth segment 112 is continuously disposed between the third coupling segment 111 and the seventh segment 113; the third transmission line 130 further includes an eighth segment 134 located in the first region 10a, wherein the eighth segment 134 is located at the end of the second segment 132 away from the first segment 131. The eighth segment 134 has a second receiving space 134a, and at least a portion of the seventh segment 113 is located in the second receiving space 134a.

[0080] It should be understood that the sixth segment 112 and the seventh segment 113 are components of the first transmission line 110 within the first region 10a. The sixth segment 112 is continuously disposed between the third coupling segment 111 and the seventh segment 113, that is, after the third coupling segment 111 in the adjustment region 10b, the first transmission line 110 is connected to the seventh segment 113 in the first region 10a via the sixth segment 112. By employing a segmented and continuous arrangement of the first transmission line 110, the first transmission line 110 can have different geometries or layouts in different regions to adapt to overall circuit layout and performance requirements. For example, the sixth segment 112 can be a bent and meandering segment, while the seventh segment 113 can be a straight segment to optimize the signal transmission path or connection with other components.

[0081] The eighth segment 134 is a component of the third transmission line 130 within the first region 10a. The eighth segment 134 is located at the end of the second segment 132 away from the first segment 131, i.e., the end portion of the third transmission line 130 within the first region 10a. The eighth segment 134 can be designed as a microstrip line, stripline, or coplanar waveguide structure with a specific width and length. The second accommodating space 134a provides a physical accommodating area for the seventh segment 113, thus effectively achieving a compact layout and space multiplexing between different transmission lines, thereby reducing the overall device size. Exemplarily, the second accommodating space 134a can be a U-shape or a rectangular opening.

[0082] The orthogonal coupler 10 of this embodiment introduces the sixth segment 112 and the seventh segment 113 in the first transmission line 110, and the eighth segment 134 in the third transmission line 130, with the seventh segment 113 at least partially located within the second accommodating space 134a of the eighth segment 134. On one hand, this optimizes the layout and interaction of the transmission lines within the first region 10a. The first transmission line 110 forms a continuous signal path within the adjustment region 10b and the first region 10a via the third coupling segment 111, the sixth segment 112, and the seventh segment 113. On the other hand, the third transmission line 130 extends within the first region 10a via the second segment 132 and the eighth segment 134. When the seventh segment 113 is partially or fully accommodated within the second accommodating space 134a of the eighth segment 134, the two transmission lines achieve close spatial integration. This integration method makes the layout of the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130 within the first region 10a more compact, thereby helping to reduce the overall size of the orthogonal coupler 10. On the other hand, by placing the seventh segment 113 within the accommodating space of the eighth segment 134, the relative position and spacing between the two transmission lines can be precisely controlled, thereby finely adjusting the electromagnetic coupling effect between each segment. This helps to achieve higher integration while maintaining or optimizing the coupler performance, and effectively manage parasitic coupling between transmission lines, avoiding signal integrity problems caused by improper layout.

[0083] By employing the aforementioned technical solution, at least a portion of the seventh segment 113 of the first transmission line 110 is accommodated within the second accommodating space 134a of the eighth segment 134 of the third transmission line 130. This effectively solves the problem of limited space layout for the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130 within the first region 10a in the design of the compact orthogonal coupler 10, resulting in higher space utilization between the transmission lines and significantly reducing the overall size of the orthogonal coupler 10. Furthermore, it effectively manages and optimizes the electromagnetic coupling between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130, reducing the impact of unnecessary parasitic coupling on coupler performance (such as isolation, insertion loss, and return loss), improving the integrity and stability of signal transmission, and enabling the orthogonal coupler 10 to achieve high-performance signal processing functions within a smaller physical space.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second transmission line 120 further includes a tenth segment 123 located at the end of the fifth segment 122 away from the fourth segment 121. The third transmission line 130 further includes a ninth segment 135 located in the second region 10c, located at the end of the third segment 133 away from the first segment 131. The tenth segment 123 has a third receiving space 123a, and at least a portion of the ninth segment 135 is located within the third receiving space 123a.

[0085] It should be understood that the tenth segment 123 is an extension of the second transmission line 120 in the second region 10c, located at the end of the fifth segment 122, i.e., away from the adjustment region 10b. Exemplarily, the tenth segment 123 can be used to achieve electrical connection or electromagnetic coupling. The third receiving space 123a of the tenth segment 123 can be a U-shaped, C-shaped, or annular structure designed to provide an internal space. This third receiving space 123a can be an opening enclosed by the conductor structure of the tenth segment 123, allowing the ninth segment 135 to be embedded into the third receiving space 123a.

[0086] The ninth segment 135 is an extension of the third transmission line 130 in the second region 10c, located at the end of the third segment 133, i.e., away from the adjustment region 10b. The ninth segment 135 can also be a termination structure used to achieve specific electrical connections or electromagnetic couplings. For example, the ninth segment 135 can be a straight conductor.

[0087] At least a portion of the ninth segment 135 is located in the third receiving space 123a, that is, a portion of the ninth segment 135 can be surrounded by the third receiving space 123a of the tenth segment 123, so that the second transmission line 120 and the third transmission line 130 can be tightly integrated together at the end of the second region 10c to achieve a highly compact layout.

[0088] The orthogonal coupler 10 of this application embodiment, by designing the tenth segment 123 of the second transmission line 120 to have a third accommodating space 123a in the second region 10c of the orthogonal coupler 10, and by placing at least a portion of the ninth segment 135 of the third transmission line 130 within the third accommodating space 123a, achieves tight integration of the ends of the second transmission line 120 and the third transmission line 130, effectively optimizing the space utilization of this region. This not only helps to reduce the overall size of the orthogonal coupler 10, but also allows for fine adjustment of the electromagnetic coupling characteristics between the second transmission line 120 and the third transmission line 130 by controlling the relative position and coupling distance between the ninth segment 135 and the tenth segment 123, thereby improving the integration of the device without sacrificing performance.

[0089] By combining the aforementioned compact and coordinated technical solution of the first segment 131 and the fourth segment 121 within the adjustment zone 10b, the entire orthogonal coupler 10 can achieve efficient space utilization and optimized electromagnetic performance in different regions.

[0090] Through the above technical solution, in the second region 10c of the quadrature coupler 10, the tenth segment 123 of the second transmission line 120 and the ninth segment 135 of the third transmission line 130 form a compact nested or overlapping structure. On the one hand, this effectively optimizes the space utilization at the ends of the second transmission line 120 and the third transmission line 130, reducing the overall size of the quadrature coupler 10. On the other hand, it allows for more precise control of the electromagnetic coupling of the second transmission line 120 and the third transmission line 130 at the ends of the second region 10c, which helps improve the isolation, port matching, and other performance indicators of the quadrature coupler 10, making it particularly suitable for RF applications with high requirements for size and performance.

[0091] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The orthogonal coupler 10 also includes a second transmission line group 400, which is arranged in a second direction Z intersecting the first direction X. The second transmission line group 400 is stacked with the first transmission line group 100 and is electrically isolated from the first transmission line group 100.

[0092] The second transmission line group 400 refers to another transmission line structure besides the first transmission line group 100. Its function is similar to that of the first transmission line group 100, used for transmitting radio frequency signals and participating in coupling. For example, the second transmission line group 400 can be made of various conductive materials, such as copper, silver, and gold, and can be implemented using various transmission line forms such as microstrip lines, striplines, and coplanar waveguides. This aims to increase the design flexibility and functional scalability of the coupler, such as enabling multi-layer wiring, increasing power capacity, or optimizing frequency response.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second transmission line group 400 is stacked along a second direction Z intersecting the first direction X, meaning the second transmission line group 400 is located on one side of the first transmission line group 100 along the second direction Z. For example, the first direction can be set as the X-axis direction, and the second direction as the Z-axis direction. This stacking arrangement of the two transmission line groups helps to realize complex wiring and coupling structures within a limited planar space. The stacking arrangement means that the second transmission line group 400 and the first transmission line group 100 are arranged in layers perpendicular to the transmission line plane (e.g., the Z-axis direction), meaning they are located on different dielectric or substrate layers, rather than in the same plane. This effectively utilizes three-dimensional space, reduces the planar size of the device, and improves integration.

[0094] Electrical isolation between the first transmission line group 100 and the second transmission line group 400 refers to the existence of sufficient insulating medium or physical distance between the second transmission line group 400 and the first transmission line group 100 to prevent unwanted electromagnetic coupling or signal crosstalk between them. For example, this isolation can be achieved by selecting a dielectric layer with appropriate dielectric constant and thickness, providing a ground layer 700, or a shielding structure. The purpose of electrical isolation is to ensure that the two transmission line groups can operate independently, avoiding mutual interference, thereby guaranteeing the performance and stability of the quadrature coupler 10.

[0095] The orthogonal coupler 10 of this application introduces a second transmission line group 400 on the basis of the first transmission line group 100. The second transmission line group 400 is arranged along the second direction Z intersecting the first direction X and is stacked with the first transmission line group 100. On the one hand, this allows the orthogonal coupler 10 to realize more complex signal paths and coupling mechanisms within a limited planar size, improving space utilization and integration. On the other hand, by electrically isolating the two transmission line groups at different levels, unnecessary electromagnetic coupling and signal crosstalk between layers are effectively suppressed, enabling each transmission line group to transmit signals independently and stably.

[0096] In this configuration, when the first transmission line group 100 performs signal transmission and coupling adjustment in the first direction X, the second transmission line group 400 provides an additional signal transmission or coupling path in the intersecting second direction Z. Its multi-layered, multi-directional transmission line layout allows the orthogonal coupler 10 to not only achieve basic coupling functions but also to achieve a more flexible coupling adjustment range or a wider operating bandwidth through different layer combinations of transmission lines. For example, in scenarios requiring high-power processing or multi-band operation, the two transmission line groups can be optimized to adapt to different needs. The stacked and electrically isolated structure ensures that the good performance of the two transmission line groups does not affect each other, allowing the orthogonal coupler 10 to maintain a compact size while improving its functional versatility and electromagnetic robustness, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional single-layer couplers in complex application scenarios.

[0097] In some embodiments, reference Figures 7 to 10 as well as Figures 15 to 17The second transmission line group 400 includes a fourth transmission line 410, a fifth transmission line 420, a sixth transmission line 430, and a seventh transmission line 440. A portion of the fourth transmission line 410 and a portion of the fifth transmission line 420 are located in the first region 10a. Another portion of the fourth transmission line 410 and another portion of the fifth transmission line 420 are located in the second region 10c. Yet another portion of the fourth transmission line 410 and yet another portion of the fifth transmission line 420 are located in the adjustment region 10b. A portion of the sixth transmission line 430 and a portion of the seventh transmission line 440 are located in the adjustment region 10b, and another portion of the sixth transmission line 430 and another portion of the seventh transmission line 440 are located in the second region 10c. The fourth transmission line 410 is correspondingly configured with respect to the first transmission line 110, the fifth transmission line 420 and the sixth transmission line 430 are respectively correspondingly configured with respect to the third transmission line 130, and the seventh transmission line 440 is correspondingly configured with respect to the second transmission line 120.

[0098] The orthogonal coupler 10 also includes a first via interconnect structure 501, a second via interconnect structure 502, a third via interconnect structure 503, and a fourth via interconnect structure 504. A portion of the first line segment 131 is connected to the portion of the seventh transmission line 440 located in the adjustment region 10b through the first via interconnect structure 501. Another portion of the first line segment 131 is connected to the portion of the fourth transmission line 410 located in the adjustment region 10b through the second via interconnect structure 502. The third coupling line segment 111 is connected to the sixth transmission line 430 through the third via interconnect structure 503. The second transmission line 120 is connected to the fifth transmission line 420 through the fourth via interconnect structure 504.

[0099] The fourth transmission line 410, the fifth transmission line 420, the sixth transmission line 430 and the seventh transmission line 440 included in the second transmission line group 400 in this embodiment are specific components of the second transmission line group 400, and each transmission line is correspondingly arranged in the corresponding area (first area 10a, second area 10c, adjustment area 10b) of the orthogonal coupler 10 and has a corresponding distribution and connection relationship.

[0100] Specifically, portions of the fourth transmission line 410 and the fifth transmission line 420 are located in the first region 10a, another portion of the fourth transmission line 410 and another portion of the fifth transmission line 420 are located in the second region 10c, and yet another portion of the fourth transmission line 410 and yet another portion of the fifth transmission line 420 are located in the adjustment region 10b, so that the fourth transmission line 410 and the fifth transmission line 420 can span three different functional regions, thereby achieving connection and functional coordination with the corresponding transmission lines in the first transmission line group 100.

[0101] A portion of the sixth transmission line 430 and a portion of the seventh transmission line 440 are located in the adjustment region 10b, and another portion of the sixth transmission line 430 and another portion of the seventh transmission line 440 are located in the second region 10c, so that the sixth transmission line 430 and the seventh transmission line 440 can be connected and functionally coordinated with the coupling adjustment structure 200 of the adjustment region 10b and other transmission lines in the second region 10c.

[0102] The fourth transmission line 410 is configured to correspond with the first transmission line 110, meaning that the fourth transmission line 410 and the first transmission line 110 have a certain spatial correspondence in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction), such as partially or completely overlapping in vertical projection, which helps to achieve effective transmission or coupling of signals between layers. The fifth transmission line 420 and the sixth transmission line 430 are respectively configured to correspond with the third transmission line 130, meaning that the fifth transmission line 420 and the sixth transmission line 430 have a certain spatial correspondence with the third transmission line 130 in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction), which enables the connection or coupling of the third transmission line 130 with the corresponding transmission line in the second transmission line group 400.

[0103] The seventh transmission line 440 is configured to correspond with the second transmission line 120. That is, the seventh transmission line 440 and the second transmission line 120 have a certain spatial correspondence in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction), which helps to realize the effective transmission or coupling of signals between layers.

[0104] The first via interconnect structure 501, the second via interconnect structure 502, the third via interconnect structure 503, and the fourth via interconnect structure 504 are vertical conductive paths used to connect transmission lines on different layers. The via interconnect structure can be a through-hole, blind via, or buried via, and its interior is filled with a conductive material, such as copper. The function of the via interconnect structure is to provide a path for signals to travel between different layers, ensuring the electrical continuity of the circuit.

[0105] In this embodiment of the application, a portion of the first line segment 131 is connected to the portion of the seventh transmission line 440 located in the adjustment region 10b through the first via interconnection structure 501. The connection between the portion of the first transmission line 110 located in the adjustment region 10b and the portion of the seventh transmission line 440 located in the adjustment region 10b can be achieved through the first via interconnection structure 501.

[0106] Another portion of the first segment 131 is connected to the portion of the fourth transmission line 410 located in the adjustment region 10b via the second via interconnect structure 502. This improves the interconnectivity between the first transmission line group 100 and the second transmission line group 400, allowing signals to be transmitted flexibly between different layers. For example, the second via interconnect structure 502 can be a blind via located in the adjustment region 10b, connecting the other portion of the first segment 131 and the corresponding portion of the fourth transmission line 410.

[0107] The third coupling segment 111 is connected to the sixth transmission line 430 via the third via interconnect structure 503, which describes the connection method between the third coupling segment 111 and the sixth transmission line 430. This connection allows the coupling adjustment structure 200 to interact with the transmission lines in the second transmission line group 400, thereby affecting the overall performance of the coupler. For example, the third via interconnect structure 503 can be a buried via connecting the third coupling segment 111 and the sixth transmission line 430.

[0108] The second transmission line 120 is connected to the fifth transmission line 420 through the fourth via interconnect structure 504, improving the signal path integrity between the second transmission line group 400 and the first transmission line group 100, so that the entire quadrature coupler 10 can work together as a whole. For example, the fourth via interconnect structure 504 can be a through-hole connecting the second transmission line 120 and the fifth transmission line 420.

[0109] Based on the aforementioned orthogonal coupler 10, this embodiment of the application constructs a multi-layer integrated coupler structure by introducing a second transmission line group 400 and multiple via interconnect structures. Specifically, the second transmission line group 400 includes a fourth transmission line 410, a fifth transmission line 420, a sixth transmission line 430, and a seventh transmission line 440. Each transmission line of the second transmission line group 400 forms a stacked correspondence with the first transmission line 110, the second transmission line 120, and the third transmission line 130 in the first transmission line group 100 within the first region 10a, the second region 10c, and the adjustment region 10b of the orthogonal coupler 10. This allows signals to be transmitted and coupled between different layers, thereby achieving a more complex circuit layout and optimized performance within a limited planar space.

[0110] Through the first via interconnect structure 501, a portion of the first line segment 131 is connected to the portion of the seventh transmission line 440 located in the adjustment region 10b, enabling the signal from the first transmission line group 100 to be transmitted to the second transmission line group 400. Simultaneously, another portion of the first line segment 131 is connected to the portion of the fourth transmission line 410 located in the adjustment region 10b via the second via interconnect structure 502, further enhancing the interconnection of interlayer signals. The third coupling line segment 111 is connected to the sixth transmission line 430 via the third via interconnect structure 503, allowing the coupling adjustment structure 200 to couple not only with the third transmission line 130 in the first transmission line group 100 but also to interact with the sixth transmission line 430 in the second transmission line group 400, thus providing a more flexible path and finer control for adjusting the coupling degree.

[0111] Furthermore, the second transmission line 120 is connected to the fifth transmission line 420 via the fourth via interconnect structure 504, improving the signal path integrity between the second transmission line group 400 and the first transmission line group 100. The multi-layer interconnect technology allows the orthogonal coupler 10 to integrate the signal paths of the first transmission line group 100 and the second transmission line group 400, forming a more compact and efficient whole. Through the via interconnect structure, signals can be transmitted vertically, effectively shortening the signal path, reducing the complexity of planar wiring, and lowering parasitic capacitance and inductance, thereby improving the overall performance and integration of the coupler.

[0112] By using the above technical solutions, and distributing some transmission lines on different layers and connecting them using vias, the signal transmission path can be significantly shortened, parasitic effects reduced, and the bandwidth and isolation of the coupler improved.

[0113] In some embodiments, reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 12 as well as Figures 15 to 17 The second transmission line group 400 also includes a fourth coupling line segment 450, a fifth coupling line segment 460, a sixth coupling line segment 470 and a seventh coupling line segment 480, all located in the adjustment area 10b; the orthogonal coupler 10 also includes a fifth via interconnect structure 505, a sixth via interconnect structure 506, a seventh via interconnect structure 507, an eighth via interconnect structure 508, a ninth via interconnect structure 509 and a tenth via interconnect structure 510.

[0114] The fourth coupling segment 450 is connected to the fifth coupling segment 460 in sequence through the fifth via interconnect structure 505, the second coupling segment 220, and the sixth via interconnect structure 506. The fifth coupling segment 460 is connected to the sixth coupling segment 470 in sequence through the seventh via interconnect structure 507, the third coupling segment 111, and the eighth via interconnect structure 508. The sixth coupling segment 470 is connected to the seventh coupling segment 480 in sequence through the ninth via interconnect structure 509, the first coupling segment 210, and the tenth via interconnect structure 510.

[0115] In the aforementioned orthogonal coupler 10, to achieve more flexible and efficient coupling adjustment between the stacked first transmission line group 100 and the second transmission line group 400, this embodiment introduces a fourth coupling segment 450, a fifth coupling segment 460, a sixth coupling segment 470, and a seventh coupling segment 480 located in the adjustment region 10b. These segments belong to the second transmission line group 400. The fourth coupling segment 450, the fifth coupling segment 460, the sixth coupling segment 470, and the seventh coupling segment 480 in the second transmission line group 400 are interconnected with the second coupling segment 220 and the third coupling segment 111 in the first transmission line group 100 via interconnect structures 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, and 510.

[0116] Specifically, the fourth coupling segment 450 is connected to the second coupling segment 220 through the fifth via interconnect structure 505 and the sixth via interconnect structure 506; the fifth coupling segment 460 is connected to the third coupling segment 111 through the seventh via interconnect structure 507 and the eighth via interconnect structure 508; and the sixth coupling segment 470 is connected to the first coupling segment 210 through the ninth via interconnect structure 509 and the tenth via interconnect structure 510. This multi-layer interconnect design allows the coupling adjustment structure 200 to not be limited to a single layer but to form a more complex coupling network across layers. In this way, the coupling effect can be extended and distributed in the vertical direction, thereby achieving a larger equivalent coupling area or a finer adjustment capability of the coupling coefficient within a limited planar size. This allows the orthogonal coupler 10 to more effectively utilize three-dimensional space, optimize the coupling path, and thus improve the overall RF performance.

[0117] In one specific implementation, the fourth coupling segment 450, the fifth coupling segment 460, the sixth coupling segment 470, and the seventh coupling segment 480 can be specifically designed as microstrip line structures located on the second layer of a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB), for example, as rectangular conductors. The fifth via interconnect structure 505 to the tenth via interconnect structure 510 can specifically be copper-filled vias. For example, the fourth coupling segment 450 can be connected to the second coupling segment 220 on the first transmission line group 100 through the fifth via interconnect structure 505, and then connected to the fifth coupling segment 460 through the second coupling segment 220 and the sixth via interconnect structure 506. The fifth coupling segment 460 is connected to the third coupling segment 111 through the seventh via interconnect structure 507. The seventh coupling segment 480 is connected to the first coupling segment 210 through the tenth via interconnect structure 510. The first coupling segment 210 is then connected to the sixth coupling segment 470 through the ninth via interconnect structure 509. The sixth coupling segment 470 is then connected to the third coupling segment 111 through the eighth via interconnect structure 508, forming a coupling network that is interleaved in the vertical direction. This allows the coupling adjustment structure 200 to form a continuous connection path between different layers, thereby effectively increasing the coupling length and coupling area without increasing the planar size.

[0118] By introducing corresponding coupling segments (fourth coupling segment 450, fifth coupling segment 460, sixth coupling segment 470, and seventh coupling segment 480) in the second transmission line group 400, and using multiple via interconnect structures (fifth via interconnect structure 505 to tenth via interconnect structure 510) to interconnect the corresponding coupling segments with the coupling segments (second coupling segment 220 and third coupling segment 111) in the first transmission line group 100, the technical problem of achieving compact and efficient coupling adjustment in a multilayer structure is effectively solved. This allows the coupling effect to be extended and distributed in the vertical direction, thereby achieving a larger equivalent coupling area or a finer coupling coefficient adjustment capability within a limited planar size. On the one hand, this helps to reduce the overall size of the quadrature coupler 10; on the other hand, it also improves the flexibility and accuracy of coupling adjustment, enabling the quadrature coupler 10 to better adapt to different RF performance requirements in multilayer integrated circuits and optimize impedance matching and power distribution characteristics.

[0119] In some embodiments, reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 17 and Figure 18The orthogonal coupler 10 also includes an eleventh via interconnect structure 511, a twelfth via interconnect structure 512, a thirteenth via interconnect structure 513, a fourteenth via interconnect structure 514, a fifteenth via interconnect structure 515, and a sixteenth via interconnect structure 516.

[0120] The orthogonal coupler 10 in this embodiment further includes a first connecting line 601, a second connecting line 602, a third connecting line 603, and a fourth connecting line 604. The first connecting line 601 is connected between the first switching device 310 and the fourth coupling line segment 450 through an eleventh via interconnect structure 511. The second connecting line 602 is connected between the second switching device 320 and the seventh coupling line segment 480 through a thirteenth via interconnect structure 513. The third connecting line 603 is partially connected to the seventh transmission line 440 through a fifteenth via interconnect structure 515, and the third connecting line 603 is connected between the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320.

[0121] The end of the fourth connecting line 604 away from the third connecting line 603 is connected to the portion of the sixth transmission line 430 located in the adjustment area 10b via the fourteenth via interconnect structure 514. The end of the fourth connecting line 604 near the third connecting line 603 is connected to the portion of the fifth transmission line 420 located in the adjustment area 10b via the twelfth via interconnect structure 512. The first line segment 131 is connected to the third connecting line 603 in sequence via the sixteenth via interconnect structure 516, a portion of the seventh transmission line 440, and the fifteenth via interconnect structure 515.

[0122] The orthogonal coupler 10 of this application embodiment achieves finer coupling adjustment and more flexible circuit layout by introducing the first connection line 601 to the fourth connection line 604 and the corresponding via interconnection structure.

[0123] Specifically, the first connecting line 601 connects the first switching device 310 to the fourth coupling segment 450 through the eleventh via interconnect structure 511, enabling the first switching device 310 to control the connection state of the fourth coupling segment 450, thereby controlling whether the second coupling segment 220 is coupled to the third coupling segment 111. For example, the second connecting line 602 connects the second switching device 320 to the seventh coupling segment 480 through the thirteenth via interconnect structure 513, enabling the second switching device 320 to control the connection of the seventh coupling segment 480, thereby controlling whether the first coupling segment 210 is coupled to the third coupling segment 111.

[0124] The third connection line 603 is partially connected to the seventh transmission line 440 through the fifteenth via interconnect structure 515, and the third connection line 603 is also connected between the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320, providing a common control or bias path for the switching device 300.

[0125] The fourth connection line 604 connects to the portion of the sixth transmission line 430 located in the adjustment area 10b via the fourteenth via interconnect structure 514, and connects to the portion of the fifth transmission line 420 located in the adjustment area 10b via the twelfth via interconnect structure 512. In other words, the fourth connection line 604 plays a bridging or signal distribution role in the second transmission line group 400.

[0126] In addition, the first segment 131 is connected to the third connection line 603 in sequence through the sixteenth via interconnect structure 516, a portion of the seventh transmission line 440 and the fifteenth via interconnect structure 515, which constructs a complex signal path between the first segment 131 in the first transmission line group 100 and the seventh transmission line 440 and the third connection line 603 in the second transmission line group 400.

[0127] The following is a specific example illustrating how the eleventh via interconnect structure 511, twelfth via interconnect structure 512, thirteenth via interconnect structure 513, fourteenth via interconnect structure 514, fifteenth via interconnect structure 515, and sixteenth via interconnect structure 516 can be implemented using copper-plated vias in standard multilayer printed circuit board manufacturing processes. The diameter of the copper-plated vias can be optimized according to the frequency and power requirements of the RF signal; for example, vias with a diameter of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm can be used. The first connecting line 601, second connecting line 602, third connecting line 603, and fourth connecting line 604 can be microstrip lines or stripline structures on a printed circuit board. For example, the first connecting line 601 can be a microstrip line with a width of 0.35 mm, which connects to a pin of the first switching device 310 and an endpoint of the fourth coupling segment 450 through an eleventh via interconnect structure 511 with a diameter of 0.3 mm. For example, the second connection line 602 may be a microstrip line with a width of 0.3 mm, connected to another pin of the second switching device 320 and an end of the seventh coupling segment 480 via a thirteenth via interconnect structure 513 with a diameter of 0.3 mm. The third connection line 603 may be a stripline with a width of 0.35 mm, connected to a specific point of the seventh transmission line 440 via a fifteenth via interconnect structure 515, and this stripline connects the common control terminal of the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320 on the same level. The fourth connection line 604 may be a microstrip line with a width of 0.35 mm, one end connected to the portion of the sixth transmission line 430 located in the adjustment region 10b via a fourteenth via interconnect structure 514, and the other end connected to the portion of the fifth transmission line 420 located in the adjustment region 10b via a twelfth via interconnect structure 512. The first segment 131 is connected to a portion of the seventh transmission line 440 via a sixteenth via interconnect structure 516 with a diameter of 0.35 mm. This portion of the seventh transmission line 440 is then connected to the third connection line 603 via a fifteenth via interconnect structure 515, thus forming a complete signal path.

[0128] The above technical solution effectively solves the complex and reliable signal routing problems between the coupling segments of the switching device 300 and the second transmission line group 400, and between the first transmission line group 100 and the second transmission line group 400 in the multilayer orthogonal coupler 10. This allows the switching device 300 to flexibly control the access status of coupling segments at different levels, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the coupling degree of the orthogonal coupler 10. Simultaneously, the signal path constructed through multiple interconnecting lines and vias ensures signal transmission integrity and low-loss performance in the stacked structure, avoiding signal attenuation and crosstalk caused by wiring complexity, and improving the performance stability and controllability of the orthogonal coupler 10 in a multilayer integrated environment.

[0129] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 , Figure 13 and Figure 18 The orthogonal coupler 10 also includes a seventeenth via interconnect structure 517, an eighteenth via interconnect structure 518, a nineteenth via interconnect structure 519, and a twentieth via interconnect structure 520.

[0130] The orthogonal coupler 10 also includes a fifth connection line 605 and a sixth connection line 606, as well as a first port P1 and a second port P2, with the first port P1 serving as an input port and the second port P2 serving as an output port.

[0131] The first port P1 is connected to the seventh segment 113 in sequence through the fifth connecting line 605, the eighteenth via interconnect structure 518, the fifth transmission line 420, and the seventeenth via interconnect structure 517. The second port P2 is connected to the eighth segment 134 in sequence through the sixth connecting line 606, the twentieth via interconnect structure 520, the fourth transmission line 410, and the nineteenth via interconnect structure 519.

[0132] It should be understood that the fifth connection line 605 and the sixth connection line 606 are used to connect the first port P1 and the second port P2 to the transmission path inside the orthogonal coupler 10, respectively. The fifth connection line 605 is connected to the first port P1 and is connected to the fifth transmission line 420 through the eighteenth via interconnect structure 518; the sixth connection line 606 is connected to the second port P2 and is connected to the fourth transmission line 410 through the twentieth via interconnect structure 520. Thus, the first port P1 and the second port P2 can be connected to transmission lines on different metal layers through corresponding connection lines and via interconnect structures.

[0133] Seventeenth via interconnect structure 517 to twentieth via interconnect structure 520 are used to establish interlayer electrical connections between different transmission lines or connection lines stacked together. Specifically, eighteenth via interconnect structure 518 connects fifth connection line 605 and fifth transmission line 420, and seventeenth via interconnect structure 517 connects fifth transmission line 420 and seventh segment 113, so that fifth connection line 605, fifth transmission line 420, and seventh segment 113 together form the signal transmission path corresponding to the first port P1. Twentieth via interconnect structure 520 connects sixth connection line 606 and fourth transmission line 410, and nineteenth via interconnect structure 519 connects fourth transmission line 410 and eighth segment 134, so that sixth connection line 606, fourth transmission line 410, and eighth segment 134 together form the signal transmission path corresponding to the second port P2.

[0134] For example, after the radio frequency signal is input through the first port P1, it is transmitted sequentially along the fifth connection line 605, the eighteenth via interconnect structure 518, the fifth transmission line 420, and the seventeenth via interconnect structure 517 to the seventh segment 113, and then enters the transmission structure inside the quadrature coupler 10 from the seventh segment 113. The output signal generated by the quadrature coupler 10 can then be transmitted sequentially through the eighth segment 134 via the nineteenth via interconnect structure 519, the fourth transmission line 410, the twentieth via interconnect structure 520, and the sixth connection line 606 to the second port P2, and then output from the second port P2.

[0135] Through the above technical solution, continuous interlayer signal paths are established between the first port P1, the second port P2, and the stacked transmission lines using the fifth connecting line 605, the sixth connecting line 606, and the seventeenth via interconnect structure 517 to the twentieth via interconnect structure 520. On the one hand, this enables reliable connection between the two ports and the corresponding transmission lines inside the quadrature coupler 10; on the other hand, it allows for the arrangement of signal paths using different metal layers, reducing the space occupied by the port leads on the planar wiring, and making the port interconnect structure compatible with the stacked structure of the quadrature coupler 10.

[0136] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 18 The orthogonal coupler 10 also includes a twenty-first via interconnect structure 521, a twenty-second via interconnect structure 522, a twenty-third via interconnect structure 523, and a twenty-fourth via interconnect structure 524.

[0137] The orthogonal coupler 10 also includes a seventh connection line 607 and an eighth connection line 608, as well as a third port P3 and a fourth port P4. The third port P3 serves as an output port, and the fourth port P4 serves as an isolation port. Along the third direction Y, the second port P2 and the third port P3 are located on the same side, and the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 are located on the same side. Along the first direction X, the first port P1 and the second port P2 are located on the same side, and the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 are located on the same side.

[0138] The third port P3 is connected to the tenth segment 123 in sequence through the eighth connecting line 608, the twenty-fourth via interconnect structure 524, the sixth transmission line 430, and the twenty-second via interconnect structure 522; the fourth port P4 is connected to the ninth segment 135 in sequence through the seventh connecting line 607, the twenty-third via interconnect structure 523, the seventh transmission line 440, and the twenty-first via interconnect structure 521.

[0139] It should be understood that the eighth connection line 608 is used to connect the third port P3 to the transmission path inside the orthogonal coupler 10 corresponding to the tenth segment 123. Specifically, one end of the eighth connection line 608 is connected to the third port P3, and the other end of the eighth connection line 608 is connected to the sixth transmission line 430 through the twenty-fourth via interconnect structure 524; the sixth transmission line 430 is further connected to the tenth segment 123 through the twenty-second via interconnect structure 522. Thus, the eighth connection line 608, the twenty-fourth via interconnect structure 524, the sixth transmission line 430, and the twenty-second via interconnect structure 522 together form the signal transmission path between the third port P3 and the tenth segment 123.

[0140] The seventh connection line 607 is used to connect the fourth port P4 to the transmission path inside the quadrature coupler 10 corresponding to the ninth segment 135. Specifically, one end of the seventh connection line 607 is connected to the fourth port P4, and the other end of the seventh connection line 607 is connected to the seventh transmission line 440 through the twenty-third via interconnect structure 523; the seventh transmission line 440 is further connected to the ninth segment 135 through the twenty-first via interconnect structure 521. Thus, the seventh connection line 607, the twenty-third via interconnect structure 523, the seventh transmission line 440, and the twenty-first via interconnect structure 521 together form the signal transmission path between the fourth port P4 and the ninth segment 135.

[0141] In this embodiment, the twenty-first via interconnect structure 521 to the twenty-fourth via interconnect structure 524 are used to establish interlayer electrical connections between connection lines, transmission lines, and line segments located on different layers. By setting the above-mentioned via interconnect structures, the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 can be connected to the transmission paths on different metal layers inside the orthogonal coupler 10, so that the port connection structure is adapted to the stacked transmission structure of the orthogonal coupler 10.

[0142] For example, one output signal generated by the orthogonal coupler 10 can be transmitted from the tenth segment 123 sequentially through the twenty-second via interconnect structure 522, the sixth transmission line 430, the twenty-fourth via interconnect structure 524, and the eighth connection line 608 to the third port P3, and then output from the third port P3. The signal corresponding to the isolation path can be transmitted from the ninth segment 135 sequentially through the twenty-first via interconnect structure 521, the seventh transmission line 440, the twenty-third via interconnect structure 523, and the seventh connection line 607 to the fourth port P4.

[0143] Combining the aforementioned connection structure of the first port P1 and the second port P2, the first port P1 serves as the input port, the second port P2 and the third port P3 serve as two output ports, and the fourth port P4 serves as the isolation terminal. The RF signal input to the first port P1 passes through the direct transmission path and the coupled transmission path inside the quadrature coupler 10, and is then output by the second port P2 and the third port P3, respectively; the fourth port P4 corresponds to the isolation path of the quadrature coupler 10.

[0144] Through the above technical solution, the seventh connecting line 607, the eighth connecting line 608, and the twenty-first via interconnect structure 521 to the twenty-fourth via interconnect structure 524 cooperate to form continuous signal transmission paths between the third port P3, the fourth port P4, and the stacked transmission lines inside the quadrature coupler 10. Simultaneously, the four ports are arranged along the first direction X and the third direction Y on the corresponding sides of the quadrature coupler 10, matching each port with its corresponding internal transmission path, thereby forming complete input, output, and isolation paths and reducing the crossing of different port connection paths within the limited wiring space.

[0145] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 , Figure 14 and Figure 16 The line widths of all transmission lines included in the first transmission line group 100 are set to be equal; and / or The line width of each transmission line in the second transmission line group 400 is set to be equal; and / or The line width of each transmission line in the first transmission line group 100 is set to be equal to the line width of each transmission line in the second transmission line group 400.

[0146] It should be understood that the linewidth of a transmission line refers to the width of the transmission line within its plane and perpendicular to its direction of extension. The first transmission line group 100 includes a first transmission line 110, a second transmission line 120, and a third transmission line 130. The linewidths of the first transmission line 110, the second transmission line 120, and the third transmission line 130 are defined as W1, W2, and W3, respectively. Then, W1, W2, and W3 satisfy the following condition: W1 = W2 = W3.

[0147] The second transmission line group 400 includes a fourth transmission line 410, a fifth transmission line 420, a sixth transmission line 430, and a seventh transmission line 440. The linewidths of the fourth transmission line 410, the fifth transmission line 420, the sixth transmission line 430, and the seventh transmission line 440 are defined as W4, W5, W6, and W7, respectively. Then, W4, W5, W6, and W7 satisfy the following condition: W4 = W5 = W6 = W7.

[0148] For example, the line widths of the first transmission line group 100 and the second transmission line group 400 can be set to be equal, that is, W1=W2=W3=W4=W5=W6=W7.

[0149] Here, "the line width of each transmission line in the first transmission line group 100 and the second transmission line group 400 is set to be equal" means that each transmission line in the two transmission line groups has an equal line width. That is to say, each transmission line in the first transmission line group 100 and each transmission line in the second transmission line group 400 also uses the same line width; the line width of the first transmission line group 100 and the line width of the second transmission line group 400 can be equal, or they can be set separately according to the transmission characteristics of the two transmission line groups.

[0150] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 , Figure 14 and Figure 16 The spacing between at least a portion of adjacent transmission lines is set to be equal.

[0151] It should be understood that setting the spacing between at least a portion of adjacent transmission lines to be equal means that within a corresponding transmission line group, when two transmission lines are spatially adjacent and extend parallel to each other, the distance between the two transmission lines (usually referring to the edge-to-edge distance) is set to be consistent. For example, in the first transmission line group 100, the spacing between the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130 in the adjacent portions of the adjustment region 10b can be set to a fixed value.

[0152] For example, the interval between the relative portions of the first transmission line 110 and the third transmission line 130 located in the first region 10a is defined as L3, and the interval between the relative portions of the second transmission line 120 and the third transmission line 130 located in the second region 10c is defined as L4. Then L3 and L4 satisfy: L3=L4.

[0153] By setting the linewidth of each transmission line in the first transmission line group 100 and the second transmission line group 400 to be equal, and / or setting the spacing between at least a portion of adjacent transmission lines to be equal, the consistency and predictability of the electrical characteristics of the transmission lines within the orthogonal coupler 10 can be improved. This facilitates more precise impedance matching and coupling coefficient control, effectively reducing signal reflection and loss caused by inconsistent transmission line parameters, and optimizing the frequency response of the coupler. Furthermore, uniform linewidth and spacing simplify the design and manufacturing process, reducing production costs and complexity.

[0154] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4 , Figure 11 and Figure 18The orthogonal coupler 10 also includes a ground layer 700. Along the second direction Z, the fifth connecting line 605, the sixth connecting line 606, the seventh connecting line 607, and the eighth connecting line 608 are disposed on the same layer as the ground layer 700. The ground layer 700 includes a plurality of grid lines 710 spaced apart along the first direction X. The spacing Sg between two adjacent grid lines 710 is 15 µm, and the line width Wg of each grid line 710 is 10 µm.

[0155] It should be understood that ground plane 700 is a conductive plane in radio frequency circuits used to provide a stable potential reference, suppress electromagnetic interference, and guide return current. For example, ground plane 700 can be a continuous metal plane or a conductive layer with a specific pattern. The function of ground plane 700 is to provide a low-impedance common reference point for the circuit, thereby effectively reducing noise, improving signal integrity, and reducing radiation. Exemplarily, ground plane 700 can take the form of a thin metal film, a conductive coating, or a copper foil layer on a printed circuit board (PCB). For example, one or more inner layers in a multilayer PCB design can be used as ground plane 700, or a ground plane can be formed on a single-layer board by a large area of ​​copper plating. The fact that the fifth connection line 605, the sixth connection line 606, the seventh connection line 607, and the eighth connection line 608 are located on the same layer as ground plane 700 means that these connection lines are on the same physical plane as ground plane 700. This helps optimize the wiring density of the circuit and may affect signal transmission characteristics.

[0156] As another possible implementation, the first connecting line 601, the second connecting line 602, the third connecting line 603 and the fourth connecting line 604, the fifth connecting line 605, the sixth connecting line 606, the seventh connecting line 607 and the eighth connecting line 608 are all disposed on the same layer as the grounding layer 700.

[0157] The ground layer 700 includes a plurality of grid lines 710 spaced apart along a first direction X. The grid lines 710 are a discontinuous grounding structure, consisting of a series of parallel or intersecting conductors forming a grid pattern. This reduces the overall area of ​​the ground layer 700 while providing a ground reference, thereby reducing parasitic capacitance and eddy current losses, making it particularly suitable for high-frequency applications. For example, the grid lines 710 can be formed by metal strips etched onto a dielectric substrate, with these metal strips uniformly distributed along the first direction X.

[0158] By controlling the spacing between adjacent grid lines 710 to 15 µm and the linewidth of each grid line 710 to 10 µm, an effective ground reference is provided while reducing the overall metal area of ​​the ground layer 700. This effectively reduces parasitic capacitance and eddy current losses caused by a large ground plane during high-frequency signal transmission, thereby improving the performance of the quadrature coupler 10 in the high-frequency band. The gridded ground layer 700 optimizes the electromagnetic field distribution, reduces unnecessary radiation, and improves the signal integrity and operational stability of the entire RF module. This ground layer 700, in conjunction with the aforementioned multilayer transmission line group and the first-layer via interconnect structure 800 (located between the first transmission line group 100 and the second transmission line group 400) and the second-layer via interconnect structure 900 (located between the second transmission line group 400 and the ground layer 700), together construct a tunable quadrature coupler 10 with excellent performance and stability in high-frequency environments.

[0159] Through the above technical solution, the quadrature coupler 10 introduces a ground layer 700 with a grid structure, and sets the corresponding connecting lines on the same layer as the ground layer 700. This effectively solves the problems of excessive parasitic capacitance, increased eddy current loss, and insufficient electromagnetic interference suppression that may occur in complex multilayer RF circuits due to large-area ground planes. The grid-like ground layer 700 provides a stable ground reference while reducing high-frequency loss and optimizing the electromagnetic field distribution, thereby improving the signal integrity and performance stability of the quadrature coupler 10 in high-frequency operating environments. Furthermore, setting the connecting lines on the same layer as the ground layer 700 improves the stability of the signal return path and suppresses crosstalk and radiation, enabling the entire tunable quadrature coupler 10 to maintain excellent RF characteristics while achieving multifunctionality.

[0160] The principle of the orthogonal coupler 10 according to an embodiment of this application will be explained below. (See reference...) Figure 25 , Figure 25 This is the parity-mode analysis model of the coupler in this application embodiment, where Cc represents the capacitance between the coupling lines, and Cg represents the parallel capacitance between the conductor and ground. Under the assumption of uniform dielectric filling, the signal propagation speed in the pure transverse electromagnetic mode system is the same, that is, the speeds associated with even and odd modes are consistent. By performing parity-mode excitation analysis on this model, the expression can be obtained:

[0161] Where Cc represents the capacitance between the coupling lines, and Cg represents the parallel capacitance between the conductor and ground. kThe coupling coefficient k represents the coupling factor. As shown in the equation, the coupling degree of the coupler can be reconfigured by changing the coupling capacitance Cc between the coupling lines or the capacitance to ground Cg. The coupling coefficient k is positively correlated with the capacitance Cc between the coupling lines. Therefore, by introducing the coupling adjustment structure 200, the value of the equivalent coupling capacitance Cc will change, which in turn will cause the coupling coefficient k to change, ultimately resulting in the orthogonal coupler 10 having different coupling degrees.

[0162] refer to Figure 26 , Figure 26 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the orthogonal coupler 10 in an embodiment of this application. (See reference) Figure 27 , Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of a switched capacitor. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The layout of the orthogonal coupler and a schematic diagram of the device are shown respectively. A 2-bit switched capacitor array is placed at the center of the coupler's interconnects, bridging the midpoint between the through transmission line and the coupled transmission line (see...). Figure 2 (Red line simplification). The coupler consists of three metal layers. In this example, the transmission line widths are all equal, with W = 3 µm. The spacing between transmission lines is 10 µm. The grid width Wg = 10 µm, and the grid spacing Sg = 15 µm. The coupler size is only 390 µm × 200 µm (i.e., 390 µm along the X direction and 200 µm along the Y direction). This reconfigurable quadrature coupler 10 consists of a transmission line group, a ground plane 700, multiple connection lines, and a switched capacitor array. In this design, a 2-bit switched capacitor array is configured. Each switched capacitor group consists of one capacitor and one switch. The switch can be a MOS transistor or a bipolar transistor.

[0163] When the control word of the switched capacitor is set to a low level (0), the transistor switch is open, the switched capacitor does not work, and the coupling degree of the coupler remains unchanged. Conversely, when the control word of the switched capacitor is set to a high level (1), the transistor switch is turned on, which increases the coupling capacitance Cc between the two transmission lines of the coupler, thereby increasing the coupling degree of the coupler.

[0164] refer to Figure 27 The orthogonal coupler 10 provided in this application embodiment includes a switched capacitor array containing a 2-bit switched capacitor, namely: Cc <0> = 30 fF, Cc <1> = 60 fF. The gate length of the transistor switches is 8 µm. The capacitance of the switching capacitors increases in powers of 2, i.e., Cc <0> = x fF,Cc <1> = 2×x fF. Switched capacitor arrays can also select more bits to improve control precision, such as when using n bits: Cc <0> = x fF,Cc <1> = 2 1 ×x fF,……,Cc <n>= 2 n ×x fF.

[0165] refer to Figure 19 , Figure 19 The balance of the orthogonal coupler 10 provided in this application embodiment within its operating frequency band includes amplitude error and phase error. Wherein, Figure 19 The black arrows indicate the right coordinate axis corresponding to the black curve, and the red arrows indicate the left coordinate axis corresponding to the red curve. In other words, the black lines represent the phase error between the two output ports, and the red lines represent the amplitude error between the two output ports. Amplitude error = Quadrature output amplitude - Non-inverting output amplitude; Phase error = Non-inverting output phase - Quadrature output phase - 90°.

[0166] Four coupling positions are achieved by the first switching device 310 and the second switching device 320, so that the quadrature coupler 10 can control the I / Q amplitude error within ±0.15 dB and the phase error within ±4° in the frequency band from 10 GHz to 14.5 GHz.

[0167] refer to Figure 20 , Figure 20 The simulation curves of the image rejection ratio (IRR) of the orthogonal coupler 10 provided in this application under different control states and before and after calibration are shown. By applying this low I / Q amplitude and phase error coupler to an image rejection mixer, the image rejection ratio can theoretically be increased from 26 dBc to 35 dBc to 31 dBc to 47 dBc in the 10 GHz to 14.5 GHz frequency band.

[0168] refer to Figure 21 , Figure 21 The simulation curves of the reflection coefficient of the orthogonal coupler 10 provided in this application embodiment before and after calibration are shown. In the operating frequency band, the return loss of the four ports is better than 21dB in all control states (S11, S22, S33, S44).

[0169] refer to Figure 22 , Figure 22 The diagram shows simulated curves of the scattering parameters of the orthogonal coupler 10 provided in this application before and after calibration, varying with frequency. S21 represents the forward transmission coefficient when the first port P1 is the input and the second port P2 is the output, and S31 represents the forward transmission coefficient when the first port P1 is the input and the third port P3 is the output. Within the operating frequency band of 10 GHz to 14.5 GHz, both S21 and S31 are approximately -4 dB, meaning the corresponding transmission losses from the first port P1 to the second port P2 and the third port P3 are both approximately 4 dB. Figure 22 In the equation, S21 = input power of the first port P1 - output power of the second port P2; S31 = input power of the first port P1 - output power of the third port P3, with a loss value of approximately 4 dB.

[0170] refer to Figure 23 , Figure 23 The simulation curve of the isolation of the orthogonal coupler 10 provided in the embodiment of this application as a function of frequency shows that the isolation under each control state is better than 20dB in the operating frequency band from 10GHz to 14.5GHz.

[0171] refer to Figure 24 , Figure 24 The simulation curves showing the overall loss of the quadrature coupler 10 provided in this application as a function of frequency are presented. When the first port P1 is the input and the second port P2 and the third port P3 are the outputs, the overall loss is determined by the sum of the input power of the first port P1 and the output power of the second port P2 and the third port P3, that is, the overall loss of the coupler = the input power of the first port P1 - the output power of the second port P2 - the output power of the third port P3. Within the operating frequency band of 10 GHz to 14.5 GHz, the overall loss of the quadrature coupler 10 in each control state is less than 1.3 dB. This quadrature coupler 10 has low loss, with losses less than 1.3 dB throughout its operating range.

[0172] A second aspect of this application provides a radio frequency module including the orthogonal coupler 10 as described above.

[0173] The radio frequency module in this embodiment uses the orthogonal coupler 10 described above, and therefore has all the beneficial effects of the orthogonal coupler 10. Further details will not be provided here.

[0174] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0175] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0176] The embodiments, implementation methods, and related technical features of this application can be combined and substituted for each other without conflict.

[0177] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.< / n>

Claims

1. An orthogonal coupler (10), characterized in that, The orthogonal coupler (10) has a first region (10a) and a second region (10c) distributed along a first direction (X), and an adjustment region (10b) located between the first region (10a) and the second region (10c). The orthogonal coupler (10) further includes: A first transmission line group (100) includes a first transmission line (110), a second transmission line (120), and a third transmission line (130). A portion of the first transmission line (110) is located in the first region (10a), and another portion of the first transmission line (110) is located in the adjustment region (10b). A portion of the second transmission line (120) is located in the second region (10c), and another portion of the second transmission line (120) is located in the adjustment region (10b). The third transmission line (130) extends along the first direction (X) and extends from the first region (10a) through the adjustment region (10b) to the second region (10c). A coupling adjustment structure (200) is located in the adjustment region (10b) and connected between the first transmission line (110) and the third transmission line (130); A switching device (300) is connected to the coupling adjustment structure (200) and is used to control the connection state of the coupling adjustment structure (200); The switching device (300) is controlled to be turned on or off, causing the coupling adjustment structure (200) to switch between multiple access states to change the equivalent coupling capacitance between the first transmission line (110) and the third transmission line (130), so that the orthogonal coupler (10) has different coupling degrees.

2. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling adjustment structure (200) includes at least one first coupling segment (210) and at least one second coupling segment (220), both of which are located in the adjustment region (10b); the first transmission line (110) includes a third coupling segment (111) located in the adjustment region (10b), which is coupled between the oppositely disposed first coupling segment (210) and second coupling segment (220); The switching device (300) includes a first switching device (310) and a second switching device (320). The first switching device (310) is connected between the third transmission line (130) and the first coupling segment (210) to control the connection state between the third transmission line (130) and the first coupling segment (210). The second switching device (320) is connected between the third transmission line (130) and the second coupling segment (220) to control the connection state between the third transmission line (130) and the second coupling segment (220).

3. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first switching device (310) includes a first control terminal, and the second switching device (320) includes a second control terminal; The first control terminal and the second control terminal receive independent control signals to control the conduction state of the first switching device (310) and the second switching device (320) respectively.

4. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The coupling area between the first coupling segment (210) and the third coupling segment (111) is the first coupling area, and the coupling area between the second coupling segment (220) and the third coupling segment (111) is the second coupling area. The first coupling area and the second coupling area satisfy the condition that the first coupling area is greater than the second coupling area.

5. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the first direction (X), the distance between the first coupling line segment (210) and the third coupling line segment (111) is the first distance L1, and the distance between the second coupling line segment (220) and the third coupling line segment (111) is the second distance L2. Then L1 and L2 satisfy: L1=L2.

6. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The third transmission line (130) includes a first segment (131), a second segment (132), and a third segment (133) arranged consecutively. The first segment (131) is located in the adjustment area (10b), the second segment (132) is located in the first area (10a), and the third segment (133) is located in the second area (10c). The second transmission line (120) includes a fourth segment (121) and a fifth segment (122) arranged consecutively. The fourth segment (121) is located in the adjustment area (10b), and the fifth segment (122) is located in the second area (10c). The first line segment (131) has a first accommodating space (131a), and at least a portion of the fourth line segment (121) extends into the first accommodating space (131a).

7. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first transmission line (110) further includes a sixth segment (112) and a seventh segment (113) located in the first region (10a), wherein the sixth segment (112) is continuously disposed between the third coupling segment (111) and the seventh segment (113); the third transmission line (130) further includes an eighth segment (134) located in the first region (10a), wherein the eighth segment (134) is located at the end of the second segment (132) away from the first segment (131); The eighth line segment (134) has a second accommodating space (134a), and at least a portion of the seventh line segment (113) is located in the second accommodating space (134a).

8. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second transmission line (120) further includes a tenth segment (123), which is located at the end of the fifth segment (122) away from the fourth segment (121); The third transmission line (130) further includes a ninth segment (135) located in the second region (10c), the ninth segment (135) being located at the end of the third segment (133) away from the first segment (131); The tenth segment (123) has a third accommodating space (123a), and at least a portion of the ninth segment (135) is located in the third accommodating space (123a).

9. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The orthogonal coupler (10) further includes a second transmission line group (400) along a second direction (Z) intersecting the first direction (X). The second transmission line group (400) is stacked with the first transmission line group (100), and the second transmission line group (400) is electrically isolated from the first transmission line group (100).

10. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second transmission line group (400) includes a fourth transmission line (410), a fifth transmission line (420), a sixth transmission line (430), and a seventh transmission line (440), wherein portions of the fourth transmission line (410) and the fifth transmission line (420) are located in the first region (10a), another portion of the fourth transmission line (410) and another portion of the fifth transmission line (420) are located in the second region (10c), and yet another portion of the fourth transmission line (410) and yet another portion of the fifth transmission line (420) are located in the adjustment region ( ). 10b); a portion of the sixth transmission line (430) and a portion of the seventh transmission line (440) are located in the adjustment area (10b), and another portion of the sixth transmission line (430) and another portion of the seventh transmission line (440) are located in the second area (10c); the fourth transmission line (410) is correspondingly arranged with the first transmission line (110), the fifth transmission line (420) and the sixth transmission line (430) are respectively correspondingly arranged with the third transmission line (130), and the seventh transmission line (440) is correspondingly arranged with the second transmission line (120); The orthogonal coupler (10) further includes a first via interconnect structure (501), a second via interconnect structure (502), a third via interconnect structure (503), and a fourth via interconnect structure (504). A portion of the first line segment (131) is connected to the portion of the seventh transmission line (440) located in the adjustment region (10b) through the first via interconnect structure (501). Another portion of the first line segment (131) is connected to the portion of the fourth transmission line (410) located in the adjustment region (10b) through the second via interconnect structure (502). The third coupling line segment (111) is connected to the sixth transmission line (430) through the third via interconnect structure (503). The second transmission line (120) is connected to the fifth transmission line (420) through the fourth via interconnect structure (504).

11. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second transmission line group (400) further includes a fourth coupling line segment (450), a fifth coupling line segment (460), a sixth coupling line segment (470), and a seventh coupling line segment (480), all located in the adjustment area (10b); the orthogonal coupler (10) further includes a fifth via interconnect structure (505), a sixth via interconnect structure (506), a seventh via interconnect structure (507), an eighth via interconnect structure (508), a ninth via interconnect structure (509), and a tenth via interconnect structure (510); The fourth coupling segment (450) is connected to the fifth coupling segment (460) in sequence through the fifth via interconnect structure (505), the second coupling segment (220), and the sixth via interconnect structure (506). The fifth coupling segment (460) is connected to the sixth coupling segment (470) in sequence through the seventh via interconnect structure (507), the third coupling segment (111), and the eighth via interconnect structure (508). The sixth coupling segment (470) is connected to the seventh coupling segment (480) in sequence through the ninth via interconnect structure (509), the first coupling segment (210), and the tenth via interconnect structure (510).

12. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The orthogonal coupler (10) further includes an eleventh via interconnect structure (511), a twelfth via interconnect structure (512), a thirteenth via interconnect structure (513), a fourteenth via interconnect structure (514), a fifteenth via interconnect structure (515), and a sixteenth via interconnect structure (516). The orthogonal coupler (10) further includes a first connecting line (601), a second connecting line (602), a third connecting line (603), and a fourth connecting line (604). The first connecting line (601) is connected between the first switching device (310) and the fourth coupling line segment (450) through the eleventh via interconnect structure (511). The second connecting line (602) is connected between the second switching device (320) and the seventh coupling line segment (480) through the thirteenth via interconnect structure (513). The third connecting line (603) is partially connected to the seventh transmission line (440) through the fifteenth via interconnect structure (515), and the third connecting line (603) is connected between the first switching device (310) and the second switching device (320). The end of the fourth connecting line (604) away from the third connecting line (603) is connected to the portion of the sixth transmission line (430) located in the adjustment area (10b) through the fourteenth via interconnect structure (514). The end of the fourth connecting line (604) near the third connecting line (603) is connected to the portion of the fifth transmission line (420) located in the adjustment area (10b) through the twelfth via interconnect structure (512). The first line segment (131) is connected to the third connecting line (603) in sequence through the sixteenth via interconnect structure (516), a portion of the seventh transmission line (440), and the fifteenth via interconnect structure (515).

13. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The orthogonal coupler (10) also includes a seventeenth via interconnect structure (517), an eighteenth via interconnect structure (518), a nineteenth via interconnect structure (519), and a twentieth via interconnect structure (520). The orthogonal coupler (10) also includes a fifth connection line (605) and a sixth connection line (606), as well as a first port (P1) and a second port (P2), wherein the first port (P1) serves as an input port and the second port (P2) serves as an output port; The first port (P1) is connected to the seventh segment (113) in sequence through the fifth connecting line (605), the eighteenth via interconnect structure (518), the fifth transmission line (420), and the seventeenth via interconnect structure (517). The second port (P2) is connected to the eighth segment (134) in sequence through the sixth connecting line (606), the twentieth via interconnect structure (520), the fourth transmission line (410), and the nineteenth via interconnect structure (519).

14. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The orthogonal coupler (10) further includes a twenty-first via interconnect structure (521), a twenty-second via interconnect structure (522), a twenty-third via interconnect structure (523), and a twenty-fourth via interconnect structure (524). The orthogonal coupler (10) further includes a seventh connecting line (607) and an eighth connecting line (608), as well as a third port (P3) and a fourth port (P4), wherein the third port (P3) serves as an output port and the fourth port (P4) serves as an isolation port along a third direction (Y), the second port (P2) and the third port (P3) are located on the same side, and the first port (P1) and the fourth port (P4) are located on the same side along a first direction (X), wherein the first port (P1) and the second port (P2) are located on the same side, and the third port (P3) and the fourth port (P4) are located on the same side; The third port (P3) is connected to the tenth segment (123) in sequence through the eighth connecting line (608), the twenty-fourth via interconnect structure (524), the sixth transmission line (430), and the twenty-second via interconnect structure (522); the fourth port (P4) is connected to the ninth segment (135) in sequence through the seventh connecting line (607), the twenty-third via interconnect structure (523), the seventh transmission line (440), and the twenty-first via interconnect structure (521).

15. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The line widths of all transmission lines in the first transmission line group (100) are set to be equal; and / or The line widths of the transmission lines included in the second transmission line group (400) are set to be equal; and / or The line width of each transmission line in the first transmission line group (100) is set to be equal to the line width of each transmission line in the second transmission line group (400); and / or The spacing between at least a portion of adjacent transmission lines is set to be equal.

16. The orthogonal coupler (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The orthogonal coupler (10) further includes a ground layer (700), and along the second direction (Z), the fifth connecting line (605), the sixth connecting line (606), the seventh connecting line (607), and the eighth connecting line (608) are disposed on the same layer as the ground layer (700); The grounding layer (700) includes a plurality of grid lines (710) spaced apart along a first direction (X), with the spacing between two adjacent grid lines (710) being 15 µm and the line width of each grid line (710) being 10 µm.

17. A radio frequency module, characterized in that, Includes the orthogonal coupler (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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