Radio frequency unit, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The application relates to an RF unit, a communication device and a communication system, and relates to the technical field of antennas. The RF unit comprises K first switches, T second switches, T receiving channels and a full connection network comprising K input ports and T output ports. The first output ports of the K first switches are connected to the K input ports one by one, the first input ports of the T second switches are connected to the T output ports one by one, the second input ports of the T second switches are connected to the second output ports of the T first switches one by one, and the output ports of the T second switches and the input ports of the T receiving channels are connected one by one. Based on the above structure, the RF unit can flexibly control the connection mode of the receiving channels, thereby meeting the requirements of different channel scenes. For example, for a broadcast channel scene, the T receiving channels are in a single connection state, so as to form a wide beam; for a data channel scene, the T receiving channels are in a multi-connection state, so as to form a narrow beam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, and more specifically, to a radio frequency unit, a communication device, and a communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology uses multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for communication, thereby increasing the system capacity of the communication system. Terminal devices and access network devices using MIMO technology each include M transmit antennas and N receive antennas. To control signal transmission, the aforementioned transmit and receive antennas can be configured with radio frequency (RF) units. These RF units include M transmit channels and N receive channels. The transmit channels are used for signal transmission processing, and the receive channels are used for signal reception processing. The receive and transmit channels in the RF unit can reuse the same antenna array, meaning that the antennas in this array have both signal reception and signal transmission functions.

[0003] To further improve system capacity, the RF unit can use a Butler matrix with selection switches (hereinafter referred to as a Butler matrix connection network) to enable fewer receiving channels to process signals received by more antennas. That is, the N receiving channels in the RF unit, connected by the Butler matrix network, can process signals received by N+K antennas (where K is the number of newly added antennas, and K is a positive integer). In other words, one receiving channel can process signals received by multiple antennas. However, this structure makes the RF unit unable to meet the needs of different channel scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a radio frequency unit, a communication device, and a communication system that can support the radio frequency unit to meet the needs of different channel scenarios.

[0005] In a first aspect, a radio frequency (RF) unit is provided, comprising: K first switches, T second switches, T first receiving channels, and a first fully connected network. The first fully connected network includes K input ports and T output ports, where K and T are both positive integers, K is greater than or equal to 2, and T is less than K. The first output port of each first switch is connected to a corresponding input port among the K input ports, the first input port of each second switch is connected to a corresponding output port among the T output ports, and the second input port of each second switch is connected to a second output port of a corresponding first switch among the T first switches. The K first switches include T first switches, and the output port of each second switch is connected to an input port of a corresponding first receiving channel among the T first receiving channels. Each first switch also includes an input port for receiving input signals from an antenna.

[0006] Based on the above structure, the RF unit can flexibly control the connection mode of the first receiving channel to meet the needs of different channel scenarios. Specifically, whether the first receiving channel is in a single-connection state (one receiving channel corresponds to one antenna) or a multi-connection state (one receiving channel corresponds to multiple antennas) can be achieved by controlling the input-output relationship of K first switches and T second switches. For example, for a broadcast channel scenario, by controlling the T first switches to output signals through the second output ports of the first switches and controlling the T second switches to input signals through the second input ports of the second switches, the T first receiving channels can be in a single-connection state to form a wide beam, which is beneficial for fast scanning. For a data channel scenario, by controlling the K first switches to output signals through the first output ports of the first switches and controlling the T second switches to input signals through the first input ports of the second switches, the T first receiving channels can be in a multi-connection state to form an orthogonal narrow beam, which is beneficial for improving communication quality and system capacity.

[0007] In some implementations of the first aspect, the radio frequency unit further includes: a second fully connected network, W second receiving channels, and KT third switches. The second fully connected network includes R input ports and W output ports, where R and W are both positive integers, R is greater than or equal to 2, R is greater than W, and W is greater than or equal to the difference between KT and W. The first input port of each third switch is connected to the corresponding output port among the W output ports, and the output port of each third switch is connected to the input port of the corresponding second receiving channel among the W second receiving channels. The second output port of each of the KT first switches is connected to the second input port of the corresponding third switch among the KT third switches. The KT first switches are switches not connected to the second switches.

[0008] Based on the above structure, this can support a one-to-one mapping relationship between the K first antennas connected to the K first switches and the receiving channels. For example, by controlling the K first switches to output signals through the second output ports of the first switches, controlling the T second switches to input signals through the second input ports of the second switches, and controlling the KW third switches to input signals through the second input ports of the third switches, the T first receiving channels and KT second receiving channels are in a single-connection state. In addition, the above structure can also support the radio frequency unit to simultaneously select two connection methods for the receiving channels, so as to meet the needs of multiple channel scenarios at the same time. For example, in broadcast channel and data channel scenarios, by controlling K first switches to output signals through the second output ports of the first switches, controlling T second switches to input signals through the second input ports of the second switches, and controlling KW third switches to input signals through the second input ports of the third switches, T first receiving channels and KT second receiving channels can be in a single-connection state to form a wide beam, which is beneficial for fast scanning. Furthermore, when W is greater than the difference between KT and W, the second receiving channels other than KT can be in a multi-connection state to form an orthogonal narrow beam, which is beneficial for improving communication quality and system capacity.

[0009] In some implementations of the first aspect, the radio frequency unit further includes: K fourth switches and R fifth switches, the output port of each fourth switch being connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches, the first input ports of some or all of the K fourth switches being connected to the first output ports of the corresponding fifth switches among the R fifth switches, each fourth switch further including a second input port, the second output port of each fifth switch being connected to the corresponding input port among the R input ports, each fifth switch further including an input port, the second input port of the fourth switch being used to receive input signals from the first antenna, the input port of the fifth switch being used to receive input signals from the second antenna, and the first antenna and the second antenna belonging to different antenna arrays.

[0010] When K fourth switches are connected to K first antennas, and R fifth switches are connected to R second antennas, switching between the K first antennas and R second antennas can be achieved by controlling the input-output relationship of the K fourth switches and R fifth switches. This allows for changes in the signal radiation direction, thereby altering the signal coverage angle and range. Furthermore, in scenarios where users are unevenly distributed across the omnidirectional space or where antennas are obstructed, the K fourth switches and R switches can flexibly switch the mapping relationship between antennas and receiving channels, mapping the receiving channel to an unobstructed antenna to continue serving the user.

[0011] In some implementations of the first aspect, the radio frequency unit further includes: R second low-noise amplifiers, the output port of each second low-noise amplifier being connected to a corresponding input port among the R input ports, and the input port of each second low-noise amplifier being connected to the output port of a corresponding fifth switch among K fifth switches. By configuring the low-noise amplifiers, amplification of the signal received by the antenna can be achieved.

[0012] Secondly, a radio frequency (RF) unit is provided, comprising: K first switches, T second switches, T first receiving channels, a first fully connected network, and K fourth switches. The first fully connected network includes K input ports and T output ports, where K and T are both positive integers, K is greater than or equal to 2, and T is less than K. The first output port of each first switch is connected to a corresponding input port among the K input ports. The first input port of each second switch is connected to a corresponding output port among the T output ports. The second input port of each second switch is connected to the second output port of a corresponding first switch among the T first switches. The K first switches include T first switches. The output port of each second switch is connected to an input port of a corresponding first receiving channel among the T first receiving channels. Each first switch also includes an input port for receiving input signals from an antenna. The output port of each fourth switch is connected to an input port of a corresponding first switch among the K first switches. Each fourth switch also includes a first input port and a second input port. The first input port is used to receive input signals from a first antenna, and the second input port is used to receive input signals from a second antenna. The first and second antennas belong to different antenna arrays.

[0013] With the above structure, the fourth switch can control the first antenna or the second antenna to input signals to the input port of the first switch, thereby enabling the switching between antenna arrays.

[0014] In some implementations of the second aspect, the radio frequency unit further includes R fifth switches, a second fully connected network, and W second receiving channels. The second fully connected network includes R input ports and W output ports. Some or all of the second input ports of the K fourth switches are connected to the first output ports of the corresponding fifth switches among the R fifth switches. The second output port of each fifth switch is connected to the corresponding input port among the R input ports. Each fifth switch also includes an input port for receiving input signals from the second antenna. The W second receiving channels are connected to the W output ports one by one.

[0015] This structure allows the RF unit to simultaneously process input signals from two antenna arrays. For example, it can control the fourth switch to input the first antenna's input signal to the first switch, and control the fifth switch to input the second antenna's input signal to the second fully connected network. Therefore, the RF unit can process input signals from two antenna arrays simultaneously. Furthermore, based on the fourth and fifth switches, this allows for flexible switching between different antenna arrays.

[0016] In some implementations of the second aspect, the radio frequency unit further includes: KT third switches, W being a difference greater than or equal to KT, a first input port of each third switch connected to a corresponding output port among the W output ports, an output port of each third switch connected to an input port of a corresponding second receiving channel among the W second receiving channels, a second output port of each of the KT first switches connected to a second input port of a corresponding third switch among the KT third switches, and the KT first switches being switches not connected to the second switches. For a description of the beneficial effects of the above features, please refer to the foregoing related descriptions, which will not be repeated here.

[0017] In conjunction with either the first or the second aspect, the radio frequency unit further includes: K circulators and K transmit channels, wherein a first port of each circulator is connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches, a second port of each circulator is connected to the output port of the corresponding fourth switch among the K fourth switches, and a third port of each circulator is connected to the output port of the corresponding transmit channel among the K transmit channels.

[0018] By setting up a circulator, isolation between signal transmission and signal reception can be achieved. Deploying transmission channels enables the RF unit to transmit signals. Furthermore, with K transmission channels deployed, deploying K fourth switches and R fifth switches allows for flexible switching or adjustment of different antenna arrays. That is, the antenna array corresponding to the second fully connected network can reuse some or all of the K transmission channels, thereby enabling flexible adjustment of the antenna coverage.

[0019] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, the radio frequency unit further includes: K first low-noise amplifiers, the input port of each first low-noise amplifier being connected to the first port of the corresponding circulator among the K circulators, and the output port of each first low-noise amplifier being connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches. By configuring the low-noise amplifiers, amplification of the signal received by the antenna can be achieved.

[0020] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which includes a radio frequency unit and K first antennas as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, with the input ports of the K first antennas and K first switches connected one by one.

[0021] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a radio frequency unit, K first antennas, and R second antennas as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, wherein the input ports of the K first antennas and the K first switches are connected one by one, and the R second antennas and the R input ports are connected one by one.

[0022] In conjunction with any of the third and fourth aspects, the communication device further includes a baseband unit connected to the radio frequency unit.

[0023] Fifthly, a communication system is provided, comprising a core network device and a communication apparatus as described in the third or fourth aspect, the communication apparatus being communicatively connected to the core network device.

[0024] For a description of the beneficial effects of the third to fifth aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first and second aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of antenna system 01 applied to base station 1.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of radio frequency unit 05.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency unit provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fully connected network 1 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency unit provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency unit provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency unit provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency unit provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency unit provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another radio frequency unit provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0037] 1. Unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one" means one or more.

[0038] 2. Unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced in each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0039] Third, the various numerical designations used in this application are for descriptive convenience only and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, the terms "first (such as first input port or first output port, etc.)," ​​"second (such as second input port or second output port, etc.)," ​​and other various terminology (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0040] Furthermore, any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0041] IV. The terms “comprising” and “having”, and their variations, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those units listed, but may include other steps or units not listed or inherent to such product or device.

[0042] V. In the embodiments of this application, the connection includes direct connection and indirect connection. Taking the connection between device 1 and device 2 as an example, device 1 can be connected to device 2 through device 3, or it can be directly connected to device 2. Device 3 includes one or more devices, which are not limited thereto.

[0043] First, a brief introduction to the terminology used in the embodiments of this application will be given.

[0044] 1. Antenna

[0045] The antennas involved in the embodiments of this application include various types, including but not limited to: network antennas, terminal antennas, base station antennas, small station / indoor antennas, microwave antennas, active antennas, or passive antennas. This application mainly describes the structure of a base station antenna as an example. However, the antenna structure described in this application is not limited to base stations; it can be used in terminals, routers, microwaves, and various other possible wireless communication devices, without limitation.

[0046] An antenna mainly comprises one or more of the following: an antenna array, a reflector (or base plate or antenna panel), a feed network (or power distribution network), and a radome. An antenna includes one or more antenna arrays. An antenna array includes one or more radiating elements. The radiating elements of an antenna can also be called antenna elements. An antenna element, often simply called an element, serves to guide and amplify electromagnetic waves. The feed network provides the power supply. In the antenna field, feeding can refer to supplying power to the antenna or providing energy. The feed network's function is to feed signals to the various radiating elements of the antenna with a certain amplitude and phase, or to feed signals received from the various radiating elements to the signal processing unit of the base station with a certain amplitude and phase. The feed network typically includes controlled impedance transmission lines. Optionally, the feed network may also include at least one of the following components: a phase shifter, a power divider, a combiner, a filter, a bridge circuit, and a German Institute for Standardization (DIN) connector.

[0047] 2. Radio Frequency Unit

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, the radio frequency unit includes, but is not limited to: a remote radio unit (RRU), a pico remote radio unit (pRRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH), etc.

[0049] The radio frequency (RF) unit provides a channel for signal transmission. When transmitting data, the RF unit can provide a transmit channel (or send channel) to allow signals to be transmitted to the receiver more reliably and over longer distances. In the transmit channel, the RF unit converts digital signals into analog signals and transmits these analog signals through an antenna. An RF unit can include one or more transmit channels. When receiving data, the RF unit can provide a receive channel to receive signals more reliably from longer distances. In the receive channel, the RF unit converts the analog signals received by the antenna into digital signals for subsequent processing. An RF unit can include one or more receive channels.

[0050] The main functions of the RF unit's transmit channel include up-conversion, filtering, and signal amplification. For up-conversion, the RF unit uses a high-frequency signal generated by an oscillator to shift the baseband analog signal to the RF level via a mixer, allowing the signal to be transmitted over a longer distance via the air interface. The baseband analog signal is obtained from a digital signal through digital-to-analog conversion (DAC). This digital signal can be the digital signal output from the baseband unit (BBU), or it can be obtained by the RF unit further digitizing the digital signal output from the BBU; there is no restriction. For example, when the BBU and RF unit jointly implement downlink physical layer functions, the RF unit can perform physical layer processing on the digital signal output from the BBU. For example, for digital signals processed by the physical layer, RF devices can perform digital processing on these signals using at least one of the following devices: pulse shaping filter (PSF), sample rate converting filter (SRC), digital up-converter (DUC), crest factor reduction (CFR), and digital pre-distortion (DPD). The resulting digital signal can better match the processing requirements of the DAC. Regarding filtering, the RF unit filters the RF signal output from the mixer using a filter. This operation filters out interference signals outside the frequency band of the useful signal, thereby reducing out-of-band interference and making the transmission of the RF signal more reliable. Regarding signal amplification, the RF unit amplifies the RF signal output from the filter using a power amplifier (PA), enabling the RF signal to be transmitted over longer distances, allowing distant receivers to more reliably receive the RF signal transmitted by the RF unit.

[0051] The main functions of the RF unit's receiving channel include filtering, amplification, down-conversion, and analog-to-digital converter (ADC), ultimately converting analog signals into digital signals. The device used to amplify the analog signal in the receiving channel is a low-noise amplifier (LNA). The digital signal output from the ADC can be directly sent to the BBU; alternatively, the digital signal output from the ADC can be digitally processed by the RF unit before being sent to the BBU. Optionally, the RF device can digitally process the digital signal output from the ADC using at least one of the following devices: PSF, SRC, and digital down-converter (DDC). The number of each device and their order are not limited. Optionally, when the BBU and the RF unit jointly implement the uplink physical layer function, the RF unit can perform physical layer processing on the digital signal.

[0052] This application provides an antenna system, a network device, and a terminal device. The antenna system can be applied to the network device or the terminal device, or can be used in conjunction with the network device or the terminal device. The antenna system includes, but is not limited to, any one or more of passive antennas, MIMO antenna systems, and massive MIMO antenna systems.

[0053] The network equipment in this application includes radio access network (RAN) equipment. RAN equipment may also be referred to as RAN nodes or RAN entities. RAN equipment forms part of a communication system to help terminal equipment achieve wireless access. RAN equipment includes base stations or base station modules. For example, a base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system; a Node B (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system; an Evolutionary Node B (eNB or eNodeB) or Transmission Reception Point (TRP) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system; a Next Generation Node B (gNodeB or gNB) in a 5th Generation (5G) or New Radio (NR) system; an access network device in an Open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) system; a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN); or a wireless... Access nodes in Wi-Fi systems, next-generation base stations in future mobile communication systems, servers, vehicles, in-vehicle equipment, wearable devices, or base stations in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology (e.g., roadside units, RSUs), etc., are not limited to these.

[0054] The base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, pico base station, indoor station, relay node, or donor node, etc., and there is no limitation thereto. In the embodiments of this application, the base station module can be a hardware module, a software module, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, the base station module can be a radio unit (RU), an RF unit, or the antenna system of the base station, etc. Exemplarily, the function of the RU can be implemented by the RF unit.

[0055] Optionally, base station modules can use the same or different names in different systems. For example, in an O-RAN system, the RU can also be called an open (O)-RU.

[0056] The terminal device in this application can be customer premises equipment (CPE). For example, the CPE can convert mobile cellular signals, such as those from GSM, WCDMA, LTE, 5G, or future mobile communication systems, into wireless local area network (WLAN) signals. For example, the CPE can convert WLAN signals into mobile cellular signals. WLAN signals include, but are not limited to, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) signals, Bluetooth signals, or Zigbee signals. In one possible embodiment, the CPE can be a fixed wireless access (FAW) device. FAW is a technology combining fixed-line and wireless communication, which can provide broadband access services to users. Alternatively, the terminal device in this application can also be a lampsite. A lampsite can, for example, be used to introduce base station signals indoors, solving the problem of indoor blind spot coverage.

[0057] The following text combines Figure 1 Describe an example of an antenna system applied to a base station. For example... Figure 1 As shown, base station 1 includes an antenna system 01, a radio frequency unit 05, and a BBU 06. Optionally, base station 1 may also include one or more of the following: an antenna adjustment bracket 02, a mounting bracket 03, cables 04 and 10, a grounding device 07, and a connector seal 08. For example, antenna system 01 can be mounted on mounting bracket 03 via antenna adjustment bracket 02, wherein antenna adjustment bracket 02 is used to adjust the downtilt angle of antenna system 01 to facilitate signal reception or transmission. As another example, base station 1 may not include antenna adjustment bracket 02, as long as it includes a bracket capable of mounting antenna system 01 on mounting bracket 03, which may not have downtilt angle adjustment functionality. As yet another example, antenna system 01 may also be directly mounted on mounting bracket 03. Mounting bracket 03 can be a pole or tower, etc., without limitation.

[0058] Antenna system 01 may include radome 12. The interior of antenna system 01, covered or enclosed by radome 12, typically houses various components, such as radiating elements (e.g., radiating elements). Figure 1Example 11 shows a reflector and a feed network. The radome 12 possesses excellent electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics in terms of electrical performance and can withstand the effects of harsh external environments in terms of mechanical performance, thus protecting the internal components of the radome 12 from external environmental influences. The radiating elements of the antenna system include antenna elements. Antenna elements, often simply referred to as elements, serve to guide and amplify electromagnetic waves. The feed network of the antenna system performs the feeding function, i.e., the power supply function. In the antenna field, feeding can refer to supplying power to the antenna, or in other words, providing energy. The function of the feed network is to feed signals to each radiating element of the antenna according to a certain amplitude and phase, or to feed signals received from each radiating element to the signal processing unit of the base station according to a certain amplitude and phase. The feed network typically includes controlled impedance transmission lines. The feed network may also include devices such as phase shifters.

[0059] Antenna system 01 can be connected to radio frequency unit 05 via cable 04'.

[0060] Grounding device 07 is installed on cable 04. Grounding device 07 can perform functions such as electrical grounding, lightning protection, overvoltage protection, and maintenance of equipment performance, which helps to ensure the stability and safety of base station 1.

[0061] The connector seal 08 can be located at the connection between the radome 12 and the cable 10, and / or at the connection between the grounding device 07 and the cable 04, to provide insulation and sealing. For example, the connector seal 08 can be insulating sealing tape or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulating adhesive. The connector seal 08 can have other structures and is not limited to the form of tape.

[0062] For an example description of the structure of RF unit 05, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 .like Figure 2 As shown, the radio frequency unit 05 includes: a transmit channel 1 (represented as TX1), a transmit channel 2 (represented as TX2), a transmit channel 3 (represented as TX3), a transmit channel 4 (represented as TX4), a receive channel 1 (represented as RX1), a receive channel 2 (represented as RX2), a switch 1 (used to isolate the signal transmission and signal reception of antenna 1), a switch 2 (used to isolate the signal transmission and signal reception of antenna 2), a switch 3 (used to isolate the signal transmission and signal reception of antenna 3), a switch 4 (used to isolate the signal transmission and signal reception of antenna 4), and a Butler matrix connection network, which includes a selection switch and a Butler matrix.

[0063] The Butler matrix includes bridge 1, bridge 2, bridge 3, bridge 4, phase shifter 1, and phase shifter 2 (described as an example structure only). Each bridge from bridge 1 to bridge 4 includes two input ports and two output ports. Phase shifter 1 and phase shifter 2 each include one input port and one output port. One output port of bridge 3 is connected to the input port of phase shifter 1. The other output port of bridge 3 is connected to one input port of bridge 2. One output port of bridge 4 is connected to the input port of phase shifter 2. The other output port of bridge 4 is connected to one input port of bridge 1. The output port of phase shifter 1 is connected to the other input port of bridge 1. The output port of phase shifter 2 is connected to the other input port of bridge 2. The two output ports of bridge 1 are connected to the corresponding two input ports of the four input ports of the selector switch. The two output ports of bridge 2 are connected to the corresponding two input ports of the four input ports of the selector switch. The two output ports of the selector switch are connected to the input ports of RX1 and RX2, respectively. Since the selector switch includes four input ports and two output ports, it can achieve a four-input, two-output effect.

[0064] Figure 2 In this circuit, each of switches 1, 2, 3, and 4 includes three ports. The first port is connected to the output port of TX, the second port is connected to the antenna (which has both signal receiving and signal transmitting functions), and the third port is connected to an input port of the Butler matrix. Taking switch 1 as an example, switch 1 includes three ports. The first port is connected to the output port of TX1, the second port is connected to antenna 1, and the third port is connected to an input port of bridge 3.

[0065] With the above structure, RX1 and RX2 can process the signals received by antennas 1, 2, 3, and 4. This structure also allows for an increase in the number of antennas without increasing the number of RXs, thereby increasing the number of beams and improving the system capacity of the base station. However, this structure cannot meet the needs of different channel scenarios. For example, in broadcast channel scenarios, access network equipment needs to form a wide beam to support fast scanning, but the Butler matrix uses a fixed phase-shifting network (fixed phase), which only supports narrow beams (because one RX connects multiple antennas), leading to an increase in the number of scans and a longer scan time.

[0066] In view of this, this application provides a radio frequency unit that can flexibly control the connection method of the receiving channel, thereby meeting the needs of different channel scenarios.

[0067] Specifically, the RF unit includes: K first switches, T second switches, T first RXs, and a first fully connected network (or a subarray fully connected network). (The fully connected network can be understood as a network that supports the conversion of any analog channel to a digital channel and can independently adjust the phase shift of any analog channel, enabling precise control of different beams.) The first fully connected network includes K input ports and T output ports, where K and T are both positive integers, K is greater than or equal to 2, and T is less than K. The first output port of each first switch is connected to the corresponding input port among the K input ports. The first input port of each second switch is connected to the corresponding output port among the T output ports. The second input port of each second switch is connected to the second output port of the corresponding first switch among the T first switches. The K first switches include T first switches. The output port of each second switch is connected to the input port of the corresponding first RX among the T first RXs. Each first switch also includes an input port for receiving input signals from the antenna.

[0068] Based on the above structure, the RF unit can flexibly control the connection mode of the first RX, thereby supporting the needs of different channel scenarios. Specifically, whether the first RX is in a single-connection state (one RX corresponds to one antenna) or a multi-connection state (one RX corresponds to multiple antennas) can be achieved by controlling the input-output relationship of K first switches and T second switches. For example, for a broadcast channel scenario, by controlling T of the K first switches to output signals through the second output port of the first switch and controlling T second switches to input signals through the second input port of the second switch (in this case, the antennas corresponding to the first switches other than T of the K first switches can be controlled to be in an unpowered state), the T first RXs can be in a single-connection state to form a wide beam, which is beneficial for fast scanning; for a data channel scenario, by controlling K first switches to output signals through the first output port of the first switch and controlling T second switches to input signals through the first input port of the second switch, the T first RXs can be in a multi-connection state to form an orthogonal narrow beam, which is beneficial for improving communication quality and system capacity.

[0069] For an example description of the structure of the aforementioned radio frequency unit, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 It should be noted that the definitions of the input and output ports of the switches described below are based on the RF unit's use for data reception.

[0070] like Figure 3As shown, taking K=3 and T=2 as an example, but not limiting the values ​​of K and T to other values, the RF unit includes: RXa1 (first first RX), RXa2 (second first RX), switch a1 (first first switch), switch a2 (second first switch), switch a3 (third first switch), switch b1 (first second switch), switch b2 (second second switch), and a fully connected network 1 (first fully connected network). The fully connected network 1 includes 3 input ports (input port 1, input port 2, and input port 3) and 2 output ports (output port 1 and output port 2). It should be noted that this application does not limit the type and form of switches a1, a2, a3, b1, b2, and other switches mentioned below.

[0071] Figure 3 In this configuration, the input port of RXa1 is connected to the output port of switch b1; the first input port 1 of switch b1 (the first input port of the second switch) is connected to the output port 1 of the fully connected network 1; the second input port 2 of switch b1 (the second input port of the second switch) is connected to the output port 2 of switch a1 (the second output port of the first switch); the first output port 1 of switch a1 (the first output port of the first switch) is connected to the input port 1 of the fully connected network; and the input port of switch a1 is connected to antenna a1 (which can be the first antenna). The input port of RXa2 is connected to the output port of switch b2; the first input port 1 of switch b2 is connected to the output port 2 of the fully connected network 1; the second input port 2 of switch b2 is connected to the output port 2 of switch a3; the first output port 1 of switch a3 is connected to the input port 3 of the fully connected network; and the input port of switch a3 is connected to antenna a3 (which can be the third antenna). The output port of switch a2 is connected to the input port 2 of the fully connected network 1; and the input port of switch a2 is connected to antenna a2 (which can be the second antenna). When connecting the switch and the antenna, this application does not limit the connection method between the switch and the antenna. The connection method may include a direct connection or an indirect connection (such as connecting switch 1 to antenna a1 through a circulator, see below). Figure 10 ) etc. In addition, Figure 3 The antennas a1, a2 and a3 shown can form antenna array 1.

[0072] When switch a1 outputs the signal received by antenna a1 to input port 2 of switch b1 through output port 2 of switch a1, and switch a3 outputs the signal received by antenna a3 to input port 2 of switch b2 through output port 2 of switch a3, the correspondence between RX and antenna is one-to-one (i.e., RX is in a single-connection state). RXa1 processes the signal received by antenna a1, and RXa2 processes the signal received by antenna a3 (in this case, antenna a2 can be controlled to be in a non-powered state). When switch a1 outputs the signal received by antenna a1 to input port 1 of fully connected network 1 through output port 1 of switch a1, switch a2 outputs the signal received by antenna a2 to input port 2 of fully connected network 1 through output port 1 of switch a2, and switch a3 outputs the signal received by antenna a3 to input port 3 of fully connected network 1 through output port 1 of switch a3, the correspondence between RX and antenna is many-to-many (i.e., RX is in a multi-connection state). RXa1 and RXa2 process the signals received by antennas a1, a2, and a3.

[0073] In summary, by setting K first switches and T second switches, this allows for flexible control of the RX connection method, thereby meeting the needs of different channel scenarios.

[0074] Figure 3 Taking a radio frequency unit comprising T first RXs as an example, the radio frequency unit may also include a larger number of RXs, as can be seen in [reference needed]. Figure 4 .like Figure 4 As shown, compared to Figure 3 The radio frequency unit also includes RXa3. The input port of RXa3 is connected to antenna a4. Alternatively, RXa3 and antenna a4 can be connected via devices such as a circulator, which is not limited thereto.

[0075] Figure 3 and Figure 4 These examples all use a direct connection between the switch and the antenna, but the connection between the switch and the antenna via a circulator or similar means is not limited to this. For details, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 10 .

[0076] The following text combines Figure 5 right Figure 3 and Figure 4 The fully connected network 1 described herein will be used. For ease of description, the following description uses K=4 and T=2 as an example, but it is not limited to scenarios where K and T take other values, such as K=8 and T=4, or K=8 and T=2, etc. In addition, the following description uses... Figure 5 The connection principle of a fully connected network 1 is described using (a) as an example.

[0077] like Figure 5As shown in (a), the fully connected network 1 includes: power divider 1, power divider 2, power divider 3, power divider 4, combiner 1, combiner 2, and 8 branches (for precise beam adjustment and combination). Each branch includes an attenuator (the number of attenuators is not limited) and a phase shifter (the number of phase shifters is not limited). Each power divider includes two output ports (the number of output ports is related to the value of T; for example, T=2, each power divider includes two output ports; T=4, each power divider includes four output ports) and one input port. Each combiner includes four input ports (the number of input ports is related to the value of K; for example, K=4, each combiner includes four input ports; K=8, each combiner includes eight input ports) and one output port.

[0078] Taking power divider 1 and combiner 1 as examples, the input port of power divider 1 is used to input the signal received by antenna a1 (hereinafter referred to as signal s). Power divider 1 performs power division processing on signal s to obtain two sub-signals of signal s (hereinafter referred to as signal s1 and signal s2), and outputs signal s1 and signal s2 to the phase shifters in the first branch (from top to bottom) and the second branch (from top to bottom), respectively. The phase shifter in the first branch performs phase shift processing on signal s1 and outputs it to the attenuator in the first branch. The attenuator outputs a phase-shifted signal s1. The attenuator in the first branch performs amplitude processing on the phase-shifted signal s1 and outputs the phase-shifted and amplitude-processed signal s1 to combiner 1. The phase shifter in the second branch performs phase shifting on signal s2 and outputs the phase-shifted signal s2 to the attenuator in the second branch. The attenuator in the second branch performs amplitude processing on the phase-shifted signal s2 and outputs the phase-shifted and amplitude-processed signal s2 to combiner 2. The processing procedures for the signals received by their respective antennas by power dividers 2, 3, and 4 are the same as those for signal s by power divider 1, and will not be repeated here. Combiners 1 and 2 can combine the signals output from the attenuators in their respective four branches to obtain and output a combined signal.

[0079] like Figure 5As shown in (b), the fully connected network 1 includes: power divider 1, power divider 2, power divider 3, power divider 4, attenuator 1, phase shifter 1, attenuator 2, phase shifter 2, attenuator 3, phase shifter 3, attenuator 4, phase shifter 4, combiner 1, combiner 2, and 8 branches. Each branch includes one attenuator and one phase shifter. Each power divider includes two output ports and one input port. Each combiner includes four input ports and one output port. The output port of phase shifter 1 is connected to the input port of attenuator 1, and the output port of attenuator 1 is connected to the input port of power divider 1. The input port of phase shifter 1 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a1. The output port of phase shifter 2 is connected to the input port of attenuator 2, and the output port of attenuator 2 is connected to the input port of power divider 2. The input port of phase shifter 2 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a2. The output port of phase shifter 3 is connected to the input port of attenuator 3, and the output port of attenuator 3 is connected to the input port of power divider 3. The input port of phase shifter 3 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a3. The output port of phase shifter 4 is connected to the input port of attenuator 4, and the output port of attenuator 4 is connected to the input port of power divider 4. The input port of phase shifter 4 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a4.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown in (c), the fully connected network 1 includes: power divider 1, power divider 2, power divider 3, power divider 4, attenuator 1, attenuator 2, attenuator 3, attenuator 4, combiner 1, combiner 2, and 8 branches. Each branch includes one attenuator and one phase shifter. Each power divider includes two output ports and one input port. Each combiner includes four input ports and one output port. The output port of attenuator 1 is connected to the input port of power divider 1, and the input port of attenuator 1 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a1. The output port of attenuator 2 is connected to the input port of power divider 2, and the input port of attenuator 2 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a2. The output port of attenuator 3 is connected to the input port of power divider 3, and the input port of attenuator 3 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a3. The output port of attenuator 4 is connected to the input port of power divider 4, and the input port of attenuator 4 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a4.

[0081] like Figure 5As shown in (d), the fully connected network 1 includes: power divider 1, power divider 2, power divider 3, power divider 4, phase shifter 1, phase shifter 2, phase shifter 3, phase shifter 4, combiner 1, combiner 2, and 8 branches. Each branch includes an attenuator and a phase shifter. Each power divider includes two output ports and one input port, and each combiner includes four input ports and one output port. Specifically, the output port of phase shifter 1 is connected to the input port of power divider 1, and the input port of phase shifter 1 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a1. The output port of phase shifter 2 is connected to the input port of power divider 2, and the input port of phase shifter 2 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a2. The output port of phase shifter 3 is connected to the input port of power divider 3, and the input port of phase shifter 3 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a3. The output port of phase shifter 4 is connected to the input port of power divider 4, and the input port of phase shifter 4 can be used to input the signal received by antenna a4.

[0082] Figure 5 (a) to Figure 5 (d) is described using the example where each branch includes both an attenuator and a phase shifter, but it is not limited to a scenario where each branch only includes a phase shifter. Additionally, Figure 5 (a) to Figure 5 (d) is described using the example of a fully connected network 1 including an attenuator, a power divider, and a phase shifter. However, it is not limited to the fully connected network 1 including an LNA. The LNA can be placed before the output port of the power divider. For example, the LNA can be placed after the output port of the phase shifter in each branch or before the input port of the phase shifter. This is not limited.

[0083] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description is based on an example where the radio frequency unit includes T first RXs and a fully connected network 1. The radio frequency unit may also include multiple second RXs and a fully connected network 2, as detailed below.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the RF unit further includes: W second RXs, KT third switches, and a second fully connected network. The second fully connected network includes R input ports and W output ports, where R and W are both positive integers, R is greater than or equal to 2, R is greater than W, and W is greater than or equal to the difference between K and T. The first input port of each third switch is connected to the corresponding output port among the W output ports, and the output port of each third switch is connected to the corresponding input port of the second RX among the W second RXs. The second output port of each of the KT first switches is connected to the second input port of the corresponding third switch among the KT third switches. The KT first switches are switches not connected to the second switches.

[0085] Based on the above structure, this can support a one-to-one mapping relationship between the K first antennas connected to the K first switches and the receiving channels. For example, by controlling the K first switches to output signals through the second output ports of the first switches, controlling the T second switches to input signals through the second input ports of the second switches, and controlling the KW third switches to input signals through the second input ports of the third switches, the T first receiving channels and KT second receiving channels are in a single-connection state. In addition, the above structure can also support the radio frequency unit to simultaneously select two connection methods for the receiving channels, so as to meet the needs of multiple channel scenarios at the same time. For example, in broadcast channel and data channel scenarios, by controlling K first switches to output signals through the second output ports of the first switches, controlling T second switches to input signals through the second input ports of the second switches, and controlling KW third switches to input signals through the second input ports of the third switches, T first receiving channels and KT second receiving channels can be in a single-connection state to form a wide beam, which is beneficial for fast scanning. Furthermore, when W is greater than the difference between KT and W, the second receiving channels other than KT can be in a multi-connection state to form an orthogonal narrow beam, which is beneficial for improving communication quality and system capacity.

[0086] For an example description of the structure of the aforementioned radio frequency unit, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 .in, Figure 6 This description uses the example where the sum of W and T equals K, but it is not limited to scenarios where the sum of W and T is greater than K. For example... Figure 6 As shown, compared to Figure 3 The radio frequency unit also includes: RXb1 (second RX), switch c1 (third switch), and fully connected network 2 (second fully connected network). Fully connected network 2 includes three input ports (input port 4, input port 5, and input port 6) and one output port (output port 3). The input ports of RXb1 are connected to the output port of switch c1; input port 2 of switch c1 (the second input port of the third switch) is connected to output port 2 of switch a2; input port 1 of switch c1 (the first input port of the third switch) is connected to output port 3 of fully connected network 2; and input ports 4, 5, and 6 of fully connected network 2 are respectively connected to antenna b1 (which can be the first second antenna), antenna b2 (which can be the second second antenna), and antenna b3 (which can be the third second antenna). Additionally, Figure 6 Antennas b1, b2, and b3 can form antenna array 2.

[0087] pass Figure 6The structure shown supports a one-to-one mapping between the K first antennas connected to the K first switches and the receiving channels. Furthermore, this structure also allows the RF unit to simultaneously select two connection methods for the receiving channels, thus meeting the needs of multiple channel scenarios.

[0088] Figure 6 Taking a radio frequency (RF) unit including one second RX as an example, an RF unit can also include more than one second RX. For details, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 7 .like Figure 7 As shown, taking R=3 and W=2 as examples, compared to Figure 6 The RF unit also includes an RXb2 (a second TX). The fully connected network 2 also includes an output port 4. The input port of RXb2 is connected to the output port 4 of the fully connected network 2. In specific applications, the input port of RXb2 and the input port 4 of the fully connected network 2 can be connected via a switch (this switch includes an input port and an output port; the input port is used to connect to the output port 4 of the fully connected network 2, and the output port is used to connect to the input port of RXb2), and this connection is not limited.

[0089] pass Figure 7 The structure shown allows RXb2 to be in a multi-connected state when RXa1, RXa2, and RXb1 are in a single-connected state.

[0090] Figures 6 to 7 The following description uses a fully connected network 1 connecting antenna array 1 and a fully connected network 2 connecting antenna array 2 as examples. Figures 8 to 9 The scenario of switching between control antenna array 1 and antenna array 2 is described.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the radio frequency unit further includes: K fourth switches and R fifth switches. The output port of each fourth switch is connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches. The first input ports of some or all of the K fourth switches are connected to the first output ports of the corresponding fifth switches among the R fifth switches. Each fourth switch also includes a second input port. The second output port of each fifth switch is connected to the corresponding input port among the R input ports. Each fifth switch also includes an input port. The second input port of the fourth switch is used to receive input signals from the first antenna, and the input port of the fifth switch is used to receive input signals from the second antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna belong to different antenna arrays.

[0092] When K is greater than R, all R of the K fourth switches include three ports, and each fifth switch includes three ports. When K is less than R, all K of the R fifth switches include three ports, and each fourth switch includes three ports. This application does not limit the scenario where some of the K fourth switches or some of the R fifth switches include three ports.

[0093] When K fourth switches are connected to K first antennas, and R fifth switches are connected to R second antennas, switching between the K first antennas and R second antennas can be achieved by controlling the input-output relationship of the K fourth switches and R fifth switches. This allows for changing the signal radiation direction, thereby altering the signal coverage angle and range. Furthermore, in scenarios where users are unevenly distributed in omnidirectional space or where antennas are blocked, the K fourth switches and R switches can flexibly switch the mapping relationship between antennas and receiving channels, mapping the receiving channel to an unblocked antenna to continue serving the user. See [link to details] for more information. Figure 8 .

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, with K=3, T=2, R=3, and W=2, compared to Figure 7 The radio frequency unit also includes: switch d1 (first fourth switch), switch d2 (second fourth switch), switch d3 (third fourth switch), switch e1 (first fifth switch), switch e2 (second fifth switch), and switch e3 (third fifth switch).

[0095] Figure 8 In the diagram, the input port of switch a1 is connected to the output port of switch d1. One input port of switch d1 is connected to antenna a1, and the other input port of switch d1 is connected to one output port of switch e1. The other output port of switch e1 is connected to one input port of fully connected network 2, and the input port of switch e1 is connected to antenna b1. Similarly, the input port of switch a2 is connected to the output port of switch d2. One input port of switch d2 is connected to antenna a2, and the other input port of switch d2 is connected to one output port of switch e2. The other output port of switch e2 is connected to one input port of fully connected network 2, and the input port of switch e2 is connected to antenna b2. Finally, the input port of switch a3 is connected to the output port of switch d3. One input port of switch d3 is connected to antenna a3, and the other input port of switch d3 is connected to one output port of switch e3. The other output port of switch e3 is connected to one input port of fully connected network 2, and the input port of switch e3 is connected to antenna b3.

[0096] Figure 8In the diagram, antenna b1 switches between fully connected network 2 and fully connected network 1 via switches e1 and d1. Antenna b2 switches between fully connected network 2 and fully connected network 1 via switches e2 and d2. Antenna b3 switches between fully connected network 2 and fully connected network 1 via switches e3 and d3.

[0097] In summary, by controlling the input-output relationships of K fourth switches and R fifth switches, it is possible to switch some or all antennas in antenna array 2 between fully connected network 1 and fully connected network 2, thereby enabling changes in the signal radiation direction and consequently, the signal coverage angle and range. Furthermore, for scenarios where users are unevenly distributed in omnidirectional space or where antennas are blocked, the K fourth switches and R switches allow for flexible switching of the mapping relationship between antennas and receiving channels, mapping the receiving channel to unblocked antennas to continue serving users.

[0098] Figure 8 This description assumes that each fifth switch and each fourth switch includes three ports. Some fifth switches and some fourth switches may only include two ports; see [link to relevant documentation] for details. Figure 9 .

[0099] like Figure 9 As shown, compared to Figure 8 , Figure 9 The RF unit shown has switches d1 and d2 each with three ports, switches e1 and e2 each with three ports, and switches d3 and e3 each with two ports.

[0100] Figure 9 In the diagram, antenna b1 switches between fully connected network 2 and fully connected network 1 via switches e1 and d1. Antenna b2 switches between fully connected network 2 and fully connected network 1 via switches e2 and d2.

[0101] Figures 3 to 9 The description uses an RF unit comprising a fully connected network and multiple switches as an example. Other structures of the RF unit will be described below, for example... Figures 3 to 9 The radio frequency unit shown may also include one or more of the following devices: circulator, TX, LNA, etc., whereby the circulator may be positioned between the switch and the antenna. See the description below for details.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the RF unit further includes: K circulators and K transmit channels, K circulators and K transmit channels, with a first port of each circulator connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches, a second port of each circulator connected to the output port of the corresponding fourth switch among the K fourth switches, and a third port of each circulator connected to the output port of the corresponding transmit channel among the K transmit channels. See below for details. Figure 10 .

[0103] By setting up a circulator, isolation between signal transmission and signal reception can be achieved. By deploying TXs, the radio frequency unit can be enabled to transmit signals. Furthermore, with K TXs deployed, by deploying K fourth switches and R fifth switches, different antenna arrays can be flexibly switched or adjusted. That is, the antenna array corresponding to the fully connected network 2 can reuse some or all of the K TXs, thereby flexibly adjusting the antenna coverage.

[0104] One possible implementation of the RF unit includes: K first LNAs, each first LNA's input port connected to the first port of a corresponding circulator among the K circulators, and each first LNA's output port connected to the input port of a corresponding switch among the K first switches. By configuring the LNAs, amplification of the signal received by the antenna can be achieved. See below for details. Figure 10 .

[0105] One possible implementation of the RF unit includes: R second LNAs, each second LNA's output port connected to a corresponding input port among the R input ports, and each second LNA's input port connected to the output port of a corresponding switch among K fifth switches. By configuring the LNAs, amplification of the signal received by the antenna can be achieved. See below for details. Figure 10 .

[0106] The following text combines Figure 10 The interconnections between devices in the RF unit, such as the circulator, TX, and LNA, are described. Figure 10 This description uses an example where the RF unit simultaneously includes K circulators, K TXs, K first LNAs, and R second LNAs. In application, the RF unit may include one or more of the following devices: circulators, TXs, first LNAs, and second LNAs. A description of the connection relationships between these devices can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 10 The description.

[0107] like Figure 10 As shown, with K=3, T=2, R=3 and W=1, compared to Figure 9The radio frequency unit also includes: TX1 (first transmit channel), TX2 (second transmit channel), TX3 (third transmit channel), circulator 1 (first circulator), circulator 2 (second circulator), circulator 3 (third circulator), LNAa1 (first first LNA), LNAa2 (second first LNA), LNAa3 (third first LNA), LNAb1 (first second LNA), LNAb2 (second second LNA), and LNAb3 (third second LNA).

[0108] Figure 10 In this configuration, the first port of circulator 1 is connected to the input port of LNAa1, the output port of LNAa1 is connected to the input port of switch a1, the second port of circulator 1 is connected to the output port of switch d1, and the third port of circulator 1 is connected to the output port of TX1. The first port of circulator 2 is connected to the input port of LNAa2, the output port of LNAa2 is connected to the input port of switch a2, the second port of circulator 2 is connected to the output port of switch d2, and the third port of circulator 2 is connected to the output port of TX2. The first port of circulator 3 is connected to the input port of LNAa3, the output port of LNAa3 is connected to the input port of switch a3, the second port of circulator 3 is connected to the output port of switch d3, and the third port of circulator 3 is connected to the output port of TX3. The input port of LNAb1 is connected to one output port of switch e1, the output port of LNAb1 is connected to one input port of fully connected network 2, the input port of LNAb2 is connected to one output port of switch e2, the output port of LNAb2 is connected to one input port of fully connected network 2, the input port of LNAb3 is connected to one output port of switch e3, and the output port of LNAb3 is connected to one input port of fully connected network 2.

[0109] As mentioned earlier, in application, the RF unit may include one or more of the following devices: circulator, TX, first LNA, and second LNA. A description of the connections between these devices can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 10The description is as follows. For example, when the RF unit includes K circulators and K TXs, but excludes the fourth switch, fifth switch, K first LNAs, and R second LNAs, the second ports of the K circulators are connected to the K antennas one by one, and the first ports of the K circulators are connected to the input ports of the K first switches one by one. As another example, when the RF unit includes K circulators, K TXs, K fourth switches, and R fifth switches, but excludes the K first LNAs and R second LNAs, the second ports of the K circulators are connected to the output ports of the K fourth switches one by one, and the first ports of the K circulators are connected to the input ports of the K first switches one by one. As yet another example, when the RF unit includes K circulators, K TXs, K fourth switches, R fifth switches, and K first LNAs, but excludes the R second LNAs, the second ports of the K circulators are connected to the output ports of the K fourth switches one by one, and the first ports of the K circulators are connected to the input ports of the K first LANs one by one.

[0110] Figures 3 to 10 This application describes an example of an RF unit supporting RX connection state switching. It also provides an RF unit capable of switching between antenna arrays while maintaining RX connection state switching capabilities. Specifically, the RF unit includes: K first switches, T second switches, T first RXs, a first fully connected network, and K fourth switches. Each first switch's first output port is connected to a corresponding input port among the K input ports. Each second switch's first input port is connected to a corresponding output port among the T output ports. Each second switch's second input port is connected to a corresponding second output port among the T first switches. The K first switches include T first switches. Each second switch's output port is connected to a corresponding input port among the T first receiving channels. Each fourth switch's output port is connected to a corresponding input port among the K first switches. Each fourth switch also includes a first input port and a second input port. The first input port receives input signals from the first antenna, and the second input port receives input signals from the second antenna. The first and second antennas belong to different antenna arrays.

[0111] With the above structure, the fourth switch can control the first antenna or the second antenna to input signals to the input port of the first switch, thereby enabling the switching between antenna arrays.

[0112] For an example description of the structure of the aforementioned radio frequency unit, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 11 .like Figure 11 As shown, compared to Figure 3The RF unit also includes: a fully connected network 2 (including three input ports and one output port), RXb1, switches e1, e2, e3, d1, d2, and d3. Switches d1, d2, and d3 each include two input ports and one output port, while switches e1, e2, and e3 each include two output ports and one input port. The fully connected network 2, RXb1, switches e1, e2, and e3 are optional structures. Figure 11 When the radio frequency unit does not include the fully connected network 2, RXb1, switch e1, switch e2, and switch e3, taking switch d1 as an example, one input port of switch d1 is used to receive the input signal from antenna a1, and the other input port of switch d1 is used to receive the input signal from antenna b1. The output port of switch d1 is connected to the input port of switch a1. When Figure 11 When the radio frequency unit includes a fully connected network 2, RXb1, switch e1, switch e2, and switch e3, taking switch d1 as an example, one input port of switch d1 is used to receive the input signal from antenna a1, another input port of switch d1 is connected to one output port of switch e1, another output port of switch e1 is connected to one input port of the fully connected network 2, the input port of switch e1 is used to receive the input signal from antenna b1, and the output port of switch d1 is connected to the input port of switch a1.

[0113] With the above structure, switches d1, d2, and d3 can control antenna array 1 or antenna array 2 to input signals to the input ports of the K first switches, thereby enabling switching between antenna arrays.

[0114] In one possible implementation, the RF unit further includes: R fifth switches, a second fully connected network, and W second RXs. The second input ports of some or all of the K fourth switches are connected to the first output ports of the corresponding fifth switches among the R fifth switches. The second output port of each fifth switch is connected to the corresponding input port among the R input ports of the second fully connected network. Each fifth switch also includes an input port for receiving input signals from the second RX. The W second receiving channels are connected one-to-one with the W output ports. A description of this structure can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 11 I will not go into details.

[0115] This structure allows the RF unit to simultaneously process input signals from two antenna arrays. For example, it can control the fourth switch to input the first antenna's input signal to the first switch, and control the fifth switch to input the second antenna's input signal to the second fully connected network. Therefore, the RF unit can process input signals from two antenna arrays simultaneously. Furthermore, based on the fourth and fifth switches, this allows for flexible switching between different antenna arrays.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the RF unit further includes: KT third switches, where W is a difference greater than or equal to KT; the first input port of each third switch is connected to the corresponding output port among the W output ports; the output port of each third switch is connected to the input port of the corresponding second receiving channel among the W second receiving channels; the second output port of each of the KT first switches is connected to the second input port of the corresponding third switch among the KT third switches; and the KT first switches are switches not connected to the second switches. A description of this structure can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 I will not go into details.

[0117] This structure allows for a one-to-one mapping between the K first antennas connected to the K first switches and the receiving channels. Furthermore, this structure also allows the RF unit to simultaneously select two connection methods for the receiving channels, thus meeting the needs of multiple channel scenarios.

[0118] In addition, based on Figure 11 The radio frequency unit may also include the aforementioned circulator, TX, third switch, first LNA and second LNA, etc. For details, please refer to the foregoing description, which will not be repeated here.

[0119] It should be noted that, Figures 3 to 11 The content shown is for illustrative purposes only. In specific applications, those skilled in the art can make their own interpretations based on the provided examples. Figures 3 to 11 The structure of the radio frequency unit shown can be combined or disassembled to obtain a new structure, etc., without limitation.

[0120] This application also provides an antenna feed system, which includes: a mounting frame, an antenna adjustment bracket, and the aforementioned antenna, wherein the aforementioned antenna is mounted on the mounting frame via the antenna adjustment bracket; or, the antenna feed system includes: a mounting frame and the aforementioned antenna, wherein the aforementioned antenna is mounted on the mounting frame.

[0121] The aforementioned antenna feeder system can be applied to multiple devices, including but not limited to: base stations, routers, vehicle-mounted antennas, mobile phone antennas, terminals, microwaves, etc.

[0122] This application also provides a communication device, which includes the aforementioned antenna and a radio frequency unit (including...) connected to the antenna. Figures 3 to 11 (The radio frequency unit shown in any of the diagrams). The deployment form of the communication equipment may include base stations, relay equipment, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0123] Optionally, the communication device may also include a baseband unit connected to the aforementioned antenna.

[0124] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a core network device and the aforementioned communication device, and the communication device and the core network device are communicatively connected.

[0125] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and devices can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0126] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A radio frequency unit, characterized in that, include: K first switches, T second switches, T first receiving channels, and a first fully connected network. The first fully connected network includes K input ports and T output ports, where K and T are both positive integers, K is greater than or equal to 2, and T is less than K. The first output port of each first switch is connected to the corresponding input port among the K input ports, the first input port of each second switch is connected to the corresponding output port among the T output ports, the second input port of each second switch is connected to the second output port of the corresponding first switch among the T first switches, the K first switches include the T first switches, the output port of each second switch is connected to the input port of the corresponding first receiving channel among the T first receiving channels, and each first switch also includes an input port for receiving input signals from the first antenna.

2. The radio frequency unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency unit further includes: The second fully connected network has W second receiving channels and KT third switches. The second fully connected network includes R input ports and W output ports, where R and W are both positive integers, R is greater than or equal to 2, R is greater than W, and W is greater than or equal to the difference between K and T. The first input port of each third switch is connected to the corresponding output port among the W output ports, the output port of each third switch is connected to the input port of the corresponding second receiving channel among the W second receiving channels, the second output port of each of the KT first switches is connected to the second input port of the corresponding third switch among the KT third switches, and the KT first switches are switches that are not connected to the second switches.

3. The radio frequency unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radio frequency unit further includes: There are K fourth switches and R fifth switches. The output port of each fourth switch is connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches. The first input ports of some or all of the K fourth switches are connected to the first output ports of the corresponding fifth switches among the R fifth switches. Each fourth switch also includes a second input port. The second output port of each fifth switch is connected to the corresponding input port among the R input ports. Each fifth switch also includes an input port. The second input port of the fourth switch is used to receive input signals from the first antenna. The input port of the fifth switch is used to receive input signals from the second antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna belong to different antenna arrays.

4. The radio frequency unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The radio frequency unit further includes: There are K circulators and K transmission channels. The first port of each circulator is connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches. The second port of each circulator is connected to the output port of the corresponding fourth switch among the K fourth switches. The third port of each circulator is connected to the output port of the corresponding transmission channel among the K transmission channels.

5. The radio frequency unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The radio frequency unit further includes: K first low-noise amplifiers, each with its input port connected to the first port of the corresponding circulator among the K circulators, and each with its output port connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches.

6. A radio frequency unit, characterized in that, include: K first switches, T second switches, T first receiving channels, a first fully connected network, and K fourth switches. The first fully connected network includes K input ports and T output ports, where K and T are both positive integers, K is greater than or equal to 2, and T is less than K. The first output port of each first switch is connected to the corresponding input port among the K input ports, the first input port of each second switch is connected to the corresponding output port among the T output ports, the second input port of each second switch is connected to the second output port of the corresponding first switch among the T first switches, the K first switches include the T first switches, and the output port of each second switch is connected to the input port of the corresponding first receiving channel among the T first receiving channels; The output port of each fourth switch is connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches. Each fourth switch also includes a first input port and a second input port. The first input port is used to receive input signals from the first antenna, and the second input port is used to receive input signals from the second antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna belong to different antenna arrays.

7. The radio frequency unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The radio frequency unit further includes: The system comprises R fifth switches, a second fully connected network, and W second receiving channels. The second fully connected network includes R input ports and W output ports, where R and W are both positive integers, R is greater than or equal to 2, and R is greater than W. Some or all of the second input ports of the K fourth switches are connected to the first output ports of the corresponding fifth switches among the R fifth switches. The second output port of each fifth switch is connected to the corresponding input port among the R input ports. Each fifth switch also includes an input port, which is used to receive input signals from the second antenna. The W second receiving channels are connected one by one to the W output ports.

8. The radio frequency unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The radio frequency unit further includes: KT third switches, W is greater than or equal to the difference of KT, the first input port of each third switch is connected to the corresponding output port among the W output ports, the output port of each third switch is connected to the corresponding input port of the second receiving channel among the W second receiving channels, the second output port of each of the KT first switches is connected to the second input port of the corresponding third switch among the KT third switches, and the KT first switches are switches not connected to the second switches.

9. The radio frequency unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The radio frequency unit further includes: There are K circulators and K transmission channels. The first port of each circulator is connected to the input port of the corresponding first switch among the K first switches. The second port of each circulator is connected to the output port of the corresponding fourth switch among the K fourth switches. The third port of each circulator is connected to the output port of the corresponding transmission channel among the K transmission channels.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a radio frequency unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 and K first antennas, wherein the input ports of the K first antennas and the K first switches are connected one by one.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a radio frequency unit as described in any one of claims 2 to 9, K first antennas and R second antennas, wherein the input ports of the K first antennas and the K first switches are connected one by one, and the R second antennas and the R input ports are connected one by one.

12. The communication device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a baseband unit, which is connected to the radio frequency unit.

13. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes core network equipment and a communication device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the communication device is communicatively connected to the core network equipment.

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