Communication-aware integrated device with interference mitigation, driver chip, and architecture

Abstract

The application relates to a communication and perception integrated device with interference suppression, a driving chip and an architecture. The communication and perception integrated device comprises a plurality of first beam channels and a plurality of second beam channels for beamforming communication signals and perception signals in a communication stage and a perception stage; the first beam channels are respectively connected with radio frequency circuits and first antennas, and the second beam channels are respectively connected with the radio frequency circuits and second antennas; in the communication stage and the perception stage, the first antennas and the second antennas are time-division multiplexed for receiving and transmitting the communication signals and the perception signals; a first phase shifter is configured to phase shift the perception signals received by the second antennas, and the phase-shifted beam phase is opposite to the beam phase of the first antennas; and a first switch is configured to select whether to connect the first phase shifter between the radio frequency circuits and the second antennas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a communication sensing integrated device, driver chip, and architecture with interference suppression. Background Technology

[0002] Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) unifies the design of communication and sensing functions, enabling the fusion of wireless communication systems and radar sensing systems. Communication services are used to transmit data with users, such as real-time communication data like voice and video; sensing services are used for radar positioning. This allows the wireless network to achieve high-precision, refined sensing capabilities while conducting high-quality communication interactions, thereby improving overall network performance and service capabilities.

[0003] In Sensor-Integrated Communication (ISAC) systems, signal reception suffers from sidelobe interference. Specifically, this interference can be divided into two categories: active interference signals, such as co-channel active interference signals between adjacent base stations; and passive interference signals, such as signals reflected from buildings and the ground. These interferences enter the system through antenna sidelobes, leading to a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio and a reduction in reliability.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a means to suppress interference caused by sidelobes entering the receiving antenna and improve anti-interference capability. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an integrated communication and sensing device with interference suppression, which can suppress interference caused by side lobes entering the receiving antenna, improve sensing function, and make full use of the antenna, thus saving hardware resources.

[0006] This application discloses an integrated communication and sensing device with interference suppression, comprising: multiple first beam channels and multiple second beam channels for beamforming communication signals and sensing signals respectively during the communication phase and the sensing phase; a first end and a second end of the first beam channels are respectively connected to a radio frequency circuit and a first antenna, and a first end and a second end of the second beam channels are respectively connected to a radio frequency circuit and a second antenna; during the communication phase and the sensing phase, the first antenna and the second antenna are time-division multiplexed for receiving and transmitting communication signals and sensing signals; a first phase shifter for phase shifting the sensing signal received by the second antenna, wherein the phase-shifted beam phase is opposite to the beam phase of the first antenna; and a first switching switch configured to select whether to connect the first phase shifter between the radio frequency circuit and the second antenna.

[0007] In this scheme, communication signals and sensing signals share the same antenna array (including a first antenna and a second antenna). A first switching switch dynamically configures whether to connect the first phase shifter to the connection path between the RF circuit and the second antenna, allowing selection of whether to introduce the phase shift value of the first phase shifter into the second beam formed by the second antenna. This phase shift value causes the second beam to be out of phase with the beam formed by the first antenna. The beam formed by the first antenna may include a main lobe and side lobes, with the main lobe gain being greater than the side lobes. Therefore, the beam of the second antenna cancels out the side lobes but not the main lobe. Thus, this scheme can cancel out interference from the side lobes of the first antenna. Specifically:

[0008] When the first phase shifter is not connected to the connection path between the radio frequency circuit and the second antenna (e.g., during the reception of communication signals), the first antenna and the second antenna together form a receiving beam, improving the directional accuracy of the receiving beam. The beam of the second antenna will not cancel out with the side lobes. The first antenna and the second antenna can together form a beam for receiving communication signals.

[0009] When the first phase shifter is connected to the connection path between the radio frequency circuit and the second antenna (e.g., during the reception of a sensing signal), the beams formed by the first antenna and the second antenna are out of phase. The beam and sidelobes of the second antenna cancel each other out, and the second beam can cancel out the interference caused by the sidelobes of the first beam.

[0010] A portion of the shared antenna array is multiplexed for beamforming, which cancels out interference with the sidelobes of the first antenna, thereby enabling the reuse of communication hardware and reducing costs.

[0011] This solution enables dynamic antenna reuse: during the communication phase, all antennas (including the first and second antennas) are used to receive communication signals, maximizing channel capacity and suppressing co-channel interference; during the sensing phase, some antennas (the second antenna) are dynamically switched to antennas for sidelobe cancellation, while the first antenna is used to receive sensing signals, which improves the sensing anti-interference capability and avoids additional hardware overhead. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1A A hardware architecture block diagram of a communication-sensing integrated system according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0013] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of the main lobe and side lobes of the beam formed by the antenna according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0014] Figure 1C A schematic diagram of a main beam and an auxiliary beam according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0015] Figure 1D A schematic diagram of another main beam and auxiliary beam according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0016] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the structure of the communication sensing integrated device according to the first embodiment of this application is shown;

[0017] Figure 2B Another structural schematic diagram of the communication sensing integrated device according to the first embodiment of this application is shown;

[0018] Figure 2C A further structural schematic diagram of the integrated communication sensing device according to the first embodiment of this application is shown;

[0019] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication sensing integrated device according to a second embodiment of this application is shown;

[0020] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of a second driver in a communication sensing integrated device according to a second embodiment of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 3C Another structural schematic diagram of the communication sensing integrated device according to the second embodiment of this application is shown;

[0022] Figure 4A A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication sensing integrated device according to a third embodiment of this application is shown;

[0023] Figure 4B A schematic diagram of a second beam channel in a communication sensing integrated device according to a third embodiment of this application is shown;

[0024] Figure 4C Another structural schematic diagram of a communication sensing integrated device according to a third embodiment of this application is shown;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first antenna and a second beam formed by a first antenna and a second antenna, according to an embodiment of this application, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives and technical solutions of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] First, the use cases for this application will be described.

[0028] ISAC can unify the design of communication and sensing functions. Communication services are used to transmit data with users, such as voice data, while sensing services are used for radar positioning. This enables the wireless network to achieve high-precision and refined sensing functions while conducting high-quality communication interactions, thereby improving the overall network performance and service capabilities.

[0029] Both sensing and communication services require multiple antennas to transmit and / or receive signals. The signals from these multiple antennas can be coherently combined to enable them to transmit or receive directional electromagnetic energy. This method of combining signals from multiple antennas is called beamforming. Beamforming adjusts the amplitude and / or phase of multiple antennas to create a strengthened signal in a desired direction while suppressing signals in other directions. The directional electromagnetic energy transmitted or received by these multiple antennas can be referred to as a beam.

[0030] Figure 1A A hardware architecture block diagram of a communication-sensing integrated system according to an embodiment of this application is shown. As shown in FIG1, the communication-sensing integrated system includes a signal transmitter 210 and a signal receiver 220.

[0031] The signal transmitter 210 includes: a channel encoder 212, used to receive a signal stream and encode the signal to increase anti-interference and error correction capabilities, wherein the signal stream includes a communication stream and a sensing reference, the sensing reference serving as a positioning reference signal; a modulator 213, which receives the signal encoded by the channel encoder 212 and modulates the signal, including amplitude modulation and frequency modulation; a pre-encoder 214, which receives the signal modulated by the modulator 213 and pre-encodes it before transmission to optimize the signal's transmission quality, efficiency, and anti-interference capabilities; a D / A converter 215, which receives the digital signal pre-encoded by the pre-encoder 214 and converts it into an analog signal for subsequent processing; and a radio frequency front-end 216 (also referred to as a radio frequency circuit), which receives the analog signal output from the D / A converter 215 and amplifies, filters, mixes, and combines the analog signal. One or more of the following processing methods are used: splitting, phase shifting, or beamforming; antenna 211 is used to transmit communication and sensing signals, that is, to transmit the signals processed by RF front-end 216; wherein, the transmission of communication signals and sensing signals can be time-division multiplexed. In the communication phase, the signal stream passes through channel encoder 212, modulator 213, pre-encoder 214, D / A converter 215, and RF front-end 216 in sequence, and then the communication signal is transmitted by antenna 211; in the sensing phase, the sensing reference passes through channel encoder 212, modulator 213, pre-encoder 214, D / A converter 215, and RF front-end 216, and then the sensing signal is transmitted by antenna 211.

[0032] The signal receiver 220 includes an antenna 221 for receiving communication signals and sensing signals; and a radio frequency front-end 222 (also referred to as a radio frequency circuit) for performing one or more of the following processing on the signals received by the antenna 221: amplification, filtering, combining / splitting, phase shifting, or beamforming. In this embodiment, during the communication phase, the radio frequency front-end 222 is used to perform one or more of the following processing on the received communication signals: amplification, filtering, combining / splitting, phase shifting, or beamforming. During the sensing phase, the radio frequency front-end 222 is also used to perform sum and difference calculations on the received sensing signals to facilitate the location of the device to be detected.

[0033] The signal receiver 220 also includes an A / D converter 223, which receives the analog signal processed by the RF front-end 222 and converts the received analog signal into a digital signal. The analog signal may include analog communication signals and analog sensing signals. A clock frequency offset 224 receives the digital signal output from the A / D converter 223 and corrects the frequency offset of the received signal to ensure signal synchronization. A channel estimation 225 receives the signal corrected by the clock frequency offset 224 during the communication phase and estimates channel characteristics for signal recovery and decoding. A MIMO equalizer 226 receives the signal processed by the channel estimation 225 during the communication phase and equalizes the signal in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system to reduce interference and multipath effects. A demodulation 227 receives the signal processed by the MIMO equalizer 226 during the communication phase and restores the received modulated signal to the original digital signal, restoring the original communication stream for communication information transmission. A matched filter is also included. 228 receives the signal corrected by clock frequency offset 224 during the perception phase, filters the signal, and improves the sensitivity and accuracy of signal detection; 229 receives the signal filtered by matched filter 228 during the perception phase, and uses it to detect the presence and position of moving targets; 230 receives the signal transmitted from moving target detector 229 during the perception phase, and uses it to detect targets in noisy backgrounds; 231 receives the signal from CFAR detector 230 during the perception phase and estimates the direction of signal arrival; 232 receives the signal from DoA estimator 231 during the perception phase and uses it to perform cluster analysis on detected targets to identify and classify different targets; 233 receives the signal from clustering 232 during the perception phase and uses it to detect and identify target objects; 234 receives the signal from object detection 233 during the perception phase and uses it to track the trajectory of the target.

[0034] In this integrated communication and sensing system, the pre-encoder 214, modulator 213, channel encoder 212, channel estimator 225, MIMO equalizer 226, and demodulator 227 are used for communication functions to parse information such as voice data carried in communication signals (or communication streams); the matched filter 228, moving target detector 229, CFAR detector 230, DoA estimator 231, clustering 232, object detection 233, and target tracking 234 are used for sensing functions to obtain the positioning or trajectory information of the device under test from the sensing signal (or communication reference). The antenna 211, RF front-end 216, antenna 221, RF front-end 222, and clock frequency offset 224 all play the same role when the system performs sensing and communication functions, and therefore can be multiplexed. For example, if the sensing and communication functions are performed in a time-sharing manner (described in detail below), then the antenna 211, RF front-end 216, antenna 221, RF front-end 222, and clock frequency offset 224 can be multiplexed in different operating periods. In some embodiments, the antenna of the signal transmitter 210 can be time-division multiplexed with the antenna of the signal receiver 220, and the radio frequency front-end of the signal transmitter 210 can be time-division multiplexed with the radio frequency front-end of the signal receiver 220.

[0035] In radar or communication systems, antenna patterns (receiver patterns) typically contain a main lobe and side lobes. The main lobe is the region of highest radiation intensity in the antenna pattern, usually pointing in the antenna's primary radiation direction. The main lobe determines the antenna's primary radiation direction and energy concentration, and is crucial for signal transmission and reception in communication systems. Side lobes are secondary radiation directions outside the main lobe, typically with lower radiation intensity than the main lobe. The presence of side lobes can lead to interference. Side lobe interference refers to the phenomenon where the presence of side lobes in the antenna pattern causes the system to receive interfering signals in directions other than the main lobe. This interference reduces the system's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), affecting target detection or communication quality. Figure 1B As shown, the main lobe gain of the receiving beam is very high, and it has extremely strong directivity; while the side lobe gain of the antenna is less than that of the main lobe, and the side lobes are wider, so interference signals can easily enter from the side lobes of the receiving beam.

[0036] The inventors discovered that while installing additional dedicated anti-interference antennas to cancel sidelobe interference can improve anti-interference performance, it also consumes additional hardware resources, increasing system complexity and cost. In an Integrated Communication-Sensing (ISAC) system, if the additional antenna is only used for sidelobe cancellation, it needs to operate continuously in both the communication and sensing phases, resulting in low resource utilization.

[0037] Further research by the inventors revealed that sensing systems are more sensitive to sidelobe interference and have higher anti-interference requirements. If dynamic antenna multiplexing could be achieved: during the communication phase, all antennas would work together to receive communication signals, maximizing channel capacity and suppressing co-channel interference; during the sensing phase, some communication receiving antennas could be dynamically switched to sidelobe-cancelling antennas, improving sensing anti-interference capabilities while avoiding additional hardware overhead. Based on this, the inventors proposed this solution, which is described in detail below.

[0038] First Embodiment

[0039] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated communication sensing device according to a first embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2A As shown, the integrated communication and sensing device includes multiple first beam channels 101 and multiple second beam channels 102, used for beamforming of communication signals and sensing signals respectively during the communication and sensing phases. The communication signals and sensing signals are transmitted and received in a time-division multiplexing manner. The communication signals carry information data, such as voice data, while the sensing signals have waveform characteristics for detection and do not include information data; they are used for target detection and localization.

[0040] As an example, Figure 2A Only forty-eight (48) first beam channels are shown 1011-101 48 And sixteen (16) second beam channels 1021-102 16 And for ease of explanation, Figure 2A Only the first beam channels 1011-1014 and 101 are shown in detail. 13 -101 16 And the second beam channels 1021-1024, 102 13 -102 16 The specific details of the beam channels are omitted.

[0041] Each first beam channel 101 has a first end and a second end for connecting the radio frequency circuit 201 (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit, RFIC) and the corresponding first antenna 301, respectively. Each second beam channel 102 has a first end and a second end for connecting the radio frequency circuit 201 and the corresponding second antenna 302, respectively. Figure 2A In the first beam channel, there are a total of 48 channels, so the first antenna 301 has a total of 48 channels; the second beam channel has a total of 16 channels, so the second antenna 302 has a total of 16 channels.

[0042] Multiple first antennas 301 and multiple second antennas 302 are arranged in an antenna array, for example in Figure 2AIn this configuration, the antenna array is an 8×8 array. Multiple first antennas 301 are arranged in one or more matrices, and multiple second antennas 302 are arranged in one or more matrices. Figure 2A In the diagram, the first antenna 301 is indicated by an X, and the second antenna 302 is indicated by... X Illustration. Here, the antenna arrangement is a matrix, meaning multiple antennas are arranged according to specific geometric rules. This arrangement can be linear, rectangular, etc. For example, in... Figure 2A In this configuration, multiple first antennas 301 are arranged into three 4×4 matrices (rectangles), and multiple second antennas 302 are arranged into one 4×4 matrix (rectangle). During the communication phase, the first antennas 301 and second antennas 302 work together to receive and transmit communication signals, maximizing channel capacity. During the sensing phase, the first antenna 301 acts as the main antenna, forming a main beam to receive sensing signals. The main beam, which includes a main lobe and side lobes, is used to transmit sensing signals. The second antenna 302 acts as an auxiliary antenna, forming an auxiliary beam with a phase opposite to the side lobes of the main beam to cancel side lobe interference. The auxiliary beam, which does not transmit sensing signals, is used to cancel out side lobes. The first antennas 301 and second antennas 302 achieve the above function switching through a time-division multiplexing mechanism.

[0043] Continue as Figure 2A As shown, the integrated communication and sensing device also includes a first phase shifter 401 and a first switching switch 402 for interference cancellation during the sensing and receiving phase. The first phase shifter 401 is connected between the second beam channel and the radio frequency circuit, and the number of first phase shifters 401 corresponds to the number of second antennas 302. For example, Figure 2A Sixteen first phase shifters 4011-401 are shown. 16 The first phase shifter 401 is used to shift the phase of the sensing signal received by the second antenna 302. The phase of the shifted beam (second beam) is opposite to the phase of the first antenna beam (first beam). The beam formed by the first antenna may include a main lobe and side lobes. The gain of the main lobe is greater than that of the side lobes. Therefore, the beam of the second antenna cancels out the side lobes, but does not cancel out the main lobe. Thus, this scheme can cancel out the interference caused by the side lobes of the first antenna.

[0044] In some embodiments, the gain of the second beam or the weighting ratio of the first and second beams can be adjusted to make the gain of the second beam equal to the gain of the sidelobes, so that the second beam and the sidelobes completely cancel each other out. For example, the gain of the amplifier in the second beam channel can be adjusted to adjust the gain of the second beam; or, a weighting operation module for the first and second beams can be set in the baseband. The weighting operation module uses sidelobe cancellation technology to adjust the weighting ratio of the first and second beams so that when the first and second beams are summed, the sidelobes in the first beam are equal in magnitude and opposite in phase to the sidelobes in the second beam, thereby making the second beam and the sidelobes completely cancel each other out.

[0045] In some embodiments, the center point of the first beam coincides with the center point of the second beam, and the phase shift value of the first phase shifter 401 is n×λ / 2, where λ is the wavelength of the sensed signal and n is an odd number, such as n = 1, 3, 5... More specifically, because the phase difference has periodicity, the phase shift value n×λ / 2 is equivalent to the phase shift value λ / 2, thereby making the sidelobes of the second beam and the first beam out of phase, thus canceling the interference entering the sidelobes of the first antenna and achieving interference suppression. As an example, the first phase shifter 401 is a microstrip line or a coplanar waveguide. Microstrip lines are suitable for low-frequency and intermediate-frequency circuits and have low cost, while coplanar waveguides are suitable for high-frequency circuits, have low loss, and strong anti-interference capability. In other embodiments, the first phase shifter can also be an active phase shifter or the like.

[0046] The first switching switch 402 is configured to select whether to connect the first phase shifter 401 between the RF circuit 201 and the second antenna 302, so as to time-division multiplex the second antenna 302 as an auxiliary antenna. For example, the first switching switch 402 can selectively bypass the first phase shifter 401. The number of first phase shifters 401 corresponds to the number of first switching switches 402, with each first phase shifter 401 corresponding to one first switching switch 402. For clarity, Figure 2A A first switching switch 402 (first phase shifter 401) is shown in the figure. 16 The corresponding first switching switch 402).

[0047] When the first switching switch does not connect the first phase shifter 401 to the connection path between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna 302, the first antenna 301 and the second antenna 302 can receive signals (e.g., communication signals). The first antenna and the second antenna together form a communication beam. The center point of the beam is the center point of the antenna array.

[0048] When the first switching switch connects the first phase shifter 401 to the connection path between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna 302, the first antenna 301 and the second antenna 302 can receive signals (e.g., sensing signals). The beams formed by the first antenna and the second antenna are out of phase, forming a first beam and a second beam respectively. The beam of the second antenna cancels out the sidelobes of the first antenna. The main lobe formed by the first antenna 301 is retained and can be used for positioning; therefore, the first antenna 301 can be called the main antenna, the first beam can be called the main beam, and the corresponding first beam channel 101 can be called the main channel. Correspondingly, the second beam formed by the second antenna 302 cancels out the sidelobes and is not used for positioning; therefore, the second antenna 302 can be called the auxiliary antenna, the second beam can be called the auxiliary beam, and the corresponding second beam channel 102 can be called the auxiliary channel.

[0049] Interference signals during the sensing phase can enter the system through the sidelobes of the main antenna, leading to a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio and reliability of the sensing signal (such as UAV tracking). This application introduces a phase shift value (n×λ / 2, where n is an odd number) into the auxiliary beam using a first phase shifter 401, making the auxiliary beam out of phase with the sidelobes of the main beam. This cancels out interference entering the main antenna sidelobes, achieving interference suppression. The auxiliary antenna is part of the shared antenna array, requiring no additional setup, thus enabling the reuse of communication hardware and reducing costs.

[0050] In one embodiment, during the sensing phase, the main beam is a directional beam, and the auxiliary beam can be an omnidirectional or directional beam. For example... Figure 1C As shown, when the auxiliary beam is an omnidirectional beam, the gain of the auxiliary beam is the same as the gain of the sidelobes of the main beam. Figure 1D As shown, when the auxiliary beam is a directional beam, its gain and pointing direction are the same as those of the sidelobes of the main beam. As will be described below, the beam gain (i.e., signal amplitude) can be adjusted by the power amplifier or low-noise amplifier of the corresponding beam channel to match the strength of the interference signal; the beam pointing direction (determined by the phase relationship between the elements of the antenna array) can be adjusted by the second phase shifter of the corresponding beam channel to align with the direction of interference.

[0051] In some embodiments, the radio frequency circuit 201, the first phase shifter, the first switching switch, the first beam channel, and the second beam channel may belong to Figure 1A In a transceiver system, the radio frequency front-end 216 or radio frequency front-end 222 can be integrated into one unit.

[0052] In some embodiments, the radio frequency circuit 201, the first beam channel, and the second beam channel are also used to transmit sensing signals and communication signals. Because there are no interfering sidelobes when transmitting signals, the first switching switch can be closed when transmitting sensing signals and communication signals, connecting the connection path between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna 302.

[0053] Figure 2B Another structural schematic diagram of the communication sensing integrated device according to the first embodiment of this application is shown. Compared to Figure 2A , Figure 2B The integrated communication sensing device shown also includes multiple combiners. The combiners are located between the RF circuit 201 and the corresponding beam channels, used to combine the corresponding beam channels. Each combiner includes a common terminal and multiple branch terminals. The common terminal is used to connect to the RF circuit 201, and the branch terminals are used to connect to the corresponding beam channels. Specifically, during signal reception, multiple first beam channels 101 are grouped into groups of four and combined using the combiner. The combined signals are then combined in pairs. Similarly, multiple second beam channels 102 are grouped into groups of four and combined using the combiner. The combined signals are then combined in pairs. The combined signals are finally connected to the RF circuit 201 through a single-channel interface. The combiner uses power combining technology to ensure that the signals of each channel maintain phase consistency and amplitude balance during the combining process, thereby maintaining the accuracy of beamforming. Because of the use of combiners, compared to… Figure 2A , Figure 2B The number of first phase shifters 410 in the illustrated integrated communication sensing device can be significantly reduced. Specifically, in Figure 2A In the middle, each second beam channel 102 is equipped with a first phase shifter 401, totaling 16; while Figure 2B In this design, the 16 second beam channels 102 share one first phase shifter 401 and one first switching switch 402, thus requiring only one first phase shifter 401 and one first switching switch 402, reducing the number to one-sixteenth of the original. This design significantly reduces hardware costs and circuit complexity while ensuring interference suppression, and improves system integration and reliability.

[0054] exist Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, when receiving a communication signal, the first switching switch 402 is closed, the first phase shifter 401 is not connected to the connection path between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna 302, and the first antenna 301 and the second antenna 302 together form a beam; when receiving a sensing signal, the first switching switch 402 is open, the first phase shifter 401 is connected to the connection path between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna 302, the beams formed by the first antenna and the second antenna are out of phase, and the beam of the second antenna cancels out the sidelobes of the first antenna.

[0055] In some embodiments, the radio frequency circuit 201, the first beam channel, and the second beam channel are also used to transmit sensing signals and communication signals. When transmitting sensing signals and communication signals, the combiner is also used to split the signal power of the common terminal to multiple branch terminals, and the signal power of the multiple branch terminals is equal.

[0056] exist Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the same group (4) of beam channels are assigned to the same chip, therefore in Figure 2B In this design, the first beam channel 101 and the second beam channel 102 are assigned to different chips, achieving physical isolation between the main channel and the auxiliary channel. This chip allocation method ensures both the independence of the main channel beamforming and the ability of the auxiliary channel to accurately respond to the sidelobe interference characteristics of the main channel, while also reducing chip design complexity and manufacturing costs.

[0057] Figure 2C A further structural schematic diagram of the communication sensing integrated device according to the first embodiment of this application is shown. Compared to Figure 2B , Figure 2C The communication sensing integrated device shown has multiple first antennas 301 and multiple second antennas 302 arranged together in an 8×8 array, wherein the multiple second antennas 302 ( X The first antennas 301(X) are distributed at the four corners of the 8×8 array, and the second antennas are arranged in a non-matrix manner. The second antennas 302 are distributed in the middle of the 8×8 array, and the first antennas are also arranged in a non-matrix manner. That is, the multiple first antennas 301 and the multiple second antennas 302 are not arranged in one or more matrices; that is, the multiple first antennas 301 or the multiple second antennas 302 are not arranged according to a specific geometric rule, but rather in a non-linear, non-rectangular arrangement. Figure 2C In this chip, at least a portion includes both a first beam channel 101 and a second beam channel 102. For clarity, Figure 2C The first switching switch 402 is not shown, but it can be understood that the first switching switch 402 can be similar to Figure 2A The configuration is such that the number of first phase shifters 401 corresponds to the number of first switching switches 402, and each first phase shifter 401 is connected in parallel with a first switching switch 402 to selectively bypass the corresponding first phase shifter 401.

[0058] Because the second antenna is arranged in a sparse array, a type of non-uniformly distributed antenna array, its antenna elements (the second antenna 302) are not uniformly arranged in the array. Instead, the number of antenna elements (the second antenna 302) is reduced through specific algorithms or strategies, effectively reducing sidelobe interference. The implementation methods of sparse arrays include, but are not limited to, random distribution, regular grid structures, coprime arrays, and nested arrays. Therefore, compared to... Figure 2B , Figure 2C The positions of the auxiliary antennas in the integrated communication and sensing device shown can be flexibly configured according to the requirements of the sparse array, and the number of auxiliary antennas can be optimized according to actual needs, reduced from sixteen to twelve in this embodiment; by reasonably designing the geometric layout and spacing of the sparse array, it is possible to reduce the number of antennas while maintaining harmony with the target array. Figure 2B It exhibits excellent radiation characteristics (including beamforming capability, directivity, and sidelobe suppression performance). This sparse array design not only reduces hardware costs and system complexity but also provides greater design freedom, allowing for flexible adjustment of the position and number of auxiliary antennas according to actual application scenarios to optimize interference suppression.

[0059] In a sparse array configuration, a corresponding first phase shifter 401 can be configured for each second antenna 302 to perform precise phase shifting processing on the signals received by each second antenna 302; simultaneously, a corresponding first switching switch is configured for each first phase shifter 401 to selectively connect the first phase shifter 401 between the RF circuit 201 and the second antenna 302. Figure 2C In the middle, the first switching switch is not shown for clarity.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first switching switch 402 dynamically configures whether to connect the first phase shifter 401 between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna 302. It allows selection of whether to introduce a phase shift value λ / 2 into the second beam formed by the second antenna 302. The phase shift λ / 2 makes the second beam out of phase with the first beam formed by the first antenna 301, thus canceling interference. When the first phase shifter 401 is not connected between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna 302 (e.g., when receiving communication signals), the first antenna 301 and the second antenna 302 can jointly form a beam for receiving communication signals. When the first phase shifter 401 is connected between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna 302 (e.g., when receiving sensing signals), the second beam can cancel interference from the sidelobes of the first beam. A portion of the shared antenna array serves as an auxiliary channel (omnidirectional or directional beam) to cancel interference with the main channel (directional beam), achieving multiplexing of communication hardware to reduce costs.

[0061] Second Embodiment

[0062] Figure 3AA schematic diagram of the integrated communication and sensing device according to a second embodiment of this application is shown. Compared to the first embodiment, Figure 3A The integrated communication sensing device shown also includes a first driver 601 connected between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the first beam channel 101, and a second driver 602 connected between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second beam channel 102. As an example, Figure 3A Three first drivers 601 and one second driver 602 are shown. Both the first and second drivers include a receive amplifier 311 for driving and amplifying communication and sensing signals received by the first antenna 301 and the second antenna 302 and transmitted via the first beam channel 101 and the second beam channel 102. A first phase shifter 401 is located within the second driver 602 and connected in series with the receive amplifier of the second driver 602 for phase shifting the received auxiliary beam.

[0063] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of a second driver in a communication sensing integrated device according to a second embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3B As shown, the first switching switch 402 is also located within the second driver 602 and can be used to bypass the first phase shifter 401 to selectively connect the first phase shifter 401 between the second beam channel and the radio frequency circuit.

[0064] The second driver 602 can be a bidirectional driver, and the second driver 602 may also include a transmit amplifier 312 for amplifying the transmitted communication signal and sensing signal. The second switching switch 501 is also configured to selectively connect the receive amplifier 311 or the transmit amplifier 312 between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second beam channel 102 to realize dynamic switching of the transmit and receive functions.

[0065] Specifically, the second switching switch 501 includes a second switching switch sub-switch 5017 and a second switching switch sub-switch 5018. When transmitting a communication signal, the second switching switch sub-switch 5017 connects the first terminal 1 and contact 6, and the second switching switch sub-switch 5018 connects the second terminal 2 and contact 7. The second switching switch 501 connects the transmitting amplifier 312 of the second driver 602 between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second beam channel 102.

[0066] When receiving a communication signal, the second switching sub-switch 5017 connects the first terminal 1 and contact 3, and the second switching sub-switch 5018 connects the second terminal 2 and contact 4, and the first switching switch 402 is closed, and the receiving amplifier 311 is connected between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second beam channel 102.

[0067] When transmitting communication signals or sensing signals, the second switching sub-switch 5017 connects the first terminal 1 and contact 6, and the second switching sub-switch 5018 connects the second terminal 2 and contact 7. The second switching switch 501 connects the transmitting amplifier 312 of the second driver 602 between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second beam channel 102.

[0068] When a sensing signal is received, the second switching sub-switch 5017 connects the first terminal 1 and contact 3, and the second switching sub-switch 5018 connects the second terminal 2 and contact 4. The first switching switch 402 is disconnected, and the receiving amplifier 311 and the first phase shifter 401 are simultaneously connected between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second beam channel 102 to phase shift the auxiliary beam of the sensing signal.

[0069] As an example, Figure 3B The first phase shifter 401 is connected between the receiving amplifier 311 and the second beam channel 102, so that the signal from the second beam channel 102 is first phase-shifted and then driven amplified. However, it is understood that the first phase shifter 401 can also be connected between the RF circuit 201 and the receiving amplifier 311, so that the signal from the second beam channel 102 is first driven amplified and then phase-shifted. In some embodiments, one end of the first switching switch 402 is connected to the second terminal 2, and the other end is connected between the first phase shifter 401 and the receiving amplifier 311.

[0070] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the first driver also includes a receiving amplifier 311, a transmitting amplifier 312, and a second switching switch 501. The receiving amplifier 311 and the transmitting amplifier 312 are used to amplify the transmitted and received communication signals and sensing signals, and the second switching switch 501 is used to dynamically switch the receiving amplifier 311 and the transmitting amplifier 312. The first driver does not include a first phase shifter 401 and a first switching switch 402.

[0071] Figure 3C A further structural schematic diagram of the communication sensing integrated device according to a second embodiment of this application is shown. Compared to Figure 3A , Figure 3C The communication sensing integrated device shown has multiple first antennas 301 and multiple second antennas 302 arranged in an antenna array, wherein the multiple first antennas 301 are not arranged in one or more matrices, and the multiple second antennas 302 are not arranged in one or more matrices, and... Figure 3C In this case, because the antennas are arranged in a sparse array, compared to Figure 3A , Figure 3C The location of the auxiliary antennas in the integrated communication and sensing device shown can be flexibly selected, and the number can be reduced from sixteen to twelve, without affecting the radiation characteristics (such as beamforming, directivity and sidelobe suppression).

[0072] Third Embodiment

[0073] Figure 4A A schematic diagram of the integrated communication and sensing device according to a third embodiment of this application is shown. Compared to the second embodiment, Figure 4A In the structure shown, the first phase shifter 401 is located within the second beam channel 102, and the second driver does not include the first phase shifter 401 and the first switching switch. As an example, Figure 4A Forty-eight first beam channels 1011-101 are shown. 48 And sixteen second beam channels 1021-102 16 Both the first and second beam channels may include a second phase shifter and an amplitude modulator. The second phase shifter adjusts the phase of each antenna (including the first and second antennas) so that they can work together to ensure that the signals on each antenna are phase-consistent in a specific direction, thereby enhancing the signal strength in that direction. The amplitude modulator may include a power amplifier or a low-noise amplifier for adjusting the signal amplitude to improve signal strength and quality. The amplitude modulator works in conjunction with the second phase shifter to achieve phase and amplitude control of the signal, thereby enabling beamforming and directional control.

[0074] Figure 4B A schematic diagram of the second beam channel in a communication sensing integrated device according to a third embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4B As shown, the second beam channel includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 411 for adjusting the amplitude of the received communication and sensing signals. A first phase shifter 401 is located within the second beam channel and connected in series with the LNA 411 for phase shifting the auxiliary beam receiving the sensing signals. A first switching switch 402 is also located within the second beam channel and can be used to bypass the first phase shifter 401 to selectively connect the first phase shifter 401 to the signal transmission path.

[0075] The second beam channel may also include a power amplifier (PA) 412 to adjust the amplitude of the communication signal and the sensing signal to be transmitted. The third switch 601 is also configured to selectively connect either the low-noise amplifier 411 or the power amplifier 412 between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna to achieve dynamic switching of the transmit and receive functions.

[0076] Specifically, the third switching switch 601 includes a third switching switch sub-switch 6017 and a third switching switch sub-switch 6018. When transmitting a communication signal, the third switching switch sub-switch 6017 connects the first terminal 1 and contact 6, and the third switching switch sub-switch 6018 connects the second terminal 2 and contact 7. The third switching switch 601 connects the power amplifier 412 between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna.

[0077] When receiving a communication signal, the third switching sub-switch 6017 connects to the first terminal 1 and contact 3, and the third switching sub-switch 6018 connects to the second terminal 2 and contact 4, and the first switching switch 402 is closed, and the low noise amplifier 411 is connected between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna.

[0078] When the sensing signal is transmitted, the third switching sub-switch 6017 connects the first terminal 1 and contact 6, and the third switching sub-switch 6018 connects the second terminal 2 and contact 7. The third switching switch 601 connects the power amplifier 412 of the second driver 602 between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna.

[0079] When a sensing signal is received, the third switching sub-switch 6017 connects the first terminal 1 and contact 3, and the third switching sub-switch 6018 connects the second terminal 2 and contact 4. The first switching switch 402 is disconnected, and the low-noise amplifier 411 and the first phase shifter 401 are simultaneously connected between the radio frequency circuit 201 and the second antenna to phase shift the auxiliary beam of the sensing signal.

[0080] As an example, Figure 4B The first phase shifter 401 is connected between the low-noise amplifier 411 and the second end of the second beam channel 102, so that the signal from the antenna is first phase-shifted and then amplified by the low-noise amplifier. However, it is understood that the first phase shifter 401 can also be connected between the first end of the second beam channel 102 and the low-noise amplifier 411, so that the signal from the antenna is first amplified by the low-noise amplifier and then phase-shifted. In some embodiments, one end of the first switching switch 402 is connected to the second end 2, and the other end is connected between the first phase shifter 401 and the low-noise amplifier 411.

[0081] Although not shown in the attached diagram, it is understood that the first beam channel 101 also includes: a low-noise amplifier, located within the first beam channel 101, for adjusting the amplitude of received communication signals and sensing signals; a power amplifier, located within the first beam channel 101, for adjusting the amplitude of communication signals and sensing signals to be transmitted; and a third switching switch 601 for dynamically switching between the receiving low-noise amplifier and the power amplifier. The first beam channel does not include the first phase shifter 401 and the first switching switch 402.

[0082] Figure 4C A further structural schematic diagram of a communication sensing integrated device according to a third embodiment of this application is shown. Compared to Figure 4A , Figure 4C The communication sensing integrated device shown has multiple first antennas 301 and multiple second antennas 302 arranged in an antenna array, wherein the multiple first antennas 301 are not arranged in one or more matrices, and the multiple second antennas 302 are not arranged in one or more matrices, and... Figure 4C In this case, because the antennas are arranged in a sparse array, compared to Figure 4A , Figure 4C The location of the auxiliary antennas in the integrated communication and sensing device shown can be flexibly selected, and the number can be reduced from sixteen to twelve, without affecting the radiation characteristics (such as beamforming, directivity and sidelobe suppression).

[0083] As described above, the phase shift value of the first phase shifter 401 is n×λ / 2, where λ is the wavelength of the sensed signal and n is an odd number. However, in other embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, if the center point A1 of the beam formed by the first antenna 301 (i.e., the first beam) does not coincide with the center point A2 of the beam formed by the second antenna 302 (i.e., the second beam), meaning there is a phase difference ΔΦ between them, then the phase shift value of the first phase shifter 401 is set to n×λ / 2-ΔΦ. This compensates for the phase difference ΔΦ between the first antenna 301 and the second antenna 302, allowing for more precise interference cancellation. When ΔΦ is 0, the center point of the beam formed by the first antenna 301 (i.e., the first beam) coincides with the center point of the beam formed by the second antenna 302 (i.e., the second beam).

[0084] In addition to setting the phase shift value of the first phase shifter 401 to λ / 2-ΔΦ or n×λ / 2-ΔΦ, the second phase shifter 413 of the second beam channel 102 can also adjust the phase of the received sensing signal based on the phase shift code, and compensate for the phase difference ΔΦ between the center point of the first beam and the center point of the second beam. The phase shift code can be transmitted from the baseband to the integrated communication and sensing device.

[0085] Specifically, the phase-shifted code is C(i,k)=i*α(θ,φ)+k*β(θ), and β=2π / λ*dxsinθ. Where k and i are the row and column numbers of each of the multiple second second antennas 302 in the entire antenna array, λ is the wavelength of the sensing signal, θ and φ are the azimuth and elevation angles of the first beam, dx is the distance of each second second antenna from the center point of the first beam in the x-axis direction, and dy is the distance of each second second antenna from the center point of the first beam in the y-axis direction.

[0086] This application also relates to a driver chip with interference suppression, which can be the second driver in the communication-sensing integrated device described above, specifically, such as... Figure 3B As shown, the chip includes:

[0087] First end 1;

[0088] Second end 2;

[0089] A receiving amplifier 311 is connected between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2;

[0090] The first phase shifter 401 is connected between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2, and is connected in series with the receiving amplifier 311. The first phase shifter is used to shift the phase of the signal received by the second antenna in the antenna array. The phase of the shifted beam is opposite to the phase of the first antenna in the antenna array. When the center point of the first beam coincides with the center point of the second beam, the phase shift value of the phase shifter is n×λ / 2; when the center point of the first beam does not coincide with the center point of the second beam, the phase shift value of the phase shifter is n×λ / 2-ΔΦ, where λ is the wavelength of the sensed signal, ΔΦ is the phase difference between the center points of the first beam and the second beam, and n is an odd number.

[0091] The first switching switch 402 is configured to select whether to connect the first phase shifter 401 to the connection path between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2.

[0092] The driver chip may also include:

[0093] A transmitting amplifier 312 is connected between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2;

[0094] The second switching switch 501 is configured to selectively connect the transmitting amplifier 312 or the receiving amplifier 311 (and the first phase shifter 401) to the connection path between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2.

[0095] This application also relates to a communication-sensing integrated architecture with interference suppression, which includes a baseband and the communication-sensing integrated device already described above. Continuing as shown in Figure 1, the baseband is located at the front end of the radio frequency circuit 201 of the communication-sensing integrated device, and can transmit communication signals and sensing signals to the communication-sensing integrated device, and further transmit phase-shifting codes for the second phase shifter and control codes for the first and second switching switches, etc.

[0096] It should be noted that in the claims and specification of this patent, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0097] Although this application has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication and sensing integrated device with interference suppression, characterized in that, The device includes: Multiple first beam channels and multiple second beam channels are used to beamform communication signals and sensing signals respectively during the communication phase and the sensing phase; a first end and a second end of the first beam channel are used to connect to a radio frequency circuit and a first antenna respectively, and a first end and a second end of the second beam channel are used to connect to the radio frequency circuit and the second antenna respectively; during the communication phase and the sensing phase, the first antenna and the second antenna are time-division multiplexed to receive and transmit the communication signals and the sensing signals. A first phase shifter is used to shift the phase of the sensing signal received by the second antenna, and the phase-shifted beam phase is opposite to the beam phase of the first antenna. A first switching switch is configured to select whether to connect the first phase shifter to the connection path between the radio frequency circuit and the second antenna.

2. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes: The first driver is located in the connection path between the radio frequency circuit and the first beam channel; The second driver is located in the connection path between the radio frequency circuit and the second beam channel; Both the first driver and the second driver include a receiving amplifier for time-division driving amplification of the received communication signal and the sensing signal.

3. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first phase shifter and the first switching switch are located within the second driver, and the first phase shifter is connected in series with the receiving amplifier of the second driver; or, The first phase shifter and the first switching switch are connected between the second driver and the radio frequency circuit.

4. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first driver and the second driver further include: A transmitting amplifier is used to drive and amplify the communication signal to be transmitted and the sensing signal; The second switching switch is configured to selectively connect the receiving amplifier or the transmitting amplifier to the connection path between the radio frequency circuit and the first beam channel.

5. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first beam channel and the second beam channel include: A low-noise amplifier, located within the first beam channel and the second beam channel, is used to adjust the amplitude of the received communication signal and the sensing signal.

6. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first phase shifter and the first switching switch are located within the second beam channel, and the first phase shifter is connected in series with the low-noise amplifier of the second beam channel.

7. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Both the first beam channel and the second beam channel further include: A power amplifier is used to adjust the amplitude of the communication signal and the sensing signal to be transmitted; The third switching switch is also configured to selectively connect the low-noise amplifier or the power amplifier to the connection path between the radio frequency circuit and the first antenna or the second antenna.

8. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first beam channel and the second beam channel include: The second phase shifter, located within the first beam channel and the second beam channel, is used to adjust the phase of the communication signal and the sensing signal.

9. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The device also includes: Multiple combiners are located between the radio frequency circuit and the corresponding beam channels for combining the corresponding beam channels.

10. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of first antennas and the plurality of second antennas are arranged in a matrix, and the plurality of second antennas are arranged in one or more matrices.

11. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first beam channel and the second beam channel are located on different chips.

12. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple first antennas and multiple second antennas are arranged in a matrix, and multiple second antennas are arranged in a sparse array.

13. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 12, characterized in that, At least a portion of the chip includes the first beam channel and the second beam channel.

14. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The beam formed by the first antenna is the first beam, and the beam formed by the second antenna is the second beam. The center point of the first beam coincides with the center point of the second beam. The phase shift value of the first phase shifter is n×λ / 2, where λ is the wavelength of the sensed signal, and n is an odd number; or... The beam formed by the first antenna is the first beam, and the beam formed by the second antenna is the second beam. The center point of the first beam and the center point of the second beam do not coincide. The phase shift value of the first phase shifter is n×λ / 2-ΔΦ, where λ is the wavelength of the sensing signal, ΔΦ is the phase difference between the center point of the first beam and the center point of the second beam, and n is an odd number.

15. The integrated communication and sensing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first phase shifter is a microstrip line or a coplanar waveguide.

16. A driver chip with interference suppression, characterized in that, The driver chip includes: First end; The second end; A receiving amplifier is connected between the first end and the second end; A first phase shifter is connected between the first end and the second end and is connected in series with the receiving amplifier. The first phase shifter is used to shift the phase of the signal received by the second antenna in the antenna array. The phase-shifted beam phase is opposite to the beam phase of the first antenna in the antenna array. The first switching switch is configured to select whether to connect the first phase shifter to the connection path between the first end and the second end.

17. The driver chip as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The driver chip also includes: A transmitting amplifier is connected between the first end and the second end; The second switching switch is configured to selectively connect the transmitting amplifier or the receiving amplifier to the first phase shifter in the connection path between the first end and the second end.

18. The driver chip as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The beam formed by the first antenna is the first beam, and the beam formed by the second antenna is the second beam. The center point of the first beam coincides with the center point of the second beam; the phase shift value of the first phase shifter is n×λ / 2; or... The center point of the first beam does not coincide with the center point of the second beam; the phase shift value of the first phase shifter is n×λ / 2-ΔΦ; Where λ is the wavelength of the sensing signal, ΔΦ is the phase difference between the center point of the first beam and the center point of the second beam, and n is an odd number.

19. A communication-sensing integrated architecture with interference suppression, characterized in that, The architecture includes: The communication sensing integrated device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; The baseband is used to transmit communication signals and sensing signals to the integrated communication and sensing device.

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