Phase shifter with switched transmission line loads

Abstract

A phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) comprising: a first terminal (IN) and a second terminal (OUT); a first controllable reflective load (201) with a first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a plurality of four or more adjacent shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) which are connected at a plurality of points along the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) such that the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points along a length of the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) gradually decreases; a second controllable reflective load (202); and a pair of coupled lines (200) which are electromagnetically coupled to each other and which comprise a first conductive line (203) which is coupled between the first terminal (IN) and the first controllable reflective load (201), and a second conductive line (204) which is coupled between the second controllable reflective load (202) and the second terminal (OUT).

Description

BACKGROUND Technical area

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to electronic systems, in particular to high-frequency electronics. Description of the associated technology

[0002] Phase shifters are used in high-frequency (HF) communication systems to control the phase of HF signals transmitted or received wirelessly via antennas.

[0003] Examples of RF communication systems with one or more phase shifters include mobile phones, tablets, base stations, network access points, customer premises equipment (CPE), laptops, and wearables. For example, power amplifiers can be used to amplify RF signals in wireless devices that communicate using a cellular standard, a wireless local area network (WLNA) standard, and / or any other suitable communication standard. An RF signal can have a frequency in a range of approximately 30 kHz to 300 GHz, such as approximately 410 MHz to approximately 7.125 GHz for 5G Frequency Band 1 (FR1) communication and approximately 24.25 GHz to approximately 52.6 GHz for 5G Frequency Band 2 (FR2) communication. SUMMARY

[0004] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a phase shifter. The phase shifter comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, a first controllable reflective load with a first transmission line and a first plurality of shunt switches connected along the first transmission line, a second controllable reflective load, and a pair of coupled lines that are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The pair of coupled lines comprises a first conductive line that is coupled between the first terminal and the first controllable reflective load, and a second conductive line that is coupled between the second controllable reflective load and the second terminal.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first controllable reflective load further comprises a first ground line on a first side of the first transmission line and a second ground line on a second side of the first transmission line. According to a number of embodiments, each of the first plurality of shunt switches is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors, comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the first ground line, and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the second ground line.

[0006] In several embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches are closed based on a phase shift setting of the phase shifter.

[0007] In various embodiments, the first terminal receives a high-frequency input signal and the second terminal provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second terminal receives a high-frequency input signal and the first terminal provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal.

[0009] In several embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are equidistant from each other.

[0010] In various embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are not uniformly spaced apart. According to several embodiments, the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points decreases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0011] In some embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have a uniform size.

[0012] In several embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have different sizes. According to a number of embodiments, the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches increases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0013] In various embodiments, the first transmission line comprises a plurality of meandering sections. In accordance with some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of meandering sections comprises a loop.

[0014] In several embodiments, the second controllable reflective load comprises a second transmission line and a second plurality of shunt switches coupled along the second transmission line.

[0015] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further includes a hybrid coupler comprising the pair of coupled lines.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device. The wireless device comprises a transceiver and a front-end system coupled to the transceiver. The front-end system includes a phase shifter comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, a first controllable reflective load with a first transmission line and a first plurality of shunt switches connected along the first transmission line, a second controllable reflective load, and a pair of coupled lines that are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The pair of coupled lines comprises a first conductive line coupled between the first terminal and the first controllable reflective load, and a second conductive line coupled between the second controllable reflective load and the second terminal.

[0017] In various embodiments, the first controllable reflective load further comprises a first ground line on a first side of the first transmission line and a second ground line on a second side of the first transmission line. According to a number of embodiments, each of the first plurality of shunt switches is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors, comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the first ground line, and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the second ground line.

[0018] In several embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches are closed based on a phase shift setting of the phase shifter.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives a high-frequency input signal and the second terminal provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal.

[0020] In various embodiments, the second terminal receives a high-frequency input signal and the first terminal provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal.

[0021] In several embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are equidistant from each other.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are not uniformly spaced apart. According to a number of embodiments, the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points decreases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0023] In various embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have a uniform size.

[0024] In several embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have different sizes. According to a number of embodiments, the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches decreases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first transmission line comprises a plurality of meandering sections. According to various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of meandering sections comprises a loop.

[0026] In several embodiments, the second controllable reflective load comprises a second transmission line and a second plurality of shunt switches coupled along the second transmission line.

[0027] In various embodiments, the phase shifter also features a hybrid coupler comprising the pair of coupled lines.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a phase-shifting method. The method comprises receiving a high-frequency input signal at a first terminal. The method further comprises controlling a first controllable reflective load and a second controllable reflective load to control a phase shift of a high-frequency output signal at a second terminal, the first controllable reflective load comprising a first transmission line and a plurality of shunt switches coupled along the first transmission line.The method further comprises providing a coupling between a first conductive line and a second conductive line, the first conductive line being coupled between the first terminal and the first controllable reflective load, and the second conductive line being coupled between the second controllable reflective load and the second terminal.

[0029] In various embodiments, the first controllable reflective load further comprises a first ground line on a first side of the first transmission line and a second ground line on a second side of the first transmission line. According to several embodiments, each of the first plurality of shunt switches is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors, comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the first ground line, and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the second ground line.

[0030] In a number of embodiments, the method further comprises closing one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches based on a phase shift setting of the phase shifter.

[0031] In several embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are equidistant from each other.

[0032] In various embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are not uniformly spaced apart. According to several embodiments, the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points decreases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0033] In several embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have a uniform size.

[0034] In some embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches are of different sizes. In accordance with various embodiments, the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches increases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0035] In several embodiments, the first transmission line comprises a plurality of meandering sections. According to several embodiments, at least one of the plurality of meandering sections comprises a loop.

[0036] In various embodiments, the second controllable reflective load comprises a second transmission line and a second plurality of shunt switches coupled along the second transmission line.

[0037] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further includes a hybrid coupler comprising the pair of coupled lines.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a phase shifter. The phase shifter comprises a coupler with an input terminal, a through terminal, a first coupled line connected between the input terminal and the through terminal, an isolation terminal, a coupling terminal, and a second coupled line connected between the isolation terminal and the coupling terminal. The phase shifter further comprises an input terminal connected to the input terminal of the coupler and configured to receive a high-frequency input signal, an output terminal connected to the coupling terminal and configured to output a high-frequency output signal that has a phase shift with respect to the high-frequency input signal, and a first controllable reflective load connected to the through terminal of the coupler.The first controllable reflective load comprises a transmission line and a plurality of shunt switches, each coupled between a ground voltage and one of different points along the transmission line, and selectable to control the phase shift.

[0039] In various embodiments, the first controllable reflective load further comprises a first ground line on a first side of the transmission line and a second ground line on a second side of the transmission line. According to a number of embodiments, each of the first plurality of shunt switches is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors, comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the transmission line and the first ground line, and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the transmission line and the second ground line.

[0040] In several embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the transmission line at a plurality of points that are not uniformly spaced apart. According to a number of embodiments, the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points decreases gradually along a length of the transmission line.

[0041] In various embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have different sizes. According to a number of embodiments, the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches increases gradually along a length of the transmission line.

[0042] In several embodiments, the transmission line comprises a plurality of meandering sections. According to some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of meandering sections comprises a loop.

[0043] In several embodiments, the phase shifter includes a second controllable reflective load which is coupled to the isolation terminal of the coupler.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device. The wireless device comprises a transceiver and a front-end system coupled to the transceiver. The front-end system comprises a phase shifter, which includes a coupler with an input terminal, a through terminal, a first coupled line connected between the input terminal and the through terminal, an isolation terminal, a coupling terminal, and a second coupled line connected between the isolation terminal and the coupling terminal.The phase shifter further comprises a first controllable reflective load, which is coupled to the through-terminal of the coupler, as well as a transmission line and a plurality of shunt switches, each coupled between a ground voltage and one of different points along the transmission line, and which are selectable to control the phase shift.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first controllable reflective load further comprises a first ground line on a first side of the transmission line and a second ground line on a second side of the transmission line. According to a number of embodiments, each of the first plurality of shunt switches is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors, comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the transmission line and the first ground line, and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the transmission line and the second ground line.

[0046] In various embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the transmission line at a plurality of points that are not uniformly spaced apart. According to some embodiments, the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points decreases gradually along a length of the transmission line.

[0047] In several embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have different sizes. According to a number of embodiments, the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches increases gradually along a length of the transmission line.

[0048] In some embodiments, the wireless device further comprises a second controllable reflective load which is coupled to the isolation terminal of the coupler.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a phase-shifting method. The method comprises receiving a high-frequency input signal at a first terminal of a coupler. The method further comprises providing a coupling between a first coupled line of the coupler and a second coupled line of the coupler, the first coupled line being coupled between the input terminal of the coupler and a through terminal of the coupler, and the second coupled line being coupled between an isolation terminal of the coupler and a coupling terminal of the coupler. The method further comprises providing a high-frequency output signal at the coupling terminal of the coupler, which exhibits a phase shift with respect to the high-frequency input signal.The method further includes controlling the phase shift using a first controllable reflective load coupled to the through-terminal of the coupler, including selecting one or more of a plurality of shunt switches of the first controllable reflective load, each coupled between a ground voltage and one of different points along a transmission line of the first controllable reflective load.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method further includes controlling a second controllable reflective load which is coupled to the isolation terminal of the coupler.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a phase shifter. The phase shifter comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, a first controllable reflective load, and a second controllable reflective load with a first transmission line and a first plurality of shunt switches. The phase shifter further comprises a pair of coupled lines that are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The pair of coupled lines includes a first conductive line that is coupled between the first terminal and the first controllable reflective load, and a second conductive line that is coupled between the second controllable reflective load and the second terminal.

[0052] In various embodiments, the second controllable reflective load further comprises a first ground line on a first side of the first transmission line and a second ground line on a second side of the first transmission line. According to several embodiments, each of the first plurality of shunt switches is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors, comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the first ground line, and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the second ground line.

[0053] According to a number of embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches are closed based on a phase shift setting of the phase shifter.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives a high-frequency input signal and the second terminal provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal.

[0055] In several embodiments, the second terminal receives a high-frequency input signal and the first terminal provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal.

[0056] In various embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are equidistant from each other.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are not uniformly spaced apart. According to a number of embodiments, the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points decreases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0058] In several embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have a uniform size.

[0059] According to several embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches are each of different sizes. According to some embodiments, the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches increases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0060] In various embodiments, the first transmission line comprises a plurality of meandering sections. According to a number of embodiments, at least one of the plurality of meandering sections comprises a loop.

[0061] In several embodiments, the first controllable reflective load comprises a second transmission line and a second plurality of shunt switches coupled along the second transmission line.

[0062] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further includes a hybrid coupler comprising the pair of coupled lines.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device. The wireless device comprises a transceiver and a front-end system coupled to the transceiver. The front-end system comprises a phase shifter having a first terminal, a second terminal, a first controllable reflective load, and a second controllable reflective load, with a first transmission line and a first plurality of shunt switches. The phase shifter comprises a pair of coupled lines that are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The pair of coupled lines comprises a first conductive line coupled between the first terminal and the first controllable reflective load, and a second conductive line coupled between the second controllable reflective load and the second terminal.

[0064] In various embodiments, the second controllable reflective load further comprises a first ground line on a first side of the first transmission line and a second ground line on a second side of the first transmission line. According to a number of embodiments, each of the first plurality of shunt switches is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors, comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the first ground line, and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the second ground line.

[0065] In several embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches are closed based on a phase shift setting of the phase shifter.

[0066] In various embodiments, the first terminal receives a high-frequency input signal and the second terminal provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal.

[0067] In some embodiments, the second terminal receives a high-frequency input signal and the first terminal provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal.

[0068] In a number of embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are equidistant from each other.

[0069] In several embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are not uniformly spaced apart. According to a number of embodiments, the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points decreases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0070] In various embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have a uniform size.

[0071] In several embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have different sizes. According to a number of embodiments, the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches increases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0072] In several embodiments, the first transmission line comprises a plurality of meandering sections. According to various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of meandering sections comprises a loop.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first controllable reflective load comprises a second transmission line and a second plurality of shunt switches coupled along the second transmission line.

[0074] In several embodiments, the phase shifter also includes a hybrid coupler comprising the pair of coupled lines.

[0075] In certain embodiments, a phase-shifting method is provided. The method comprises receiving a high-frequency input signal at a first terminal. The method further comprises controlling a first controllable reflective load and a second controllable reflective load to control a phase shift of a high-frequency output signal at a second terminal, the first controllable reflective load comprising a first transmission line and a plurality of shunt switches coupled along the first conductive line.The method further comprises providing a coupling between a first conductive line and a second conductive line, the first conductive line being coupled between the first terminal and the first controllable reflective load, and the second conductive line being coupled between the second controllable reflective load and the second terminal.

[0076] In several embodiments, the second controllable reflective load further comprises a first ground line on a first side of the first transmission line and a second ground line on a second side of the first transmission line. According to some embodiments, each of the first plurality of shunt switches is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors, comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the first ground line, and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the second ground line.

[0077] In a number of embodiments, the method further comprises closing one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches based on a phase shift setting of the phase shifter.

[0078] In various embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are equidistant from each other.

[0079] In several embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points that are not uniformly spaced apart. According to a number of embodiments, the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points decreases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0080] In various embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches each have a uniform size.

[0081] In some embodiments, the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches are of different sizes. According to a number of embodiments, the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches decreases gradually along a length of the first transmission line.

[0082] In several embodiments, the first transmission line comprises a plurality of meandering sections. According to a number of embodiments, at least one of the plurality of meandering sections comprises a loop.

[0083] In various embodiments, the first controllable reflective load comprises a second transmission line and a second plurality of shunt switches coupled along the second transmission line.

[0084] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further includes a hybrid coupler comprising the pair of coupled lines. List of characters

[0085] Embodiments of this disclosure are now described by way of example in a non-restrictive manner with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a communication network. Fig. Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a beamforming communication system. Fig. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of an example of beam shaping for providing a transmitting beam. Fig. 2C is a schematic diagram of an example of beam shaping to provide a receiving beam. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a phase shifter according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 4A is a schematic representation of a switched transmission line according to one embodiment. Fig.Figure 4B is a schematic representation of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. Fig. Figure 5A is a schematic representation of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. Fig. Figure 5B is a schematic representation of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a mobile device according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 9A is a schematic representation of an RF channel according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 9B is a schematic representation of an RF channel according to another embodiment. Fig. Figure 10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a beam-shaping module. Fig. 10B is a section view of the module from Fig. 10A, which was taken along lines 10B-10B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN VERSIONS

[0086] The following detailed description of certain embodiments presents various descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovations described herein can be embodied in a variety of ways, for example, through the definition and scope of the claims. Reference is made in this description to the drawings, in which similar reference numerals may denote identical or functionally similar elements. It should be noted that the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, it is assumed that certain embodiments may include more elements than are shown in a drawing and / or a subset of the elements shown in a drawing. In addition, some embodiments may include any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings.

[0087] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for global issues relating to information and communication technologies, including the shared global use of the frequency spectrum.

[0088] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration between groups of telecommunications standardization bodies around the world, such as the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB), the Telecommunications Technology Committee (TTC), the China Communications Standards Association (CCSA), the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and the Telecommunications Standards Development Society India (TSDSI).

[0089] Within the framework of the ITU, 3GPP develops and maintains technical specifications for a wide range of mobile communication technologies, including, for example, second generation (2G) technology (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)), third generation (3G) technology (e.g., Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA)), and fourth generation (4G) technology (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced).

[0090] The technical specifications controlled by 3GPP can be extended and revised through specification versions that span several years and can specify a variety of new features and developments.

[0091] In one example, 3GPP introduced carrier aggregation (CA) for LTE in Release 10. Although initially launched with two downlink carriers, 3GPP expanded carrier aggregation in Release 14 to up to five downlink carriers and up to three uplink carriers. Other examples of new features and developments provided by 3GPP releases include License Assisted Access (LAA), Enhanced LAA (eLAA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), and High Power User Equipment (HPUE).

[0092] 3GPP introduced Phase 1 of fifth-generation (5G) technology in Release 15 and Phase 2 in Release 16. Subsequent 3GPP releases will further develop and expand 5G technology. 5G technology is also referred to here as 5G New Radio (NR).

[0093] 5G NR supports, or plans to support, a variety of features, such as millimeter-wave spectrum communication, beamformability, high spectral efficiency waveforms, low-latency communication, multiple radio numerology, and / or non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). While such RF functionalities offer network flexibility and increase user data rates, supporting them can present a number of technical challenges.

[0094] The teachings contained herein apply to a wide variety of communication systems, including but not limited to communication systems that use advanced mobile communication technologies such as LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro and / or 5G NR.

[0095] Fig.Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication network 10. The communication network 10 includes a macrocell base station 1, a small cell base station 3, and various examples of user equipment (UE), including a first mobile device 2a, a wirelessly connected car 2b, a laptop 2c, a stationary wireless device 2d, a wirelessly connected train 2e, a second mobile device 2f, and a third mobile device 2g.

[0096] Although in Fig. As 1 specific examples of base stations and user facilities are shown, a communication network can include base stations and user facilities / terminals of various types and / or numbers.

[0097] In the example shown, communication network 10 includes, for instance, macrocell base station 1 and smallcell base station 3. Smallcell base station 3 can operate with relatively lower power, shorter range, and / or fewer concurrent users compared to macrocell base station 1. Smallcell base station 3 can also be referred to as a femtocell, picocell, or microcell. Although communication network 10 is depicted as including two base stations, it can be implemented to include more or fewer base stations and / or base stations of other types.

[0098] Although various examples of user devices are shown, the teachings contained herein are applicable to a wide variety of user devices, including, but not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, IoT devices, wearables, customer premises equipment (CPE), wirelessly connected vehicles, wireless playback devices, and / or a variety of other communication devices. Furthermore, the user device encompasses not only currently available communication devices operating in a mobile network, but also communication devices developed later that are readily implementable with the inventive systems, processes, procedures, methods, and devices described and claimed herein.

[0099] The communication network shown is 10 of Fig.Communication Network 10 supports communication using a variety of mobile communication technologies, including, for example, 4G LTE and 5G NR. In certain implementations, Communication Network 10 is further adapted to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as WiFi. Although various examples of communication technologies have been given, Communication Network 10 can be adapted to support a wide variety of communication technologies.

[0100] In Fig.Figure 1 shows various communication links of communication network 10. These links can be duplexed in various ways, for example, by frequency division multiplexing (FDD) and / or time-division multiplexing (TDD). FDD is a type of high-frequency communication that uses different frequencies for transmitting and receiving signals. FDD can offer several advantages, such as high data rates and low latency. In contrast, TDD is a type of high-frequency communication that uses approximately the same frequency for transmitting and receiving signals, but with the transmit and receive communications sequentially switched. TDD can offer several advantages, such as efficient spectrum utilization and variable throughput allocation between transmit and receive directions.

[0101] In certain implementations, user facilities can communicate with a base station using one or more of the following technologies: 4G LTE, 5G NR, and WiFi. In certain implementations, Enhanced License Assisted Access (eLAA) is used to combine one or more licensed frequency carriers (e.g., licensed 4G LTE and / or 5G NR frequencies) with one or more unlicensed carriers (e.g., unlicensed WiFi frequencies).

[0102] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the communication links include not only communication links between UEs and base stations, but also UE-to-UE communications and base station-to-base station communications. For example, the communication network 10 can be implemented to support self-fronthaul and / or self-backhaul (e.g., between mobile device 2g and mobile device 2f).

[0103] The communication links can operate over a variety of frequencies. In certain implementations, communication using 5G NR technology is supported over one or more frequency bands below 6 gigahertz (GHz) and / or over one or more frequency bands above 6 GHz. For example, the communication links can operate in frequency band 1 (FR1), frequency band 2 (FR2), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, one or more of the mobile devices support an HPUE performance class specification.

[0104] In certain implementations, a base station and / or a user device communicate using beamforming. Beamforming can be used, for example, to focus the signal strength to overcome path losses, such as the high losses encountered when communicating over high signal frequencies. In certain embodiments, user devices, such as one or more mobile phones, communicate using beamforming on millimeter wave frequency bands in the range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and / or upper centimeter wave frequencies in the range of 6 GHz to 30 GHz, particularly 24 GHz to 30 GHz.

[0105] Different users of the communication network 10 can share available network resources, such as the available frequency spectrum, in a variety of ways.

[0106] In one example, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) is used to divide a frequency band into multiple carriers. Additionally, one or more carriers are assigned to a specific user. Examples of FDMA include Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) and Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA). OFDMA is a multi-carrier technology that divides the available bandwidth into several mutually orthogonal narrowband subcarriers, which can be assigned separately to different users.

[0107] Other examples of shared access include, but are not limited to, time-division multiple access (TDMA), where a user is allocated specific time slots to use a frequency resource; code-division multiple access (CDMA), where a frequency resource is shared by multiple users by assigning each user a unique code; space-division multiple access (SDMA), where beamforming is used to provide shared access through spatial division; and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), where the power domain is used for multiple access. For example, NOMA can be used to serve multiple users with the same frequency, time, and / or code, but with different power levels.

[0108] Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) refers to a technology for increasing the system capacity of LTE networks. For example, eMBB can refer to communications with a maximum data rate of at least 10 Gbps and a minimum of 100 Mbps for each user. Highly Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRLLC) refers to technologies for communication with very low latency, e.g., less than 2 milliseconds. uRLLC can be used for mission-critical communications, such as for autonomous driving and / or remote surgery applications. Massive Machine Communication (mMTC) refers to cost-effective, low-data-rate communications associated with wireless connections to everyday objects, such as those used in Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

[0109] The communication network 10 of Fig.1 can be used to support a variety of advanced communication functions, including but not limited to eMBB, uRLLC and / or mMTC.

[0110] Fig. Figure 2A is a schematic representation of an example of a communication system 110 that operates using beamforming. The communication system 110 includes a transceiver 105, signal conditioning circuits 104a1, 104a2... 104an, 104b1, 104b2... 104bn, 104m1, 104m2... 104mn, and an antenna array 102 comprising antenna elements 103a1, 103a2... 103an, 103b1, 103b2... 103bn, 103m1, 103m2... 103mn.

[0111] Communication systems that communicate via millimeter wave carriers, centimeter wave carriers and / or other frequency carriers can use an antenna array such as the antenna array 102 to provide beamforming and directivity for the transmission and / or reception of signals.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the communication system 110 comprises an arrangement or array 102 of mxn antenna elements, each controlled by a separate signal conditioning circuit. As can be seen from the ellipses, the communication system 110 can be implemented with any number of antenna elements and signal conditioning circuits.

[0113] With regard to signal transmission, the signal conditioning circuits 104a1, 104a2... 104an, 104b1, 104b2... 104bn, 104m1, 104m2... 104mn can supply transmit signals to the antenna arrangement 102, so that signals radiated by the antenna elements are combined using constructive and destructive interference to produce an aggregated, i.e., summarized, transmitted signal that exhibits beam-like characteristics with greater signal strength when propagating in a given direction away from the antenna arrangement 102.

[0114] During signal reception, the signal conditioning circuits 104a1, 104a2... 104an, 104b1, 104b2... 104bn, 104m1, 104m2... 104mn process the received signals (e.g., by separately controlling the phases and amplitudes of the received signals) so that more signal energy is received when the signal arrives at the antenna array 102 from a specific direction. Accordingly, the communication system 110 also provides a directional effect for signal reception.

[0115] The relative concentration of signal energy in a transmit or receive beam can be increased by increasing the size of the array. For example, if more signal energy is focused into a transmit beam, the signal can propagate over a greater distance while still providing a sufficient signal level for RF communications. Thus, a signal with a large proportion of its energy focused into the transmit beam can exhibit a high effective isotopic radiated power (EIRP).

[0116] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmitter-receiver 105 provides transmitted signals to the signal conditioning circuits 104a1, 104a2 ... 104an, 104b1, 104b2 ... 104bn, 104m1, 104m2 ... 104mn and processes the signals received by the signal conditioning circuits.

[0117] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 2A, the transceiver 105 generates control signals for the signal conditioning circuits 104a1, 104a2 ... 104an, 104b1, 104b2 ... 104bn, 104m1, 104m2 ... 104mn. The control signals can be used for a variety of functions, such as adjusting the phase and / or amplitude of transmitted or received signals for beamforming. For example, each of the signal conditioning circuits 104a1, 104a2 ... 104an, 104b1, 104b2 ... 104bn, 104m1, 104m2 ... 104mn can include a phase shifter designed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0118] Fig. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment for beam shaping to provide a transmitting beam. Fig.Figure 2B illustrates a section of a communication system comprising a first signal conditioning circuit 114a, a second signal conditioning circuit 114b, a first antenna element 113a and a second antenna element 113b.

[0119] Although depicted with two antenna elements and two signal conditioning circuits, a communication system may include additional antenna elements and / or signal conditioning circuits. For example, the following illustrates... Fig. 2B an embodiment of part of the communication system 110 of Fig. 2A.

[0120] The first signal conditioning circuit 114a includes a first phase shifter 130a, a first power amplifier 131a, a first low-noise amplifier (LNA) 132a, and switches for controlling the selection of the power amplifier 131a or the LNA 132a. The second signal conditioning circuit 114b additionally includes a second phase shifter 130b, a second power amplifier 131b, a second LNA 132b, and switches for controlling the selection of the power amplifier 131b or the LNA 132b. The first phase shifter 130a and the second phase shifter 130b can be configured according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0121] Although one embodiment of signal conditioning circuits is shown, other implementations are possible. For example, a signal conditioning circuit might include one or more bandpass filters, switches, attenuators, amplifiers, phase shifters, duplexers, diplexers, triplexers, circulators, and / or other components.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the first antenna element 113a and the second antenna element 113b are separated by a distance d. Additionally, Fig. 2B is provided with an angle Θ which in this example has a value of approximately 90° if the transmitting beam direction is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the antenna arrangement, and a value of approximately 0° if the transmitting beam direction is substantially parallel to the plane of the antenna arrangement.

[0123] By controlling the relative phase of the transmitted signals supplied to the antenna elements 113a and 113b, a desired transmit beam angle θ can be achieved. For example, if the first phase shifter 130a has a reference value of 0°, the second phase shifter 130b can be controlled to provide a phase shift of approximately -2πf(d / ν)cosθ in radians, where f is the fundamental frequency of the transmitted signal, d is the distance between the antenna elements, v is the velocity of the radiated wave, and π is the mathematical constant pi.

[0124] In certain implementations, the distance d is implemented such that it is at ½λ, where λ is the wavelength of the fundamental component of the transmitted signal. In such implementations, the second phase shifter 130b can be controlled to provide a phase shift of approximately πcosθ radians to achieve a transmit beam angle θ.

[0125] Accordingly, the relative phase of the phase shifters 130a, 130b can be controlled to enable transmit beamforming. In certain implementations, a transmit receiver (e.g., the transmit receiver 105 of Fig. 2A) Phase values ​​from one or more phase shifters for controlling beam shaping.

[0126] Fig. Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of an embodiment for beam shaping to provide a receiving beam. Fig. 2C is similar to Fig. 2B, except that Fig. 2C represents beam shaping in connection with a receiving beam and not with a transmitting beam.

[0127] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 2C, a relative phase difference between the first phase shifter 130a and the second phase shifter 130b can be chosen to be approximately -2πf(d / ν)cosθ radians in order to achieve a desired received beam angle θ. In implementations where the distance d is approximately ½λ, the phase difference can be chosen to be approximately -πcosθ radians in order to achieve a received beam angle θ.

[0128] Although various equations for phase values ​​for beam shaping have been provided, other phase selection values ​​are possible, such as phase values ​​chosen based on the implementation of an antenna array, the implementation of signal conditioning circuits and / or a radio environment. Phase shifter with switched transmission line loads

[0129] Phase shifters are used in high-frequency (HF) systems to achieve controllable phase matching to an HF signal.

[0130] Phase shifters with switched transmission line loads are described herein. In certain embodiments, the phase shifter comprises a first terminal, a first controllable reflective load, a second terminal, a second controllable reflective load, and a pair of coupled lines that are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The pair of coupled lines comprises a first conductive line that is coupled between the first terminal and the first controllable reflective load, and a second conductive line that is coupled between the second controllable reflective load and the second terminal. At least one of the first controllable reflective loads and one of the second controllable reflective loads comprise a switched transmission line.

[0131] Designing a phase shifter in this way provides high-frequency performance (for example, operation in FR2, such as in the range between 24 GHz and 30 GHz). Furthermore, good reflection attenuation can be achieved, or the reflection attenuation can remain relatively constant across the phase shifter's phase settings. In addition, the phase shifter's group delay changes almost nothing with frequency and therefore does not distort broadband signals.

[0132] The first and second controllable reflective loads are controlled based on a selected phase setting of the phase shifter. In certain implementations, each controllable reflective load is created using a switched transmission line load. Such switched transmission line loads can include a transmission line and shunt switches (for example, field-effect transistors or FETs) connected between the transmission line and a reference voltage such as ground. By selecting the combination of switches that are turned on, the effective electrical length of the transmission line can be controlled. Changing the effective electrical length also changes the phase shift mediated by the phase shifter.

[0133] The common-mode impedance, differential-mode impedance, and length of the coupled lines can be adjusted during the design to achieve desired performance characteristics. In certain implementations, the pair of coupled lines is designed as a coupler, such as a 3 dB 90° coupler (also referred to here as a hybrid coupler). The hybrid coupler works in conjunction with the controllable reflective loads to achieve the desired performance.

[0134] Phase shifters can be used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, providing a phase shift in RF signal conditioning circuits for beamforming applications.

[0135] In certain implementations listed herein, a phase shifter is used to provide a phase shift of an RF signal in the 5G frequency band 2 (FR2), for example, between 24.25 GHz and 52.6 GHz. However, the phase shifters can also operate at other RF signal frequencies.

[0136] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a phase shifter 210 according to one embodiment. The phase shifter 210 comprises a pair of coupled lines 200 (corresponding to a hybrid coupler in this embodiment), a first controllable reflective load 201 (hereinafter also referred to as a variable electrical load), a second controllable reflective load 202, an input terminal IN, and an output terminal OUT. The coupled lines comprise a first conductive line 203 and a second conductive line 204, which are electromagnetically coupled to each other.

[0137] In the illustrated embodiment, a first end 207a of the first conductive line 203 is connected to the input terminal IN, and a second end 207b of the first conductive line 203 is connected to the first controllable reflective load 201. Additionally, a first end 208a of the second conductive line 204 is connected to the second controllable reflective load 202, and a second end 208b of the second conductive line 204 is connected to the output terminal OUT. The first end 207a of the first conductive line 203 and the first end 208a of the second conductive line 204 are located on a first side of the coupled line 200, while the second end 207b of the first conductive line 203 and the second end 208b of the second conductive line 204 are located on a second or opposite side of the coupled line 200.

[0138] In this embodiment, the pair of coupled lines 200 is designed as a hybrid coupler. In addition, the first end 207a corresponds to an input terminal (IN) of the coupler, the second end 207b corresponds to a through terminal (0°) of the coupler, the first end 208a corresponds to an isolation terminal (ISO) of the coupler, and the second end 208b corresponds to a coupling terminal (90°) of the coupler.

[0139] At least one of the first and second controllable reflective loads 201 and 202 respectively is designed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein using a switched transmission line.

[0140] By designing the phase shifter 210 in this way, high-frequency performance, good feedback loss, and / or constant feedback loss over a range of phase settings can be achieved. Furthermore, the group delay of the phase shifter 210 varies almost nothing with frequency and therefore does not distort broadband signals.

[0141] In certain implementations, the first and second controllable reflective loads 201 and 202, respectively, are controlled based on a selected phase setting of the phase shifter 210 in order to change the electrical length of the transmission lines of the reflective loads. For example, the first and second controllable reflective loads 201 and 202 can each be implemented as a switched transmission line controlled by a common control signal.

[0142] The common-mode impedance, differential-mode impedance, and length of the coupled lines 200 can be adjusted during the design phase to achieve desired performance characteristics. The coupled lines 200 operate in conjunction with the controllable reflective loads 201 and 202, respectively, to achieve the desired performance.

[0143] Fig. Figure 4A is a schematic block diagram of a switched transmission line 230 according to one embodiment. The switched transmission line 230 comprises a transmission line 221 and an RF input. IN the transmission line 221, shunt switches 222a, 222b, 222c, ... 222n and a control circuit 223. This includes n shunt switches, where n is an integer multiple of 2 or more, preferably 4 or more.

[0144] The switched transmission line 230 of the Fig.4A represents an embodiment of a controllable reflective load designed in accordance with the teachings mentioned herein.

[0145] In the illustrated embodiment, the control circuit 223 opens or closes the shunt switches 222a, 222b, 222c, ... 222n based on a selected phase shift setting φ. The shunt switches 222a, 222b, 222c, ... 222n are connected at different positions along the transmission line 221. The shunt switches 222a, 222b, 222c, ... 222n selectively connect the transmission line 221 to ground.

[0146] Changing the status of the switched-on and switched-off shunt switches 222a, 222b, 222c, ... 222n alters the electrical length of the transmission line 221. This, in turn, affects the overall phase shift of a reflective phase shifter in which the switched transmission line 221 is embedded.

[0147] In certain implementations, the control circuit 224 switches all switches (or at least the one closest to RF). IN The shunt switch 222a) is opened to ensure the shortest electrical length of the transmission line 221. If the process starts with all shunt switches closed, progressively longer electrical lengths can be achieved by sequentially opening (switching off) the shunt switches, starting with the one closest to RF. IN horizontal shunt switch 222a.

[0148] Fig. Figure 4B is a schematic block diagram of a switched transmission line 230' according to a further embodiment.

[0149] The switched transmission line 230' of the Fig. 4B is analogous to the switched transmission line 230 of the Fig. 4A built, with the exception that the switched transmission line 230' of the Fig.4B has a control circuit 223' with a thermometer decoder 224 (BCD decoder).

[0150] In certain embodiments described herein, a switched transmission line includes shunt switches controlled by BCD counting codes.

[0151] Fig. Figure 5A is a schematic block diagram of a switched transmission line 240 according to a further embodiment. The switched transmission line 240 comprises a transmission line 231, a first ground line 233a, a second ground line 233b, and pairs of FET switches 232a1 / 232a2, 232b1 / 232b2, 232c1 / 232c2, ... 232n1 / 232n2. Thus, n shunt switches are included, where n is an integer multiple of 2 or more, preferably 4 or more.

[0152] In comparison to the switched transmission line 230 of the Fig. 4A implements the switched transmission line 240 of the Fig.5A each shunt switch using a pair of FET switches. Additionally, each pair of FET switches includes one FET switch (for example, FET switch 232a1) coupled between the transmission line 231 and the first ground line 233a, and another FET switch (for example, FET switch 232a1) coupled between the transmission line 231 and the first ground line 233b. In certain implementations, each pair of FET switches is jointly controlled by a corresponding control signal (for example, n control signals for each pair, generated by a control circuit, such as control circuit 223 of the Fig. 4A).

[0153] By designing the shunt switches using FET switches as shown, improved performance (especially at high frequencies) can be achieved.

[0154] Fig.Figure 5B is a schematic block diagram of a switched transmission line 250 according to a further embodiment. The switched transmission line 250 comprises a transmission line 231, a first ground line 233a, a second ground line 233b, and pairs of FET switches 242a1 / 242a2, 242b1 / 242b2, 242c1 / 242c2, ... 242n1 / 242n2.

[0155] The switched transmission line 250 of the Fig. 5B is analogous to the switched transmission line 240 of the Fig. 5A built, with the exception that the switched transmission line 250 of the Fig. 5B shunt switches of different sizes (and consequently different minimum through-resistances and switching capacitances) and different distances from each other.

[0156] Designing the switched transmission line 250 in this way offers a number of advantages.

[0157] For example, the minimum on-state resistances (Ron) of the shunt switches can be individually selected to achieve an essentially constant reflection coefficient (|Γ) across the switching states (which correspond to the phase shift settings). L |) to maintain. In certain implementations, Ron can be reduced with increasing phase shift, so that switches closer to the RF input of the transmission line can be smaller (for higher minimum on-resistances) than switches farther away from the RF input.

[0158] In another example, the distances along transmission line 231 (d1, d2, ... d) are n ) between the switches are chosen so that they control an amount of phase shift between adjacent phase shift settings.

[0159] For example, a phase shift of 11.25° at a center frequency of 27 GHz can be achieved by a suitable selection of distances between switches.

[0160] When designing the switched transmission line 250, the off-state capacitance (Coff) is taken into account with regard to its influence on the characteristic impedance and propagation constant of the transmission line 231. For example, the switches and the transmission line can be designed simultaneously and iteratively.

[0161] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a switched transmission line 260 according to a further embodiment. The switched transmission line 260 comprises a transmission line 251 and an RF input. IN the transmission line 251, shunt switches 222a, 222b, 222c, ... 222n and a control circuit 223.

[0162] The switched transmission line 260 of the Fig. 6 is analogous to the switched transmission line 230 of the Fig. 4A built, with the exception that the transmission line 251 of the Fig. 6 sections 255a, 255b, ... 255n which are meandering in order to achieve a desired phase and / or amplitude response while maintaining a compact layout.

[0163] The meandering configuration of a transmission line is also applicable to configurations in which pairs of FET switches are used, coupled to a pair of ground lines. For example, the transmission line 231 of the embodiments of Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B shall be designed in a meandering shape in accordance with the teachings described herein.

[0164] Fig.Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a switched transmission line 310 according to a further embodiment. The switched transmission line 310 comprises a transmission line 301, a first ground line 302a, a second ground line 302b, a first pair of switches 304a-304b, and a second pair of switches 305a-305b. Additional pairs of switches can be added, as indicated by the ellipsis.

[0165] In the example of the Fig. 7 The transmission line 301 comprises a first section 305a, which is formed in a meandering shape within a small loop, and a second section 305b, which is formed in a meandering shape without a loop. The embodiment of the Fig. Figure 7 represents another example of meander shapes to achieve a desired phase and / or amplitude response while maintaining a compact layout.

[0166] A wide variety of performance results can be achieved by using reflective phase shifters designed in accordance with the doctrines described herein.

[0167] Table 1 below shows exemplary results for a phase shifter which switches transmission line loads in accordance with a configuration of the Fig. 5B is used. Table 1 Total phase range (deg.) RMS error in phase (deg.) RMS error of insertion loss (dB) Difference between two states in insertion loss in the worse case (dB) Average insertion loss (dB) Output losses of both connections in the worst case (dB) 24 GHz 170 0,9 0,14 0,5 4,8 18 27 GHz 191 1,1 0,2 0,65 4,9 24 30 GHz 215 1,6 0,28 0,9 5,1 18

[0168] Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mobile device 800. The mobile device 800 includes a baseband system 801, a transceiver 802, a front-end system 803, antennas 804, a power control system 805, a memory 806, a user interface 807, and a battery 808.

[0169] The Mobile Device 800 can communicate using a variety of communication technologies, including but not limited to 2G, 3G, 4G (including LTE, LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro), 5G NR, WLAN (e.g. Wi-Fi), WPAN (e.g. Bluetooth and ZigBee), WMAN (e.g. WiMAX) and / or GPS technologies.

[0170] The 802 transceiver generates RF signals for transmission and processes incoming RF signals received by the 804 antennas. It should be noted that various functionalities associated with transmitting and receiving RF signals can be achieved by one or more components located in Fig. The 8 components are collectively represented as a transceiver 802. In one example, separate components (e.g., separate circuits or raw chips) can be provided for processing specific types of RF signals.

[0171] The front-end system 803 assists in processing signals transmitted and / or received by the antennas 804. In the illustrated embodiment, the front-end system 803 comprises phase shifters 810, power amplifiers (PAs) 811, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) 812, filters 813, switches 814, and duplexers 815.

[0172] The phase shifters 810 can be implemented in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. However, the phase shifters disclosed herein can be used in other configurations of electronic systems.

[0173] For example, the 803 front-end system can provide a number of functions, including, without limitation of generality, transmit signal amplification, receive signal amplification, signal filtering, switching between different bands, switching between different power modes, switching between transmit and receive modes, signal duplexing, signal multiplexing (for example, diplexing or triplexing), or any combination of these functions.

[0174] The 800 mobile device operates using beamforming. For example, the 803 front-end system includes 810 phase shifters with variable phases, controlled by the 802 transceiver. In certain implementations, the 802 transceiver controls the phase of the 810 phase shifters based on data received by the 801 processor.

[0175] The phase shifters 810 are controlled to provide beamforming and directional characteristics for the transmission and / or reception of signals using the antennas 804. For example, in the context of signal transmission, the phases of the transmitted signals supplied to an antenna array can be controlled such that the transmitted signals are combined under constructive and destructive interference to obtain a focused transmitted signal with beam-like characteristics, which exhibits a higher signal strength in a given propagation direction. In the context of signal reception, the phases can be controlled so that more signal energy is received when the signal arrives at the antenna array from a specific direction.

[0176] In certain implementations, the Mobile 800 supports carrier bonding, providing flexibility to increase peak data rates. Carrier bonding can be used for both frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) and can be employed to bundle multiple carriers or channels. Carrier bonding includes contiguous bonding, where adjacent carriers within the same operating frequency band are bundled. Carrier bonding can also be non-contiguous and can include carriers that are frequency-separated within a common band or in different bands.

[0177] The 804 antennas can include antennas used for a wide variety of different communication types. For example, 804 antennas can include antennas for transmitting and / or receiving signals associated with a wide variety of different frequencies and communication standards.

[0178] In certain implementations, the antennas support 804 MIMO communication and / or switched diversity communication. For example, MIMO communication uses multiple antennas to transmit multiple data streams over a single radio frequency channel. MIMO communication benefits from a better signal-to-noise ratio, improved coding, and / or reduced signal interference due to spatial multiplexing differences in the radio environment. Switched diversity refers to communication where a specific antenna is selected for operation at specific times. For example, a switch can be used to select a particular antenna from a group of antennas based on a variety of factors, such as an observed bit error rate and / or a signal strength indicator.

[0179] In certain implementations, the 804 antennas feature one or more arrays of antenna elements to enhance beamforming.

[0180] The 801 baseband system is coupled with the 807 user interface to process various user inputs and outputs (I / O), such as voice and data signals. The 801 baseband system provides the 802 transceiver with digital representations of the transmitted signals, which the 802 transceiver processes to generate RF signals for transmission. The 801 baseband system also processes digital representations of received signals supplied by the 802 transceiver. As described in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the 801 baseband system is coupled with the 806 memory to enable the 800 mobile device to operate.

[0181] The 806 memory can be used for a wide variety of purposes, such as storing data and / or instructions to enable the operation of the 800 mobile device and / or providing storage for user information.

[0182] The 805 power control system provides a number of power control functions for the 800 mobile device. In certain implementations, the 805 power control system includes a power amplifier supply control circuit that controls the supply voltages of the 811 power amplifiers. For example, the 805 power control system may be designed to modify the supply voltage(s) provided to one or more of the 811 power amplifiers to improve their efficiency, such as power added efficiency (PAE).

[0183] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 8, the power control system 805 receives a battery voltage from the battery 808. The battery 808 can be any suitable battery for use in the mobile device 800, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0184] Fig. Figure 9A shows a schematic diagram of an RF channel 910 according to one embodiment. The RF channel 910 comprises an RF divider / combiner 901, phase shifters 902a, 902b, ... 902z, a first group of transmit / receive switches (T / R switches) 903a, 903b, ... 903z, power amplifiers 904a, 904b, ... 904z, low noise amplifiers (LNAs) 905a, 905b, ... 905z, a second group of T / R switches 906a, 906b, ... 906z, and antennas 907a, 907b, ... 907z.

[0185] In the illustrated embodiment, T / R switches are used to select the power amplifiers for transmitting or the LNAs for receiving. Therefore, RF channel 910 is suitable for time division duplexing (TDD). Additionally, the RF divider / combiner 901 is used jointly in both the transmit and receive directions, thus reducing the number of RF signal paths.

[0186] Although one embodiment of an RF channel is shown, the teachings contained herein apply to RF channels implemented in a wide variety of ways. Accordingly, other implementation forms are equally possible.

[0187] Fig.Figure 9B shows a schematic diagram of an RF channel 920 according to a further embodiment. The RF channel 920 comprises an RF divider 911a, an RF combiner 911b, a first group of phase shifters 912a, 912b, ... 912z, a second group of phase shifters 913a, 913b, ... 913z, power amplifiers 904a, 904b, ... 904z, LNAs 905a, 905b, ... 905z, T / R switches 906a, 906b, ... 906z and antennas 907a, 907b, ... 907z.

[0188] RF Channel 920 illustrates another embodiment of an RF channel. However, the lessons taught here apply to RF channels implemented in a wide variety of ways. Accordingly, other implementation forms are also possible.

[0189] Fig. Figure 10A is a perspective view of a beam-shaping module 1140 according to one embodiment. Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of module 1140 of the Fig.10A, which was shown along the section 10B-10B.

[0190] The module 1140 contains a laminated substrate or laminate 1141, a semiconductor raw chip (“die”) or an IC 1142 (in Fig. 10A not visible), Surface Mount Devices (SMDs) i.e. devices that can be attached to a surface 1143 (in Fig. 10A not visible), a sensor 1144 and an antenna arrangement with the antenna elements 1151a1, 1151a2, 1151a3, .... 1151an, 1151b1, 1151b2, 1151b3, ... 1151bn, 1151c1, 1151c2, 1151c3, ... 1151cn, 1151m1, 1151m2, 1151m3... 1151mn.

[0191] Although an embodiment of a module in the Fig. 10A and Fig.As shown in Figure 10B, the teachings contained herein apply to modules implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, a module may include a different arrangement and / or number of antenna elements, raw chips, and / or surface mount devices. Additionally, the module may include 1140 additional structures and components, including, but not limited to, encapsulation structures, shielding structures, and / or wire bonds.

[0192] The antenna elements 1151a1, 1151a2, 1151a3, ... 1151an, 1151b1, 1151b2, 1151b3, ... 1151bn, 1151c1, 1151c2, 1151c3, ... 1151cn, 1151m1, 1151m2, 1151m3, ... 1151mn are formed on a first surface of the laminate 1141 and can be used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. Although a 4x4 array of antenna elements is shown, more or fewer antenna elements are possible, as indicated by ellipses. Furthermore, antenna elements can be arranged in other patterns or configurations, including, for example, arrays with a non-uniform arrangement of antenna elements. Furthermore, in another embodiment, several antenna arrangements are provided, such as separate antenna arrangements for transmitting and receiving and / or for different communication bands.

[0193] In the illustrated embodiment, the IC 1142 is located on a second surface of the laminate 1141 opposite the first surface. However, other implementations are also possible. In one example, the IC 1142 is integrated internally into the laminate 1141.

[0194] In certain implementations, the IC 1142 includes signal conditioning circuits associated with the antenna elements 1151a1, 1151a2, 1151a3, ... 1151an, 1151b1, 1151b1, 1151b2, 1151b3, ... 1151bn, 1151c1, 1151c2, 1151c3, ... 1151cn, 1151m1, 1151m2, 1151m3, ... 1151mn. Such signal conditioning circuits may include one or more phase shifters 1145 configured in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0195] In one embodiment, the IC 1142 includes a serial interface, such as a MIPI RFFE (Radio Frequency Frontend) bus and / or an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) bus, which receives data for controlling the signal conditioning circuits, such as the amount of phase shift provided by the phase shifter 1145. In another embodiment, the IC 1142 includes an integrated transceiver.

[0196] Laminate 1141 can incorporate various structures, such as conductive layers, dielectric layers, and / or solder masks. The number of layers, layer thicknesses, and materials used to form the layers can be selected based on a variety of factors and may vary depending on the application and / or implementation. Laminate 1141 may include vias to provide electrical connections to signal and / or ground leads of the antenna elements. For example, in certain implementations, vias can facilitate electrical connections between the signal conditioning circuitry of IC 1142 and corresponding antenna elements.

[0197] The antenna elements 1151a1, 1151a2, 1151a3, ... 1151an, 1151b1, 1151b2, 1151b3... 1151bn, 1151c1, 1151c2, 1151c3... 1151cn, 1151m1, 1151m2, 1151m3, ... 1151mn can correspond to antenna elements realized in a variety of ways. In one example, the arrangement of the antenna elements includes a patch antenna element formed from a patterned conductive layer on the first side of the laminate 1141, with a ground plane formed with a conductive layer on the opposite side of the laminate 1141 or within the laminate 1141. Other examples of antenna elements include dipole antenna elements, ceramic resonators, stamped metal antennas and / or laser direct structuring antennas.

[0198] The 1140 module can be integrated into a communication system, such as a mobile phone or a base station. In one example, the 1140 module is attached to the telephone board of a mobile phone. Applications

[0199] The principles and advantages of the embodiments described here can be used for a wide variety of applications.

[0200] For example, a phase shifter can be integrated into various electronic devices, including but not limited to consumer electronics products, consumer electronics components, electronic test equipment, etc. Examples of electronic devices include a base station, a wireless network access point, a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a tablet, a television, a computer monitor, a computer, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a microwave oven, a refrigerator, an automobile, a stereo system, a record player, a digital camera, a portable memory chip, a washing machine, a dryer, a copier, a fax machine, a scanner, a multifunctional peripheral device, a wristwatch, a clock, etc. Furthermore, electronic devices can also include unfinished products. Concluding remarks

[0201] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the words "comprise," "comprehensive," and the like in the description and claims are to be interpreted in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive one; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to." The word "coupled," as used generally here, refers to two or more elements that are either directly connected or may be connected via one or more intermediate elements. Likewise, the word "connected," as used generally here, refers to two or more elements that are either directly connected or may be connected via one or more intermediate elements. Furthermore, the words "here," "above," "below," and words of similar meaning, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to a particular part thereof.Where the context allows, words in the detailed description above that refer to the singular or plural may also include the plural or singular form. The word "or" in relation to a list of two or more items covers all of the following interpretations: one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0202] Furthermore, the conditional language used herein, such as "could under certain circumstances", "might", "might possibly", "may", "e.g", "as" and the like, unless expressly stated otherwise or otherwise understood within the context used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements and / or states, while other embodiments do not include certain features, elements and / or states.Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements and / or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include a logic to decide whether these features, elements and / or states are included or implemented in a particular embodiment, with or without the author's involvement or prompting.

[0203] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed above. While specific embodiments and examples of the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a particular sequence, alternative embodiments may execute routines with steps or use systems with blocks in a different sequence, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in different ways.Although processes or blocks are sometimes depicted as being executed sequentially, these processes or blocks may instead be executed in parallel or at different times.

[0204] The teachings of the invention disclosed herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily to the system described above. The elements and actions of the various embodiments described above can be combined to form further embodiments.

[0205] Although certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. In fact, the new methods and systems described herein can be implemented in a multitude of other configurations; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the configuration of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the fundamental concept of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalent configurations are intended to cover such configurations or modifications that fall within the scope of protection and the fundamental concept of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] A phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) comprising: a first connection (IN) and a second connection (OUT); a first controllable reflective load (201) with a first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) which are connected along the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301); a second controllable reflective load (202); and a pair of coupled conductors (200) that are electromagnetically coupled to each other, comprising a first conductive conductor (203) that is coupled between the first terminal (IN) and the first controllable reflective load (201), and a second conductive conductor (204) that is coupled between the second controllable reflective load (202) and the second terminal (OUT). [2] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 1, wherein the first controllable reflective load (201) further comprises a first ground line (233a) on a first side of the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a second ground line (233b) on a second side of the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301). [3] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 2, wherein each of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the first ground line (233a) and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line and the second ground line (233b). [4] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) are closed on the basis of a phase shift setting of the phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210). [5] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first terminal (IN) receives a high-frequency input signal and the second terminal (OUT) provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal. [6] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second terminal (IN) receives a high-frequency input signal and the first terminal (OUT) provides a phase-shifted high-frequency output signal. [7] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) is connected to the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) at a plurality of points which are not equidistant from each other. [8] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 7, wherein the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points along a length of the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) gradually decreases. [9] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) each have different sizes. [10] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 9, wherein the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches gradually increases along a length of the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301). [11] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first transmission line (251; 301) has a plurality of meandering sections. [12] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of meandering sections has a loop (305a). [13] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second controllable reflective load (202) comprises a second transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a second plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) coupled along the second transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301). [14] A wireless device (800) comprising: a transceiver (802); and a front-end system (803) coupled to the transceiver (802) and comprising a phase shifter (803; 130a; 130b; 210) comprising a first terminal (IN), a second terminal (OUT), a first controllable reflective load (201) with a first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) connected along the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301), a second controllable reflective load (202), and a pair of coupled lines (200) electromagnetically coupled to each other, comprising a first conductive line (203) coupled between the first terminal (IN) and the first controllable reflective load (201), and a second conductive line (204), which is coupled between the second controllable reflective load (202) and the second terminal (OUT). [15] The wireless device (800) according to claim 14, wherein the first controllable reflective load (201) further comprises a first ground line (233a) on a first side of the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a second ground line (233b) on a second side of the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301). [16] The wireless device (800) according to claim 15, wherein each of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and the first ground line (233a) and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and the second ground line (233b). [17] The wireless device (800) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) are closed on the basis of a phase shift setting of the phase shifter (803; 130a; 130b; 210). [18] The wireless device (800) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) is connected to the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) at a plurality of points which are not equidistant from each other. [19] The wireless device (800) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) each have different sizes. [20] A phase shifting method comprising: (IN); Receiving a high-frequency input signal at a first terminal Controlling a first controllable reflective load (201) and a second controllable reflective load (202) to control a phase shift of a high-frequency output signal at a second terminal (OUT), the first controllable reflective load (201) comprising a first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a plurality of shunt switches coupled along the first transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301); and Providing a coupling between a first conductive line (203) and a second conductive line (204) of a pair of coupled powers (200), of which the first conductive line (203) is coupled between the first terminal (IN) and the first controllable reflective load (201), and the second conductive line (204) is coupled between the second controllable reflective load (202) and the second terminal (OUT). [21] A phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) comprising: a coupler (200) with an input terminal (IN), a through terminal (0°), a first coupled line (203) which is coupled between the input terminal (IN) and the through terminal (0°), an isolation terminal (ISO), a coupling terminal (90°), and a second coupled line (204) which is coupled between the isolation terminal (ISO) and the coupling terminal (90°); an input terminal which is coupled to the input terminal (IN) of the coupler (200) and is designed to receive a high-frequency input signal; an output terminal which is coupled to the coupling terminal (90°) of the coupler (200) and is designed to output a high-frequency output signal which has a phase shift with respect to the high-frequency input signal; and a first controllable reflective load (201) which is coupled to the through terminal (0°) of the coupler (200) and has a transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) which are each coupled between a ground voltage and one of different points along the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and which are selectable to control the phase shift. [22] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 21, wherein the first controllable reflective load (201) further comprises a first ground line (233a) on a first side of the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a second ground line (233b) on a second side of the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301). [23] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 22, wherein each of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and the first ground line (233a) and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and the second ground line (233b). [24] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) is connected to the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) at a plurality of points which are not equidistant from each other. [25] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 24, wherein the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points along a length of the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) gradually decreases. [26] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) each have different sizes. [27] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 26, wherein the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches gradually increases along a length of the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301). [28] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the transmission line (251; 301) has a plurality of meandering sections. [29] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to claim 28, wherein at least one of the plurality of meandering sections has a loop (305a). [30] The phase shifter (130a; 130b; 210) according to one of claims 21 to 29, further comprising a second controllable reflective load (202) which is coupled to the isolation terminal of the coupler. [31] A wireless device (800) comprising: a transceiver (802); and a front-end system (803) coupled to the transceiver (802) and comprising a phase shifter (803; 130a; 130b; 210) comprising a coupler (200) with an input terminal (IN) designed to receive a high-frequency input signal, a through terminal (0°), a first coupled line (203) coupled between the input terminal (IN) and the through terminal (0°), an isolation terminal (ISO), a coupling terminal (90°) designed to output a high-frequency output signal phase-shifted with respect to the high-frequency input signal, and a second coupled line (204) coupled between the isolation terminal (ISO) and the coupling terminal (90°), a first controllable reflective load (201) coupled to the through terminal (0°) of the coupler (200), a Transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a large number of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) comprises, each between a ground voltage and one of different points along the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and which are selectable to control the phase shift. [32] The wireless device (800) according to claim 31, wherein the first controllable reflective load (201) further comprises a first ground line (233a) on a first side of the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and a second ground line (233b) on a second side of the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301). [33] The wireless device (800) according to claim 32, wherein each of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) is configured as a pair of field-effect transistors comprising a first field-effect transistor coupled between the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and the first ground line (233a) and a second field-effect transistor coupled between the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) and the second ground line (233b). [34] The wireless device (800) according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) is connected to the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) at a plurality of points which are not equidistant from each other. [35] The wireless device (800) according to claim 34, wherein the distance between adjacent points of the plurality of points along a length of the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) gradually decreases. [36] The wireless device (800) according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) each have different sizes. [37] The mobile device (800) according to claim 36, wherein the size of the shunt switches of the first plurality of shunt switches gradually increases along a length of the transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301). [38] The wireless device (800) according to any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the phase shifter further comprises a second controllable reflective load (202) which is coupled to the isolation terminal (ISO) of the coupler (200). [39] A phase shifting method comprising: Receiving a high-frequency input signal at a first terminal (IN) of a coupler (200); Providing a coupling between a first coupled line (203) of the coupler (200) and a second coupled line (204) of the coupler (200), of which the first coupled line (203) is coupled between the first terminal (IN) of the coupler (200) and a through terminal (0°) of the coupler (200) and the second coupled line (204) is coupled between an isolation terminal (ISO) of the coupler (200) and a coupling terminal (90°) of the coupler (200); Providing a high-frequency output signal at the coupling terminal (90°) of the coupler (200) that has a phase shift with respect to the high-frequency input signal; and Controlling the phase shift using a first controllable reflective load (201) coupled to the through terminal (0°) of the coupler (200), and selecting one or more of a plurality of shunt switches (222a, ..., 222n) of the first controllable reflective load (201), each coupled between a ground voltage and one of different points along a transmission line (221; 231; 251; 301) of the first controllable reflective load (201). [40] The method according to claim 39, further comprising controlling a second controllable reflective load (202) which is coupled to the isolation terminal (ISO) of the coupler (200).