Beam switching system, beam switching method, and antenna apparatus

Abstract

To provide a beam switching system, a beam switching method, and an antenna apparatus that generate two radiation field patterns through dual antennas.SOLUTION: In an antenna device 1, a beam switching system 10 includes a selection circuit 12 and a branch line coupler 11. The selection circuit includes an input port SIP1 for receiving an input radio frequency signal, and two output ports SOP11, SOP12. The selection circuit selects at least one of the two output ports to output an output radio frequency signal ORF1. The branch line coupler includes two input ports DIP11, DIP12 respectively coupled to the two output ports of the selection circuit and configured to receive the output radio frequency signal, and two output ports DOP11, DOP12 respectively configured to couple two antennas 20, 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of Taiwan Application No. 112142407 filed on November 3, 2023. The entire above - mentioned patent application is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this specification.

[0002] Technical Field This application relates to antenna technology, and particularly to a beam switching system, a beam switching method, and an antenna device.

Background Art

[0003] An antenna device can generate two radiation field patterns with dual antennas. However, in order to generate more radiation field patterns, more antennas are required, and the system design becomes more complex.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a beam switching system, a beam switching method, and an antenna device.

[0005] The beam switching system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a selection circuit and a branch - line coupler. The selection circuit includes an input port for receiving an input radio - frequency signal and two output ports. The selection circuit selects at least one of the two output ports to output an output radio - frequency signal. The branch - line coupler is coupled to the two output ports of the selection circuit respectively, and includes two input ports for receiving the output radio - frequency signal and two output ports for coupling to two antennas respectively.

[0006] The beam switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes steps of providing a beam switching system, generating a control signal according to a beam direction, and selecting at least one of the two output ports according to the control signal to output an output radio - frequency signal.

[0007] The antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes two antennas, a selection circuit, and a branch-line coupler. The selection circuit includes an input port that receives an input radio frequency signal and two output ports. The selection circuit selects at least one of the two output ports and outputs an output radio frequency signal. The branch-line coupler is coupled to the two output ports of the selection circuit respectively, and includes two input ports that receive the output radio frequency signal and two output ports that are coupled to the two antennas respectively.

[0008] In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention clearer and easier to understand, embodiments will be shown below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 2D

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an antenna device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna device 1 includes (but is not limited to) a beam switching system 10, a controller 13, and two antennas 20 and 25.

[0011] The beam switching system 10 includes a branch line coupler 11 and a selection circuit 12.

[0012] The branch line coupler 11 includes two input ports DIP11 and DIP12, and two output ports DOP11 and DOP12.

[0013] The two input ports DIP11 and DIP12 are coupled to the selection circuit 12. The two input ports DIP11 and DIP12 receive an output radio frequency signal ORF1 from the selection circuit 12.

[0014] The two output ports DOP11 and DOP12 are respectively coupled to the two antennas 20 and 25.

[0015] In one embodiment, the branch line coupler 11 inputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1 to one of the two input ports DIP11 and DIP12 in the first mode, and the output radio frequency signal ORF1 has a phase difference from the signals output from the two output ports DOP11 and DOP12. The phase difference is, for example, 45°, 90°, or 135°, but is not limited thereto. Taking a phase difference of 90° as an example, in the first mode, the two output ports DOP11 and DOP12 output signals having a 90° phase difference.

[0016] In one embodiment, the branch line coupler 11 inputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1 to the two input ports DIP11 and DIP12 simultaneously in the second mode, and the output radio frequency signal ORF1 has the same phase as the signals output from the two output ports DOP11 and DOP12. In the second mode, the two output ports DOP11 and DOP12 output signals having a phase difference of 0° (i.e., having the same phase).

[0017] The selection circuit 12 includes an input port SIP1 and two output ports SOP11 and SOP12.

[0018] The input port SIP1 receives the input radio frequency signal IRF1.

[0019] The two output ports SOP11 and SOP12 are respectively coupled to the two input ports DIP11 and DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11.

[0020] The selection circuit 12 selects at least one of the two output ports SOP11 and SOP12 (for example, selects the output port SOP11, or selects the output port SOP12, or selects both of the output ports SOP11 and SOP12), and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1.

[0021] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2D, the detailed hardware architecture of the antenna device 1 will be described in more detail.

[0022] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a beam switching system 10 and antennas 20 and 25 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the selection circuit 12 includes switching circuits 121 and 122.

[0023] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a switching circuit 121 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the switching circuit 121 includes an input port CIP1, an output port COP1, and reference ports ROP1 and RIP1. The input port CIP1 of the switching circuit 121 is coupled to the input port SIP1 of the selection circuit 12, the output port COP1 is coupled to the output port SOP11 of the selection circuit 12, and the reference ports ROP1 and RIP1 are respectively coupled to a reference potential port RP (for example, ground or another reference potential).

[0024] In one embodiment, the switching circuit 121 includes switches 121-1 and 121-2.

[0025] The switch 121-1 includes an input port SI11 and two output ports SO11 and SO12. The input port SI11 of the switch 121-1 is coupled to the input port CIP1, the output port SO11 is coupled to the reference port ROP1, and the output port SO12 is coupled to the switch 121-2. The switch 121-1 selectively turns on the input port SI11 and the output port SO11 and turns off the input port SI11 and the output port SO12, or turns on the input port SI11 and the output port SO12 and turns off the input port SI11 and the output port SO11. In an embodiment of the present invention, turning on two ports means turning on the electrical path between the two ports, and turning off two ports means turning off the electrical path between the two ports.

[0026] The switch 121-2 includes two input ports SI21 and SI22 and an output port SO21. The input ports SI21 and SI22 of the switch 121-2 are respectively coupled to the reference port RIP1 and the output port SO12 of the switch 121-1, and the output port SO21 is coupled to the output port COP1. The switch 121-2 selectively turns on the input port SI21 and the output port SO21 and turns off the input port SI22 and the output port SO21, or turns on the input port SI22 and the output port SO21 and turns off the input port SI21 and the output port SO21.

[0027] In one embodiment, the switching circuit 121 includes impedance elements R11 and R12.

[0028] The output port SO11 of the switch 121-1 is coupled to the reference potential port RP via the reference port ROP1 and the impedance element R11.

[0029] The input port SI21 of the switch 121-2 is coupled to the reference potential port RP via the reference port RIP1 and the impedance element R12.

[0030] In one embodiment, the impedance elements R11 and R12 have the same impedance value.

[0031] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of another switching circuit 122 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the switching circuit 122 includes an input port CIP2, an output port COP2, and reference ports ROP2 and RIP2. The input port CIP2 of the switching circuit 122 is coupled to the input port SIP1 of the selection circuit 12, the output port COP2 is coupled to the output port SOP12 of the selection circuit 12, and the reference ports ROP2 and RIP2 are coupled to the reference potential port RP (e.g., ground or another reference potential).

[0032] In one embodiment, the switching circuit 122 includes switches 122-1 and 122-2.

[0033] The switch 122-1 includes an input port SI31 and two output ports SO31 and SO32. The input port SI31 of the switch 122-1 is coupled to the input port CIP2, the output port SO31 is coupled to the switch 122-2, and the output port SO32 is coupled to the reference port ROP2. The switch 122-1 selectively turns on the input port SI31 and the output port SO31 and turns off the input port SI31 and the output port SO32, or turns on the input port SI31 and the output port SO32 and turns off the input port SI31 and the output port SO31.

[0034] Switch 122-2 includes two input ports SI41, SI42 and an output port SO41. The input ports SI41, SI42 of switch 122-2 are respectively coupled to the output port SO31 of switch 122-1 and the reference port RIP2, and the output port SO41 is coupled to the output port COP2. Switch 122-2 selectively turns on the input port SI41 and the output port SO41 and turns off the input port SI42 and the output port SO41, or turns on the input port SI42 and the output port SO41 and turns off the input port SI41 and the output port SO41.

[0035] In one embodiment, the switching circuit 122 includes impedance elements R21, R22.

[0036] The output port SO32 of switch 122-1 is coupled to the reference potential port RP via the reference port ROP2 and the impedance element R21.

[0037] The input port SI42 of switch 122-2 is coupled to the reference potential port RP via the reference port RIP2 and the impedance element R22.

[0038] In one embodiment, the impedance elements R21, R22 have the same impedance value. In one embodiment, the impedance elements R12, R22 match the impedances of the two input ports DIP11, DIP12 of the branch-line coupler 11. In one embodiment, the impedance elements R11, R12, R21, R22 have the same impedance value.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the selection circuit 12 includes a power divider 123 coupled between the input port SIP1 and the switching circuits 121, 122.

[0040] FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of a power divider according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the power divider 123 includes an input port WIP1 and two output ports WOP1 and WOP2. The input port WIP1 of the power divider 123 is coupled to the input port SIP1, and the two output ports WOP1 and WOP2 are coupled to the input port CIP1 of the switching circuit 121 and the input port CIP2 of the switching circuit 122, respectively. Among them, the switching circuits 121 and 122 are coupled to the input port SIP1 of the selection circuit 12 via the power divider 123.

[0041] In one embodiment, the power divider 123 is a Wilkinson power divider 123-1. The two output ports WOP1 and WOP2 of the Wilkinson power divider 123-1 have the same impedance. For example, the impedance value is 50 ohms (Ω), but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the impedance elements R11 and R21 are matched with the two output ports WOP1 and WOP2 of the power divider 123.

[0042] In one embodiment, since the impedance elements R11, R12, R21, R22 and the two output ports WOP1 and WOP2 have the same impedance value, they are matched with the impedances of the two input ports DIP11 and DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11. For example, the impedance value is 50 ohms, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] In one embodiment, the power divider 123 includes an impedance element R3 that couples the two output ports WOP1 and WOP. Taking the Wilkinson power divider 123-1 as an example, the impedance element R3 has another impedance value, and this other impedance value is twice the impedance values of the impedance elements R11, R12, R21, and R22. For example, the impedance elements R11, R12, R21, and R22 have an impedance value of 50 ohms, and the impedance element R3 has an impedance value of 100 ohms.

[0044] However, in other embodiments, the impedance values of the impedance elements R11, R12, R21, R22, and R3 can also be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 13 is coupled to the selection circuit 12 of the beam switching system 10. The controller 13 may be a chip, a processor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any type of control circuit. In one embodiment, the controller 13 generates at least one control signal CS and transmits the at least one control signal CS to the selection circuit 12.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the two antennas 20 and 25 are respectively coupled to the output ports DOP11 and DOP12 of the branch-line coupler 11. In one embodiment, the two antennas 20 and 25 transmit the radio frequency signals output by the branch-line coupler 11.

[0047] The operations of the components of the antenna device 1 will be described below. Each process can be adjusted according to the implementation situation, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] The controller 13 controls the switches 121-1, 121-2, 122-1, and 122-2 of the selection circuit 12 via at least one control signal CS. Each switch is controlled to turn on one of its input ports and one of its output ports, or to turn off one of its input ports and one of its output ports. That is, each switch is controlled to turn on the signal path between one of its input ports and one of its output ports, or to turn off the signal path between one of its input ports and one of its output ports. In one embodiment, in the first mode, the selection circuit 12 turns on one of the signal paths of the input port SIP1 and the output ports SOP11 and SOP12, and turns off the other signal path of the input port SIP1 and the output ports SOP11 and SOP12.

[0049] For example, FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of the signal path in the first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, the selection circuit 12 turns on the signal path SP1 of the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP11. Taking FIG. 2B as an example, the switch 121-1 turns on the input port SI11 and the output port SO12, and turns off the input port SI11 and the output port SO11. The switch 121-2 turns on the input port SI22 and the output port SO21, and turns off the input port SI21 and the output port SO21. Also, the selection circuit 12 turns off the signal path SP2 of the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP12. Taking FIG. 2C as an example, the switch 122-1 turns on the input port SI31 and the output port SO32, and turns off the input port SI31 and the output port SO31. The switch 122-2 turns on the input port SI42 and the output port SO41, and turns off the input port SI41 and the output port SO41. Therefore, the input radio frequency signal IRF1 shown in FIG. 1 is input to the input port SIP1, and by passing through the signal path SP1, the output radio frequency signal ORF1 shown in FIG. 1 is output from the output port SOP11 to the input port DIP11 of the branch line coupler 11. However, the output radio frequency signal ORF1 is not output from the output port SOP12 to the input port DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11.

[0050] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of the radiation field pattern corresponding to FIG. 3A. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in the first mode, the branch line coupler 11 may be configured as a shifter that provides a fixed phase difference. For example, only the signal path SP1 in FIG. 3A is turned on, and the signal path SP2 in FIG. 3A is turned off. The phase difference between the radio frequency signals output by the two output ports DOP11 and DOP12 of the branch line coupler 11 is, for example, 35°, 45°, or 90°, but is not limited thereto. At this time, the radiation patterns of the two antennas 20, 25 correspond to the reference direction toward θ degrees (for example, the main beam is toward θ degrees). θ is, for example, 15, 20, or 45, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] For example, FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a signal path in a third mode according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4A, the on / off relationship of the signal paths SP1 and SP2 in the third mode is the reverse of that in the first mode, but the principle is the same. The selection circuit 12 turns off the signal path SP1 between the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP11. Referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C for the circuit details of FIG. 4A, the on / off relationship is reversed. The switch 121-1 turns on the input port SI11 and the output port SO11 and turns off the input port SI11 and the output port SO12. The switch 121-2 turns on the input port SI21 and the output port SO21 and turns off the input port SI22 and the output port SO21. Also, the selection circuit 12 turns on the signal path SP2 between the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP12. The switch 122-1 turns on the input port SI31 and the output port SO31 and turns off the input port SI31 and the output port SO32. The switch 122-2 turns on the input port SI41 and the output port SO41 and turns off the input port SI42 and the output port SO41. Therefore, the input radio frequency signal IRF1 shown in FIG. 1 is input to the input port SIP1 and passes through the signal path SP2, and the output radio frequency signal ORF1 shown in FIG. 1 is output from the output port SOP12 to the input port DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11. However, the output radio frequency signal ORF1 is not output from the output port SOP11 to the input port DIP11 of the branch line coupler 11.

[0052] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of the radiation field pattern corresponding to FIG. 4A. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the third mode, the branch-line coupler 11 may be configured as a shifter that provides a fixed phase difference. For example, only the signal path SP2 in FIG. 4A is turned on, and the signal path SP1 in FIG. 4A is turned off. The phase difference between the radio frequency signals output by the two output ports DOP11 and DOP12 of the branch-line coupler 11 is, for example, 35°, 45°, or 90°, but is not limited thereto. At this time, the radiation patterns of the two antennas 20 and 25 correspond to the reference direction toward -θ degrees (for example, the main beam is directed toward -θ degrees). -θ is, for example, 15, 20, or 45, but is not limited thereto. Since the signal paths SP1 and SP2 have the same electrical characteristics, for example, the conduction distances are the same and / or the impedances are the same, the radiation field patterns of the two antennas 20 and 25 in the first mode and the radiation field patterns of the two antennas 20 and 25 in the third mode are in opposite phases, for example, the reference directions are θ degrees and -θ degrees, respectively.

[0053] In one embodiment, in the first mode and the third mode, the selection circuit 12 turns off the impedance path of one of the reference potential port RP and the output ports SOP11 and SOP12, and turns on the impedance path of the other of the reference potential port RP and the output ports SOP11 and SOP12. In one embodiment, in the first mode and the third mode, the selection circuit 12 turns on the impedance path of one of the reference potential port RP and the two output ports WOP1 and WOP2 of the power divider 123, and turns off the impedance path of the other of the reference potential port RP and the two output ports WOP1 and WOP2 of the power divider 123.

[0054] Taking FIG. 3A as an example, in the first mode, the selection circuit 12 turns off the impedance path RP1 between the reference potential port RP and the output port SOP11, and turns on the impedance path RP2 between the reference potential port RP and the output port SOP12 (turns off the signal path SP2). Also, the selection circuit 12 turns on the impedance path RP4 between the output port WOP2 of the power divider 123 and the reference potential port RP (turns off the signal path SP2), and turns off another impedance path RP3 between the output port WOP1 of the power divider 123 and the reference potential port RP (turns on the signal path SP1).

[0055] At the same time, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 2B, and 2D, for the impedance path RP1, the switch 121-2 turns on the input port SI22 and the output port SO21, and turns off the input port SI21 and the output port SO21 to cut off the impedance path RP1. For the impedance path RP3, the switch 121-1 turns on the input port SI11 and the output port SO12, and turns off the input port SI11 and the output port SO11, whereby the impedance path RP3 between the output port WOP1 and the reference potential port RP shown in FIG. 2D is cut off.

[0056] At the same time, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 2C, and 2D, for the impedance path RP2, switch 122-2 turns on input port SI42 and output port SO41, and turns off input port SI41 and output port SO41 to conduct the impedance path RP2. For the impedance path PR4, switch 122-1 turns on input port SI31 and output port SO32, and turns off input port SI31 and output port SO31, so that the impedance path RP4 between the output port WOP2 and the reference potential port RP shown in FIG. 2D is conducted. In one embodiment, since the impedance elements R11, R12, R21, R22 and the two output ports WOP1, WOP2 have the same impedance value, the impedance of the output ports SOP11, SOP12 can be matched with the impedance of the two output ports DOP11, DOP12 of the branch line coupler 11. In this way, the two antennas 20, 25 can generate a predetermined radiation field pattern (for example, the main beam is directed at θ degrees).

[0057] Also, taking FIG. 4A as an example, in the third mode, the selection circuit 12 turns off the impedance path RP2 between the reference potential port RP and the output port SOP12 (turns on the signal path SP2), and turns on the impedance path RP1 between the reference potential port RP and the output port SOP11. The selection circuit 12 turns on the impedance path RP3 between the output port WOP1 of the power divider 123 and the reference potential port RP (turns off the signal path SP1), and turns off another impedance path RP4 between the output port WOP2 of the power divider 123 and the reference potential port RP (turns on the signal path SP2).

[0058] At the same time, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 2B, and 2D (note that the on / off relationship in FIG. 2B is opposite to the on / off relationship shown in FIG. 4A), for the impedance path RP1, switch 121-2 turns off the input port SI22 and the output port SO21, and turns on the input port SI21 and the output port SO21 to conduct the impedance path RP1. For the impedance path RP3, switch 121-1 turns off the input port SI11 and the output port SO12, and turns on the input port SI11 and the output port SO11, so that the impedance path RP3 between the output port WOP1 and the reference potential port RP shown in FIG. 2D is conducted.

[0059] At the same time, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 2C, and 2D (note that the on / off relationship in FIG. 2C is opposite to the on / off relationship shown in FIG. 4A), for the impedance path RP2, switch 122-2 turns off the input port SI42 and the output port SO41, and turns on the input port SI41 and the output port SO41 to cut off the impedance path RP2. For the impedance path RP4, switch 122-1 turns off the input port SI31 and the output port SO32, and turns on the input port SI31 and the output port SO31, so that the impedance path RP4 between the output port WOP2 and the reference potential port RP shown in FIG. 2D is cut off. In one embodiment, since the impedance elements R11, R12, R21, R22 and the two output ports WOP1, WOP2 have the same impedance value, the impedance of the output ports SOP11, SOP12 can be matched with the impedance of the two output ports DOP11, DOP12 of the branch-line coupler 11. In this way, the two antennas 20, 25 can generate a predetermined radiation field pattern (for example, the main beam is directed at -θ degrees) that is opposite to the radiation field pattern in the first mode in the third mode.

[0060] In one embodiment, in the second mode, the selection circuit 12 turns on the signal paths of the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP11 and the signal paths of the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP12.

[0061] For example, FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a signal path in a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5A, the selection circuit 12 turns on the signal path SP1 of the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP11. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 2B, the switch 121-1 turns on the input port SI11 and the output port SO12, turns off the input port SI11 and the output port SO11, the switch 121-2 turns on the input port SI22 and the output port SO21, and turns off the input port SI21 and the output port SO21. Also, the signal path SP2 of the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP12 is turned on. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 2C (note that the on / off relationship in FIG. 2C is the reverse of the on / off relationship shown in FIG. 5A), the switch 122-1 turns on the input port SI31 and the output port SO31, turns off the input port SI31 and the output port SO32, the switch 122-2 turns on the input port SI41 and the output port SO41, and turns off the input port SI42 and the output port SO41. Therefore, the input radio frequency signal IRF1 shown in FIG. 1 is input to the input port SIP1 and passes through the signal paths SP1 and SP2 simultaneously, so that the output radio frequency signal ORF1 shown in FIG. 1 is simultaneously output from the output ports SOP11 and SOP12 to the input ports DIP11 and DIP12 of the branch line coupler 11, respectively.

[0062] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the radiation field pattern corresponding to FIG. 5A. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the second mode, the signal paths SP1 and SP2 in FIG. 5A are, for example, turned on simultaneously, and the radiation field patterns of the two antennas 20 and 25 correspond to the reference direction between θ degrees and -θ degrees. That is, in this embodiment, since only one branch-line coupler 11 is used, the two antennas 20 and 25 can form three radiation field patterns corresponding to three different reference directions. Furthermore, by using only one coupler without an additional phase shifter, the complexity and area of the circuit can also be reduced. Furthermore, in the embodiment where the power divider 123 is a Wilkinson power divider, the signal paths SP1 and SP2 have the same electrical characteristics. For example, the lengths of the conduction distances are the same and / or the impedances are the same. Therefore, the phase difference between the radio frequency signals output by the two output ports DOP11 and DOP12 of the branch-line coupler 11 is, for example, 0 (i.e., the phases are the same). At this time, the radiation field patterns of the two antennas 20 and 25 correspond to the reference direction toward 0 degrees (for example, the main beam is toward 0 degrees, that is, the center between θ degrees and -θ degrees).

[0063] In one embodiment, in the second mode, the selection circuit 12 blocks the impedance paths of the reference potential port RP and the two output ports SOP11 and SOP12. In one embodiment, in the second mode, the selection circuit 12 blocks the impedance paths of the reference potential port RP and the two output ports SOP11 and SOP12 of the power divider 123.

[0064] Taking FIG. 5A as an example, the selection circuit 12 turns off the impedance path RP1 of the reference potential port RP and the output port SOP11 (turns on the signal path SP1), and turns off the impedance path RP2 of the reference potential port RP and the output port SOP12 (turns on the signal path SP2). As shown in FIGS. 2D and 5A, the selection circuit 12 turns off the impedance paths RP3 and RP4 of the reference potential port RP and the two output ports SOP11 and SOP12 of the power divider 123. Therefore, the signal paths SP1 and SP2 are conductive.

[0065] At the same time, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 2B, and 2D, for impedance path RP1, switch 121-2 turns on input port SI22 and output port SO21, turns off input port SI21 and output port SO21, and blocks impedance path RP1. For impedance path RP3, switch 121-1 turns on input port SI11 and output port SO12, turns off input port SI11 and output port SO11, and blocks impedance path RP3 between the output port WOP1 of power divider 123 and the reference potential port RP.

[0066] At the same time, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 2C, and 2D (note that the on / off relationship in FIG. 2C is opposite to the on / off relationship shown in FIG. 5A), for impedance path RP2, switch 122-2 turns off input port SI42 and output port SO41, turns on input port SI41 and output port SO41, and blocks impedance path RP2. For impedance path RP4, switch 122-1 turns off input port SI31 and output port SO32, turns on input port SI31 and output port SO31, and blocks impedance path RP4 between the output port WOP2 of power divider 123 and the reference potential port RP. In one embodiment, since the two output ports WOP1 and WOP2 have the same impedance value, the impedances of output ports SOP11 and SOP12 can be matched with the impedances of the two output ports DOP11 and DOP12 of branch line coupler 11.

[0067] As can be seen from FIGS. 3B, 4B, and 5B, corresponding to the first mode, the third mode, and the second mode, the two antennas 20, 25 can form radiation field patterns corresponding to three reference directions of θ degrees, -θ degrees, and 0 degrees. The controller 13 generates at least one control signal C according to the beam direction. The beam direction is the radiation field pattern (main direction) formed by the two antennas 20, 25. For example, the beam direction corresponds to the reference direction of θ degrees, -θ degrees, or 0 degrees. Also, the controller 13 can generate control signals CS corresponding to the three reference directions of θ degrees, -θ degrees, and / or 0 degrees in the three modes respectively. Taking digital signals as an example, "00" corresponds to the reference direction of 0 degrees, "01" corresponds to the reference direction of θ degrees, and "10" corresponds to the reference direction of -θ degrees. However, the content of the control signal CS may be changed according to actual needs. For example, three analog potentials correspond to the three reference directions.

[0068] In one embodiment, the controller 13 may select one of the three reference directions corresponding to θ degrees, -θ degrees, and / or 0 degrees as the beam direction. For example, it may select θ degrees as the beam direction, select -θ degrees as the beam direction, or select 0 degrees as the beam direction.

[0069] Also, as can be seen from FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, 3B, 4B, and 5B, by turning on or off the signal paths SP1, SP2 shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A, or 5A, the two antennas 20, 25 can form radiation field patterns corresponding to the three reference directions of θ degrees, -θ degrees, and 0 degrees. The selection circuit 12 selects at least one of the output ports SOP11, SOP12 according to the control signal CS and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1.

[0070] Taking FIGS. 3A and 3B as an example, the selection circuit 12 selects the output port SOP11 based on the control signal CS corresponding to the reference direction of θ degrees and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1. That is, the selection circuit 12 selects the output port SOP11 corresponding to the reference direction of θ degrees and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1.

[0071] Taking FIGS. 4A and 4B as an example, the selection circuit 12 selects the output port SOP12 based on the control signal CS corresponding to the reference direction of -θ degrees and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1. That is, the selection circuit 12 selects the output port SOP12 corresponding to the reference direction of -θ degrees and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1.

[0072] Taking FIGS. 5A and 5B as an example, the selection circuit 12 selects the output ports SOP11 and SOP12 based on the control signal CS corresponding to the reference direction of 0 degrees and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1. That is, the selection circuit 12 selects the output ports SOP11 and SOP12 corresponding to the reference direction of 0 degrees and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an antenna device 1' according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the difference from the antenna device 1 in FIG. 1 is that the antenna device 1' further includes a beam switching system 30 and two amplifiers PA.

[0074] The beam switching system 30 includes a branch line coupler 31 and a selection circuit 32.

[0075] The branch line coupler 31 includes two input ports DIP21, DIP22 and two output ports DOP21, DOP22.

[0076] The two input ports DIP21, DIP22 are coupled to the selection circuit 32. The two input ports DIP21, DIP22 receive the output radio frequency signal ORF2 from the selection circuit 32.

[0077] The two output ports DOP21 and DOP22 are respectively connected to the two antennas 20 and 25. In one embodiment, the two amplifiers PA are connected to the two antennas 20 and 25.

[0078] In one embodiment, the branch-line coupler 31 forms a phase difference between the two output ports DOP21 and DOP22 in the first mode and the third mode. The phase difference is, for example, the difference between 270° and 180° shown in the figure (i.e., 90°), but is not limited thereto. Taking the 90° phase difference as an example, one of the two input ports DIP21 and DIP22 inputs the output radio frequency signal ORF2, and the two output ports DOP21 and DOP22 output signals having a 90° phase difference.

[0079] In one embodiment, the branch-line coupler 31 has the same phase as the two output ports DOP21 and DOP22 in the second mode. The two input ports DIP21 and DIP22 simultaneously input the output radio frequency signal ORF2, and the two output ports DOP21 and DOP22 output signals having a 0° phase difference (i.e., the same phase).

[0080] In one embodiment, there is a phase difference between the output port DOP11 of the branch-line coupler 11 and the output port DOP21 of the branch-line coupler 31. The phase difference is, for example, the difference between 90° and 270° shown in the figure (i.e., 180°). However, the phase difference between the output port DOP11 and the output port DOP21 may be changed according to actual needs.

[0081] In one embodiment, there is a phase difference between the output port DOP12 of the branch-line coupler 11 and the output port DOP22 of the branch-line coupler 31. The phase difference is, for example, the difference between 0° and 180° as shown in the figure (i.e., 180°). However, the phase difference between the output port DOP12 and the output port DOP22 may be changed according to actual needs.

[0082] The selection circuit 32 includes an input port SIP2 and output ports SOP21 and SOP22.

[0083] The input port SIP2 receives the input radio frequency signal IRF2. In one embodiment, there is a phase difference between the input radio frequency signal IRF2 and the input radio frequency signal IRF1. The phase difference is, for example, 180°. That is, the input radio frequency signal IRF2 is the inverted signal of the input radio frequency signal IRF1. However, the phase difference between the input radio frequency signal IRF2 and the input radio frequency signal IRF1 may be changed according to actual needs.

[0084] In one embodiment, the phase difference between the input radio frequency signal IRF2 and the input radio frequency signal IRF1 is the same as the phase difference between the output port DOP11 and the output port DOP21, and / or the phase difference between the output port DOP12 and the output port DOP22. The phase difference is, for example, 180°, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] The output ports SOP21 and SOP22 are respectively coupled to the two input ports DIP21 and DIP22 of the branch line coupler 31.

[0086] The selection circuit 32 selects at least one of the output ports SOP21 and SOP22 (for example, selects the output port SOP21, or selects the output port SOP22, or selects the output ports SOP21 and SOP22), and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF2.

[0087] In one embodiment, the selection circuit 32 includes switching circuits 321 and 322. For the detailed circuit structure and functional operation of the switching circuits 321 and 322, reference can be made to the foregoing description of the switching circuits 121 and 122, and the description is omitted here.

[0088] In one embodiment, in the first mode, the selection circuit 12 turns on the signal path (signal path SP1 shown in FIG. 3A) between the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP11, turns off the signal path (signal path SP2 shown in FIG. 3A) between the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP12, the selection circuit 32 turns on the signal path (signal path SP1 shown in FIG. 3A) between the input port SIP2 and the output port SOP21, and turns off the signal path (signal path SP2 shown in FIG. 3A) between the input port SIP2 and the output port SOP22. At this time, the beam directions of the antennas 20 and 25 correspond to the reference direction of θ degrees shown in FIG. 3B.

[0089] In one embodiment, in the third mode, the selection circuit 12 turns on the signal path (signal path SP2 shown in FIG. 4A) between the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP12, turns off the signal path (signal path SP1 shown in FIG. 4A) between the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP11, the selection circuit 32 turns on the signal path (signal path SP2 shown in FIG. 4A) between the input port SIP2 and the output port SOP22, and turns off the signal path (signal path SP1 shown in FIG. 4A) between the input port SIP2 and the output port SOP21. At this time, the beam directions of the antennas 20 and 25 correspond to the reference direction of -θ degrees shown in FIG. 4B.

[0090] In one embodiment, in the second mode, the selection circuit 12 turns on the signal path (signal path SP1 shown in FIG. 5A) between the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP11, turns on the signal path (signal path SP2 shown in FIG. 5A) between the input port SIP1 and the output port SOP12, the selection circuit 32 turns on the signal path (signal path SP1 shown in FIG. 5A) between the input port SIP2 and the output port SOP21, and turns on the signal path (signal path SP2 shown in FIG. 5A) between the input port SIP2 and the output port SOP22. At this time, the beam directions of the antennas 20 and 25 correspond to the reference direction of 0 degrees shown in FIG. 5B.

[0091] In one embodiment, the selection circuit 32 includes a power divider 323. For the detailed circuit structure and functional operation of the power divider 323, reference can be made to the foregoing description of the power divider 123, and the description is omitted here.

[0092] Each amplifier PA is coupled to two branch-line couplers 11 and 31 and is coupled to one of two antennas 20 and 25. The amplifier PA adjusts the voltage / current gain of the branch-line couplers 11 and 31. For example, it amplifies the voltage amplitude of the radio frequency signal output by the branch-line couplers 11 and 31.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a beam switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, a beam switching system is provided (step S710). For example, the beam switching system 10 of FIG. 1, FIG. 2A or FIG. 6 and / or the beam switching system 30 of FIG. 6 is provided. A control signal is generated according to the beam direction (step S720). The beam direction is, for example, a reference direction corresponding to θ degrees, -θ degrees, or 0 degrees. At least one of two output ports of the selection circuit is selected according to the control signal to output an output radio frequency signal (step S730). For example, the control signal CS selects one or both of the two output ports SOP11 and SOP12 of the selection circuit 12 shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 6 to output the output radio frequency signal ORF1, and / or selects one or both of the two output ports SOP21 and SOP22 of the selection circuit 32 shown in FIG. 6.

[0094] In one embodiment, in the first mode, corresponding to a reference direction, one of the two output ports of the selection circuit is selected to output an output radio frequency signal, or in the third mode, corresponding to another reference direction, the other of the two output ports of the selection circuit is selected to output an output radio frequency signal, or in the second mode, corresponding to yet another reference direction, the two output ports of the selection circuit are selected to output an output radio frequency signal. Taking FIGS. 3A and 3B as an example, the output port SOP11 of the selection circuit 12 outputs an output radio frequency signal ORF1 and corresponds to a reference direction of θ degrees, or taking FIGS. 4A and 4B as an example, the output port SOP12 of the selection circuit 12 outputs an output radio frequency signal ORF1 and corresponds to a reference direction of -θ degrees, and taking FIGS. 5A and 5B as an example, the output ports SOP11 and SOP12 of the selection circuit 12 output an output radio frequency signal ORF1 and correspond to a reference direction of 0 degrees.

[0095] In one embodiment, one of the three reference directions is selected as the beam direction, and the three reference directions are θ degrees, -θ degrees, and 0 degrees respectively.

[0096] Since the implementation details of each step in FIG. 7 have been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments and implementation modes, the description is omitted here. In addition to being implemented in the form of a circuit, each step and implementation details of the embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented in the form of software by a processor, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0097] In summary, in the beam switching system, beam switching method, and antenna device according to the embodiments of the present invention, the dual antenna device includes a selection circuit and a branch line coupler. Also, since a radio frequency signal is output by at least one of the two output ports of the selection circuit, the two output ports of the branch line coupler form three different phase differences, and the two antennas form three corresponding different radiation field patterns (each corresponding to one reference direction). In this way, the use of a phase shifter can be reduced, and a simpler circuit structure can be provided.

[0098] Although the present disclosure has been disclosed by embodiments as described above, these do not limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make some changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure is determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. a selection circuit; and a branch line coupler; The selection circuit includes: a first input port for receiving an input radio frequency signal; and two first output ports; Selecting at least one of the two first output ports to output an output radio frequency signal; The branch line coupler includes: two second input ports respectively coupled to the two first output ports of the selection circuit for receiving the output radio frequency signals; and two second output ports for respectively coupling two antennas; Beam switching system.

2. The selection circuit includes: in a first mode, turning on a first signal path of the first input port and one of the two first output ports, and turning off a second signal path of the first input port and the other of the two first output ports; The beam switching system of claim 1 , wherein in a second mode, the first signal path and the second signal path are turned on.

3. The selection circuit further comprises: in the first mode, turning off a first impedance path of a reference potential port and one of the two first output ports, and turning on a second impedance path of the reference potential port and the other of the two first output ports; The beam switching system of claim 2 , wherein in the second mode, the first impedance path and the second impedance path are turned off.

4. The selection circuit includes: a first switching circuit having an input port coupled to the first input port, an output port coupled to one of the first output ports, and two reference ports respectively coupled to a reference potential port; 2. The beam switching system of claim 1, further comprising: a second switching circuit having an input port coupled to the first input port, an output port coupled to the other one of the first output ports, and two reference ports respectively coupled to the reference potential port.

5. The first switching circuit is a first switch having an input port coupled to an input port of the first switching circuit and one of two output ports coupled to one of the two reference ports of the first switching circuit; 5. The beam switching system of claim 4, further comprising: a second switch having two input ports respectively coupled to the other of the two output ports of the first switch and the other of the two reference ports of the first switching circuit, and an output port coupled to the output port of the first switching circuit.

6. The second switching circuit is a third switch having an input port coupled to an input port of the second switching circuit and one of two output ports coupled to one of the two reference ports of the second switching circuit; 5. The beam switching system of claim 4, further comprising: a fourth switch having two input ports respectively coupled to the other of the two output ports of the third switch and the other of the two reference ports of the second switching circuit, and an output port coupled to the output port of the second switching circuit.

7. The first switching circuit is a first impedance element, one of the output ports of the first switch being coupled to the reference potential port through the first impedance element; 7. The beam switching system of claim 6, further comprising: a second impedance element, one of the input ports of the second switch being coupled to the reference potential port through the second impedance element.

8. The second switching circuit is a third impedance element, one of the output ports of the third switch being coupled to the reference potential port through the third impedance element; 8. The beam switching system of claim 7, further comprising: a fourth impedance element, one of the input ports of the fourth switch being coupled to the reference potential port through the fourth impedance element.

9. The beam switching system of claim 8 , wherein the first impedance element, the second impedance element, the third impedance element, and the fourth impedance element have the same first impedance value.

10. The selection circuit includes:

10. The beam switching system of claim 9, further comprising a power splitter having an input port coupled to the first input port and two output ports coupled to the input port of the first switching circuit and the input port of the second switching circuit, respectively, and a fifth impedance element coupled between the two output ports having a second impedance value that is twice the first impedance value.

11. The selection circuit includes:

5. The beam switching system of claim 4, further comprising a power splitter having an input port coupled to the first input port and two output ports coupled to the input port of the first switching circuit and the input port of the second switching circuit, respectively.

12. The selection circuit further comprises: In a first mode, a third impedance path of a reference potential port and one of the two output ports of the power divider is turned on, and a fourth impedance path of the reference potential port and the other of the two output ports of the power divider is turned off; The beam switching system of claim 11 , wherein in the second mode, the third impedance path and the fourth impedance path are turned off.

13. 12. The beam switching system of claim 11, wherein the power splitter is a Wilkinson power splitter, and the two output ports of the Wilkinson power splitter have the same impedance.

14. 2. The beam switching system of claim 1, wherein the branch line coupler has a phase difference between the signals at the two second output ports in a first mode and has the same phase between the signals at the two second output ports in a second mode.

15. a second selection circuit; and a second branch line coupler; The second selection circuit is a third input port for receiving a second input radio frequency signal having a second phase difference with the input radio frequency signal; and two third output ports; Selecting at least one of the two third output ports to output a second output radio frequency signal; The second branch line coupler includes: two fourth input ports respectively coupled to the two third output ports of the second selection circuit; and 2. The beam switching system of claim 1, further comprising two fourth output ports respectively coupling two of said antennas.

16. the second phase difference is between one of the second output ports and one of the fourth output ports; 16. The beam switching system of claim 15, wherein the second phase difference is between the other of the second output ports and the other of the fourth output ports.

17. Providing a beam switching system according to claim 1; generating a control signal according to a beam direction; and selecting at least one of the two first output ports according to the control signal to output the output radio frequency signal.

18. The step of selecting at least one of the two first output ports according to the control signal to output the output radio frequency signal includes: Selecting one of the two first output ports corresponding to a first reference direction to output the output radio frequency signal; Selecting the other of the two first output ports in response to a second reference direction to output the output radio frequency signal; and selecting two of the first output ports to output the output radio frequency signals corresponding to a third reference direction.

19. The beam switching method of claim 17, further comprising the step of selecting one of a first reference direction, a second reference direction, and a third reference direction as the beam direction, the first reference direction, the second reference direction, and the third reference direction being θ degrees, -θ degrees, and 0 degrees, respectively.

20. The antenna includes two antennas, a selection circuit, and a branch line coupler; The selection circuit includes: a first input port for receiving an input radio frequency signal; and two first output ports; Selecting at least one of the two first output ports to output an output radio frequency signal; The branch line coupler includes: two second input ports respectively coupled to the two first output ports of the selection circuit for receiving the output radio frequency signals; and and two second output ports respectively coupled to the two antennas.

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