High-frequency circuits and antenna modules

Abstract

Regarding the control of beam patterns (antenna directivity), this invention provides a high-frequency circuit and antenna module that can easily improve the precision of the beam direction. [Solution] The high-frequency circuit comprises a plurality of beamformer integrated circuits 14. The beamformer integrated circuit 14 comprises a parameter acquisition unit 38 and a set value acquisition unit 39. The parameter acquisition unit 38 acquires phase shift parameters related to the phase shift of each antenna element 5, which are set in accordance with the direction of the beam-shaped high-frequency signal transmitted and received by each of the plurality of antenna elements 5. The phase shift parameters are acquired based on at least one phase gradient parameter related to the phase difference between adjacent antenna elements 5, the physical position of each of the plurality of antenna elements 5, and a density parameter related to the density of the beam direction of the high-frequency signal. The set value acquisition unit 39 acquires at least a set value of the phase shift of each antenna element according to the phase shift parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-frequency circuit and an antenna module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an integrated circuit that calculates a phase shift parameter corresponding to a desired beam pattern (antenna directivity) of a phased array antenna is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This integrated circuit calculates a phase shift parameter corresponding to a combination of phases and intensities set for each antenna element based on the position of each antenna element and the phase difference between adjacent antenna elements.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in technologies related to the control of the beam pattern (antenna directivity) of a phased array antenna, it is desired to improve the fineness of the beam direction. For example, in the integrated circuit of the above prior art, the interval in the beam direction may be fixed according to physical design conditions such as the arrangement interval of a plurality of antenna elements, and there is a possibility that detailed control of the beam direction becomes difficult.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a high-frequency circuit and an antenna module that can easily improve the fineness of the beam direction with respect to the control of the beam pattern (antenna directivity).

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the related object, the present invention adopts the following aspects. A first aspect of the present invention, a high-frequency circuit (3), comprises a parameter acquisition unit (38) that acquires a phase shift parameter related to the phase shift of each of the plurality of antenna elements (5) based on at least one phase gradient parameter related to the phase difference between adjacent antenna elements set in correspondence with the beam direction of the beam-shaped high-frequency signal transmitted and received by each of the plurality of antenna elements, the physical position of each of the plurality of antenna elements, and a density parameter related to the density of the beam direction, and a setting value acquisition unit (39) that acquires a set value for the phase shift of each of the antenna elements according to the phase shift parameter.

[0007] In a high-frequency circuit according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the high-frequency circuit of the first aspect described above, the parameter acquisition unit may acquire the phase shift parameter based on at least one modified phase gradient parameter and a modified position obtained by the density parameter which acts cancelingly between the phase gradient parameter and the position.

[0008] In the high-frequency circuit according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the high-frequency circuit of the second aspect described above, the parameter acquisition unit may pre-store data of the change position corresponding to the density parameter.

[0009] In the high-frequency circuit according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the high-frequency circuit of the second aspect described above, the parameter acquisition unit may calculate the change position based on the density parameter acquired from an external source and the position stored in advance.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a high-frequency circuit in any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, in which the parameter acquisition unit may acquire the phase shift parameter based on a plurality of density parameters that are set independently for each of the plurality of phase gradient parameters.

[0011] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the high-frequency circuit is one of the high-frequency circuits of the first to fifth aspects described above, in which the set value acquisition unit acquires the set values ​​of the phase shift and intensity of each antenna element according to the phase shift parameter.

[0012] In the high-frequency circuit according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the high-frequency circuits of the first to sixth aspects described above, the parameter acquisition unit may use two's complement representation and fixed-point numbers to obtain the modified phase gradient parameter using the phase gradient parameter and the density parameter.

[0013] In the high-frequency circuit according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the high-frequency circuits of the first to seventh aspects described above, the parameter acquisition unit may express the modified position obtained by the position and density parameters in two's complement representation and fixed-point number.

[0014] In the high-frequency circuit according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the high-frequency circuits of the first to eighth aspects described above, the parameter acquisition unit may perform the acquisition of the phase shift parameters in parallel.

[0015] An antenna module according to the tenth aspect of the present invention comprises a high-frequency circuit (3) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects described above, and a plurality of antenna elements (5) electrically connected to the high-frequency circuit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the first embodiment described above, the beam direction density can be easily controlled by the density parameter. For example, the beam direction density can be changed regardless of the carrier wave radio frequency and the arrangement of antenna elements. By increasing the beam direction density, deviations in the beam arrival position during long-distance communication can be easily suppressed. Even if the beam direction density fluctuates due to changes in the carrier wave radio frequency, appropriate measures such as compensation can be taken using the density parameter.

[0017] In the second embodiment described above, the density parameter cancels out the phase gradient parameter and the position, so the phase shift parameter can be obtained based on the changed phase gradient parameter and the changed position by the same process as when the density parameter is not used.

[0018] In the third embodiment described above, since the data for the change position according to the density parameter is stored in advance, it is possible to suppress an increase in the load required for acquiring the phase shift parameter. This makes it possible to improve the degree of freedom in controlling the beam pattern (antenna directivity) while suppressing a decrease in processing speed or an increase in the scale of the configuration required for processing.

[0019] In the fourth embodiment described above, the change location is calculated using a density parameter obtained from an external source, so that the amount of data to be stored in advance does not increase, and changes in the density parameter can be flexibly accommodated.

[0020] In the fifth embodiment described above, the degree of freedom in controlling the beam pattern (antenna directivity) can be improved by using multiple density parameters that are set independently of multiple phase gradient parameters, without being constrained by the arrangement of multiple antenna elements.

[0021] In the sixth embodiment described above, the degree of freedom in controlling the beam pattern (antenna directivity) can be improved by setting the intensity in addition to the phase shift of each antenna element.

[0022] In the case of the seventh or eighth embodiment described above, by using a fixed-point number in two's complement representation, such as one that includes zero digits after the decimal point, the increase in circuit size and the number of calculation steps can be suppressed. This allows for a reduction in the time required to switch beam patterns while suppressing the increased cost of the circuit configuration.

[0023] In the ninth embodiment described above, the time required to switch beam patterns can be reduced by parallel processing.

[0024] According to the tenth embodiment described above, the precision of the beam direction of the beam-shaped high-frequency signal emitted or received by each of the multiple antenna elements can be easily controlled by a density parameter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of an antenna module and a high-frequency circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of a beamformer integrated circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A figure showing examples of the X and Y coordinates of an array antenna in embodiments and comparative examples of the present invention. [Figure 4] A figure showing examples of how radiated power changes with respect to the angle of an array antenna in embodiments and comparative examples of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows examples of measured and calculated values ​​of the change in radiated power according to the angle of the array antenna at a first predetermined value (=61) for the phase gradient parameter of a modified embodiment of the present invention and the phase gradient parameter of a comparative example. [Figure 6] This figure shows examples of measured and calculated values ​​of the change in radiated power according to the angle of the array antenna at a second predetermined value (=122) for the phase gradient parameter of a modified embodiment of the present invention and the phase gradient parameter of a comparative example. [Figure 7] This figure shows examples of measured and calculated values ​​of the change in radiated power according to the angle of the array antenna at a third predetermined value (=127) for the phase gradient parameter of a modified embodiment of the present invention and the phase gradient parameter of a comparative example. [Figure 8] This figure shows examples of measured and calculated values ​​of the change in radiated power according to the angle of the array antenna at a fourth predetermined value (=-128) for the phase gradient parameter of a modified embodiment of the present invention and the phase gradient parameter of a comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, a high-frequency circuit and antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the antenna module 1 and high-frequency circuit 3 of the embodiment. The antenna module 1 of the embodiment is provided, for example, in a wireless communication device that performs beamforming to change the beam pattern (antenna directivity) in the millimeter-wave band. The antenna module 1 comprises, for example, a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) mounted on the first surface of a substrate, which is one of the two surfaces in the thickness direction of a substrate such as a printed circuit board, and an antenna mounted on the second surface.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the antenna module 1 of this embodiment includes, for example, a high-frequency circuit 3 and an array antenna 7 made up of multiple antenna elements 5. The array antenna 7 is, for example, a so-called phased array antenna, which includes multiple antenna elements 5 arranged in a regular pattern. The high-frequency circuit 3 is, for example, an RF module equipped with a so-called radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC). The high-frequency circuit 3 includes, for example, a frequency conversion integrated circuit (FCIC) 11, a band-pass filter (BPF) 12, a distribution combiner (Σ) 13, and a plurality of beamformer integrated circuits (BFIC) 14.

[0028] The frequency converter integrated circuit (FCIC) 11 includes, for example, a local oscillator (LO) and a mixer. The frequency converter integrated circuit (FCIC) 11 uses, for example, the LO signal generated from the local oscillator to convert the frequency between the RF signal transmitted and received by the array antenna 7 and the IF (intermediate frequency) signal.

[0029] The band-pass filter (BPF) 12, for example, allows a desired frequency band of RF signals transmitted and received by the array antenna 7 to pass through, while blocking signals outside the desired frequency band.

[0030] The distribution combiner (Σ) 13 functions, for example, as a divider for distributing high-frequency signals and a combiner for combining high-frequency signals. The distribution combiner (Σ) 13 distributes, for example, the RF signal output from the band-pass filter (BPF) 12 to multiple beamformer integrated circuits (BFIC) 14. The distribution combiner (Σ) 13 combines the RF signals output from the multiple beamformer integrated circuits (BFIC) 14 and outputs them to the band-pass filter (BPF) 12.

[0031] Each of the multiple beamformer integrated circuits (BFICs) 14 controls, for example, the beam patterns (antenna directivity) of multiple antenna elements 5. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the beamformer integrated circuit (BFIC) 14 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the beamformer integrated circuit (BFIC) 14 is controlled, for example, by an external communication control device 20. The beamformer integrated circuit (BFIC) 14 includes, for example, an antenna control unit 21, a relay circuit 22, and a plurality of front-end circuits 23.

[0032] The antenna control unit 21 controls the operation of the beamformer integrated circuit (BFIC) 14 in response to information input from, for example, an external communication control device 20. For example, the information input to the antenna control unit 21 from the outside includes at least a first phase gradient parameter α and a second phase gradient parameter β, and command information. The antenna control unit 21 inputs the first phase gradient parameter α, the second phase gradient parameter β, and the command information received from, for example, an external communication control device 20 to a plurality of front-end circuits 23.

[0033] The first phase gradient parameter α and the second phase gradient parameter β are parameters related to the phase difference between adjacent antenna elements 5. For example, when multiple antenna elements 5 are arranged in the XY plane along the X, Y, and Z axes that form a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, the first phase gradient parameter α is related to the phase difference in the X-axis direction, and the second phase gradient parameter β is related to the phase difference in the Y-axis direction. For example, as shown in equation (1) below, the first phase gradient parameter α and the second phase gradient parameter β are described by the spacing dx in the X-axis direction and the spacing dy in the Y-axis direction between adjacent antenna elements 5, the wavelength λ of the beam-like high-frequency signal emitted or received by the antenna elements 5, and the first angle θ and second angle φ that define the direction of the beam-like high-frequency signal in the spherical coordinate system. The first angle θ is, for example, the zenith angle θ, which is the angle between the Z-axis and the radial vector. The second angle φ is, for example, the azimuth angle φ, which is the angle between the X-axis and the projection of the radial vector onto the XY plane.

[0034]

number

[0035] The command information is, for example, a command that instructs a change in the density of the direction (beam direction) of the beam-like high-frequency signal emitted or received by the antenna element 5, or information on density parameters related to the density of the beam direction. The density parameters are, for example, a first density parameter γX related to the density in the X-axis direction and a second density parameter γY related to the density in the Y-axis direction.

[0036] The relay circuit 22 includes, for example, a switching unit 31 and a distribution and combining unit (Σ) 32. The switching unit 31 includes, for example, two switches (SW) and two amplifiers connected in antiparallel between the two switches (SW). The switching unit 31 switches the path of the RF signal to either of the two amplifiers. The distribution and combining unit (Σ) 32 functions as both a distributor for distributing high-frequency signals and a combiner for combining high-frequency signals. For example, the distribution and combining unit (Σ) 32 distributes the RF signal output from the switching unit 31 to a plurality of front-end circuits 23. For example, the distribution and combining unit (Σ) 32 combines the RF signals output from the plurality of front-end circuits 23 and outputs them to the switching unit 31.

[0037] Each of the multiple front-end circuits 23 includes, for example, a phase shifter 33, a first switch (SW1) 34 and a second switch (SW2) 35, a transmitting variable gain amplifier 36a and a receiving variable gain amplifier 36b, a power amplifier 37a and a low-noise amplifier 37b, a parameter acquisition unit 38, and a set value acquisition unit 39.

[0038] The phase shifter 33 sets the phase of the RF signal according to the phase shift setting value (phase shift setting value) δ input from the setting value acquisition unit 39, which will be described later. The first switch (SW1) 34 is connected to the phase shifter 33, and the second switch (SW2) 35 is connected to the antenna element 5. The first switch (SW1) 34 and the second switch (SW2) 35 switch, for example, the RF signal transmission path SR and the reception path RR between the phase shifter 33 and the antenna element 5.

[0039] The transmitting variable gain amplifier 36a and power amplifier 37a are connected in series sequentially from the first switch (SW1) 34 to the second switch (SW2) 35 in the transmitting path SR between the first switch (SW1) 34 and the second switch (SW2) 35. The low noise amplifier 37b and receiving variable gain amplifier 36b are connected in series sequentially from the second switch (SW2) 35 to the first switch (SW1) 34 in the receiving path RR between the first switch (SW1) 34 and the second switch (SW2) 35. The transmitting variable gain amplifier 36a and power amplifier 37a and the receiving variable gain amplifier 36b and low noise amplifier 37b are connected in antiparallel between the first switch (SW1) 34 and the second switch (SW2) 35, for example.

[0040] The transmitting variable gain amplifier 36a and the receiving variable gain amplifier 36b set the strength of the RF signal according to, for example, the strength setting value (gain setting value) g input from the setting value acquisition unit 39, which will be described later. The power amplifier 37a, for example, amplifies the RF signal going from the transmitting variable gain amplifier 36a to the second switch (SW2) 35 in the transmitting path SR at a predetermined amplification factor. The low-noise amplifier 37b amplifies, for example, the RF signal going from the second switch (SW2) 35 to the receiving variable gain amplifier 36b in the receiving path RR at a predetermined amplification factor.

[0041] The parameter acquisition unit 38 acquires a phase shift parameter Ψ related to the phase shift of the antenna element 5, for example, according to a first phase gradient parameter α, a second phase gradient parameter β, and command information received from the antenna control unit 21. The parameter acquisition unit 38 calculates the phase shift parameter Ψ based, for example, the first phase gradient parameter α and the second phase gradient parameter β, the physical position of the antenna element 5 stored in advance, and the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY according to the command information. The physical position of the antenna element 5 is, for example, the X and Y coordinates in the XY plane in which the multiple antenna elements 5 are arranged. For example, the position of the antenna element 5 corresponding to an appropriate natural number k among n antenna elements 5 (and front-end circuit 23) based on a predetermined natural number n is the X coordinate x(k) on the X axis and the Y coordinate y(k) on the Y axis.

[0042] The parameter acquisition unit 38 responds to changes or switching of the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY in accordance with command information received from the antenna control unit 21, for example. The parameter acquisition unit 38 may pre-store table data of the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY specified by the command information received from the antenna control unit 21, for example. The parameter acquisition unit 38 may extract information on the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY included in the command information received from the antenna control unit 21, for example.

[0043] The parameter acquisition unit 38 calculates, for example, the first change phase gradient parameter α shown in the above equation (1) using the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY that are appropriately set. E and the second change phase gradient parameter β E and the changed X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C (k) shown in the following equation (2).

[0044]

Equation

[0045] The parameter acquisition unit 38 calculates, for example, the phase shift parameter Ψ(k) corresponding to an appropriate natural number k as shown in the following equation (3) based on the first change phase gradient parameter α E and the second change phase gradient parameter β E shown in the above equation (1), and the changed X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C (k) shown in the above equation (2).

[0046]

Equation

[0047] The parameter acquisition unit 38 calculates the phase shift parameter Ψ(k) by, for example, the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY that act cancelingly between the first phase gradient parameter α and the second phase gradient parameter β, and the X coordinate x(k) and the Y coordinate y(k). For example, as shown in the above equation (1), the first change phase gradient parameter α E and the second change phase gradient parameter β E are calculated by dividing the first phase gradient parameter α and the second phase gradient parameter β by the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY. For example, as shown in the above equation (2), the changed X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C(k) is calculated by multiplying the X-coordinate x(k) and Y-coordinate y(k) for an appropriate natural number k by the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY.

[0048] The first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY are set, for example, to a value less than 1 (γX < 1, γY < 1), thereby increasing the beam directional fineness of the beam-like high-frequency signal emitted or received by the antenna element 5 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively. In this case, the X-coordinate x is changed. C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C (k) is compressed compared to the X coordinate x(k) and Y coordinate y(k). First modified phase gradient parameter α E and the second modified phase gradient parameter β E This is extended compared to the first phase gradient parameter α and the second phase gradient parameter β.

[0049] Each of the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY is set to a value greater than 1, for example (γX > 1, γY > 1), thereby reducing the beam-directional fineness of the beam-like high-frequency signal emitted or received by the antenna element 5 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively. In this case, the X-coordinate x is changed. C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C (k) is stretched compared to the X coordinate x(k) and Y coordinate y(k). First modified phase gradient parameter α E and the second modified phase gradient parameter β E This is compressed compared to the first phase gradient parameter α and the second phase gradient parameter β.

[0050] The setting value acquisition unit 39 acquires, for example, a phase shift setting value δ and an intensity setting value (gain setting value) g according to the phase shift parameter Ψ acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 38. The setting value acquisition unit 39 pre-stores, for example, table data (or map data) that shows the correspondence between the phase shift parameter Ψ and the phase shift setting value (phase shift setting value) δ and the intensity setting value (gain setting value) g. The setting value acquisition unit 39 acquires the phase shift setting value (phase shift setting value) δ and the intensity setting value (gain setting value) g by referring to the pre-stored table data according to the phase shift parameter Ψ input from the parameter acquisition unit 38. The setting value acquisition unit 39 inputs the phase shift setting value (phase shift setting value) δ to the phase shifter 33 and the intensity setting value (gain setting value) g to the transmitting-side variable gain amplifier 36a and the receiving-side variable gain amplifier 36b.

[0051] Figure 3 shows examples of combinations of X and Y coordinates of the array antenna 7 in embodiments and comparative examples. As shown in Figure 3, each of the array antennas 7 in the embodiment and comparative example comprises a total of 64 antenna elements 5 arranged in 8 rows in each of the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The combination of X and Y coordinates of each antenna element 5 in the embodiment is as follows: C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C (k) Position (x C (k), y C (k)) The combination of X and Y coordinates of each antenna element 5 in the comparative example is the position (x(k), y(k)) with respect to the X coordinate x(k) and Y coordinate y(k). The first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY in the embodiment are, for example, 0.5 (γX=γY=0.5). Modified X coordinate x in the embodiment C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C (k) is compressed to half its size compared to the X-coordinate x(k) and Y-coordinate y(k) of the comparative example.

[0052] Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 show examples of how the radiated power changes with respect to the angle of the array antenna 7 in embodiments and comparative examples. The angle of the array antenna 7 is, for example, the first angle θ (zenith angle θ). The horizontal axis corresponds to the first angle θ, and the second angle φ is zero (φ=0°). The direction corresponding to zero (θ=0°) of the first angle θ is the front direction of the array antenna 7, which is the direction perpendicular to the X and Y axes in Figures 4 to 8, i.e., the front direction of the paper. The directions corresponding to the first angle θ=90° and the second angle φ=0° are the same direction as the X axis in Figures 4 to 8. First phase gradient parameter α and first modified phase gradient parameter α E These are set to values ​​such as 0, 61, 102, 122, 127, and -128, respectively. The second angle φ is zero, which determines the second phase gradient parameter β and the second modified phase gradient parameter β. E It is zero. The radiated power is, for example, EIRP (Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power or Effective Isotropically Radiated Power). Figure 4 shows the measured value of the radiated power, and Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 show the measured and calculated values ​​of the radiated power, respectively. In this embodiment, the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY are both 0.5 (γX=γY=0.5).

[0053] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, in this embodiment, the first modified phase gradient parameter α E For each of these values, unimodality is observed in the radiated power due to a single peak. For example, while unimodality is not observed in the comparative example when the first phase gradient parameter α is 122, 127, and -128, in the embodiment the first modified phase gradient parameter α E Unimodality of radiated power is observed when the values ​​are 122, 127, and -128. In the embodiment, the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY are each 0.5 (γX=γY=0.5), so the case where the first phase gradient parameter α in the comparative example is 61 and the first modified phase gradient parameter α in the embodiment are different.E It can be observed that the radiated power pattern is similar whether the value is 122 or not.

[0054] As described above, according to the high-frequency circuit 3 and antenna module 1 of the embodiment, the precision of the beam direction of the beam-shaped high-frequency signal (beam) emitted or received by each of the multiple antenna elements 5 can be easily controlled by the respective density parameters γX and γY. First modified phase gradient parameter α E and the second modified phase gradient parameter β E This reduces the number of invalid combinations and increases the number of usable beam patterns. For example, the beam direction density can be changed regardless of the carrier wave radio frequency and the arrangement of the antenna elements 5. By increasing the beam direction density, deviations in the beam arrival position during long-distance communication can be easily suppressed. Even if the beam direction density fluctuates due to changes in the carrier wave radio frequency, appropriate measures such as cancellation can be taken using the respective density parameters γX and γY.

[0055] Each density parameter γX, γY acts canceling out each phase gradient parameter α, β and each coordinate x(k), y(k), so each modified phase gradient parameter α E ,β E and change the X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C Based on (k), the phase shift parameter Ψ(k) can be obtained by the same process as when the density parameters γX and γY are not used.

[0056] Change X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C If (k) is calculated, for example, by the density parameters γX and γY corresponding to the command information received from the antenna control unit 21, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the density parameters γX and γY while suppressing an increase in the amount of data to be stored in advance.

[0057] (modified version) Modified examples of the embodiments are described below. Note that parts identical to those in the embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified. In the embodiment described above, the parameter acquisition unit 38 may acquire the phase shift parameter Ψ(k) based on density parameters γX and γY, which are set independently for each phase gradient parameter α and β. For example, by using different density parameters γX and γY, the degree of freedom in controlling the beam pattern (antenna directivity) can be improved without being constrained by the arrangement of the multiple antenna elements 5.

[0058] For example, if an array antenna 7 has a total of 256 antenna elements 5 arranged in 8 rows in the X-axis direction and 32 rows in the Y-axis direction, and the spacings dx and dy in the X-axis and Y-axis directions are the same, the shape of the array antenna 7 will be longer in the Y-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. In this case, if the output of all antenna elements 5 is the same, a high-frequency signal (beam) with a narrower beam width will be obtained in the Y-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. Therefore, if the beam direction cannot be swung more precisely in the Y-axis direction, regions that cannot be illuminated by the beam are likely to occur. To address this problem, for example, by making the first density parameter γX greater than 1 (γX>1) and the second density parameter γY less than 1 (γY<1), the precision of the beam direction can be reduced in the X-axis direction and increased in the Y-axis direction. By decreasing the number of stages in which the beam direction can be swung in the X-axis direction and increasing it in the Y-axis direction, the required change phase gradient parameters α can be adjusted. E ,β E This can suppress the increase in the amount of data.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, the parameter acquisition unit 38 uses the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY corresponding to the command information received from the antenna control unit 21 to change the X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C Although it is stated that (k) will be calculated, it is not limited to this. For example, the parameter acquisition unit 38 will calculate the changed X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y CThe data for (k) may be stored in advance. For example, "in advance" means before receiving the beam switching command. For example, the changed X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C The data in (k) may be stored at the time of factory shipment, or it may be received from an external source as an initial setting value each time the beamformer integrated circuit (BFIC) 14 is started up, or it may be updated periodically while the beamformer integrated circuit (BFIC) 14 is operating. This suppresses the increase in the load required for acquiring the phase shift parameter Ψ(k). It also improves the degree of freedom in controlling the beam pattern (antenna directivity) while suppressing a decrease in processing speed or an increase in the scale of the configuration required for processing.

[0060] For example, the X coordinate x changes as the density parameters γX and γY are changed according to the carrier wave radio frequency. C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C By changing (k), each changed phase gradient parameter α E ,β E Even when changing the radio frequency without altering the beam pattern, the same beam direction can be obtained. For example, change the X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C By changing (k), it is possible to compensate for the change in the spacing of the beam directions that can be changed due to the change in radio frequency. This allows for, for example, when different radio frequencies are used for transmission and reception, each change in phase gradient parameter α E ,β EThis eliminates the need for adjustments. For example, in an array antenna 7 optimized for 28GHz communication, if a 26GHz signal is input, the achievable beam density becomes coarser. In this case, by setting each density parameter γX and γY to less than 1 (γX<1, γY<1), the same beam direction as in the 28GHz case can be obtained. On the other hand, for example, in an array antenna 7 optimized for 28GHz communication, if a 30GHz signal is input, the achievable beam density becomes finer. In this case, by setting each density parameter γX and γY to greater than 1 (γX>1, γY>1), the same beam direction as in the 28GHz case can be obtained.

[0061] For example, change the X coordinate x as needed. C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C By changing (k), when the base station searches for a mobile object during communication between the mobile object and the base station, the beam can be swung over a wide area with coarse beam direction switching. On the other hand, in the case of high-speed communication between the searched mobile object and the base station, communication can be performed with fine beam direction switching.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, the parameter acquisition unit 38 uses the first phase gradient parameter α and the second phase gradient parameter β received from the antenna control unit 21, and the first density parameter γX and the second density parameter γY corresponding to the command information, to determine each modified phase gradient parameter α E ,β E Although it is stated that the calculation will be performed, it is not limited to this. For example, the parameter acquisition unit 38 will calculate each modified phase gradient parameter α instead of each phase gradient parameter α,β. E ,β E The antenna control unit 21 may receive this. In this case, the parameter acquisition unit 38 uses the table data of each density parameter γX, γY specified by the command information or each density parameter γX, γY extracted from the command information, as in the embodiment described above, to change the X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C (k) may also be calculated. Furthermore, the parameter acquisition unit 38, as in the modified example described above, changes the X coordinate xC (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C The data for (k) may be stored in advance. The X coordinate x is changed. C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C The data in (k) may be, for example, individual data set for each combination of the parameter acquisition unit 38 and the antenna element 5, or it may be table data corresponding to multiple combinations of the parameter acquisition unit 38 and the antenna element 5. For example, in the case of table data, each parameter acquisition unit 38 may receive information from the antenna control unit 21 that specifies a particular combination of the parameter acquisition unit 38 and the antenna element 5.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, the parameter acquisition unit 38 acquires each modified phase gradient parameter α E ,β E This may be expressed as two's complement or as a fixed-point number. In the embodiment described above, the parameter acquisition unit 38 changes the X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C (k) may be represented in two's complement or as a fixed-point number. For example, Table 1 below shows the X coordinate x changed in decimal. C (1) = 0.5 and change the Y coordinate y C (1) When = 1.25, each modified phase gradient parameter α E ,β E This is an example showing the changes in the phase shift parameter Ψ(1) and the phase shift setting value (phase shift setting value) δ in decimal form in response to a change in [the specified parameter]. Note that each of the modified phase gradient parameters α E ,β E and change the X coordinate x C (1) and the changed Y coordinate y C Each of (1) has, for example, a 4-digit integer part and a 2-digit fractional part in binary. As a result, the correspondence between binary and decimal numbers is, for example, 0000.00(2) = 0.0(10) and 1111.11(2) = -0.25(10). The maximum value is 0111.11(2) = 7.75(10), and the minimum value is 1000.00(2) = -8.00(10). Each modified phase gradient parameter α E ,βE and change the X coordinate x C (k) and the changed Y coordinate y C If (k) is a fixed-point number, the decimal point information can be standardized in the design. For example, in communication between the communication control device 20 and the antenna control unit 21, the decimal point information can be omitted, and 1111.11(2) can be transmitted as 111111(2).

[0064] [Table 1]

[0065] In Table 1 above, for example, the phase shift parameter Ψ(1) 0000.00(2)=0.0(10) corresponds to a phase shift setting value δ of 0.0°, and the phase shift parameter Ψ(k) 1111.11(2)=-0.25(10) corresponds to a phase shift setting value δ of approximately 5.6°. The maximum value of the phase shift parameter Ψ(1) 0111.11(2)=7.75(10) corresponds to a phase shift setting value δ of approximately 174.4°, and the minimum value of the phase shift parameter Ψ(1) 1000.00(2)=-8.00(10) corresponds to a phase shift setting value δ of -180.0°. For example, the parameter acquisition unit 38 obtains the phase shift parameter Ψ(1) = 1000.00(2) by discarding the higher digits when an overflow occurs, such as when the phase shift parameter Ψ(1) = 111000.00(2). This results in a phase shift setting value δ = -180.0°. The phase shift setting value δ is in the range of -180° to +180°, for example, +370° is equivalent to +10°. Since higher digits can be discarded, including in the intermediate calculations, for example, the phase shift setting value δ becomes +45° = +405° = +1845° = -315°. In Table 1 above, overflows are not discarded during the intermediate calculations, but for example, y C (1) × β E =-10(10)=10110.00(2) By discarding the overflow, y C (1) × βE Even if it is set to 0110.00(2), the phase shift parameter Ψ(1) = -4.0 + 6.0 = +2.0, and the phase shift setting value (phase shift setting value) δ = 45.0°. In Table 1 above, α E = 7.75(10), x C (1) The product of 0.5(10) is taken as 3.75(10), and the third and fourth digits after the decimal point are rounded off in binary. The product without rounding off is 3.875(10). The rounding off after the decimal point may be appropriately and freely set by a designer or the like so as to ensure the desired accuracy required by, for example, the setting value acquisition unit 39.

[0066] As described above, each modified phase gradient parameter α E , β E as well as the modified X coordinate x C (k) and the modified Y coordinate y C (k) are set as fixed-point decimal numbers in two's complement representation including, for example, a number with zero digits after the decimal point, thereby suppressing an increase in circuit scale and the number of arithmetic processing steps. It is possible to shorten the time required for switching the beam pattern while suppressing an increase in the cost required for the circuit configuration. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the plurality of parameter acquisition units 38 may execute the acquisition of the phase shift parameter Ψ(k) in parallel. The time required for switching the beam pattern can be shortened by parallel processing.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the setting value acquisition unit 39 is assumed to acquire the phase shift setting value (phase shift setting value) δ and the intensity setting value (gain setting value) g according to the phase shift parameter Ψ, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the setting value acquisition unit 39 may acquire only the phase shift setting value (phase shift setting value) δ according to the phase shift parameter Ψ.

[0068] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1... Antenna module, 3... High-frequency circuit, 5... Antenna element, 7... Array antenna, 11... Frequency conversion integrated circuit (FCIC), 12... Bandpass filter (BPF), 13... Distribution combiner (Σ), 14... Beamformer integrated circuit (BFIC), 20... Communication control device, 21... Antenna control unit, 22... Relay circuit, 23... Front-end circuit, 31... Switching unit, 32... Distribution combiner (Σ), 33... Phase shifter, 34... First switch (SW1), 35... Second switch (SW2), 36a... Transmitter side variable gain amplifier, 36b... Receiver side variable gain amplifier, 37a... Power amplifier, 37b... Low-noise amplifier, 38... Parameter acquisition unit, 39... Set value acquisition unit.

Claims

1. A phase gradient parameter is set in accordance with the beam direction of the beam-shaped high-frequency signals transmitted and received by each of the multiple antenna elements, and is related to the phase difference between adjacent antenna elements. The physical position of each of the multiple antenna elements, The density parameter related to the fineness in the beam direction and Based on this, a parameter acquisition unit acquires phase shift parameters related to the phase shift of each antenna element, A setting value acquisition unit acquires a setting value for the phase shift of each antenna element according to the phase shift parameter. Equipped with High-frequency circuits.

2. The parameter acquisition unit, The phase shift parameter is obtained based on at least one modified phase gradient parameter and modified position, which are obtained by the density parameter acting canceling out the phase gradient parameter and the position. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1.

3. The parameter acquisition unit, The data for the change position corresponding to the density parameter is stored in advance. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 2.

4. The parameter acquisition unit, The modified position is calculated using the density parameter obtained from an external source and the position stored in advance. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 2.

5. The parameter acquisition unit, The phase shift parameter is obtained based on a plurality of density parameters, each of which is set independently for each of the plurality of phase gradient parameters. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned setting value acquisition unit, The phase shift and intensity settings of each antenna element are obtained according to the phase shift parameter. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1.

7. The parameter acquisition unit, The modified phase gradient parameter obtained from the aforementioned phase gradient parameter and density parameter is expressed in two's complement and fixed-point form. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1.

8. The parameter acquisition unit, The modified position obtained by the aforementioned position and density parameter is expressed in two's complement representation and fixed-point number format. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1.

9. The parameter acquisition unit, The acquisition of the aforementioned phase shift parameters is performed in parallel. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1.

10. A high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Multiple antenna elements electrically connected to the aforementioned high-frequency circuit Equipped with Antenna module.

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