Phase shifter, wireless device, and method of phase shifting

Abstract

To provide a device of a phase shifter with a switch-type transmission load, and a method of a phase shifter.SOLUTION: A phase shifter 210 includes a first port, a first controllable reflection load 201, a second port, a second controllable reflection load 202, and a pair of connecting lines 200 electromagnetically connected to each other. The pair of connecting lines include: a first conductive line 203 between the first port and the first controllable reflection load 201; and a second conductive line 204 between the second controllable reflection load 202 and the second port. At least one of the first controllable reflection load 201 and the second controllable reflection load 202 includes a switch-type transmission load.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic systems, and more particularly to radio frequency (RF) electronic devices. do. [Background technology]

[0002] A phase shifter controls the phase of an RF signal that is transmitted or received wirelessly through an antenna. It is used in RF communication systems.

[0003] Examples of RF communication systems that include one or more phase shifters include mobile phones, tablets, and base stations. Stations, network access points, customer premises equipment (CPE), laptops, and web This includes, but is not limited to, compatible electronic devices, such as cellular standards, wireless local area networks, Wireless LAN (WLAN) standard, and / or any other suitable communication standard. In wireless devices that receive signals, power amplifiers are often used to amplify RF signals. RF signals can be used, for example, in 5G communications using Frequency Range 1 (FR1). The range from approximately 410 MHz to approximately 7.125 GHz, or Frequency Range 2 (FR2), for About 30, such as the range of about 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz for 5G communications. It may have a frequency in the range of kHz to 300 GHz. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a phase shifter. The phase shifter includes a first port and a second port. a second port; a first transmission line and a first plurality of shunts connected along the first transmission line; The first controllable reflective load including the switch and the second controllable reflective load are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The pair of coupled wires connects the first port to the first controllable reflection load. a first conductive line connected between the second controllable reflective load and the second port; 2 conductive wires.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first controllable reflective load further comprises a first controllable reflective load on the first side of the first transmission line. a first ground conductor on the second side of the first transmission line and a second ground conductor on the second side of the first transmission line. According to this embodiment, the first plurality of shunt switches each comprise a pair of field effect transistors. A pair of field-effect transistors is implemented as a first transmission line and a first ground conductor. a first field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor; and a second field effect transistor connected to the

[0006] In some embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches are It is closed based on the phase shift setting.

[0007] In various embodiments, the first port receives a radio frequency input signal and the second port receives a A phase shifted radio frequency output signal is provided.

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

[0009] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches are spaced a fixed distance from each other. The first transmission line is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points.

[0010] In various embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches are at non-uniform distances from one another. The first transmission line is connected at a plurality of points. The distance between adjacent pairs of points gradually decreases along the length of the first transmission line.

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

[0012] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches each have a different size. According to certain embodiments, the size of the first plurality of shunt transistors is 1. Gradually increasing along the length of the transmission line.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the first transmission line includes a plurality of serpentine sections. According to an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of serpentine sections includes a loop.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second controllable reflective load is connected to the second transmission line. and a second plurality of shunt switches connected along the

[0015] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further comprises a hybrid comprising a pair of bonded wires. Includes a coupler.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device. and a front-end system coupled to the transceiver. The system includes a phase shifter, the phase shifter having a first port, a second port, a first transmission line, and a and a first controllable reflector including a first plurality of shunt switches connected along the first transmission line. The controllable reflective load includes a reflective load, a second controllable reflective load, and a pair of coupled wires that are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The pair of coupled wires includes a first conductive wire connected between the first port and the first controllable reflective load; A second conductive line connected between the second controllable reflective load and the second port.

[0017] In various embodiments, the first controllable reflective load is further on the first side of the first transmission line. The first transmission line includes a first ground conductor and a second ground conductor on a second side of the first transmission line. According to an embodiment, the first plurality of shunt switches each include a pair of field effect transistors. The pair of field-effect transistors are implemented as a pair of transistors connected between the first transmission line and the first ground conductor. a first field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor; and a second field effect transistor connected to the first field effect transistor.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches are It is closed based on the phase shift setting.

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

[0020] In various embodiments, the second port receives a radio frequency input signal and the first port: A phase shifted radio frequency output signal is provided.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches are spaced a fixed distance from each other. The first transmission line is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches are arranged at non-uniform distances from each other. In a number of embodiments, the first transmission line is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points. The distance between adjacent pairs of points gradually decreases along the length of the first transmission line.

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

[0024] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches each have a different size. According to certain embodiments, the size of the first plurality of shunt transistors is 1. Gradually increasing along the length of the transmission line.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the first transmission line includes a plurality of serpentine sections. According to an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of serpentine sections includes a loop.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second controllable reflective load is connected to the second transmission line. and a second plurality of shunt switches connected along the

[0027] In various embodiments, the phase shifter further comprises a hybrid coupling including a pair of coupled wires. Includes vessels.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of phase shifting, the method comprising: receiving a radio frequency input signal at a first controllable reflective load; and controlling the second controllable reflective load to adjust the phase shift of the radio frequency output signal at the second port. The first controllable reflective load includes a first transmission line and a second controllable reflective load along the first transmission line. and a first plurality of shunt switches connected to each other. providing a coupling between the conductive line and the second conductive line, the first conductive line connecting the first port to the first controllable a second conductive line between the second controllable reflecting load and the second port; Connected.

[0029] In various embodiments, the first controllable reflective load is further on the first side of the first transmission line. a first ground conductor and a second ground conductor on a second side of the first transmission line. According to an embodiment, the first plurality of shunt switches each include a pair of field effect transistors. The pair of field-effect transistors are connected to the first transmission line and the first ground conductor. a first field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor; and a second field effect transistor connected to the first field effect transistor.

[0030] In a number of embodiments, the method further comprises: 1. Closing one or more of the plurality of shunt switches.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches are spaced a fixed distance from each other. The first transmission line is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points.

[0032] In various embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches are at non-uniform distances from one another. The first transmission line is connected at a plurality of points. The distance between adjacent pairs of points gradually decreases along the length of the first transmission line.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches each have a common size It has.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches each have a different size. According to various embodiments, the size of the first plurality of shunt transistors is It increases gradually along the length of the transmission line.

[0035] In a number of embodiments, the first transmission line includes a plurality of serpentine sections. According to an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of serpentine sections includes a loop.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second controllable reflective load is connected to the second transmission line. and a second plurality of shunt switches connected along the

[0037] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further comprises a hybrid comprising a pair of bonded wires. Includes a coupler.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a phase shifter, the phase shifter including a combiner; The coupler has an input terminal, a through terminal, and a resistor connected between the input terminal and the through terminal. a first coupling line, an isolation terminal, a coupling terminal, and a and a second coupled line connected between the input terminal of the coupler and the second coupled line. an input port configured to be connected to the coupler to receive a radio frequency input signal; a radio frequency output connected to the sum terminal and having a phase shift relative to the radio frequency input signal; an output port configured to output a signal; and a first control port connected to a through terminal of the coupler. The first controllable reflective load includes a transmission line and a ground voltage. and a plurality of shunt switches connected between different points on the transmission line, A number of shunt switches are selectable to control the phase shift.

[0039] In various embodiments, the first controllable reflective load further comprises a first controllable reflective load on a first side of the transmission line. and a second ground conductor on a second side of the transmission line. According to the paper, multiple shunt switches are implemented as a pair of field-effect transistors. The pair of field-effect transistors are connected between the first transmission line and the first ground conductor. a first field-effect transistor and a second field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor; and field effect transistors.

[0040] In some embodiments, the plurality of shunt switches may comprise a plurality of non-uniformly spaced shunt switches. According to a number of embodiments, the transmission line is connected to a plurality of points adjacent to each other. The distance between the contact pairs gradually decreases along the length of the transmission line.

[0041] In various embodiments, the plurality of shunt switches each have a different size. According to certain embodiments, the size of the plurality of shunt transistors is determined based on the length of the first transmission line. It gradually increases along the length.

[0042] In some embodiments, the transmission line includes multiple serpentine sections. According to an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of serpentine sections includes a loop.

[0043] In a number of embodiments, the phase shifter is further connected to the isolation terminal of the coupler. and a second controllable reflective load connected to the first controllable reflective load.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device. and a front-end system coupled to the transceiver. The system includes a phase shifter, the phase shifter includes a combiner, and the combiner is connected to a radio frequency input. an input terminal configured to receive a signal, a through terminal, the input terminal and the through terminal; a first coupling line connected between the first and second isolation terminals; a coupling terminal configured to output a radio frequency output signal having a phase shift with respect to the and a second coupling line connected between the isolation terminal and the coupling terminal. The coupler further includes a first controllable reflection load connected to the through terminal of the coupler, the first controllable reflection load Controllable reflective loads are connected to a transmission line, each of which is connected to ground voltage at different points along the line. and a plurality of shunt switches connected between the It is selectable to control the phase shift.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first controllable reflective load is further on the first side of the transmission line. A first ground conductor and a second ground conductor on a second side of the transmission line. According to the present invention, each of the shunt switches is implemented as a pair of field-effect transistors. The pair of field-effect transistors are connected between the first transmission line and the first ground conductor. a first field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor; 2 field effect transistors.

[0046] In various embodiments, the shunt switches are arranged at a plurality of non-uniformly spaced points. According to some embodiments, adjacent points of a plurality of points are connected to the transmission line. The distance between the pairs gradually decreases along the length of the transmission line.

[0047] In some embodiments, the plurality of shunt switches each have a different size. According to certain embodiments, the size of the plurality of shunt transistors is gradually increases along the length of

[0048] In some embodiments, the portable device further comprises an isolation terminal of the coupler. a second controllable reflective load connected to the

[0049] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of phase shifting, the method comprising: receiving a radio frequency input signal at the terminal. The method further comprises: providing a coupling from a coupling line to a second coupling line of the coupler, the first coupling line being and a through terminal of the coupler, and the second coupling line is connected between the input terminal of the coupler and the through terminal of the coupler. The method further comprises connecting the isolation terminal of the coupler to the coupling terminal of the coupler. providing a radio frequency output signal from a coupling terminal, the radio frequency output signal being a radio frequency The method further comprises connecting a through terminal of the coupler to the through terminal of the coupler. and controlling the phase shift using a first controllable reflective load, which is selecting one or more of a plurality of shunt switches of a controllable reflective load, The shunt switches each control the ground voltage and the first controllable reflective load along the transmission line. It is connected between the points.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method further comprises connecting the isolation terminal of the coupler. and controlling a second controllable reflective load.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a phase shifter, the phase shifter comprising: a first port; a second port, a first controllable reflective load, and a second controllable reflective load; The irradiance load includes a first transmission line and a first plurality of shunt switches connected along the first transmission line. The phase shifter further includes a pair of coupled wires that are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The coupling wire includes a first conductive wire connected between the first port and the first controllable reflective load, and a second controllable reflective load. and a second conductive line connected between the possible reflective load and the second port.

[0052] In various embodiments, the second controllable reflective load is further on the first side of the first transmission line. a first ground conductor and a second ground conductor on a second side of the first transmission line. According to an embodiment, the first plurality of shunt switches each include a pair of field effect transistors. The pair of field-effect transistors are connected to the first transmission line and the first ground conductor. a first field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor; and a second field effect transistor connected to the first field effect transistor.

[0053] In certain embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches are It is closed based on the phase shift setting.

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

[0055] In some embodiments, the second port receives a radio frequency input signal and the first port provides a phase shifted radio frequency output signal.

[0056] In various embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches comprises a plurality of shunt switches spaced a fixed distance from each other. The first transmission line is connected to the second transmission line at several points.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches are arranged at non-uniform distances from each other. In a number of embodiments, the first transmission line is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points. The distance between adjacent pairs of points gradually decreases along the length of the first transmission line.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches each have a common size It has.

[0059] In a number of embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches each have a different size. According to some embodiments, the size of the first plurality of shunt transistors is 1. Gradually increasing along the length of the transmission line.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the first transmission line includes a plurality of serpentine sections. According to an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of serpentine sections includes a loop.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first controllable reflective load is connected to the second transmission line. and a second plurality of shunt switches connected along the

[0062] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further comprises a hybrid comprising a pair of bonded wires. Includes a coupler.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device. and a front-end system coupled to the transceiver. The system includes a phase shifter, the phase shifter having a first port, a second port, a first controllable reflector, a second controllable reflective load including a load, a first transmission line, and a first The phase shifter further includes a pair of shunt switches that are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The pair of coupled wires is connected between the first port and the first controllable reflection load. a first conductive line and a second conductive line connected between the second controllable reflective load and the second port; nothing.

[0064] In various embodiments, the second controllable reflective load is further on the first side of the first transmission line. The first transmission line includes a first ground conductor and a second ground conductor on a second side of the first transmission line. According to an embodiment, the first plurality of shunt switches each include a pair of field effect transistors. The pair of field-effect transistors are implemented as a pair of transistors connected between the first transmission line and the first ground conductor. a first field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor; and a second field effect transistor connected to the first field effect transistor.

[0065] In some embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of shunt switches are It is closed based on the phase shift setting.

[0066] In various embodiments, the first port receives a radio frequency input signal and the second port receives a A phase shifted radio frequency output signal is provided.

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

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

[0069] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches are arranged at non-uniform distances from each other. In a number of embodiments, the first transmission line is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points. The distance between adjacent pairs of points gradually decreases along the length of the first transmission line.

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

[0071] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches each have a different size. According to some embodiments, the size of the first plurality of shunt transistors is: It gradually increases along the length of the first transmission line.

[0072] In a number of embodiments, the first transmission line includes a plurality of serpentine sections. According to an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of serpentine sections includes a loop.

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

[0074] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further comprises a hybrid comprising a pair of bonded wires. Includes a coupler.

[0075] In certain embodiments, a method of phase shifting is provided. The method includes: receiving a radio frequency input signal through a first controllable reflective load and Controlling the second controllable reflective load to shift the phase of the radio frequency output signal at the second port. a first controllable reflective load connected to the first transmission line along the first transmission line; and a first plurality of shunt switches connected to the first conductive pair of coupled wires. and providing a coupling between the first conductive line and a second conductive line, the first conductive line being coupled to the first port and a first controllable reverse. a second conductive line connected between the second controllable reflective load and the second port; will be done.

[0076] In some embodiments, a second controllable reflective load further comprises a first controllable reflective load on the first side of the first transmission line. and a second ground conductor on a second side of the first transmission line. According to some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches each comprise a pair of field effect transistors. A pair of field-effect transistors are connected to the first transmission line and the first ground conductor. a first field effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor; and a second field effect transistor connected therebetween.

[0077] In a number of embodiments, the method further comprises: 1. Closing one or more of the plurality of shunt switches.

[0078] In various embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches comprises a plurality of shunt switches spaced a fixed distance from each other. The first transmission line is connected to the second transmission line at several points.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches are arranged at non-uniform distances from each other. In a number of embodiments, the first transmission line is connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points. The distance between adjacent pairs of points gradually decreases along the length of the first transmission line.

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

[0081] In some embodiments, the first plurality of shunt switches each have a different size. According to certain embodiments, the size of the first plurality of shunt transistors is 1. Gradually increasing along the length of the transmission line.

[0082] In some embodiments, the transmission line includes a plurality of serpentine sections. According to an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of serpentine sections includes a loop.

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

[0084] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further comprises a hybrid comprising a pair of bonded wires. Includes a coupler. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0085] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication network. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a communication system operating with beamforming. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of beamforming to provide a transmit beam. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of beamforming to provide receive beams. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a phase shifter according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mobile device. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an RF channel according to an embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an RF channel according to another embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a module that operates with beamforming. [Figure 10B] 10B is a cross-section of the module of FIG. 10A taken along line 10B-10B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0087] The following detailed description of certain embodiments provides various descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovations described herein are, for example, as defined and covered by the claims. The present invention can be embodied in many different ways, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Reference is made to the drawings in which numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It is further understood that elements shown on the diagram are not necessarily to scale. The embodiments may include more elements and / or portions of elements than are shown in the drawings. Furthermore, some embodiments may include any combination of features from two or more figures. It may also include suitable combinations.

[0088] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that regulates the world of radio frequency spectrum. It is responsible for global issues relating to information and communications technology, including the sharing of information and communications technologies.

[0089] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a joint venture between the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB), Telecommunications Technology Committee (TTC), China Communications Standards Association (CCSA), Telecommunications Industry Solutions Alliance for Telecommunications Standards (ATIS), Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) ), Telecommunications Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI), and other telecommunications standards bodies around the world. It is a collaborative project between groups.

[0090] 3GPP is a group of organisations within the ITU that are involved in, for example, second generation (2G) technologies (e.g. Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Registered trademark) and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolut ion (EDGE)), third generation (3G) technologies (e.g. Universal Mobile e Telecommunications System (UMTS) and High High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), fourth generation (4G) technology (e.g. Various mobile networks, including Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE Advanced, are supported. Develop and maintain technical specifications for dynamic communication technologies.

[0091] Technical specifications maintained by 3GPP may be extended and revised through specification releases. This specification release has been around for many years and has included a wide range of new features and evolutions. may be specified.

[0092] In one example, 3GPP has announced carrier aggregation for LTE in Release 10. 3GPP initially introduced two downlink carriers. However, Release 14 allows up to five downlink carriers and up to three uplink carriers. New features and functionality provided by 3GPP releases have been added. Other examples of evolution include License Assisted Access (LAA), Enhanced LAA ( eLAA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IOT), Vehicle-to-E including but not limited to: Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), and High Power User Equipment (HPUE) do not have.

[0093] 3GPP introduced Phase 1 of fifth-generation (5G) technology in Release 15, Phase 2 of 5G technology was introduced in 3GPP's 5G LTE release 16. Subsequent 3GPP releases The technology will further evolve and expand. 5G technology is here called 5G New Radio (N Also called R).

[0094] 5GNR offers millimeter wave spectrum communications, beamforming capabilities, and high-speed Frequency-efficient waveforms, low-latency communications, multiple radio numerologies, and / or non-orthogonal multiple access It supports or will support various features such as NOMA access. Although the F feature provides network flexibility and increases user data rates ,Supporting such features presents a number of technical challenges.

[0095] The teachings herein are applicable to LTE Advanced, LTE Advanced Pro and / or 5G NR. Many communication systems, including but not limited to, those using advanced cellular technologies such as It is applicable to a variety of communication systems.

[0096] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication network 10. The communication network 10 includes: Includes various examples of macrocell base stations 1, small cell base stations 3, and user equipment (UE). The user equipment (UE) may include a first mobile device 2a, a wirelessly connected vehicle 2b, a laptop 2c, , a stationary wireless device 2d, a wirelessly connected train 2e, a second portable device 2f, and a third portable device Includes 2g of chair.

[0097] Although specific examples of base stations and user equipment are shown in FIG. 1, the communication network , may include a wide variety of types and / or numbers of base stations and user equipment.

[0098] For example, in the illustrated example, the communication network 10 includes a macrocell base station 1 and a small The small cell base station 3 has a relatively low may operate with lower power, shorter distances, and / or fewer simultaneous users. The communication network 10 may be called a femtocell, a picocell, or a microcell. Although shown to include a number of base stations, communication network 10 may include many more. The implementation may include fewer or fewer base stations and / or other types of base stations.

[0099] Although various examples of user equipment are shown, the teachings herein are applicable to mobile phones, tablets, Laptops, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearables Electronic equipment, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), wirelessly connected vehicles, wireless relays, and / or miscellaneous is applicable to a wide variety of user equipment, including but not limited to other communication devices Additionally, the user equipment may be equipped with currently available communication devices operating in a cellular network. the systems of the present invention as described and claimed herein, as well as the devices; This includes any subsequently developed communication devices that can be readily implemented in the processes, methods and devices. nothing.

[0100] The example communication network 10 of FIG. 1 may include various services including, for example, 4G LTE and 5G NR. In certain implementations, the communications network 1 0 also provides wireless local area networks (WLANs) like WiFi. Although various examples of communication technologies have been given, The network 10 can be adapted to support a wide variety of communication technologies.

[0101] Various communication links of a communication network 10 are depicted in FIG. This may include using frequency division duplexing (FDD) and / or time division duplexing (TDD). FDD can be duplexed in a variety of ways, including FDD is a type of radio frequency communication that uses different frequencies for transmitting and receiving. This can provide certain advantages such as higher data rates and lower latency. In contrast, TDD is a type of radio frequency (RF) modulation that uses roughly the same frequency for transmitting and receiving signals. TDD is a method of communication in which transmission and reception alternate at different times. It provides a number of advantages, such as efficient use of the It can be done.

[0102] In certain implementations, user equipment may be equipped with one or more of 4G LTE, 5G NR, and WiFi technologies. In certain implementations, the enhanced radar may be used to communicate with the base station. License-assisted access (eLAA) is a method for accessing one or more licensed frequency keys. carriers (e.g., licensed 4G LTE and / or 5G NR frequencies) with one or more unlicensed Used to aggregate with licensed carriers (e.g. unlicensed WiFi spectrum).

[0103] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication link includes not only the communication link between the UE and the base station, but also This includes UE-to-UE communication and base station-to-base station communication. Self-flow (e.g., between mobile device 412g and mobile device 412f) It can be implemented to support self-backhaul and / or self-centering.

[0104] The communication link may operate over a wide variety of frequencies. and / or over one or more frequency bands below 6 gigahertz (GHz). Supported using 5GNR technology across one or more frequency bands above 6GHz For example, a communication link may be configured to operate in Frequency Range 1 (FR1), Frequency Range 2 (FR2), or A combination of these may be provided. In one embodiment, one or more of the mobile devices supports the HPUE power class specification.

[0105] In certain implementations, the base station and / or user equipment may use beamforming to For example, beamforming is associated with communication over high signal frequencies. It can be used to converge signal strength to overcome path loss, such as high loss due to In certain embodiments, one or more user devices, such as mobile phones, may be configured to operate within a 30 GHz to In the millimeter wave frequency band in the range of 300 GHz and / or 6 GHz to 30 GHz Hz, specifically in the upper centimeter wave frequency range of 24 GHz to 30 GHz, Communicate using beamforming.

[0106] Different users of the communication network 10 may use available resources, such as available frequency spectrum. Available network resources can be shared in a wide variety of ways.

[0107] In one example, frequency division multiplexing is used to divide a frequency band into multiple frequency carriers. In addition, more than one carrier may be assigned to a particular user. Examples of FDMA are Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) and Orthogonal FDMA. OFDMA is a technique that uses multiple available bandwidths. This is a multi-carrier technology that divides a signal into mutually orthogonal narrowband subcarriers. can be assigned separately to users.

[0108] Another example of shared access is assigning users specific time slots to use frequency resources. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) where a unique code is assigned to each user. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) which shares frequency resources among different users by Spatial division multiplexing (SDM) is used to provide shared access by spatial division. SDMA, Non-orthogonal Multiple Access where power domains are used for multiple access purposes For example, NOMA is a method for transmitting signals over the same frequency, time, and and / or codes but different power levels used to serve multiple users. It can be used.

[0109] Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) is a system for LTE networks. Refers to technologies that increase capacity. For example, eMBB provides a small number of It is acceptable to refer to communications with a peak data rate of at least 10Gbps and a minimum of 100Mbps. Ultra-reliable low latency communication (uRLLC) provides extremely low latency, e.g., less than 2 milliseconds. URLLC refers to technology for communication between people. URLLC is a technology that is being used in autonomous driving and / or remote surgery applications. It can be used for mission-critical communications such as mobile applications. Machine-like type communication (mMTC) is a low-cost approach associated with wireless connectivity to everyday objects. and low data rate communications, e.g., Internet of Things (IoT) applications This refers to communications associated with an application.

[0110] The communication network 10 of FIG. 1 includes eMBB, uRLLC, and / or mMTC. It can be used to support a wide variety of advanced communication functions, including but not limited to: Cut.

[0111] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a communication system 110 that operates with beamforming. The communication system 110 includes a transceiver 105, a signal conditioning circuit 106, and a 04a1, 104a2...104an, 104b1, 104b2...104bn, 104m 1, 104m2...104mn, and antenna array 102. Antenna array 102 are antenna elements 103a1, 103a2...103an, 103b1, 103b2...10 Including 3bn, 103m1, 103m2...103mn.

[0112] Millimeter wave carriers, centimeter wave carriers, and / or other frequency carriers A communication system for communicating using a beamforming technique for transmitting and / or receiving signals. antenna arrays such as antenna array 102 to provide orientation and directionality. It is possible.

[0113] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication system 110 includes m×n antenna elements. Array 102, each of which in this embodiment is a separate signal conditioner. As indicated by the ellipsis, the communication system 110 may be Any suitable number of antenna elements and signal conditioning circuits may be implemented.

[0114] For signal transmission, the signal conditioning circuits 104a1, 104a2...104an , 104b1, 104b2...104bn, 104m1, 104m2...104mn are the The signals radiated from the antenna elements combine using constructive and destructive interference, A beam-like quality with strong signal strength propagating in a given direction away from the array 102 transmit signals to the antenna array 102 to generate an aggregate transmit signal indicative of can.

[0115] In the context of signal reception, the signal conditioning circuits 104a1, 104a2...104a n, 104b1, 104b2...104bn, 104m1, 104m2...104mn are The received signal can be controlled (for example, by separately controlling the received signal phase) to determine whether the signal is directed in a particular direction. The signal is processed so that as much signal energy as possible is received as it reaches the antenna array 102 from the Thus, the communication system 110 also provides directionality for the reception of signals.

[0116] The relative concentration of signal energy going into the transmit or receive beam increases with increasing array size. For example, the signal energy that is focused into the transmit beam can be increased by As the energy level increases, the signal will be For example, the signal energy that is focused into a transmit beam can propagate over a long distance. Signals with a large ratio of radiated power to radiated power can exhibit high effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP).

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver 105 includes a signal conditioning circuit 104a1 , 104a2…104an, 104b1, 104b2…104bn, 104m1, 104 m2...104mn and transmits a signal received from the signal conditioning circuit. Process.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 2A, the transceiver 105 includes a signal conditioning circuit 104a1. , 104a2…104an, 104b1, 104b2…104bn, 104m1, 104 Generates control signals for m2...104mn. The control signals control beamforming. various functions, such as controlling the gain and phase of the transmit and / or receive signals to For example, the signal conditioning circuits 104a1, 1 04a2…104an, 104b1, 104b2…104bn, 104m1, 104m2 ...104mn may each include a phase shifter implemented in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0119] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of beamforming to provide a transmit beam. FIG. 2B shows a first signal conditioning circuit 114a, a second signal conditioning circuit 114b, a first antenna element 113a, and a second antenna element 113b. This shows a part of the system.

[0120] Although shown to include two antenna elements and two signal conditioning circuits, Regardless, the communication system may require additional antenna elements and / or signal conditioning. For example, Figure 2B shows an embodiment of a portion of the communication system 110 of Figure 2A. Indicates the state.

[0121] The first signal conditioning circuit 114a includes a first phase shifter 130a, a first power amplifier a first low noise amplifier (LNA) 132a, and a power amplifier 131a or LNA In addition, the second signal conditioning circuit 1 14b includes a second phase shifter 130b, a second power amplifier 131b, a second LNA 132b, and The first phase shifter includes a switch for controlling the selection of the power amplifier 131b or the LNA 132b. The lid 130a and the second phase shifter 130b may be implemented according to any of the embodiments herein. It is possible.

[0122] Although one embodiment of a signal conditioning circuit is shown, Other implementations of the conditioning circuit are possible. For example, in one example, the signal conditioning circuit The coupling circuit may include one or more bandpass filters, duplexers, diplexers, and / or other components. Includes components.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the first antenna element 113a and the second antenna element 113b are They are spaced apart by a distance d. Additionally, Figure 2B is annotated with an angle θ. In this example, where θ is approximately 90° when the transmit beam direction is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the antenna array. ≈0° when the transmit beam direction is substantially parallel to the plane of the antenna array. The value is °.

[0124] Controlling the relative phase of the transmit signals applied to the antenna elements 113a, 113b By using the first phase shifter 13, a desired transmit beam angle θ can be achieved. 0a has a reference value of 0°, and the second phase shifter 130b has a value of approximately −2πf(d / ν)cosθ can be controlled to give a phase shift of radians, where f is the fundamental frequency of the transmitted signal. where d is the distance between the antenna elements, ν is the velocity of the radiated wave, and π is the mathematical constant power Yes.

[0125] In a given implementation, the distance d is approximately 1 / 2λ, where λ is the transmission In such an implementation, the second phase shifter 130b is It is controlled to give a phase shift of approximately -π cos θ radians to achieve a beam angle θ. It is possible.

[0126] Therefore, the relative phases of the phase shifters 130a, 130b determine the transmit beamforming. In certain implementations, a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver of FIG. 2A) 105) controls one or more phase shifter phase values ​​to control beamforming.

[0127] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of beamforming to provide receive beams. FIG. 2C is similar to FIG. 2B, except that FIG. 2C is in the context of a receive beam rather than a transmit beam. The difference is that it shows beamforming in

[0128] As shown in FIG. 2C, the relative positions of the first phase shifter 130a and the second phase shifter 130b are The phase difference is -2πf(d / ν)cosθ radians to achieve the desired receive beam angle θ. In an implementation where the distance d corresponds to approximately λ / 2, The phase difference is approximately equal to -π cos θ radians to achieve a receive beam angle θ. You can choose to do so.

[0129] Although various formulas have been given for the phase values ​​that give the beamforming , antenna array implementation, signal conditioning circuit implementation, and / or wireless environment. Other phase selection values ​​are possible, such as a phase value selected based on

[0130] Phase shifter with switched transmission line load

[0131] A phase shifter provides a controllable phase adjustment to a radio frequency (RF) signal in an RF system. It is used to

[0132] A phase shifter with a switched transmission line load is provided herein. The phase shifter has a first port, a first controllable reflective load, a second port, a second controllable reflective load, and a The pair of coupled wires includes a first port, a load, and a pair of coupled wires that are electromagnetically coupled to each other. a first conductive line between the first controllable reflective load and the first port; and a second controllable reflective load between the second port and the second port. and a second conductive line between the first controllable reflective load and the second controllable reflective load. One includes a switched transmission line load.

[0133] By implementing the phase shifter in this manner, high frequency performance (e.g., 24 GHz) can be achieved. (operation in FR2 in the range of 100 MHz to 30 GHz) is enabled. It is possible to achieve good return loss over a certain range and / or to reduce the return loss to a relative value. Furthermore, the group delay of the phase shifter can be made almost constant with frequency. It hardly ever distorts wideband signals.

[0134] The first and second controllable reflective loads are configured to control the selected phase setting of the phase shifter. In a given implementation, each controllable reflective load is controlled based on a switch-type transmission Such a switched transmission line load is implemented using a transmission line and a A shunt switch (e.g., a field-effect transistor) is connected between the The combination of switches that are turned on may include a transistor (FET) and a By doing so, the effective electrical length of the transmission line can be controlled. , the amount of phase shift by the phase shifter also changes.

[0135] The even-mode impedance, odd-mode impedance, and the length of the pair of coupled wires are set to the desired value. In a given implementation, a pair of The coupling line of the 3dB 90° coupler (also called a hybrid coupler here) The hybrid combiner is implemented as a combiner with a control Possible to work in combination with reflective loads.

[0136] The phase shifter here is used as an RF signal conditioner for beamforming applications. A wide variety of applications, including but not limited to providing phase shift in local circuits. It can be used in applications.

[0137] In this particular implementation example, the phase shifter may be, for example, 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. To provide a phase shift to RF signals in the 5G Frequency Range 2 (FR2), such as Hz. However, the phase shifter here can also handle other RF signal frequencies. Cut.

[0138] 3 is a schematic diagram of a phase shifter 210 according to one embodiment. , a pair of coupling lines 200 (corresponding to a hybrid coupler in this embodiment), a first control a first controllable reflective load 201 (also referred to herein as a variable reflective load), a second controllable reflective load 202 , an input port IN, and an output port OUT. The coupled wires 200 are electromagnetically coupled to each other. The conductive wire 202 includes a first conductive line 203 and a second conductive line 204 connected to each other.

[0139] In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 207a of the first conductive line 203 is connected to the input port IN. and the second end 207 b of the first conductive line 203 is connected to the first controllable reflective load 201 . In addition, the first end 208a of the second conductive line 204 is connected to the second controllable reflective load 202. , the second end 208b of the second conductive line 204 is connected to the output port OUT. The first end 207a of the third conductive line 203 and the first end 208a of the second conductive line 204 are on the first side of the coupled wire 200. On the other hand, the second end 207b of the first conductive wire 203 and the second end 208b of the second conductive wire 204 are is on the second or opposite side of the bond line 200 .

[0140] In this embodiment, the pair of coupled lines 200 is implemented as a hybrid coupler. The first end 207a corresponds to the input terminal (IN) of the coupler, and the second end 207b corresponds to the switch terminal (IN) of the coupler. The first end 208a corresponds to the isolation terminal (ISO) of the coupler. and the second end 208b corresponds to the coupling terminal (90°) of the coupler.

[0141] At least one of the first controllable reflective load 201 and the second controllable reflective load 202 is It is implemented using switched transmission lines according to the teachings herein.

[0142] By implementing the phase shifter 210 in this manner, the phase shifter 210 can be shifted across multiple phase settings. High frequency performance, good return loss, and / or constant return loss can be achieved. Furthermore, the group delay of the phase shifter 210 has little variation with frequency, and therefore , and does not distort the wideband signal.

[0143] In a given implementation, a first controllable reflective load 201 and a second controllable reflective load 202 are controlled based on the selected phase setting of the phase shifter 210, so that these reflected negative For example, the electrical length of the transmission line of the first controllable reflection load 201 and the second controllable reflection load 202 is changed. The controllable reflective loads 202 each comprise a switched transmission line controlled by a common control signal. It can be implemented as:

[0144] The even-mode impedance, odd-mode impedance, and length of the coupled wire 200 are determined as desired. The bond wire 200 can be adjusted during design to achieve the desired performance characteristics. It works in combination with the controllable reflective load 201 / 202 to achieve:

[0145] 4A is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line 230 according to one embodiment. The transmission line 230 is connected to the transmission line 221 and the RF input RF IN And, Shantousui 222n and a control circuit 223. , n shunt switches, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or greater than 4. It is preferable.

[0146] The switched transmission line 230 of FIG. 4A is a control of one embodiment implemented in accordance with the teachings herein. Indicates the controllable reflective load.

[0147] In the illustrated embodiment, the control circuit 223 determines whether the phase shift setting φ is The shunt switches 222a, 222b, 222c, ... 222n are opened or closed. The switches 222a, 222b, 222c, . . . 222n are connected to different The shunt switches 222a, 222b, 222c, ... 222n are connected to the The transmission line 221 is selectively connected to ground.

[0148] Which of the shunt switches 222a, 222b, 222c, . . . 222n is turned on? By changing which are turned on and which are turned off, the electrical length of the transmission line 221 is changed. This is then incorporated into the reflective type phase shifter 230. Affects the overall phase shift of the lid.

[0149] In certain implementations, the control circuit 223 controls all the switches (or at least the RF IN The shunt switch 222a) closest to the If all shunt switches are started with a closed state, the length of the shunt is given. RF switch IN The switches are sequentially opened (turned off) starting from the switch 222a closest to the By doing so, it is possible to provide progressively longer electrical lengths.

[0150] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a switched transmission line 230'.

[0151] The switched transmission line 230' of FIG. 4B is similar to the switched transmission line 230 of FIG. 4A, but 4B, the switched transmission line 230' includes a control circuit 223' including a thermometer decoder 224. The difference is that it includes

[0152] In certain embodiments herein, the switched transmission line uses thermometer decoding. The shunt switch includes a resistor.

[0153] 5A is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line 240 according to another embodiment. The transmission line 240 includes a transmission line 231, a first ground conductor 233a, and a second ground conductor 233b. , and multiple pairs of FET switches 232a1 / 232a2, 232b1 / 232b2, 23 2c1 / 232c2, ... 232n1 / 232n2. That is, n pairs of shunt switches Here, n is an integer of 2 or more, and preferably 4 or more.

[0154] In comparison with the switched transmission line 230 of FIG. 4A, the switched transmission line 240 of FIG. 5A has the following characteristics: A pair of FET switches is used to implement each shunt switch. Additionally, each pair of FETs The T switch is a single FE connected between the transmission line 231 and the first ground conductor 233a. A T-switch (for example, an FET switch 232a1), a transmission line 231, and a second ground conductor 2 33b and another FET switch (for example, FET switch 232a2) connected between In a given implementation, each pair of FET switches is driven by a corresponding control signal (e.g., FIG. 4 n control signals, one for each pair, generated by a control circuit such as control circuit 223 of A The PLCs are commonly controlled by the same signal.

[0155] Improved performance is achieved by implementing a shunt switch using FETs in the manner depicted. High performance (especially at high frequencies) is achieved.

[0156] 5B is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line 250 according to another embodiment. The transmission line 250 includes a transmission line 231, a first ground conductor 233a, and a second ground conductor 233b. , and multiple pairs of FET switches 242a1 / 242a2, 242b1 / 242b2, 24 Includes 2c1 / 242c2, ...242n1 / 242n2.

[0157] The switched transmission line 250 of FIG. 5B is similar to the switched transmission line 240 of FIG. 5A, except that The switched transmission line 250 of FIG. 5B has different sizes (i.e., on-state resistance and on-state resistance). Multiple shunt switches with varying off-state capacitance and different distances or separations The difference is that it includes a switch.

[0158] Implementing switched transmission line 250 in this manner provides a number of advantages.

[0159] For example, the on-state resistance (Ron) of a shunt switch is determined by the A substantially constant reflection coefficient (|Γ) over the phase shift setting L To maintain , can be individually selected. In a given implementation, as the phase shift increases Because Ron is reduced, the switches closer to the RF input of the transmission line are more sensitive to the (high on-state resistance)

[0160] In another example, the length of the transmission line 231 between the switches (d1, d2, ... d n ) is the adjacent phase It is controlled to control the amount of phase step between settings.

[0161] By selecting the distance between the switches appropriately, for example, at a center frequency of 27 GHz, A phase step of 11.25 degrees can be achieved using

[0162] When implementing switched transmission line 250, the off-state capacitance (Coff) is It is considered in terms of its effect on the characteristic impedance and propagation constant of the transmission line 231. The switches and transmission lines can be designed simultaneously and iteratively.

[0163] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line 260 according to another embodiment. The transmission line 260 is connected to the transmission line 251 and the RF input RF IN and shunt switch . . 222n and a control circuit 223.

[0164] The switched transmission line 260 of FIG. 6 is similar to the switched transmission line 230 of FIG. 4A, except that The transmission line 251 shown in FIG. 6 provides the desired phase and / or phase characteristics while maintaining a compact layout. or includes serpentine sections 255a, 255b, ... 255n to achieve an amplitude response. The points are different.

[0165] Transmission line meanders also use pairs of FET switches coupled to a pair of ground lines. For example, the transmission line 231 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B is You may meander according to the teachings here.

[0166] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a switched transmission line 310 according to another embodiment. The transmission line 310 includes a transmission line 301, a first ground conductor 302a, a second ground conductor 302b, A first pair of switches 304a-304b and a second pair of switches 305a-305b are included. As indicated by the ellipsis, additional pairs of switches may be included.

[0167] In the example of FIG. 7, the transmission line 301 has a first section 305a that snakes around in a small loop. and a second section 305b that is serpentine without loops. Other example meanders may be used to achieve desired phase and / or amplitude response while maintaining a clean layout. draw.

[0168] A wide variety of performance results can be achieved using reflection-type phase shifters implemented according to the teachings herein. Results can be achieved.

[0169] Table 1 below shows the phase shifter using switched transmission line loads according to one implementation of FIG. 5B. An example of the results is shown below. [Table 1]

[0170] 8 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a mobile device 800. The mobile device 800 , a baseband system 801, a transceiver 802, a front-end system 803, an antenna a power management system 805; a memory 806; a user interface 807; Includes a battery 808.

[0171] The mobile device 800 may be configured to support 2G, 3G, 4G (LTE, LTE Advanced, and LTE Advanced Pro), 5GNR, WLAN (e.g. Wi-Fi), WPAN (e.g. Bl Bluetooth (registered trademark) and ZigBee (registered trademark), WMAN (e.g., WiM ax), and / or using a variety of communication technologies, including but not limited to GPS technology. It can be used to communicate via

[0172] The transceiver 802 generates RF signals for transmission and receives incoming signals from the antenna 804. Processes RF signals. It will be understood that the functions associated with transmitting and receiving RF signals The various functions are implemented by one or more components collectively represented in FIG. 8 as transceiver 802. In one example, a device that handles a given type of RF signal may be used. Alternatively, separate components (eg, separate circuits or dies) may be provided.

[0173] The front-end system 803 transmits to the antenna 804 and / or In the illustrated embodiment, the front The end system 803 includes a power amplifier (PA) 811, a low noise amplifier (LNA) 812, It includes a filter 813 , a switch 814 , and a duplexer 815 .

[0174] The phase shifter 810 can be implemented according to any of the embodiments herein. However, the phase shifters disclosed herein may also be used in electronic systems of other configurations. It is also possible.

[0175] The front-end system 803 amplifies the transmitted signal, amplifies the received signal, and filters the signal. Ring, switching between different bands, switching between different power modes, transmission modes and switching between receive modes, signal duplexing, signal multiplexing (e.g., diplexing or triplexing), or some combination of these A number of functions can be provided, including but not limited to:

[0176] The mobile device 800 operates with beamforming. The system 803 includes a phase shifter 810 whose phase is variably controlled by the transceiver 802. In certain implementations, the transceiver 802 may perform the following operations based on the data received from the processor 801: The phase of the phase shifter 810 is controlled based on this.

[0177] The phase shifter 810 is a phase shifter for transmitting and / or receiving signals using the antenna 804. For example, in the context of signal transmission, In this case, the phase of the transmit signal applied to the antenna array used for transmission is The signals propagating in a given direction are controlled to combine using constructive and destructive interference. An aggregate transmit signal is generated that exhibits a beam-like quality with strong signal strength spreading across the signal. In the context of reception, phase is the frequency at which a signal arrives at an antenna array from a particular direction. The signal energy is controlled to be received as much as possible.

[0178] In certain implementations, the mobile device 800 supports carrier aggregation. This allows for flexibility in increasing peak data rates. The system supports frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) It can be used for both carriers and channels, allowing for aggregation of multiple carriers or channels. Carrier aggregation is the process of linking multiple mobile stations within the same operating frequency band. Carrier aggregation may be non-contiguous, including adjacent aggregation where consecutive carriers are aggregated. It may include frequency separated carriers within a common band or within different bands.

[0179] Antenna 804 may include antennas used for a wide variety of types of communications. For example, antenna 804 may be used to transmit signals associated with a wide variety of frequencies and communication standards. and / or may include an antenna for reception.

[0180] In certain implementations, antenna 804 may be used for MIMO communications and / or switched diversity communications. For example, MIMO communication uses a single radio frequency channel. MIMO communication uses multiple antennas to transmit multiple data streams over a wireless High signal-to-noise ratio, improved code due to spatial multiplexing of the environment benefit from reduced signal interference and / or signal quality. , refers to a communication in which a specific antenna is selected to operate at a specific time. For example, from a group of antennas based on various factors such as bit error rate and / or signal strength indicators. A switch can be used to select the antenna.

[0181] In certain implementations, antenna 804 may be configured with one or more antennas to enhance beamforming. The antenna element includes an array of

[0182] The baseband system 801 processes various user inputs and outputs such as voice and data ( The baseband system is coupled to a user interface 807 that facilitates the handling of I / O. System 801 provides transceiver 802 with a digital representation of the transmitted signal, which is then The baseband system 801 also includes a transceiver 802 also processes the digital representation of the received signal. The baseband system 801 is coupled to memory 806 to facilitate operation of the baseband device 800. are combined.

[0183] Memory 806 may be used to facilitate operation of mobile device 800 and / or store user information. to provide a wide variety of purposes, such as storing data and / or instructions; can be done.

[0184] The power management system 805 provides a number of power management functions for the mobile device 800. In certain implementations, the power management system 805 controls the supply voltages of the power amplifiers 811. For example, the power management system 805 may include a PA supply control circuit that controls the power added efficiency ( provided to one or more of the power amplifiers 811 to improve efficiency, such as a power amplifier amplifier (PAE). The power supply may be configured to vary the supply voltage.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 8, the power management system 805 receives the battery voltage from the battery 808. The battery 808 may be, for example, a lithium ion battery for use in the portable device 800. The battery may be any suitable battery, including a battery.

[0186] 9A is a schematic diagram of an RF channel 910 according to one embodiment. 10 includes an RF divider / combiner 901, phase shifters 902a, 902b, . . . 902z, a first a group of transmit / receive (T / R) switches 903a, 903b, ... 903z, and a power amplifier 904 a, 904b, ... 904z, low noise amplifiers (LNA) 905a, 905b, ... 905z, A second group of T / R switches 906a, 906b, ... 906z and antennas 907a, 907b Includes 7b, ...907z.

[0187] In the illustrated embodiment, the T / R switch is used to select the power amplifier for transmission or the That is, RF channel 910 is used to select the LNA for time division duplication. Additionally, the RF divider / combiner 901 is suitable for TDD. and receive directions, reducing RF signal routing.

[0188] Although one embodiment of an RF channel is depicted, the teachings herein may be applied to a wide variety of implementations. This is applicable to RF channels implemented in various ways. Therefore, other implementations are also possible. .

[0189] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of an RF channel 920 according to another embodiment. 20 includes an RF divider 911a, an RF combiner 911b, a first group of phase shifters 912a, 2b, ...912z, a second group of phase shifters 913a, 913b, ...913z, and a power amplifier 9 04a, 904b, ...904z, LNA905a, 905b, ...905z, T / R switch 906a, 906b, ... 906z and antennas 907a, 907b, ... 907z. nothing.

[0190] RF channel 920 represents the RF channel of other embodiments. The teachings in are applicable to RF channels implemented in a wide variety of ways. Other implementations are possible.

[0191] FIG. 10A shows a diagonal view of an embodiment of a module 1140 operating by beamforming. 10B is a perspective view of module 1140 of FIG. 10A taken along line 10B-10B. This is a cross section.

[0192] Module 1140 includes a laminate substrate or laminate 1141, a semiconductor die or IC 1142, (not visible in Figure 10A), surface-mounted device (SMD) 1143 (not visible in Figure 10A) , and an antenna array. The antenna array includes antenna elements 1151a1, 1151a2, 1151a3, 1151a4, 1151a5, 1151a6, 1151a7, 1151a8, 1151a9, 1151b10, 1151b11, 1151b12, 1151b13, 1151b 51a2, 1151a3…1151an, 1151b1, 1151b2, 1151b3… 1151bn, 1151c1, 1151c2, 1151c3…1151cn, 1151m 1, 1151m2, 1151m3...including 1151mn.

[0193] Although one embodiment of the module is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, The teachings are applicable to modules implemented in a wide variety of ways. The modules may contain different arrangements and / or numbers of antenna elements, dies, and / or surface mount devices. Additionally, the module 1140 may include an encapsulation structure, a shielding structure, and / or wires. It may include additional structures and components including, but not limited to, bonds.

[0194] Antenna elements Antenna elements 1151a1, 1151a2, 1151a3...1151an , 1151b1, 1151b2, 1151b3…1151bn, 1151c1, 1151 c2, 1151c3…1151cn, 1151m1, 1151m2, 1151m3…11 51mn are formed on the first surface of the laminate 1141 and receive and / or transmit signals based on the implementation. Although a 4x4 array of antenna elements is shown, However, more or fewer antenna elements are possible as indicated by the ellipsis. Furthermore, the antenna elements may be arranged in an array, e.g., using a non-uniform arrangement of antenna elements. Additionally, in other embodiments, multiple arrays may be used. Antenna arrays are provided. These antenna arrays may be, for example, , and / or include separate antenna arrays for different communication bands.

[0195] In the illustrated embodiment, the IC 1142 is located on the side of the laminate 1141 opposite the first surface. On the second surface. However, other implementations are possible. In one example, IC11 42 is accumulated inside the laminate 1141.

[0196] In a given implementation, IC 142 includes antenna elements 1151a1, 1151a2, and 1151a3. 151a3…1151an, 1151b1, 1151b2, 1151b3…1151bn , 1151c1, 1151c2, 1151c3…1151cn, 1151m1, 1151 m2, 1151m3...1151mn, including signal conditioning circuits associated with Such signal conditioning circuits may include one or more phase It may include a shifter 1145.

[0197] In one embodiment, IC 1142 controls the amount of phase shift that phase shifter 1145 provides. Mobile industry devices that receive data to control signal conditioning circuits such as MIPI Interface Radio Frequency Front End (MIPI RFFE) bus and / or includes a serial interface such as an Inter-Integrated Circuit Communication (I2C) bus. In this case, IC 142 further includes an integrated transceiver.

[0198] The laminate 1141 may be made up of various layers including, for example, conductive layers, dielectric layers, and / or solder mask. The number of layers, layer thicknesses, and materials used to form the layers may vary widely. The selection can be based on a variety of factors and may vary depending on the application and / or implementation. The laminate 1141 may be connected to the signal feed and / or ground feed of the antenna element. For example, in one implementation, the vias may provide electrical connections to IC11. Helps provide electrical connections between 42 signal conditioning circuits and corresponding antenna elements .

[0199] Antenna elements 1151a1, 1151a2, 1151a3...1151an, 1151b 1, 1151b2, 1151b3…1151bn, 1151c1, 1151c2, 115 1c3...1151cn, 1151m1, 1151m2, 1151m3...1151mn, This can accommodate antenna elements implemented in a wide variety of ways. The array comprises patch antenna elements formed from a patterned conductive layer on the first side of the laminate 1141. This includes a conductive layer on the opposite side of the laminate 1141 or inside the laminate 1141. Another example of an antenna element is a dipole antenna. element, ceramic resonator, stamped metal antenna, and / or laser directly structured antenna This includes, but is not limited to, antennas.

[0200] Module 1140 may be included in a communication system such as a mobile phone or a base station. In one example, module 1140 is mounted on the phone board of a mobile phone.

[0201] application

[0202] The principles and advantages of the embodiments described herein can be used for a wide variety of applications. It can be used.

[0203] For example, phase shifters are used in consumer electronic products, components of consumer electronic products, electronic test equipment, etc. The electronic device may be included in a variety of electronic devices, including but not limited to: Examples include base stations, wireless network access points, and mobile phones (e.g., smartphones). ), tablets, televisions, computer monitors, computers, handheld computers computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), microwave ovens, refrigerators, automobiles, stereos systems, disc players, digital cameras, portable memory chips, washing machines, dryers Copiers, fax machines, scanners, multi-function peripheral devices, wristwatches, clocks, etc. Additionally, electronic devices may include unfinished products.

[0204] summary

[0205] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims In this regard, the words "including," "comprises," and the like are used in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In general, the term "including but not limited to" should be interpreted as meaning "including but not limited to" The term "coupled" as used herein means that two or more elements are directly connected or joined together through one or more interconnections. Similarly, here we refer to a single The term "connected," as used generally, also refers to two or more elements being directly connected or connected by one or more It is noted that the present application may either be connected via an intermediate element. When used herein, the terms "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import shall mean the Reference is made to the application as a whole and not to any particular portion of this application. Where permitted, terms in the above detailed description using singular or plural number refer to the respective "Or" and "if" refer to a list of two or more items. The term "or" means any of the items in a list, Covers all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. .

[0206] Furthermore, unless specifically stated or understood otherwise within the context of use, Unless otherwise specified, the terms "can," "might," "may," "might," "for example," "may," "could," "could," "may ... Conditional language used herein, such as "," "such as," and the like, generally refers to the extent to which a given embodiment is It is intended that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or conditions while other embodiments do not. That is, such conditional language generally indicates that a feature, element, and / or state is required for one or more implementations. The invention may be presented in any form necessary for its implementation, or one or more embodiments may be presented in any form necessary for its implementation based on author input or or includes these features, elements and / or conditions, with or without prompts. The logic that determines whether or not a It is not intended to imply that the term "common" necessarily includes the term "common."

[0207] The above description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the present invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Although the embodiments and examples are described above for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention Various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope. For example, if the processes or blocks are arranged in a given order, While presented in the figures, alternative embodiments may perform or have routines with steps in a different order. can use a system with blocks, some processes or blocks These processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined and / or modified. Each of the blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. While these processes or blocks may be shown as being performed in a sequence, Alternatively, they may be performed in parallel or at different times.

[0208] The teachings of the present invention provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily the systems described above. The elements and operations of the various embodiments described above may be applied to further implementations. They may be combined to give form.

[0209] While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only. and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, The novel methods and systems may be embodied in a variety of other forms and may further be incorporated into the methods and systems described herein. Various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to obscure the scope and spirit of this disclosure. It is intended to cover any form or modification thereof that would fit within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, a first port and a second port; a first controllable reflection load including a first transmission line and four or more adjacent shunt switches connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points, the distance between adjacent pairs of the plurality of points decreasing along the length of the first transmission line; a second controllable reflective load; A pair of coupled wires that are electromagnetically coupled to each other Including, the pair of coupled lines includes a first conductive line connected between the first port and the first controllable reflection load, and a second conductive line connected between the second controllable reflection load and the second port.

2. The phase shifter of claim 1 , wherein the first controllable reflective load further comprises a first ground conductor on a first side of the first transmission line and a second ground conductor on a second side of the first transmission line.

3. the four or more adjacent shunt switches are each implemented as a pair of field effect transistors; 3. The phase shifter of claim 2, wherein the pair of field-effect transistors includes a first field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the first ground conductor, and a second field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor.

4. The phase shifter of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the four or more adjacent shunt switches are closed based on a phase shift setting of the phase shifter.

5. the first port receives a radio frequency input signal; 2. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein the second port provides a phase-shifted radio frequency output signal.

6. the second port receives a radio frequency input signal; 2. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein the first port provides a phase-shifted radio frequency output signal.

7. The phase shifter of claim 1 , wherein the four or more adjacent shunt switches each have a different size.

8. The phase shifter of claim 7 , wherein the four or more adjacent shunt transistors increase in size along the length of the first transmission line.

9. 2. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein the first transmission line includes a plurality of serpentine sections.

10. The phase shifter of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the plurality of serpentine sections includes a loop.

11. 2. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein the second controllable reflective load comprises a second transmission line and a plurality of adjacent shunt switches connected along the second transmission line.

12. The four or more adjacent shunt switches include a first shunt switch, a second shunt switch, and a third shunt switch, and there is no intervening switch between the first shunt switch and the second shunt switch; 2. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein there is no switch interposed between the second shunt switch and the third shunt switch.

13. 1. A wireless device, comprising: A transmitter / receiver; a front-end system coupled to the transceiver; Including, the front-end system includes a phase shifter; the phase shifter includes a first port, a second port, a first transmission line, and a first controllable reflection load including four or more adjacent shunt switches connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points, wherein a distance between adjacent pairs of the plurality of points decreases along a length of the first transmission line; a second controllable reflection load; and a pair of coupled lines electromagnetically coupled to each other; a first conductive line connected between the first port and the first controllable reflection load, and a second conductive line connected between the second controllable reflection load and the second port;

14. The wireless device of claim 13 , wherein the first controllable reflective load further includes a first ground conductor on a first side of the first transmission line and a second ground conductor on a second side of the first transmission line.

15. the four or more adjacent shunt switches are each implemented as a pair of field effect transistors; 15. The wireless device of claim 14, wherein the pair of field-effect transistors includes a first field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the first ground conductor, and a second field-effect transistor connected between the first transmission line and the second ground conductor.

16. The wireless device of claim 13 , wherein one or more of the four or more adjacent shunt switches are closed based on a phase shift setting of the wireless device.

17. The wireless device of claim 13 , wherein the four or more adjacent shunt switches each have a different size.

18. A wireless device as described in claim 17, wherein the size of the four or more adjacent shunt switches increases along the length of the first transmission line.

19. A method of phase shifting, comprising: receiving a radio frequency input signal at a first port; controlling the first controllable reflective load and the second controllable reflective load to control a phase shift of the radio frequency output signal at the second port; providing a coupling between the first conductive line and the second conductive line of the pair of coupled lines; Including, the first controllable reflective load includes a first transmission line and four or more adjacent shunt switches connected to the first transmission line at a plurality of points, the distance between adjacent pairs of the plurality of points decreasing along the length of the first transmission line; the first conductive line is connected between the first port and the first controllable reflective load; The second conductive line is connected between the second controllable reflective load and the second port.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the four or more adjacent shunt switches each have a different size.

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