Beam switching system, beam switching method, and antenna device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

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

Background Art

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

Summary of the Invention

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

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

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

[0007] An antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes two antennas, a selection circuit, and a branch line coupler. The selection circuit includes an input port for receiving an input radio frequency signal and two output ports. The selection circuit selects at least one of the two output ports to output an output radio frequency signal. The branch line coupler is coupled to the two output ports of the selection circuit, respectively, and includes two input ports for receiving output radio frequency signals and two output ports for coupling the two antennas, respectively.

[0008] To make the above-mentioned features and advantages of the present invention clearer and easier to understand, embodiments will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of a beam switching system and antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic diagram of a switching circuit relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2C] This is a schematic diagram of another switching circuit relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2D] This is a schematic diagram of a power distributor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] This is a schematic diagram of the signal path in the first mode according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] This is a schematic diagram of the radiation field pattern corresponding to Figure 3A. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic diagram of the signal path in a third mode according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic diagram of the radiation field pattern corresponding to Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] This is a schematic diagram of the signal path in the second mode according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] This is a schematic diagram of the radiation field pattern corresponding to Figure 5A. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of an antenna device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of a beam switching method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

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

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

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

[0014] The two output ports DOP11 and DOP12 connect the two antennas 20 and 25, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] In one embodiment, the impedance elements R11, R12, R21, R22 and the two output ports WOP1 and WOP2 have the same impedance value, and therefore match the impedance of the two input ports DIP11 and DIP12 of the branch coupler 11. For example, the impedance value is 50 ohms, but is not limited to this.

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

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

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

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

[0047] The operation of each component of the antenna device 1 will be described below. Each process can be adjusted according to the implementation details, but is not limited to that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0055] Simultaneously, as shown in Figures 3A, 2B, and 2D, for impedance path RP1, switch 121-2 turns on input port SI22 and output port SO21 and turns off input port SI21 and output port SO21, thereby blocking impedance path RP1. For impedance path RP3, switch 121-1 turns on input port SI11 and output port SO12 and turns off input port SI11 and output port SO11, thereby blocking impedance path RP3 of output port WOP1 and reference potential port RP as shown in Figure 2D.

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

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

[0058] Simultaneously, as shown in Figures 4A, 2B, and 2D (note that the on / off relationship in Figure 2B is the reverse of the on / off relationship shown in Figure 4A), for impedance path RP1, switch 121-2 turns off input port SI22 and output port SO21, and turns on input port SI21 and output port SO21, thereby conducting impedance path RP1. For impedance path RP3, switch 121-1 turns off input port SI11 and output port SO12, and turns on input port SI11 and output port SO11, thereby conducting impedance path RP3 between output port WOP1 and reference potential port RP as shown in Figure 2D.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0065] Simultaneously, as shown in Figures 5A, 2B, and 2D, for impedance path RP1, switch 121-2 turns on input port SI22 and output port SO21, and turns off input port SI21 and output port SO21, thereby blocking impedance path RP1. For impedance path RP3, switch 121-1 turns on input port SI11 and output port SO12, and turns off input port SI11 and output port SO11, thereby blocking impedance path RP3 of power distributor 123's output port WOP1 and reference potential port RP.

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

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

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

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

[0070] Taking Figures 3A and 3B as examples, the selection circuit 12 selects output port SOP11 and outputs output radio frequency signal ORF1 based on the control signal CS corresponding to the reference direction of θ degrees. In other words, the selection circuit 12 selects output port SOP11 and outputs output radio frequency signal ORF1 in accordance with the reference direction of θ degrees.

[0071] Taking Figures 4A and 4B as examples, the selection circuit 12 selects output port SOP12 and outputs output radio frequency signal ORF1 based on the control signal CS corresponding to the reference direction of -θ degrees. In other words, the selection circuit 12 selects output port SOP12 and outputs output radio frequency signal ORF1 in accordance with the reference direction of -θ degrees.

[0072] Taking Figures 5A and 5B as examples, the selection circuit 12 selects output ports SOP11 and SOP12 based on the control signal CS corresponding to the 0-degree reference direction and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1. In other words, the selection circuit 12 selects output ports SOP11 and SOP12 corresponding to the 0-degree reference direction and outputs the output radio frequency signal ORF1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0087] In one embodiment, the selection circuit 32 includes switching circuits 321 and 322. For detailed circuit structure and functional operation of switching circuits 321 and 322, please refer to the above description of switching circuits 121 and 122, and the description will be omitted here.

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

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

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

[0091] In one embodiment, the selection circuit 32 includes a power distributor 323. For detailed circuit structure and functional operation of the power distributor 323, please refer to the above description of the power distributor 123, and the description will be omitted here.

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

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

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

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

[0096] Since the implementation details of each step in Figure 7 have been described in detail in the embodiments and implementation modes described above, a detailed explanation will be omitted here. Each step and implementation detail of the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a circuit, or in the form of software by a processor, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

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

[0098] While the embodiments described above limit the scope of this disclosure, those embodiments do not limit the scope. Those skilled in the art can make certain modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. It includes a selection circuit and a branch line coupler, The aforementioned selection circuit is A first input port for receiving an input radio frequency signal, and Includes two first output ports, Select at least one of the two first output ports and output an output radio frequency signal, The aforementioned branch line coupler is Two second input ports, each coupled to the two first output ports of the selection circuit, and which receive the output radio frequency signal, It includes two second output ports that connect the two antennas, The aforementioned selection circuit is A first switching circuit in which an input port is coupled to the first input port, an output port is coupled to one of the first output ports, and two reference ports are each coupled to a reference potential port, A second switching circuit is included, in which an input port is coupled to the first input port, an output port is coupled to the other of the first output ports, and two reference ports are each coupled to the reference potential port. Beam switching system.

2. The aforementioned selection circuit is In the first mode, the first signal path of the first input port and one of the two first output ports is turned on, and the second signal path of the first input port and the other of the two first output ports is turned off. The beam switching system according to claim 1, wherein in the second mode, the first signal path and the second signal path are turned on.

3. The aforementioned selection circuit further, In the first mode, the first impedance path of the reference potential port and one of the two first output ports is turned off, and the second impedance path of the reference potential port and the other of the two first output ports is turned on. The beam switching system according to claim 2, wherein in the second mode, the first impedance path and the second impedance path are turned off.

4. The first switching circuit is, A first switch whose input port is coupled to the input port of the first switching circuit, and whose two output ports are coupled to one of the two reference ports of the first switching circuit, The beam switching system according to claim 1, comprising: a second switch whose two input ports are coupled to the other of the two output ports of the first switch and to the other of the two reference ports of the first switching circuit, and whose output port is coupled to the output port of the first switching circuit.

5. The second switching circuit is, A third switch whose input port is coupled to the input port of the second switching circuit, and whose two output ports are coupled to one of the two reference ports of the second switching circuit, The beam switching system according to claim 1, comprising a fourth switch, the fourth switch having two input ports coupled to the other of the two output ports of the third switch and the other of the two reference ports of the second switching circuit, respectively, and the fourth switch having an output port coupled to the output port of the second switching circuit.

6. The first switching circuit is, A first impedance element, wherein one of the output ports of the first switch is coupled to the reference potential port via the first impedance element, The beam switching system according to claim 5, further comprising a second impedance element, wherein one of the input ports of the second switch is coupled to the reference potential port via the second impedance element.

7. The second switching circuit is, A third impedance element, wherein one of the output ports of the third switch is coupled to the reference potential port via the third impedance element, The beam switching system according to claim 6, further comprising a fourth impedance element, wherein one of the input ports of the fourth switch is coupled to the reference potential port via the fourth impedance element.

8. The beam switching system according to claim 7, wherein the first impedance element, the second impedance element, the third impedance element, and the fourth impedance element have the same first impedance value.

9. The aforementioned selection circuit is The beam switching system according to claim 8, further comprising a power distributor having an input port coupled to a first input port, two output ports coupled to the input port of the first switching circuit and the input port of the second switching circuit, and a fifth impedance element coupled between the two output ports having a second impedance value that is twice the first impedance value.

10. The aforementioned selection circuit is The beam switching system according to claim 1, further comprising a power distributor whose input port is coupled to the first input port and whose two output ports are coupled to the input port of the first switching circuit and the input port of the second switching circuit, respectively.

11. The aforementioned selection circuit further, In the first mode, the third impedance path of the reference potential port and one of the two output ports of the power distributor is turned on, and the fourth impedance path of the other of the two output ports of the power distributor is turned off. The beam switching system according to claim 10, wherein in the second mode, the third impedance path and the fourth impedance path are turned off.

12. The beam switching system according to claim 10, wherein the power distributor is a Wilkinson power distributor, and the two output ports of the Wilkinson power distributor have the same impedance.

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

14. It further includes a second selection circuit and a second branch line coupler, The second selection circuit is, A third input port for receiving a second input radio frequency signal having a second phase difference with the aforementioned input radio frequency signal, and Includes two third output ports, Select at least one of the two third output ports to output the second output radio frequency signal, The second branch line coupler is, Two fourth input ports coupled to the two third output ports of the second selection circuit, and The beam switching system according to claim 1, comprising two fourth output ports for coupling the two antennas, respectively.

15. There is a second phase difference between one of the second output ports and one of the fourth output ports. The beam switching system according to claim 14, wherein there is a second phase difference between the other of the second output ports and the other of the fourth output ports.

16. The steps of providing the beam switching system described in claim 1, A step of generating control signals according to the beam direction, A beam switching method comprising the step of selecting at least one of the two first output ports in accordance with the control signal and outputting the output radio frequency signal.

17. The step of selecting at least one of the two first output ports in accordance with the control signal and outputting the output radio frequency signal is: The steps include selecting one of the two first output ports in accordance with the first reference direction and outputting the output radio frequency signal, The steps include selecting the other of the two first output ports in accordance with the second reference direction and outputting the output radio frequency signal, The beam switching method according to claim 16, comprising the step of selecting two of the first output ports corresponding to a third reference direction and outputting the output radio frequency signal.

18. The beam switching method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of selecting one of a first reference direction, a second reference direction, and a third reference direction as the beam direction, wherein the first reference direction, the second reference direction, and the third reference direction are θ degrees, -θ degrees, and 0 degrees, respectively.

19. It includes two antennas, a selection circuit, and a branching wire coupler. The aforementioned selection circuit is A first input port for receiving an input radio frequency signal, and Includes two first output ports, Select at least one of the two first output ports and output an output radio frequency signal, The aforementioned branch line coupler is Two second input ports, each coupled to the two first output ports of the selection circuit, and which receive the output radio frequency signal, It includes two second output ports coupled to the two aforementioned antennas, The aforementioned selection circuit is A first switching circuit in which an input port is coupled to the first input port, an output port is coupled to one of the first output ports, and two reference ports are each coupled to a reference potential port, An antenna device comprising a second switching circuit in which an input port is coupled to the first input port, an output port is coupled to the other of the first output ports, and two reference ports are respectively coupled to the reference potential port.

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