Communication equipment and devices

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a communication device and an apparatus including the communication device, the communication device including a phase modulation circuit, a charging circuit, and an antenna, the phase modulation circuit configured to perform a phase adjustment on an electromagnetic signal, the charging circuit configured to convert the electromagnetic signal into electrical energy, the antenna configured to receive the electromagnetic signal, the antenna connected to the phase modulation circuit, and the electromagnetic signal transmitted to the phase modulation circuit via the antenna, the antenna connected to the charging circuit, and the electromagnetic signal transmitted to the charging circuit via the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is proposed based on a Chinese patent application with an application number of 202210668276.1 and an application date of June 14, 2022, claims the priority of this Chinese patent application, and all the contents of this Chinese patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of communication technologies, and particularly to communication devices and equipment.

Background Art

[0003] With the development of wireless communication technologies, the network scale is gradually expanding. To expand the network scale, more communication devices need to be deployed. Communication devices, such as base stations, user terminals, smart vehicles, smart homes, etc., need to be powered to work properly.

[0004] In related technologies, communication devices are powered by wired power supply methods. However, wired power supply requires line planning and deployment, is restricted by the geographical environment, and increases costs. Wireless charging technologies have also been proposed. Currently, generally, magnetic resonance or inductive methods are adopted and mainly used in short-distance charging scenarios. How to optimize the power supply to communication devices is a problem that needs to be studied and solved currently.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of this application provide a communication device and equipment for realizing long-distance power supply and charging to communication devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device comprising a phase modulation circuit, a charging circuit, and an antenna, wherein the phase modulation circuit is configured to perform phase adjustment with respect to an electromagnetic signal, the charging circuit is configured to convert the electromagnetic signal into electrical energy, the antenna is configured to receive the electromagnetic signal, the antenna is connected to the phase modulation circuit, the electromagnetic signal is transmitted to the phase modulation circuit via the antenna, and the antenna is connected to the charging circuit, the electromagnetic signal is transmitted to the charging circuit via the antenna.

[0007] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device comprising an antenna module, a signal processing module, and an energy receiving module, wherein the antenna module comprises an antenna management unit and an antenna array, the antenna array being configured to receive electromagnetic signals, the antenna management unit being configured to control the operating mode of the antenna array or to manage the allocation of antenna array resources, the signal processing module comprising a phase adjustment unit and a signal processing unit, the phase adjustment unit comprising a phase modulation circuit configured to perform phase adjustment on an electromagnetic signal, the signal processing unit being configured to process an electromagnetic signal and obtain information contained in the electromagnetic signal, and the energy receiving module comprising an energy conversion unit and an energy management unit, the energy conversion unit comprising an energy charging circuit configured to convert an electromagnetic signal into electrical energy, and the energy management unit being configured to collect and manage the electrical energy.

[0008] According to a third aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, the communication device including the communication device described in the first or second aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of wired power supply. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of wireless charging. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of battery power supply. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a charging circuit according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a charging circuit according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a communication device in different frequency bands in some embodiments of this application. [Figure 14] This is a feasible charging circuit in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 15] This is a feasible phase modulation circuit in some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 16] This is a feasible antenna in some embodiments of this application. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] To clarify the purpose, technical proposal and advantages of this application, the application will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and examples. The specific examples described herein are for interpretation purposes only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0011] While the schematic diagram of the device shows the division of functional modules and the flowchart shows the logical sequence, in some cases the module division in the device may differ, or the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than that shown in the flowchart. The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and the above drawings, are used to distinguish similar subjects and are not necessarily intended to describe a specific sequence or sequence of steps.

[0012] In the descriptions of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly limited, terms such as installation, mounting, and connection should be understood in a broad sense, and those skilled in the art may reasonably determine the specific meaning of such terms in the embodiments of this application by referring to the specific content of the technical proposal. In the embodiments of this application, terms such as “furthermore,” “exemplarily,” or “optionally” are used to represent examples, illustrations, or explanations, and should not be interpreted as being preferable or superior to other embodiments or designs. The use of terms such as “furthermore,” “exemplarily,” or “optionally” is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0013] Embodiments of the present application may be used in various communication systems, such as Global System of Mobile communication (GSM (registered trademark)) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA (registered trademark)) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE-A (Advanced long term evolution, evolved long term evolution) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), 5G, Beyond Fifth Generation (B5G), 6th Generation (6G) system, etc. Embodiments of the present application are not limited.

[0014] Embodiments of the present application may also be used in user terminals such as mobile phones and tablet computers, used in vehicle network communication devices such as smart automobiles and Road Side Units (RSUs), used in Internet of Things communication devices such as smart robots, robotic arms, and wireless sensors, and may also be used in smart meta-surfaces, wireless relays, and other wireless mobile terminals. Embodiments of the present application are not limited.

[0015] Generally, electrical energy is required for the operation of communication devices, and there are various ways to provide electrical energy to communication devices. To describe this technical solution in detail, different application scenarios are taken as examples to further interpret and explain the power supply and charging of communication devices.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of wired power supply. As shown in Figure 1, communication equipment, such as base station 100, is powered via a power line for normal operation. With the expansion of network demand, more and more communication equipment is being used. As the number of communication devices increases, the deployment and installation of power lines for wired power supply or charging becomes increasingly difficult. Furthermore, application scenarios such as smart homes and industrial Internet of Things involve a great many communication devices, but space is generally limited, making it difficult to fully adapt wired power supply and charging methods to these new application scenarios, and also limiting the flexibility of equipment movement.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of wireless charging. As shown in Figure 2, communication equipment, such as a user terminal 200, is charged wirelessly for normal operation. However, the charging methods employed in related technologies are magnetic resonance or induction. Magnetic resonance charging uses a time-varying magnetic field to generate an induced current on an induction coil, while induction charging uses a short-range induction field to generate resonance at the receiving end and achieve energy transfer. As can be seen, the above wireless charging methods are applicable to short-range charging (generally in the centimeter to meter range), and their application scenarios are limited. For example, it is difficult to satisfy scenarios where communication equipment, such as wireless communication networks, is far away (tens of meters to several kilometers).

[0018] In several other application scenarios, such as the Internet of Things, terminals directly convert received electromagnetic signals into energy, which is then used for signal transmission. This power supply and charging employs backscattering technology, and while the wireless charging range is longer than that of magnetic resonance and inductive methods, it is still limited. Furthermore, this technology can only be applied to wireless communication with low received power, intermittent and extremely low rates, thus limiting its application scenarios.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of battery power supply. As shown in Figure 3, communication devices, such as Internet of Things devices 300, are powered via an internal battery for normal operation. However, relying on internal battery power supply means that the normal operating time is heavily dependent on battery life, which limits the development of the Internet of Things.

[0020] Embodiments of this application provide communication devices and equipment that include a phase modulation circuit, a charging circuit, and an antenna, and supply energy to the communication device by converting electromagnetic signals into electrical energy, thereby enabling long-distance wireless power supply and charging to communication equipment, reducing the number of power supply lines, increasing the flexibility of equipment use and installation, and lowering installation and maintenance costs. Some other embodiments of this application provide base stations that include communication equipment capable of long-distance wireless charging, thereby reducing the complexity of base station location and power supply line planning, and significantly reducing post-construction maintenance management costs.

[0021] The following describes the implementation of this application with reference to the drawings.

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, this communication device 400 includes at least an antenna 410, a charging circuit 420, and a phase modulation circuit 430.

[0023] Antenna 410 is configured to receive electromagnetic signals. In one embodiment, the antenna 410 receives an electromagnetic signal transmitted from an external source. The charging circuit 420 is configured to convert the electromagnetic signal into electrical energy.

[0024] In one embodiment, electrical energy is used to supply power to a communication device and to allow the communication device to operate normally.

[0025] In another embodiment, electrical energy is stored and released by an energy storage device when needed to power the communication device. The phase modulation circuit 430 is configured to perform phase adjustment with respect to an electromagnetic signal.

[0026] In one embodiment, the phase modulation circuit 430 performs a phase change on the received electromagnetic signal.

[0027] In another embodiment, the adjustment circuit 430 changes the propagation direction of the incident electromagnetic signal and, by phase adjustment, can accurately propagate the electromagnetic signal to a predetermined receiving end. The antenna 410 is connected to the charging circuit 420, and the electromagnetic signal is transmitted to the charging circuit 420 via the antenna 410.

[0028] In one embodiment, an electromagnetic signal is transmitted to a charging circuit 420 via an antenna 410. The charging circuit 420 converts the electromagnetic signal into electrical energy. The antenna 410 is connected to a phase modulation circuit 410, and the electromagnetic signal is transmitted to a phase modulation circuit 430 via the antenna 410.

[0029] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic signal is transmitted to the phase modulation circuit 430 via the antenna 410. The phase modulation circuit 430 performs phase adjustment on the electromagnetic signal.

[0030] The communication device in this embodiment is equipped with a charging circuit and provides energy to the device by converting received electromagnetic signals into electrical energy. It can achieve long-distance wireless charging and power supply, and has a wide range of application scenarios.

[0031] In one embodiment, the charging circuit 420 may include circuit elements such as capacitors, inductors, diodes, and field-effect transistors. This application does not limit the specific circuit structure of the charging circuit 420, but only ensures that electromagnetic signals can be converted into electrical energy.

[0032] In one embodiment, the phase modulation circuit 430 may include circuit elements such as a phase shifter, capacitor, and inductor. This application does not limit the specific circuit structure of the phase modulation circuit 430, but rather ensures that it can perform phase modulation on an electromagnetic signal.

[0033] In one embodiment, the antenna 410 can reflect electromagnetic signals. Specifically, when the antenna 410 receives an electromagnetic signal, a portion of the received electromagnetic signal is reflected to the outside after undergoing phase adjustment.

[0034] In one embodiment, the antenna 410 can transmit electromagnetic signals. Specifically, when the antenna 410 receives an electromagnetic signal, a portion of the received electromagnetic signal is transmitted to the outside after undergoing phase adjustment.

[0035] In one embodiment, the antenna 410 can reflect and transmit electromagnetic signals. Specifically, when the antenna 410 receives an electromagnetic signal, some of the received electromagnetic signal is reflected to the outside after phase adjustment, and other parts of the electromagnetic signal are transmitted to the outside after phase adjustment.

[0036] In one embodiment, the antenna 410 can receive an electromagnetic signal, amplify the received electromagnetic signal, and then transmit it to the outside. Specifically, when the antenna 410 receives an electromagnetic signal, a portion of the received electromagnetic signal is transmitted to the outside after phase adjustment and amplification.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a charging circuit according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, this charging circuit 420 may include a phase modulation circuit 430. Specifically, the phase modulation circuit 430 may consist of some of the electronic elements of the charging circuit 420, thereby reducing hardware costs.

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a charging circuit according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6, the phase modulation circuit 430 may include a charging circuit 420. Specifically, the charging circuit 420 may consist of some of the electronic elements of the phase modulation circuit 430, thereby reducing hardware costs.

[0039] In another embodiment, the charging circuit 420 and the phase modulation circuit 430 include the same electronic components. Specifically, the charging circuit 420 and the phase modulation circuit 430 share electronic components.

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, this communication device 400 further includes a switching circuit 450. The switching switch 450 enables the sharing of electronic elements between the charging circuit 420 and the phase modulation circuit 430. The communication device according to this embodiment includes a switching switch, and by enabling the sharing of electronic elements through the switching switch, the cost of the communication device can be reduced. The switching circuit may control the on / off state of the connection circuits between the charging circuit and the phase modulation circuit and the antenna, and may connect the charging circuit and the antenna but disconnect the connection between the phase modulation circuit and the antenna as needed, or connect the phase modulation circuit and the antenna but disconnect the connection between the charging circuit and the antenna, or connect or disconnect the phase modulation circuit and the charging circuit and the antenna simultaneously.

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 400 further includes a battery module 440. The battery module 440 is used to store electrical energy. When the antenna 410 receives an electromagnetic signal, the charging circuit 420 converts at least some of the electromagnetic signal into electrical energy. This electrical energy may be supplied directly to the communication device 400 for its normal operation, or it may be stored in the battery module 440. If the communication device 400 requires electrical energy, for example, if the power supply to the communication device 400 is insufficient, power is supplied to the communication device 400 via the battery module 440 for its normal operation.

[0042] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9, in this communication device 400, the antenna 410 includes an energy antenna 411 and an information antenna 412. The energy antenna 411 can receive electromagnetic signals, and the electromagnetic signals received through the energy antenna 411 are converted into electrical energy via a charging circuit 420. The information antenna 412 can receive electromagnetic signals, and by processing the electromagnetic signals received by the information antenna 412, communication information contained in the electromagnetic signals can be obtained.

[0043] In one embodiment, the communication device 400 includes an antenna array consisting of a plurality of energy antennas 411. Communication information is also included in the electromagnetic signals received by some of the energy antennas 411, and the necessary communication information can be obtained by processing the electromagnetic signals received by some of the energy antennas 411. That is, some of the energy antennas 411 may be used as information antennas 412.

[0044] In one embodiment, the communication device 400 includes an antenna array consisting of a plurality of information antennas 412. Electromagnetic signals received by the information antennas 412 can also be converted into electrical energy. Electromagnetic signals received by the information antennas 412 can also be converted into electrical energy by processing them with a charging circuit 420. That is, some of the information antennas 412 may be used as energy antennas 411.

[0045] In another embodiment, the energy antenna 411 and the information antenna 412 include the same antenna unit. Specifically, the energy antenna 411 and the information antenna 412 have a shared antenna.

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 10, this communication device 400 further includes a signal processing unit 460. The signal processing unit 460 is used to process electromagnetic signals and obtain information contained in them. When the antenna 410 receives an electromagnetic signal, the signal processing unit 460 performs processing such as filtering, amplification, noise reduction, demodulation, and decoding on at least a portion of the electromagnetic signal to obtain information contained in the signal.

[0047] The communication device 400 of this application has various operating modes.

[0048] In one embodiment, the communication device has a first operating mode, in which the first operating mode is to perform signal processing on an electromagnetic signal and obtain information contained in the electromagnetic signal. In another embodiment, the communication device has a second operating mode, in which the second operating mode is to convert the electromagnetic signal into electrical energy.

[0049] In another embodiment, the communication device has a third operating mode, in which the third operating mode performs signal processing on an electromagnetic signal to obtain information contained in the electromagnetic signal and converts the electromagnetic signal into electrical energy.

[0050] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 500 includes an antenna module 510, a signal processing module 520, and an energy receiving module 530. The antenna module includes an antenna management unit and an antenna array, where the antenna array is used to receive electromagnetic signals, and the antenna management unit is used to control the operating mode of the antenna array or to manage the allocation of antenna array resources. The antenna array includes an information antenna and an energy antenna. The signal processing module includes a phase adjustment unit and a signal processing unit, where the phase adjustment unit includes a phase modulation circuit, which is used to perform phase adjustment on electromagnetic signals, and the signal processing unit is used to process electromagnetic signals and obtain information contained in the electromagnetic signals. The energy receiving module includes an energy conversion unit and an energy management unit, where the energy conversion unit includes an energy charging circuit, which is used to convert electromagnetic signals into electrical energy, and the energy management unit is used to collect and manage electrical energy.

[0051] In one embodiment, the communication device has a wireless charging mode and a wireless communication mode. In the wireless charging mode, the communication device receives an electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside (hereinafter also called an energy signal for ease of distinction), converts the received signal into electrical energy, and may use it for internal power supply. In the wireless communication mode, the communication device receives an electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside, processes the received signal, and obtains information contained in the signal. Processing of the electromagnetic signal may include filtering, amplification, noise reduction, demodulation, decoding, etc. For ease of description, the electromagnetic signal received in this mode is called an information signal. The electromagnetic signal received in the wireless charging mode and the electromagnetic signal received in the wireless communication mode may be the same type of signal or different types of signals, for example, they may be signals of the same frequency or different frequencies, or they may be signals from the same source or different sources.

[0052] In one embodiment, the communication device may set its operating mode according to the time. For example, it may be in wireless charging mode during one time period and wireless communication mode during another time period.

[0053] In another embodiment, the communication device may be in two operating modes simultaneously, namely, it processes some of the received electromagnetic signals to obtain information contained in the signals, and converts other received electromagnetic signals into electrical energy for internal use.

[0054] To describe in more detail the operating mode of the communication device according to one embodiment of this application, the operating mode of the communication device will be described below with reference to Figure 12.

[0055] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the operation of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device operates in a first operating mode M1 during the time period t1 to t3, and in a second operating mode M2 ​​during the time period t2 to t4. The two time periods have an overlapping time interval, i.e., t2 to t3, and during this time period, the communication device can operate in both modes simultaneously, enabling communication and charging at the same time. The first operating mode M1 may be a wireless charging mode or a wireless communication mode, and the second operating mode M2 ​​may be a wireless communication mode or a wireless charging mode.

[0056] When a communication device activates two operating modes, M1 and M2, simultaneously, different operating frequency bands may be used to avoid mutual interference between information signals and energy signals. That is, wireless communication may use a subband of the available frequency band, and wireless charging may use another subband, and these two subbands may be a continuous frequency band or segmented frequency bands.

[0057] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the operation of a communication device in different frequency bands in some embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 13(a), within the available frequency bands f1 to f3, the f1 to f2 subband is used for wireless charging, and the f2 to f3 subband is used for wireless communication. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13(b), the available frequency band is divided into multiple subbands, and wireless charging and wireless communication use these subbands, respectively. In future communication systems, there may be multiple available frequency bands between communication devices, for example, sub-6G, millimeter wave, terahertz frequency bands, etc., and in this case, the frequency resource division shown in Figure 13 can still be employed for wireless charging and wireless communication in each available frequency band.

[0058] In one embodiment, the communication device uses the same frequency for wireless communication and wireless charging. To avoid interference between information signals and energy signals, these may be performed at different time zones. For example, the frequency may be used for wireless communication in time zone 1 and for wireless charging in time zone 2, with no overlap between time zones 1 and 2. When wireless charging and wireless communication are performed at different times, the communication device can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of transmitted and received signals by selecting all antennas available for information transmission and reception in wireless communication mode and using them for communication. Similarly, the communication device can improve charging efficiency by using all antennas available for energy reception in wireless charging mode to receive energy signals.

[0059] In one embodiment, the communication device uses the same frequency for wireless communication and wireless charging. To avoid interference between information signals and energy signals, different antennas may be used to receive the information signals and the energy signals, respectively. A typical scenario is that the information signals and energy signals come from different directions, and interference can be reduced by using different receiving arrays to receive the information signals and energy signals, respectively.

[0060] In one embodiment, if the same antenna is required for two operating modes of the communication device, the wireless communication mode and the wireless charging mode may be performed at different time zones to avoid signal interference. For example, the antenna may be used for wireless communication in time zone 1 and for wireless charging in time zone 2, with no overlap between time zones 1 and 2.

[0061] In one embodiment, if the same antenna is required for two operating modes of the communication device, the wireless communication mode and the wireless charging mode may use different frequency bands.

[0062] In one embodiment, the information signal radiated from the outside has a wide beam and can be simultaneously received by the information receiving antenna and the energy receiving antenna of the communication device. The information signal received by the information receiving antenna is used for signal processing, and the information signal received by the energy receiving antenna is converted into electrical energy via a charging circuit.

[0063] In another embodiment, if the first operating mode M1 and the second operating mode M2 ​​are not turned on simultaneously, the operating mode switching of the communication device may employ coordinated state control, i.e., coordinated control between turning on the wireless charging mode and turning off the wireless communication mode, and coordinated control between turning off the wireless charging mode and turning on the wireless communication mode, in order to reduce the control circuit and control signaling.

[0064] When a communication device operates in wireless charging mode, electromagnetic signals received by the device are converted into electrical energy via a charging circuit. The charging circuit may include circuit elements such as capacitors (including fixed and variable capacitors), inductors, diodes, and field-effect transistors.

[0065] In one embodiment, the communication device may set its operating mode according to the power supply situation. For example, after the communication device has been charged for a long time, if the converted electrical energy can provide sufficient power to the communication device, the wireless charging mode may be turned off to extend the service life of the charging module. When there is no communication demand for the communication device or the power supply is insufficient, the wireless communication mode may be turned off to reduce the energy consumption of the device. When continuous communication is required for the communication device but the internal power supply becomes strained, the communication device may operate in both wireless charging mode and wireless communication mode simultaneously. The communication device may freely switch between the two different modes as needed.

[0066] The communication device may have various operating modes in wireless communication mode, such as a communication transmission / reception mode and an electromagnetic adjustment mode.

[0067] In communication transmission and reception mode, a communication device can receive electromagnetic signals via an information receiving antenna, process the received signals to obtain the information contained in them, and also spontaneously transmit electromagnetic signals containing information to the outside via the information receiving antenna. The communication device may be used for both transmitting and receiving information simultaneously, or it may be used for receiving information within one time period and for transmitting information within another time period. This operating method is mainly applied to communication devices that provide wireless access services (e.g., new base stations), personal mobile terminal type communication devices that require wireless access services (e.g., smartphones), and Internet of Things terminal type communication devices (e.g., various sensors).

[0068] In one embodiment, a communication device can provide wireless access services to other communication devices. The communication device broadcasts the wireless access services it provides via an information receiving antenna, and one communication device can send a wireless access request to another communication device after receiving the broadcast information. The communication device receives the wireless access request via the information receiving antenna, sends information to the communication device via the information receiving antenna, checks whether to establish a connection, and provides wireless communication services to the communication device after deciding to establish a connection. In this embodiment, the communication device has the function of a communication base station.

[0069] In another embodiment, a communication device requests wireless access services from another communication device. The communication device receives a broadcast signal from the other communication device via its information receiving antenna, confirms from the received broadcast signal that the other communication device can provide wireless access services, transmits a signal to itself via its information receiving antenna to request access to the wireless network, and monitors the response signal from the communication device via its information receiving antenna. After confirming that the communication device is connected, the communication device can exchange information with the other communication device via itself. In this embodiment, the communication device has the functions of a mobile communication terminal and an Internet of Things terminal.

[0070] When a communication device operates in electromagnetic adjustment mode, an electromagnetic signal radiated from an external source to the communication device is received by an information receiving antenna, after which a phase change occurs via a phase modulation circuit. Finally, the communication device performs one of the following operations on the electromagnetic signal whose phase adjustment is complete: 1) reflecting the electromagnetic signal outwards from the receiving side, 2) transmitting the electromagnetic signal outwards from the other side of the communication device, or 3) simultaneously reflecting and transmitting the electromagnetic signal so that the received electromagnetic signal propagates along two different directions. In this operating method, the communication device plays a role in changing the propagation direction of the incident electromagnetic signal, and through appropriate phase adjustment, it can accurately propagate the electromagnetic signal containing information to a predetermined information receiving end or energy receiving end. Therefore, in this operating method, the communication device can play a role in relaying information and energy.

[0071] In one embodiment, a communication device receives an electromagnetic signal radiated from an external source via its N receiving antennas. The electromagnetic signal is phase-modulated by a phase modulation circuit after passing through the communication device's information receiving antennas and is then reflected. The phase modulation circuit connected to the N antennas can change the propagation direction of the received electromagnetic signal after it has been reflected by the communication device or change the distribution width of the signal in its spatial propagation path by performing the same or different phase adjustments on the received signal. For example, the reflected signal can be concentrated and propagated in one or more specified directions, or, for example, the reflected signal can have a wider or narrower distribution range than the incident signal. In this operating system, the communication device has the functions of signal relay and smart metasurface.

[0072] In another embodiment, a communication device receives an electromagnetic signal radiated from an external source via its N receiving antennas. The electromagnetic signal is phase-modulated by a phase modulation circuit after passing through the communication device's information receiving antennas, and then transmitted. Transmission means that the electromagnetic signal enters from one side of the communication device and exits from the other side. The phase modulation circuit connected to the N antennas can change the propagation direction of the received electromagnetic signal after it has been transmitted by the communication device or change the distribution width of the signal in its spatial propagation path by performing the same or different phase adjustments on the received signal. For example, the transmitted signal can be concentrated and propagated in one or more specified directions, or, for example, the transmitted signal can have a wider or narrower distribution range than the incident signal. In this operating system, the communication device has the functions of signal relay and smart metasurface.

[0073] In another embodiment, a communication device receives an electromagnetic signal radiated from an external source via its N receiving antennas. The electromagnetic signal is phase-modulated by a phase modulation circuit after passing through the communication device's information receiving antennas, and then reflected and transmitted. The phase modulation circuits connected to the N antennas can change the propagation direction of the received electromagnetic signal after it has been reflected and transmitted by the communication device, or change the distribution width of the signal in its spatial propagation path, by performing the same or different phase adjustments on the received signal. For example, the reflected and transmitted signals can be concentrated and propagated in several specified directions, or, for example, the reflected and transmitted signals can have a wider or narrower distribution range than the incident signal. In this operating scheme, the communication device has the functions of signal relay and smart metasurface.

[0074] Figure 14 shows a feasible charging circuit in several embodiments of the present application. The charging circuits shown in Figures 14(a) to (c) include at least a resonant circuit (circuit within the dotted box) and a shaping circuit (circuit within the dotted box), the resonant circuit consisting of inductors L1 and L2. As shown in Figure 14(a), the shaping circuit consists of a diode D and a capacitor C, as shown in Figure 14(b), the shaping circuit consists of diodes D1, D2 and a capacitor C, and as shown in Figure 14(c), the shaping circuit consists of diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 and a capacitor C. Here, the resonant circuit is used to convert a received electromagnetic signal into an alternating current in the charging circuit, and the shaping circuit is responsible for converting the alternating current into a direct current output, which is used to power a communication device or to store power in a battery module.

[0075] In another embodiment, the charging circuit may be modified and improved based on these three types of circuits, and additional processing circuits (e.g., voltage stabilization circuits) may be added to achieve more efficient and smoother electrical energy conversion. This application does not limit the charging circuit, and any circuit capable of achieving charging may be used in the charging circuit of this patent.

[0076] Figure 15 shows a feasible phase modulation circuit in several embodiments of this application. The phase modulation circuit may consist of a single circuit including a phase shifter, or it may consist of a single microstrip circuit or resonant structure integrated into the receiving antenna. Figure 15(a) shows a phase modulation circuit in which the signal phase modulation function is achieved by a phase shifter. Figure 15(b) shows a schematic diagram of a phase modulation circuit integrated into a single antenna unit. In Figure 15(b), two metal patches 1510 of each patch antenna unit 1500 are connected by a barctor diode 1520, which changes the phase of the received signal.

[0077] The phase modulation circuit may be improved or optimized based on the circuit shown in Figure 15. For example, the barctor diode may be changed to a PIN diode, liquid crystal unit, MEMS unit, etc. A phase calibration circuit may be added to make the phase modulation more accurate, or an amplification circuit may be added to increase the signal strength. This application does not limit the phase modulation circuit, and any circuit capable of realizing phase modulation may be used in the phase modulation circuit of this patent.

[0078] The charging circuit and the phase modulation circuit may have different configurations. In one embodiment, the wireless charging circuit and the phase modulation circuit may share electronic components. Sharing electronic components can reduce the cost of the communication equipment, and a changeover switch may be added between the two types of circuits to achieve the sharing of electronic components. In one embodiment, the phase modulation circuit is a subset of the wireless charging circuit. Integrating the phase modulation circuit into the wireless charging circuit can effectively reduce the area of ​​the circuit board, which is advantageous for miniaturizing the communication equipment. In another embodiment, the wireless charging circuit is a subset of the phase modulation circuit. Integrating the wireless charging circuit into the phase modulation circuit can also effectively reduce the area of ​​the circuit board, which is advantageous for miniaturizing the communication equipment.

[0079] The antennas may have different configurations. In one embodiment, an energy receiving antenna is connected to a wireless charging circuit and used to provide the received energy signal to the charging circuit, and the electromagnetic signal is converted into electrical energy for use inside the communication device after being introduced into the wireless charging circuit. The energy receiving antenna may consist of a single antenna or a multi-antenna array. When the communication device operates in wireless charging mode, at least the energy receiving antenna and the wireless charging circuit must be turned on. The energy receiving antenna may have signal emission capability to emit electromagnetic signals externally. In another embodiment, an information receiving antenna is used to receive information signals and may consist of a single antenna or a multi-antenna array. When the communication device operates in wireless communication mode, at least the information receiving antenna and the phase modulation circuit must be turned on. When connected to the phase modulation circuit, it achieves phase adjustment of the signal. When the phase modulation circuit is integrated into the antenna unit using the method shown in Figure 15(b), the information receiving antenna can reflect or transmit the received information signal, or reflect and transmit it simultaneously. The information receiving antenna may also have signal emission capability to emit electromagnetic signals externally.

[0080] The information antenna and the energy antenna may have different configurations. Figure 16 shows some feasible antenna configurations in some embodiments of this application.

[0081] As shown in Figure 16(a), the information receiving antenna and the energy receiving antenna do not intersect, and the communication device uses different antennas for information reception and energy reception. It may also be understood that the communication device shares N antennas (N≧2), where N1 antennas are used only for receiving information signals, and N2 antennas are used only for receiving energy signals, and N1>0, N2>0, and N1+N2=N.

[0082] As shown in Figure 16(b), there is an intersection between the energy receiving antenna and the information receiving antenna, and some antennas of the communication device may be used only for receiving information signals, some antennas may be used only for receiving energy signals, and some antennas may be used for receiving both information signals and energy signals. The communication device includes N antennas, where N≧2, and it may be understood that N1 antennas are used only for receiving information signals, N2 antennas are used only for receiving energy signals, and N3 antennas are used for receiving information signals or energy signals, and N1≧0, N2≧0, N3≧0, and N1+N2+N3=N.

[0083] As shown in Figure 16(c), the energy receiving antenna is a subset of the information receiving antenna, and all of the antennas of the communication device may be used to receive information signals, and some of them may be used to receive energy signals, and the communication device may include N antennas, where N≧1, and all N antennas may be used to receive information signals, and among them N1 antennas may be further used to receive energy signals, and N1≦N.

[0084] As shown in Figure 16(d), the information receiving antenna is a subset of the energy receiving antenna, and all of the antennas of the communication device may be used to receive energy signals, and some of them may be used to receive information signals, and the communication device may include N antennas, where N≧1, and all N antennas may be used to receive energy signals, and among them N1 antennas may be further used to receive information signals, and N1≦N.

[0085] Figure 16 shows only a schematic representation of the set relationship between the two types of antennas and does not represent the actual spatial positions of the two types of antennas. This application does not restrict the spatial position of the receiving antenna, and any reasonable antenna topology design may be used in the communication device of this application.

[0086] The communication device may select an appropriate number of antennas from all available antennas according to the actual application, and use them for wireless charging and wireless communication, respectively. When it is necessary to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of a received or transmitted signal, the communication device may select all available antennas for receiving and transmitting information to perform information transmission and reception. When it is necessary to reduce the power consumption of receiving or transmitting, the communication device may select only some of the available antennas for receiving and transmitting information to perform information transmission and reception. When it is necessary to improve the efficiency of wireless charging, the communication device may select all antennas capable of receiving energy signals to be used for wireless charging. When communication and wireless charging are required simultaneously, the communication device may determine the number of antennas used for transmitting and receiving information and receiving energy signals according to the signal-to-noise ratio requirements of the information signal and the current electrical energy demand.

[0087] In one embodiment, the communication device may include a rechargeable battery module for storing the electrical energy converted during wireless charging, so that the communication device can obtain a more stable power supply.

[0088] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 17, this communication device includes an antenna module, an information processing module, and an energy receiving module. The energy receiving module can convert electromagnetic signals radiated from the outside into electrical energy and supply power to the entire base station via an internal circuit, and the information processing module can receive electromagnetic signals containing information radiated from the outside and perform information extraction, reflection, transmission, or re-emission of the received signals.

[0089] In one embodiment, the antenna module consists of an antenna array and an antenna management module. The antenna array includes two types of antennas, an information receiving antenna and an energy receiving antenna, and consists of at least N antennas, where N≧1, and is capable of receiving electromagnetic signals emitted from the outside, where Nt antennas can simultaneously emit electromagnetic signals, where Nt≦N. The antenna management module includes two functions: the first is to control the switching of the operating modes of the antennas in the antenna array, where the operating modes of the antennas include signal transmission and signal reception; and the second is to manage the allocation of antenna resources, specifically determining the number of antennas N1 for transmitting and receiving information signals and the number of antennas N2 for receiving energy signals, where N1≦Nt and N2≦N. Based on the determined N1 and N2, the antenna management module switches the antennas between the two functions of receiving information signals and receiving energy signals by connecting the corresponding antennas to the information processing module and the energy conversion module, respectively. Thus, the information receiving antennas and energy receiving antennas of the antenna array can be switched between each other. Antennas used for energy reception and signal transmission / reception may include half-wave dipole antennas, microstrip patch antennas, leaky wave antennas, lens antennas, metamaterial antennas, and the like.

[0090] In one embodiment, the information processing module comprises a phase adjustment module and a signal processing module. Here, the phase adjustment module is composed of a phase modulation circuit and can perform phase adjustment on the received electromagnetic signal, and the signal processing module is composed of a signal processing circuit system and a signal processing software system and can perform general processing on the signal to be transmitted and the received signal, such as filtering, amplification, noise reduction, encoding, decoding, modulation, and demodulation. The information processing module can perform two types of operations on the electromagnetic signal introduced from the antenna array: one type is phase adjustment, which is completed by the phase adjustment submodule, and after phase adjustment is completed, the signal is reflected, transmitted, or simultaneously reflected and transmitted in the propagation direction specified by the communication device; and the other type of operation is information reception, which is completed by the signal processing submodule, and after signal processing is completed, the information contained in the received signal can be restored.

[0091] In one embodiment, the energy receiving unit comprises an energy conversion module and an electrical energy management module. Here, the energy conversion module is comprised of a wireless charging circuit that can convert electromagnetic signals received by the antenna array into electrical energy. The electrical energy management module collects and manages the electrical energy converted by the energy conversion module and can supply power to the entire communication equipment via the base station's internal circuitry. The electrical energy management module may further include a rechargeable battery module. The electrical energy management module may store the collected electrical energy in the battery module to provide a more stable power supply.

[0092] In one embodiment, the information processing module and the energy receiving module may share some electronic elements and circuits to reduce cost and circuit board area. The communication device according to this embodiment may be used to realize the functions of a communication base station, a smart metasurface, a mobile terminal, and an Internet of Things terminal.

[0093] The communication device of the embodiment of this application may be used in electronic devices such as base stations, communication equipment, and terminals. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of an application of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 18, the communication device of one embodiment of this application is installed inside a terminal 200 such as a mobile phone, and the mobile phone can receive electromagnetic signals emitted from a distance, convert them into electrical energy to charge its internal battery, thereby increasing the wireless charging range.

[0094] As those skilled in the art will understand, all or part of the steps in the methods disclosed above, the functional modules / units in a system or device, may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or a suitable combination thereof.

[0095] In hardware embodiments, the distinctions between functional modules / units mentioned above do not necessarily correspond to distinctions between physical assemblies. For example, a single physical assembly may have multiple functions, or a single function or step may be performed in conjunction with several physical assemblies. Some or all physical assemblies may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processor, digital signal processor, or microprocessor; or as hardware; or as an integrated circuit, such as a dedicated integrated circuit. Such software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which may include computer storage media (or non-temporary media) and communication media (or temporary media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technique for storing information (e.g., computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to store desired information and can be accessed by a computer. As is well known to those skilled in the art, communication media generally include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in modulated data signals such as carriers or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information transmission media.

[0096] The terms "component," "module," and "system" used herein are used to represent computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, hardware-software combinations, software, or running software. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, a process, processor, object, executable file, execution thread, program, or computer running on a processor. As illustrated, applications and computing devices running on computing devices may both be components. One or more components may reside in a process or execution thread, and components may be located in one computer or distributed between two or more computers. These components may be executed from various computer-readable media storing various data structures. Components may communicate via local or remote processes based on signals having, for example, one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, or a network, e.g., the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0097] Although several embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the drawings, this does not limit the scope of the rights of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by a person skilled in the art that do not deviate from the scope and substance of this application should all be within the scope of the rights of this application.

Claims

1. A communication device, It includes a phase modulation circuit, a charging circuit, an antenna, a switching circuit, and a battery module. The phase modulation circuit is configured to perform phase adjustment with respect to an electromagnetic signal. The charging circuit is configured to convert electromagnetic signals into electrical energy. The antenna is configured to receive the electromagnetic signal, The antenna is connected to the phase modulation circuit, and the electromagnetic signal is transmitted to the phase modulation circuit via the antenna. The antenna is connected to the charging circuit, and the electromagnetic signal is transmitted to the charging circuit via the antenna. The aforementioned switching circuit can enable switching between the charging circuit and the phase modulation circuit. The battery module is a device configured to store the electrical energy.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit and the phase modulation circuit share at least some electronic elements.

3. The aforementioned antenna includes an energy antenna and an information antenna. The energy antenna is configured to receive electromagnetic signals, and the electromagnetic signals received by the energy antenna are converted into electrical energy. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information antenna is configured to receive electromagnetic signals, and communication information is obtained by processing the electromagnetic signals received by the information antenna.

4. The aforementioned antenna includes an information antenna, The information antenna includes an energy antenna, wherein at least some of the information antennas are switchable to an energy antenna. The energy antenna is configured to receive electromagnetic signals, or The aforementioned antenna includes an energy antenna. The energy antenna includes an information antenna, wherein at least some of the energy antennas are switchable to an information antenna. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information antenna is configured to receive electromagnetic signals.

5. The apparatus further includes a signal processing unit, The signal processing unit is configured to process electromagnetic signals to obtain information contained in those electromagnetic signals. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the electromagnetic signal received by the information antenna is processed by the signal processing unit to obtain information contained in the electromagnetic signal.

6. The communication device has a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode. The first operating mode is to perform signal processing on the electromagnetic signal and obtain information contained in the electromagnetic signal. The second operating mode is the conversion of electromagnetic signals into electrical energy. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third operating mode is to perform signal processing on the electromagnetic signal, obtain information contained in the electromagnetic signal, and convert the electromagnetic signal into electrical energy.

7. The aforementioned communication device receives electromagnetic signals via an energy antenna. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the electromagnetic signal is converted into electrical energy via an energy charging circuit.

8. The aforementioned communication device receives electromagnetic signals via an information antenna. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the electromagnetic signal undergoes phase adjustment via a phase modulation circuit.

9. The aforementioned antenna further, Reflecting electromagnetic signals, It is configured to perform at least one of the following: transmitting electromagnetic signals, The reflection or transmission of the aforementioned electromagnetic signal is The electromagnetic signal is reflected after its phase has been adjusted by the phase modulation circuit. The electromagnetic signal is transmitted after the phase adjustment is performed on the received electromagnetic signal by the phase modulation circuit. The apparatus according to claim 1, which employs at least one of the following methods: performing phase adjustment on the received electromagnetic signal using the phase modulation circuit, and then simultaneously reflecting and transmitting the electromagnetic signal.

10. The antenna is further configured to emit electromagnetic signals, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the emission of the electromagnetic signal employs a method in which the electromagnetic signal received by the phase modulation circuit is phase-adjusted and then radiated to the outside by the antenna.

11. The antenna receives a first frequency band electromagnetic signal and a second frequency band electromagnetic signal. The first frequency band electromagnetic signal is received via the information antenna, and the first frequency band electromagnetic signal is used for wireless communication. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second frequency band electromagnetic signal is received via the energy antenna, and the second frequency band electromagnetic signal is used for wireless charging.

12. The aforementioned communication device is Receiving the aforementioned electromagnetic signal used for wireless communication during the first time period, The apparatus according to claim 1, configured to perform at least one of the following: receiving the electromagnetic signal used for wireless charging in a second time period.

13. A communication device, It includes an antenna module, a signal processing module, an energy receiving module, and a switching circuit. The aforementioned antenna module includes an antenna management unit and an antenna array. The aforementioned antenna array is configured to receive electromagnetic signals, The antenna management unit is configured to control the operating mode of the antenna array and manage the allocation of antenna array resources. The signal processing module includes a phase adjustment unit and a signal processing unit, The phase adjustment unit includes a phase modulation circuit configured to perform phase adjustment on an electromagnetic signal, The signal processing unit is configured to process electromagnetic signals and obtain information contained in those electromagnetic signals. The energy receiving module includes an energy conversion unit and an energy management unit. The energy conversion unit includes an energy charging circuit configured to convert electromagnetic signals into electrical energy, The energy management unit is configured to collect or manage the electrical energy, A communication device that can switch between the charging circuit and the phase modulation circuit by the switching circuit.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the charging circuit and the phase modulation circuit share at least some electronic elements and circuits.

15. The antenna array includes an information antenna and an energy antenna. The energy antenna is configured to receive electromagnetic signals. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the information antenna is configured to receive electromagnetic signals.

16. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the energy management unit further includes a battery configured to store the electrical energy.

17. A communication device including the communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images